Volunteer & Stewardship
What's New
Virginians Dig into 221 Stewardship Projects
Virginians participated in the 2010 Stewardship Virginia Campaign by registering 221 projects. There were 5,302 certificates of appreciation and 4,000 “Natural Resources Steward” static decals distributed to groups during this time, recognizing those who made a difference in their community.
Volunteers participated in 172 waterway and community cleanups. Other projects included 25 riparian buffer plantings and habitat restoration projects, 19 educational programs and 5 invasive species control and trail work completed.
Our supporters have made a tremendous difference by contributing to conservation projects!
Starbucks volunteers helped plant shrubs and trees as part of a habitat restoration project. Trees help prevent pollution by filtering the air, providing soil stability and soaking up excess run-off. They also provide habitat for wildlife.
Starbucks, Dominion Virginia Power, Wal-Mart, the Va. Dept. of Forestry and Strange’s Garden Center helped recognize volunteers by providing certificates of appreciation, funding for postage and materials, and by providing trees, shrubs and other garden supplies, as well as refreshments.
Without the donations from these generous supporters, we could not have made this happen.
Check out the Virginia Naturally Calendar of Events for opportunities.
View past successful stewardship projects
Volunteer opportunity:
Adopt-A-Highway
This popular program counts on local communities to help keep Virginia roadsides beautiful. The Adopt-A-Highway program provides an opportunity for you and your family, business or civic group to clean up litter. Every year, more than 6,000 Adopt-A-Highway groups collect about 300,000 bags of trash from 14,000 miles of Virginia's roads. That's a quarter of the system.Adopt-A-Library
A website which keeps books and magazines out of landfills by encouraging people to donate used books and library equipment to schools and libraries around the world.Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™
The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™ are to elevate young people (including disadvantaged and at-risk youth) into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental cleanup projects, empower volunteers to rebuild the environmental and social wellbeing of our communities, and improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife. Volunteers Needed!Blue Sky Fund
Help lead outdoor expeditions such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking for youth, etc. Provide meals, transportations, or donate items. Offer planning assistance.Clean Virginia Waterways is dedicated to citizen stewardship of Virginia’s rivers, streams, bays, beaches and groundwater.
Potomac Conservancy
There are many opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Potomac River, and lend a hand in protecting the lands and waters of this national treasure. Potomac Conservancy has planned a variety of events and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy. Events are free and located at the River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Dr., Cabin John, MD, 20818, unless otherwise noted.Stewardship Virginia
Volunteers of all ages from across the Commonwealth are making a difference in Virginia's environment. Whether you decide to participate in a river clean-up event, conduct water quality monitoring, take a class on Chesapeake Bay ecology, apply for a grant to begin a program or just want to learn how to start composting at home - you've come to the right place. Learn about opportunities and be recognized for you efforts.The Elizabeth River Project
This program needs volunteers to register to clean up this waterway in southeastern Virginia.The Nature Conservancy
There are many opportunities to volunteer. Check out the website for more information or click here to find out how to volunteer.Virginia Master Naturalist
Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course offered by a local chapter of the program. An additional 8 hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service.Master Gardener
Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners (VCE-MGs) are volunteers with Extension dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management educational Programs.Virginia State Parks
Looking for a cool way to spend two weeks this summer and help out Virginia State Parks? Check out the State Parks Youth Conservation Corps.
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