Spring guided trips showcasing Virginia natural heritage resources planned

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, [email protected], 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 25, 2026
Contact: Emi Endo, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-8442, [email protected]

Spring guided trips showcasing Virginia natural heritage resources planned
Special events offered for the 40th anniversary of the Virginia Natural Heritage Program

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: A hike to see the rare fringed phacelia in bloom in Smyth County is among special events planned for the Virginia Natural Heritage Program's 40th anniversary.][alt:Close-up of delicate fringed white petals of three flowers.)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Hikers rang in the new year at Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve in Rocky Mount, Virginia.][alt:Group of hikers at a mountain overlook.)

The Virginia Natural Heritage Program invites nature lovers to join special hikes and events led by staff experts across Virginia as the program celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026.

Among the planned spring events are opportunities to help restore river cane, view the state's best population of a rare wildflower and to see the state's earliest flowering orchid.

Most of the events are free of charge. Space is limited and registration may be required. For details on the events and registration information, check out a map of the events on the website, which will continue to be updated in the coming months: https://dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/nh40.

Founded in 1986, the Natural Heritage Program leads statewide efforts to document and protect Virginia's rarest species and elements of native biodiversity. Since its inception, Natural Heritage scientists have helped to discover 64 species new to science and documented 441 species never before recorded in Virginia.

The internationally recognized program manages 69 natural area preserves protecting more than 66,700 acres. More than 20 of the preserves provide public access for low-impact recreation opportunities.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, Natural Heritage is hosting interpretive guided walks at preserves throughout the state - including preserves on mountains and even below ground in caves. Events will be held at a couple of preserves not normally open to the public.

Other events include talks about natural heritage resources, and guided walks at other sites where experts will discuss rare plants, animals and natural communities that the program protects.

For the first time, Natural Heritage offered guided hikes at three natural area preserves on New Year's Day as part of the nationwide First Day Hikes program.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency in which Natural Heritage is based.

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The Virginia Natural Heritage Program, based in the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, manages natural area preserves and develops and maps data about rare species, habitats and natural communities. Charged with conserving Virginia's biodiversity, this division shares science-based information and tools with partners to protect natural heritage resources and ecologically important places.

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