Crossover 2026: Update on Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act
Thanks to all who spoke up for Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act this session! This week is crossover at the General Assembly – meaning any bill that started in the House must pass a House floor vote and move to the Senate in order to continue the process toward becoming...
OpEd: Virginia has the outdoor assets. What we’re missing is the will.
Why is Virginia falling behind neighboring states when it comes to our outdoor recreation industry? What Virginia lacks is not assets or effort, but a statewide structure of support that treats outdoor recreation as the economic engine it is. Read more... Michael...
Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act Proposed in General Assembly
Legislation Will Dedicate Millions in Existing Funds to Parks, Trails and Natural Resource Conservation Needs RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia is losing outdoor spaces at an alarming rate, even as the demand for these spaces is growing for health, recreation, and clean air...
Virginia’s Growing Outdoor Economy: New Report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Highlights Outdoor Recreation Movement
VIRGINIA – The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, highlighting the significant economic impact of outdoor recreation in Virginia. The 2023 report indicates that outdoor recreation in Virginia generated...
Virginia Recreation & Park Society Joins Our Virginia Outdoors Coalition
VIRGINIA – The Virginia Recreation & Park Society (VRPS) is proud to announce its membership in the Our Virginia Outdoors Coalition. This collaboration will strengthen VRPS’ commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and conservation efforts throughout the...
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces 10 Virginia Communities to Launch New Tourism Programs and Boost Outdoor Recreation
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that 10 Virginia communities will launch new tourism programs to boost their outdoor recreation economies. Each was awarded up to $20,000 through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) DRIVE Outdoor grant...
“Everything in the oyster business is dependent on what happens on the land.”
As one of the largest oyster planters on the East Coast, Lake Cowart’s business is dependent on the quality of the water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. “Everything in the oyster business is so dependent on what happens on the land,” he said. “We need to be careful...
Conservation of Land and History
Located at the confluence of the Robinson and Rapidan Rivers in Culpeper County, Horseshoe Farm encompasses a rich history that unfolded there, including a Greek Revival house built in the 1850’s. Sheldon Clark, the owner, worked with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation...
Looking Forward, Looking Back
The Goodall brothers, Joe and Paul, had heartfelt opportunities to speak with their father before his passing about his wishes for the farm that has been in the family for now over 100 years. Culton Goodall’s response was, “If it’s not too much trouble, I would...