The Department of Conservation and Recreation releases Virginia's first-ever Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 14, 2026
Contact: Matt Sabas, Senior PR and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, [email protected]

The Department of Conservation and Recreation releases Virginia's first-ever Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan
Advancing environmental education for K-12 students statewide

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Hands-on learning][alt:Students learning about plants)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan][alt:Cover of Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan)

RICHMOND, Va. - The Department of Conservation and Recreation today announced Virginia's first-ever K-12 Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan. Supporting young Virginians in becoming environmentally literate puts the Commonwealth in the best position to manage the dynamic environmental and natural resource challenges of the future.

The three-year plan, developed by the Office of Environmental Education at DCR, will help teachers cultivate students capable of identifying environmental challenges in their communities and equip them to find solutions. The plan is organized around four goals: cultivating networks, supporting educators, advancing a student-centered approach and strengthening access to resources. Environmental literacy equips students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be lifelong stewards of our environment.

"The Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for expanding environmental education across Virginia's K-12 system," said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. "By strengthening partnerships and supporting educators, this plan will help ensure Virginia students gain the knowledge and skills they need to understand and address environmental challenges in their communities and across the Commonwealth."

"This plan will enable educators to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity, while building students' awareness and understanding of the environmental issues affecting their communities and preparing them to be informed and engaged Virginians," said Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith.

"We're grateful to all the collaborators that helped us get to this moment. Without them, the launch of the first statewide Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan would not be possible," said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. "This plan is designed for educators of all kinds, thanks to the work of the agencies, school systems, higher education institutions, Tribal Nations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations who offered their expertise for this important tool. Together we can support the development of environmentally literate graduates who will one day protect our natural resources."

"From ocean to mountains, Virginia's outdoors offer a rich learning landscape for young learners. Understanding these resources, the scientific wonders they hold, and our responsibility to protect them is vital to education," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway. "We're grateful to the educators, school leaders, and partners who helped make this plan possible."

All Virginians have a role in supporting environmental literacy. The plan offers opportunities to participate for:

• Educators: connect classroom learning to local environments, community issues and meaningful outdoor experiences.
• School divisions: develop or strengthen division-level environmental literacy plans and identify partners who can help put those plans into action.
• Environmental education organizations: align programs and resources with statewide priorities and deepen partnerships with schools and communities.
• State agencies and local governments: identify opportunities to connect conservation, education, workforce development, resilience and community engagement.
• Colleges and universities: support educator preparation, research, professional learning, evaluation and the development of future environmental leaders.
• Businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations: bring expertise, resources, places, people and new perspectives into environmental literacy efforts.

To view and download the plan, visit the DCR Office of Environmental Education website at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/elitplan.

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By engaging with organizations, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Office of Environmental Education supports non-formal and formal educators to cultivate environmentally literate K-12 graduates across the state.

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