What We Do
Promote the sustainability of our natural resources through conservation, land management, outdoor outreach and educational practices
Programs
Conservation and Land Management
The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation has helped land owners in Virginia and Pennsylvania conserve over 55,000 acres of land, and owns and manages over 11,000 acres.
We develop and sustain our conservation models by managing habitat for endangered species, practicing wise forestry management, stream water mitigation and prescribed burns to control non-native growth, and other tools to preserve the integrity of the land.
We partner with local, state, and federal organizations, and work directly with landowners to share and advocate for conservation and land management best practices nationwide.
Military Readiness via Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program
The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is the lead partner to the Army National Guard for the REPI program at Ft. Pickett in Virginia and Ft. Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania and the Marine Corps REPI program at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Camp Guernsey in Wyoming is is currently applying for a REPI program, and if approved, WBWF looks forward to being named their primary partner.
The military needs bases and training lands for military exercises, training, soldier skill testing, and other operations. Training restrictions, costly workarounds, and compromised training realism can result from incompatible development surrounding the installation (external encroachment) and from threatened and endangered species on the installation (internal encroachment).
WBWF has the privilege of working alongside like-minded organizations and localities surrounding these installations to provide experience in natural resources, conservation, and land management. With everyone working together in concert, the military missions will be protected from encroachment while the beautiful rural landscapes of Virginia and Pennsylvania will be conserved for future generations.
The WBWF offers several options to landowners to reduce housing development, and landowners are paid for the alternative they choose. The options include conservation easements, deed restrictions, and purchase of the property if the landowner desires.
Veteran Outreach
WBWF hosts both large and small group events at our properties for veteran groups. Our goal is to leverage the proven benefits of being in nature and enjoying the great outdoors to facilitate single and multi-day excursions filled with camaraderie and friendly competition.
We partner with organizations including USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Project Healing Waters, among others, to identify veterans that would benefit from the experiences we provide.
Activities include, clay shooting at our 5-stand facility, fishing, archery, axe throwing, hiking, and of course, plenty of time for fellowship and meals together.
Youth Outreach
WBWF provides youth outdoor education experiences that range from educational programs in elementary schools, camping, and land projects, to hunting and fishing in effort to expose children to the endless opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature.
We've visited over 120 schools and hosted countless events for youth groups at our properties.
Our hope is to reach the next generation so that they will understand and appreciate our natural resources; ultimately passing along conservation values to their children.
Special Projects
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Partnership
K9 Program - The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation (WBWF) proudly supports the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Conservation Police K9 Program. This specialized unit consists of 9 teams of dedicated Conservation Police Officers and their canine partners. These highly trained teams protect Virginia’s wildlife, conserve natural habitats, and ensure public safety. Through educational demonstrations, public outreach, and community events, the K9 teams promote wildlife stewardship and enhance awareness of conservation efforts across Virginia. Interested in supporting these K9 teams? Learn how your contributions can make a difference by clicking HERE.
W3 Program - Additionally, WBWF supports the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) W3 (Woods Wildlife Water) Mission. The W3 Mission is to expand from training future generations on how to protect our wildlife resources to the much more challenging task of how to bring others to experience what the outdoors has to offer them in a safe manner. If interested in supporting this initiative, click HERE.
Archeological Exploration
In the Fall of 2022, an Advanced Archaeology class from Longwood University began to excavate a site known as “The Sanders Site” at the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation property in Halifax County, Virginia. There, students were able to experience hands-on learning while finding projectile points, pottery pieces, and bone fragments, all helping paint a picture of what life was like for indigenous peoples in Pre-Columbian America. To find out more about the Institute of Archaeology and the Dr. James W. Jordan Field School, visit this link: http://www.longwood.edu/archaeology/. This special project continues on an ad-hoc basis and you can follow along with updates on WBWF’s social media pages.
