Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

DWR Welcomes VMRC to the Academy! 💚 The 14th Conservation Police Basic Academy is officially underway! This year’s academy is a historic first—it’s the first time another law enforcement agency has enrolled in the DWR-led academy. The current class includes 19 total recruits, with five Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) Marine Police Officers training alongside DWR Conservation Police Officer recruits. This combined class will graduate on September 26, 2025, after which they'll continue field training assignments with their respective departments. “In the field, we often work side-by-side protecting Virginia’s natural resources, so naturally training together will enhance that partnership,” said DWR Colonel John Cobb. “Good teamwork and comradery begin in the Academy, and DWR is proud and excited to host our partners at VMRC and train beside them.” Read the full release 🔗: https://lnkd.in/e5R3-HFx. #LawEnforcement 📷: DWR Staff

Last Call! 🚨 Virginia birders—registration for the 2025 Virginia Birding Classic closes April 10! This year, choose between the classic Cardinal Cup or the brand-new Big Sit. The Big Sit pairs everything you love about birding and tailgate parties into one perfect day! With no limit to the size of the team, you can invite as many people as possible to join your circle on one of Virginia’s public lands and spot as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period. 🗓 Competition runs April 15 – May 15. Whether you're in it to win or just for the vibes, there's a category for you! 📍 Learn more and make your Big Sit plan here: https://lnkd.in/eNN5szQF. #VABirdingClassic #BirdingTogether #BigSitVA 📷 : DWR Staff

The best 35 seconds you’ll ever love. 🐣 If you were one of the many viewers tuned in over the weekend (or late last night!), you may have caught one of the biggest moments of the season—live. The Richmond female, 95/AK has now laid four eggs! 🥚 Third egg: 3/23 at approx. 1:02 p.m. 🥚 Fourth egg: 3/26 at approx. 12:40 a.m. Thanks to infrared camera tech, we got a clear look at the action inside the nest box—even in the dark. Watch the full clip for a glimpse of this amazing moment on the #RVAFalconCam! https://lnkd.in/ed4KWWA.

Each year, DWR’s Restore the Wild Artwork Competition highlights the powerful connection between art and wildlife conservation—raising awareness for the habitats Virginia’s wildlife depend on. 🎨🐟 This year’s winning artwork, inspired by the majestic Atlantic sturgeon, will help champion our mission throughout 2025—and now, we’re proud to announce the 2025 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition winners and celebrate the artists behind these remarkable works! 🏆 Winner: Natural History Illustration Category Autumn Haynes – “The Search for Snails” (Acrylic Painting) 🏆 Winner: Artistic Expression Category Larry Schmehl – “Canned Wild Sturgeon” (Crafted from aluminum cans and nails) 🏆 Winner: Youth 11–17 Category Ayelu Mason (age 15) – “The Sturgeon of Steel Ascends” (Gouache Painting) 🏆 Winner: Youth 10 & Under Category Billie Kendrick (age 10) – “Cute Little Fishy” (Charcoal and Graphite Drawing) 🏆 Selected for Restore the Wild Art Print Whitney Hixenbaugh – “Time to Rock and Roll” (Fluid Acrylic Painting) 🏆 Winner: Restore the Wild Sticker Kristin Reed – “There He Lay in All His Armor” (Linocut Print) All 97 entries are now on display at The Gallery at Main Street Station, Richmond, VA. Swing by daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 30 to see these incredible works up close! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eN5wvNap. #RestoreTheWild #AtlanticSturgeon #ArtExhibition #WildlifeConservation

🐣 Egg-citing News! One year to the day since laying her first egg last season, Richmond’s beloved Peregrine Falcon, 95/AK, marked spring’s approach with a brand-new egg at 9:17 a.m. yesterday! Peregrines usually lay 3–4 eggs, typically laid in intervals of 48 to 72 hours so keep watching closely March 20–21, and you might witness the arrival of the second egg live on Falcon Cam! 🔗 in Bio. https://lnkd.in/ed4KWWA. #RVAFalconCam #WildlifeWatch 📷: DWR Staff

Join us for Restore the Wild Volunteer Day! 🤝🗑️🌿 Virginia DWR is looking for volunteers to join us on Saturday, March 29th for a statewide trash pickup event! This is the perfect opportunity to assist with conservation efforts, meet other DWR volunteers and learn more about volunteering with DWR! Find a regional event near you & RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/e9vrFCKt #GiveBack #RestoreTheWild #VirginiaWildlife

RICHMOND FALCON CAM 2025 IS LIVE! 📽️🦅👏 Back for another season, this exciting live stream offers viewers around the world a chance to observe peregrine falcons nesting in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Our timing coincides with the falcons' breeding season, and our team suspects the first egg could be laid as early as this weekend based on previous years' observations. 🤩 Like any good TV nature show, we’ve captured quite a bit of drama over the years—including territorial disputes, chicks taking their first nail-biting flights, and even the failure of the nest. It is impossible to predict exactly what 2025 has in store for the birds, but you won't want to miss out! In case you didn’t know, peregrine falcons are listed as state-threatened in Virginia with more than 30 pairs, including the Richmond birds, nesting across the Commonwealth each spring. Thank you to our Comcast Business partners for an eighth year of powerful Internet connection allowing thousands of wildlife lovers to watch. Tune in at https://lnkd.in/ed4KWWA 📸 Here are some of our favorite shots from previous seasons 📸 #VirginiaWildlife

Attention college students! Dreaming of a career in conservation? Applications are closing soon for 2025 DWR Internships! Seize this chance for an unparalleled experience. Be quick, the clock is ticking - applications close on March 10! Explore more about the available internships here: https://lnkd.in/dgjRH7Ka 📸 DWR Staff

Are you "itching" for the start of Falcon Cam?! 📽️ The Richmond Falcon Cam returns on Monday, March 10th! Here's a recent video of our male falcon preening himself for the upcoming live feed 😉 Sign up to receive the latest Falcon Cam updates directly in your inbox here: https://lnkd.in/ed4KWWA

Take a peek into the March/April issue of Virginia Wildlife magazine! 😉✨🐻 Meet some of the female Conservation Police Officers of DWR and read about what it was like to be one of the first female CPOs decades ago. Ever wonder what’s it’s like to encounter a black bear in the woods at dawn? Shannon Brooks’ article tells you how she dealt with it, and we share tips on being bear-wise to stay safe in similar situations. Is algae friend or foe? We take a look at how algae affects waterbodies. Read how a spring turkey hunt evoked powerful family memories, and get to know former Virginia Wildlife editor, Rupert Cutler, who has spent his life working for conservation. To subscribe, check out https://lnkd.in/e88-7rWj #VirginiaWildlife #VAWildlife