Virginia Naturally Schools is the official environmental education school recognition program of the Commonwealth, administered by the Department of Wildlife Resources. The Virginia Board of Education has recognized the Virginia Naturally School program as the official environmental education school recognition program for the state. This program recognizes the wonderful efforts of many Virginia schools to increase the environmental awareness and stewardship of our youngest citizens.
If your school has already been working with its community, resource agencies and businesses to include education about the environment in the curriculum then read on and apply for the Virginia Naturally School Recognition Award. This is not a one-time award but one upon which your school may build and achieve recognition each year you participate.
Goal
To recognize those exemplary efforts undertaken by Virginia schools to increase the environmental awareness and stewardship of its students.
Award
A tiered recognition program has been developed to award Virginia’s schools:
- First year schools meeting the minimum requirements will receive a Virginia Naturally plaque.
- Schools maintaining and continuing their efforts in upcoming years will receive a pennant featuring one of Virginia’s state symbols to hang in the school. A different pennant will be available for each additional year the school participates. In addition to the annual pennant, schools will be able to choose from a list of workshops that will help continue their effort.
Application Process
Schools may submit applications between May 1 and June 30 of each school year. The recognition will be awarded in the following school year.
See Application Directions and Requirements for more information.
Application
This year’s application has been transformed into an online form. We suggest you compose your answers to each question in a savable document and then cut and paste your answers into the online form to prevent you from losing your work.
Apply OnlineIf you have any questions, please contact Courtney Hallacher at courtney.hallacher@dwr.