A series of new laws hitting the books this summer seek to rein in invasive plant species in Virginia.
The measures make new opportunities for localities to collaborate on invasive control, set new requirements on the state Department of Transportation's management of plants on highways and close a loophole on how plants are prohibited from sale in the commonwealth.
>HAMPTON, VA – Results of the 2026 Bay-wide Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey show a 46% increase in the abundance of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay, for a total population of 349 million crabs. This increase comes despite another cold winter, which increased the overwintering mortality of crabs throughout the bay and caused cold-stun events in several finfish species throughout Virginia. Overall, the results suggest improved conditions for the 2026 fishery.
>The Winter Dredge Survey found the total estimated population of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay increased from 238 million crabs in the winter of 2024-2025 to 349 million crabs in the winter of 2025-2026. This was driven mainly by an increase of 120% in juvenile blue crabs, up to 228 million juveniles. Adult male crab abundance also increased, from 26 million to 37 million crabs. The adult female population, however, declined to 81 million. Similar conditions were observed following the severe winter conditions experienced in 2014. While overwintering mortality was also elevated during that period, the blue crab population demonstrated resilience and rebounded in subsequent years without long-term impacts to the stock.
>Over the last 15 years, blue crab fishery managers in Virginia, Maryland, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission have used the annual Winter Dredge Survey estimates to help inform management for the coming fishing season. Additional information on the blue crab population is also anticipated through the completion of a bay-wide benchmark stock assessment. Managers will review that information alongside other ongoing monitoring efforts as it becomes available.
>The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC), an advisory group under the Chesapeake Bay Program, met on May 13 to discuss the results from the 2025-26 Winter Dredge Survey and the upcoming release of the benchmark stock assessment. Their analysis of the Winter Dredge Survey will be published in the full CBSAC Annual Report this June. The results of the Winter Dredge Survey will also be presented to the Crab Management Advisory Committee in a public meeting on May 27, 2026, at 4 PM. (Emphasis added)
Hey everyone,
My family and I recently launched a Virginia-based environmental nonprofit called the Society for a Secure and Sustainable Water Future (S4SSWF), and we’re currently looking for volunteers who are interested in sustainability, environmental policy, media, outreach, nonprofit work, or water security.
Our work focuses heavily on rainwater harvesting, water sustainability, environmental education, and advocacy. Over the years, we’ve been involved in real-world rainwater harvesting implementation projects and advocacy efforts connected to Virginia legislation and public awareness initiatives surrounding sustainable water infrastructure. We are actually currently preparing for a project with GMU.
Right now we’re trying to build a strong volunteer network and are looking for self-motivated people who want to help us grow.
Some of the areas we’re recruiting for include:
Most roles are flexible-hour and results-based. We understand people are busy, so we’re not micromanaging volunteers or expecting corporate-style schedules. We’re mainly looking for passionate people who care about sustainability and want to contribute where they can.
Volunteer hours can also be provided for students.
Examples of projects and goals:
Volunteer Form:
https://forms.gle/NAjTzocA7sxpk81w9
Feel free to ask questions or message me if interested. Thanks everyone.