VIRGINIAforever

04/09/2026

Check out our VF Member, Keep Virginia Beautiful's Green Grants Program, supporting funding for environmental improvement projects.

We are almost 30 days out from the deadline to receive Green Grant applications - learn more and apply today! https://keepvirginiabeautiful.org/programs/30-in-30-green-grants/

02/20/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Delegate Barry Knight. A dedicated public servant and a lifelong farmer, Barry was a steadfast voice for Virginia’s natural resources and a vital partner in our mission to protect the Commonwealth’s land and water.

His legacy of leadership and his love for the Virginia landscape will live on for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knight family and all those who worked alongside him.

02/13/2026

That’s a wrap on Lobby Day! We’ve spent the day engaging in vital conversations with lawmakers about the importance of funding for our natural resources.

A huge thank you to our board members, partners, and the legislators who took the time to discuss how we can work together to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of Virginians. The work doesn't stop here, but today was a massive step forward.

Visit our website to see our full funding goals in our Natural Resources Investment Plan. https://www.virginiaforever.org/

02/13/2026

https://www.wric.com/video/virginia-forever-protecting-virginias-land-and-water/11450516

Did you catch our latest feature on WRIC? VirginiaForever is more than just an advocacy group—we are a unique coalition of businesses, environmentalists, and outdoor enthusiasts working together to protect the Commonwealth’s most precious resources.

From the peaks of the Blue Ridge to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, we believe that investing in our natural resources is an investment in our quality of life and our economy.

✅ Increased funding for clean water
✅ Preservation of working lands and forests
✅ Protecting the Virginia we love for future generations

Join the movement to keep Virginia green and growing. Learn more at www.VirginiaForever.org.

ISCI: 01122601VA4EVER1 Recorded on: 1/12/2026

01/27/2026

We are proud to share that our own Terry Lasher has been appointed as the new State Forester for the Virginia Department of Forestry ()!

Terry has been an invaluable voice within the VIRGINIAforever coalition, consistently advocating for the health and sustainability of Virginia’s 16 million acres of forestland. His deep technical expertise and collaborative spirit make him the ideal choice to lead the agency tasked with protecting our water quality, wildlife habitats, and forest economy.

Congratulations, Terry! We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that Virginia’s forests remain a vibrant part of our landscape for generations to come.

DOF is excited to announce that Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed Terry Lasher as the agency's ninth State Forester. Lasher is no stranger to Virginia's forestry community, having previously served for more than two decades with DOF in various roles before joining the Virginia Forestry Association.

“Thank you to Governor Spanberger and Secretary Frazier for this honor to return to DOF, where my roots run deep,” said Lasher. “I look forward to working alongside DOF’s dedicated team, who continue to protect Virginia’s forest resources, support our industry and enhance our community forests.”

Read more: https://ow.ly/J3vB50Y1RW0

01/27/2026

We are thrilled to congratulate Nikki Rovner on her appointment as the new Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation ()!

Nikki has been a longtime champion for our Commonwealth’s natural resources and a valued member of the VIRGINIAforever board. Her deep expertise in environmental policy and her unwavering passion for land and water protection make her the perfect leader for this role.

As a coalition of business and environmental leaders, we are proud to have such a dedicated partner at the helm of DCR. We look forward to working together to secure the funding and support needed to protect Virginia’s land and water for generations to come.

Congratulations, Nikki! 👏

📢 Big News for DCR!

Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed Nikki Rovner as the next Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Rovner brings decades of experience in environmental policy and conservation leadership, most recently serving as Associate State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Virginia.

Rovner’s career also includes prior state service as deputy secretary of Natural Resources under Governor Tim Kaine and staff attorney for the Virginia Division of Legislative Services. She has also taught environmental policy at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a law degree from the University of Richmond and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Penn State.

She’s passionate about protecting Virginia’s natural heritage and expanding access to the outdoors for all.

“I have enormous respect for DCR’s mission, programs and people. Having worked in partnership with DCR for nearly my entire career, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to become part of the agency. I cannot wait to start working with agency staff and partners to protect our lands and natural heritage, improve the quality of our waters, increase access to the outdoors and make communities more resilient.” Rovner said.

Join us in welcoming Nikki Rovner to DCR! 💙

Read more about Director Rovner here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/director-bio

12/12/2025

What a night! 🎉

The VIRGINIAforever 2025 Bridge Builder Celebration on October 30th was a complete sell-out success! It was inspiring to see so many dedicated leaders and advocates come together to support the crucial mission of protecting Virginia’s natural resources.

A huge congratulations to this year’s well-deserved Bridge Builder Award recipients: Jane Batten, Ben Davenport, Jr., and the Honorable Jim Dillard for their outstanding service and commitment!

12/12/2025

Congratulations to VirginiaForever Member Katie Frazier on her appointment as Governor-Elect Spanberger's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry! Katie Frazier has dedicated her career to supporting the growth of two of Virginia’s top industries: agriculture and forestry. With extensive experience in advocacy, Katie has worked tirelessly at both the state and federal levels on a wide range of issues, including soil and water conservation, market and economic development, agricultural research, workforce development, and the preservation of working farms and forests. We are excited to continue working with Secretary Frazier!

Governor-Elect Spanberger Announces Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Appointment FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 3, 2025 CONTACT: [email protected] Governor-Elect Spanberger Announces Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Appointment Governor-Elect Spanberger: “I Know That Kat...

12/12/2025

Congratulations to former VirginiaForever Bridge Builder Delegate David Bulova on his appointment as the new Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources! As Governor-Elect Spanberger noted, Del. Bulova’s decades in environmental planning and his legislative work on water quality, Chesapeake Bay cleanup and conservation policy make him well suited to steer the administration’s efforts on climate resilience, preservation and land stewardship. We are delighted to continue our work with Secretary Bulova!

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger moved Thursday to elevate one of the General Assembly’s most seasoned environmental lawmakers, selecting Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax, to lead Virginia’s natural and historic resources portfolio when she takes office next month.Spanberger said Bulova’s decades in ...

12/02/2025

You're Invited to our Funding Virginia's Resilient Future Webinar on December 10th at 2 p.m. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f9-sEr1wRlmla_IKiEIxqw?ampDeviceId=eb6b9d5a-d24b-4141-8e28-bb9f36bb681b&SessionId=1764704239267