Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension helps lead the engagement mission of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, the commonwealth’s land-grant universities. Building local relationships and collaborative partnerships, VCE helps people put scientific knowledge to work through learning experiences that improve economic, environmental, and social well-being.
VCE also is part of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. Extension programs are delivered through a network of faculty at two universities, 107 county and city offices, 11 agricultural research and Extension centers, and six 4-H educational centers.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is the lead sponsoring agency and administrative home for the Virginia Master Naturalist program.
Learn more about Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR protects what Virginians care about – natural habitat, parks, clean water, dams, open space and access to the outdoors.
- DCR enables and encourages people to enjoy and benefit from Virginia’s natural and cultural resources
- DCR values diversity of nature, culture and communities to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for recreational access and a healthy environment for all Virginians to enjoy.
- DCR accomplishes its mission through funding, expertise, education, acquisition and improved access.
The VMN program works most closely with two parts of DCR – Virginia State Parks and the Virginia Natural Heritage Program.
Learn more about the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
DEQ’s mission is to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy and land protection, DEQ is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Learn more about the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Virginia Department of Forestry
The mission of the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.
DOF agency priorities include managing and conserving Virginia’s forest resources, managing state lands and nurseries, protecting Virginia’s forests from wildfire, and protecting Virginia’s waters.
Learn more about the Virginia Department of Forestry
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Their mission is to:
- Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat for the benefit of present and future generations.
- Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other wildlife-related activities.
- Protect people and property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and managing human-wildlife conflicts.
Learn more about the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Virginia Museum of Natural History
The Virginia Museum of Natural History interprets Virginia’s natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth. As the state museum of natural history, the Virginia Museum of Natural History has award-winning exhibits, ground-breaking scientific research and collections, and transformational educational programs for all ages, as well as statewide outreach education and distance learning programs, online resources, and traveling exhibits and displays.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science – Center for Coastal Resources Management
The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) develops and supports integrated and adaptive management of coastal zone resources. To fulfill this mission, the Center undertakes research, provides advisory service, and conducts outreach education.
Learn more about the Center for Coastal Resources Management