About Virginia Naturally
Join Virginia Naturally and become a partner in Virginia's Environmental Education Network!
The Commonwealth's Environmental Education Network
Adopted in 2000 as the official environmental education initiative goals of the Commonwealth, Virginia Naturally strives to link Virginians to environmental information and stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources.
What does Virginia Naturally do?
- Provides a gateway to statewide environmental education resources including information about volunteer opportunities, educational classes, places to visit, community events, watershed maps, lesson plans, and recreational activities, to name a few.
- Recognizes exemplary efforts and makes it easy for schools and communities to access resources and deliver environmental education programs.
- Links public and private groups together to reach more citizens from all sectors of the Commonwealth to promote a better understanding of scientific and economic challenges.
What kind of programs and projects are part of the initiative?
- Educational resources such as curriculum supplements, maps, self-guided trails, exhibits, publications, and videos.
- Recreational activities that incorporate environmental learning such as interpretive programs at parks, educational canoe trips, and cleanup/stewardship programs.
- Events such as community festivals, school fairs, conferences, and training opportunities.
- Educational services such as speakers for classroom or group presentations, advisory services, and grant programs.
Who supports Virginia Naturally?
Public and private organizations and agencies dedicated to linking people to Virginia’s natural and historic resources are the heart of this initiative. Using cutting-edge technology, this partnership provides a vast range of factual information and educational resources —programs, publications, events, classes, and other services for both adults and young people.
Why become a partner?
Public and private organizations that provide educational services to youth and adults can support the initiative by becoming partners.
- Partners are part of a statewide network working to build knowledge and skills in all Virginians and an appreciation for lifelong learning and personal responsibility to conservation.
- Partners can advertise events and workshops on the calendar by sending the information to the Virginia Naturally Coordinator.
How can groups become partners?
It’s easy --- here’s how:
- Register with Virginia Naturally by faxing the partner sign up sheet.
- Spread the word about Virginia Naturally to your group’s membership or in your community, and help more Virginians learn about Virginia’s environment.
How can you support Virginia Naturally?
Individuals, businesses, and groups who wish to support environmental education can provide volunteer or financial resources. If you are interested in donating time or money, please e-mail the Virginia Resource-Use Education Council.
Who coordinates the initiatve?
The Virginia Office of Environmental Education, formed on the recommendation of the Virginia Environmental Education Commission, coordinates Virginia Naturally. The Virginia Resource-Use Education Council acts as the initiative's advisory board and fiscal agent. For more information, contact Nancy Drumheller at the Department of Environmental Quality, PO Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, 1-800-592-5482, or e-mail: nwdrumheller@deq.virginia.gov.