About Us

The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation (WBWF) is a pioneer in environmental education and advocacy, resource protection, and habitat restoration. Ward Burton has dedicated his life to giving back to the next generation and our natural resources.

The mission statement of the WBWF is to conserve America's land and wildlife through wise stewardship while educating children and adults about the natural resources that will shape America's future. Since 1996 six hundred students visit the Cove annually through the CONNECT program. The WBWF currently holds 1,500 acres in conservation easements.

The WBWF, recognized by leaders at every level of government, has collaborated with leading conservation organizations to develop state-of-the-art environmental and engineering programs. These projects serve as regional and national conservation models.

Ward is committed to global environmental policy issues. The WBWF continues to support renewable energy, enabling landowners to access federal and state programs that protect their land in perpetuity which allows the land to be passed down from generation to generation with minimal financial impact, and promotes making a positive environmental footprint.

Burton speaks regularly at state and national levels, including The White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation, and is called upon by dignitaries to offer advice on environmental policies that affect the United States. There are also numerous publications about his work.

"Our natural resources are like children. They have no voice. We can either nurture or abuse. It is our inherited responsibility as Americans to give our natural resources a positive voice for future generations to come."

Ward Burton
Founder, Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation

Ward Burton began racing in the NASCAR Cup series in 1994. He is considered one of the all-time best in NASCAR, winning the coveted 2002, 44th Daytona 500 Champion title. During his racing career, Ward secured 5 Nextel Cup wins, 24 Top 5, and 85 Top 10 finishes out of the 356 races he competed in NASCAR's elite series.

The Burton name is synonymous with stock car racing. Ward and his brother, Jeff, grew up racing each other at their hometown track in South Boston, Virginia. Both have had successful careers in NASCAR.

Despite the success and demands of a career in the NASCAR Cup series, Burton has always had time for his fans. That is why he remains a popular fan favorite today.

Ward, a native of South Boston, lives with his wife and three children in the town where he grew up. These days he spends much of his time at the South Boston Speedway, where his son Jeb, now 17, enters his second season in stock car racing. Jeb is a natural talent behind the wheel and is expected to move quickly through the ranks following in his father's footsteps into the elite circle of NASCAR's best drivers.

Tom Inge
Executive Director, Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation

Tom Inge has been working with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation since 2006. Prior to that Tom was the Environmental Director for the Virginia Army National Guard. Tom has also worked as an environmental engineering consultant for numerous companies, from small civil engineering companies to large international environmental firms. The most interesting, and dangerous job, was a fishing and tour guide in Alaska.

Tom grew up in southern Virginia where he currently resides with his wife, Carole Inge and their four children. He attended Virginia Military Institute where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He went on to receive a Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Tom enjoys all outdoor activities from sports to hunting and fishing. He developed his passion for the outdoors from his father at an early age. He is an avid bird hunter and fly fisherman, and he also enjoys coaching youth sports.