The population of Osprey in the saltier portions of the Chesapeake Bay is declining dramatically due to the overfishing of menhaden on which the Osprey rely as a principal food source. 

The Virginia legislature appears to be intent on taking steps to slow the environmental and economic harm that invasive plants are causing. State legislators introduced seven bills relating to invasive plants in the 2026 legislative session, and all of them are proceeding through the legislative process. 

Following a long and hard-fought campaign by environmental advocates, the Fairfax City Council voted not to proceed with constructing the George Snyder Trail, which would have destroyed much of the city’s urban forest. This victory for the environment over development is a classic demonstration of the effort needed to secure an environmental “win.” 

There’s always something the NVBA Advocacy committee needs help with. With the 2026 Virginia General Assembly about to convene on January 14 for a fast-moving two-month session, the committee needs many volunteers to make sure its voice is heard. 

It’s important to keep up with the actions (or inaction) of our federal lawmakers, but it’s equally important to take care to vote for conservation in the upcoming Virginia races.

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die on February 22. It is scheduled to reconvene April 2 to address actions the governor may take on legislation sent to him.

Migration season is approaching fast. Between March 15 and May 31, 100 million birds will pass through northern Virginia, most of them flying at night.

Billions of birds die each year from human-made causes. NVBA, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Nature Forward, DarkSky NOVA, DarkSky Virginia, Friends of Dyke Marsh, and Friends of Little Hunting Creek have formed a partnership, Bird Safe NOVA, in an effort to reduce the devastating toll on birds from excess light and window collisions.

The news reports are filled with coverage about the major party conventions for the upcoming Presidential race. It’s important, but don’t let it distract you from keeping track of what’s going on in Virginia.

Conservation advocates lost several battles in the 2024 General Assembly, but did score a couple of wins that allow local governments to adopt some environment-friendly requirements. We can use your help in lobbying your local governments to adopt these measures.

Hope is winning out, even as I hear chainsaws and backhoes signal the demolition of yet another neighborhood house and all of its majestic oaks. I block out those sounds of destruction by recalling four hopeful ASNV sessions from the past few weeks.

ASNV’s Advocacy Committee co-hosted an Advocacy Forum with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions on October 21, an event that attracted close to 50 people.

You can learn how to advocate on behalf of our environment by attending a free Advocacy Forum at the National Wildlife Federation building on Saturday, October 21.

Trails through natural areas have undeniable benefits, including improving our mental well-being, providing access for outdoor education programs, and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions if people use them instead of driving cars.

The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have approved two bills that can help deter the spread of invasive plants in Virginia and encourage use of native plants.

Fall migration through northern Virginia is by no means over, but the numbers of birds traveling to, as well as passing over and through, our area is on the decline. Some of us may now stop obsessively checking BirdCast daily to see what we may anticipate passing through overnight.

We’re looking for volunteers to help ASNV contact members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from time to time. Depending on the issue, we may ask you to call, email, or request a meeting with your district’s supervisor. Can you help?

ASNV’s advocacy chair wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Post advocating for the consideration of biodiversity in land-use decisions in Fairfax County, specifically regarding plans to pave Justice Park. Read the article here.

Anyone who has been outside recently on trails and in developed areas has noticed the increasing amount of trash on the ground. Glenda Booth, a member of our Advocacy Committee, wrote an article about this “Pandemic Pollution” for The Connection Newspapers.

Last month, the Potomac Flier article “Three Billion Birds” summarized the alarming decline of birds in the US and Canada since 1970. Habitat loss is the biggest driver of that decline. The second biggest driver is free-roaming domestic and feral cats.