Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Virginia K-12 Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan sets forth a comprehensive vision for enhancing environmental literacy across the state, aiming to integrate environmental education and outdoor learning into the educational experience of every elementary, middle and high school student.
The first Virginia Environmental Literacy Plan was created by collaborative efforts of many Virginians. Its purpose is to define goals that will support the growth of K-12 environmentally literate students, capable of identifying community environmental challenges and equipped to act towards solutions. These goals address network cultivation, educator support, a student-centered approach, and resources.
All Virginians have a place in supporting environmental literacy. Look for your opportunity on the “ways to participate” charts to make a difference. Together we can support the development of environmentally literate graduates who will one day protect the resources that of Virginia.
The Virginia K-12 Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan sets forth a comprehensive vision for enhancing environmental literacy across the state, aiming to integrate environmental education and outdoor learning into the educational experience of every elementary, middle, and high school student. This plan was spurred by the reestablishment of the Office of Environmental Education within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which is mandated to develop the K-12 Virginia Strategic Plan for environmental literacy in collaboration with various stakeholders.
Recognizing the critical role of environmental literacy in promoting the health and well-being of Virginia’s communities and ecosystems, this plan defines environmental literacy and underscores its significance in shaping responsible citizenship. By championing four core goal areas (network cultivation, educator support, a student-centered approach, and resource optimization) and strategies to achieve them, the plan aims to equip Virginia’s youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and contribute to the sustainability of the state’s natural resources.
Furthermore, the plan outlines approaches to implementation, emphasizing collaboration among interested parties. By leveraging existing resources and intentional areas for growth, the plan offers a roadmap for advancing environmental literacy.
This plan seeks to begin building a sustainable approach to environmental education, nurturing a diverse range of skills and interests among students while fostering a deep connection to the natural world. The plan aims at cultivating a generation of environmentally literate individuals capable of making informed decisions about the health of their surroundings.
