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Adopt a DWR Bird and Wildlife Trail

PictureVirginia Birding and Wildlife Trail signs mark trail sites.
About the Project

The Adopt-A-Trail project is a way for the Virginia Master Naturalists to partner with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to update, maintain and improve the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail (VBWT).  The VBWT is a statewide driving trail composed of 65 loops connecting the best sites in Virginia for watching birds and other wildlife. It was established in three phases between 1999 -2004, with the goal of increasing awareness, appreciation and conservation of Virginia’s wildlife and native habitats.  When it was completed in 2004, it was the first statewide trail of its kind in the country! All sites are marked with signage and a guide to the trail is available in print and electronically on DWR’s website at http://www.dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/. 

The last major update to the trail guide was completed in 2007, which means it is time for another update, but with 637 trail sites located throughout the Commonwealth, DWR could sure use some help!  
DWR is inviting chapters of Virginia Master Naturalists to “adopt” loops of the VBWT through the Adopt-A-Trail project. Chapters will “adopt” one or more loops that fall within or near the counties of their chapter’s local area. Project participants will visit assigned sites on their chapter’s loop(s) four times a year to assess conditions at the site, communicate with the site’s owner/ manager, update site information in the VBWT guide, observe and record bird sightings using e-bird, and to record additional wildlife observations into their newly updated Wildlife Mapping program. Future plans include the completion of site evaluations and surveys that will help DWR to determine the top VBWT sites. All of the information collected will be used to make updates to the VBWT guide, build relationships with site owners/ managers, develop new marketing pieces for the VBWT, and improve the overall quality of the trail for visitors.

How To Get Involved

Chapters (not just individual volunteers) must agree to make a commitment to adopting a trail and select one person to serve as the main point of contact for the project in their chapter.  Chapters willing to make this commitment should email Meagan Thomas, Watchable Wildlife Biologist with DWR, at meagan.thomas@dwr.virginia.gov to find out how to get started.  

The project must be approved at the chapter level in order to be listed among the chapter's approved projects on the Volunteer Management System.  We have a draft project proposal form below that may be tailored to the specific trail and locations for your chapter. 
Adopt-a-Trail Phase 1 Project Proposal Form Template (MS Word)
File Size: 83 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

Other Resources
Adopt-a-Trail Checklist Phase I, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 412 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adopt-a-Trail Phase II Site Revisit Instructions, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 501 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adopt-a-Trail FAQs, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 373 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adopt-a-Trail Training Slides, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 5897 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adopt-a-Trail Car Sign, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 358 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adopt-a-Trail Guidelines and Tips for Coordinators, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 358 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Wildlife Mapping iNaturalist written instructions, updated 9/25/17
File Size: 355 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Important Links
  • Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail
  • Find Wildlife VA: Wildlife Viewing (new interactive version of the VBWT website)
  • Virginia Wildlife Mapping Project
  • eBird
  • Watch  the Adopt-a-Trail training webinar recording from 4 March 2016
Virginia Master Naturalist Program | 460 Stagecoach Road, Suite E201 | Charlottesville, VA  22902 | Phone: 434-872-4587 | Fax: 434-872-4578

The Virginia Master Naturalist program is open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.