VA NHP Inventory Section Natural Area Inventory DCR's natural heritage inventory is the most comprehensive, statewide inventory documenting the location and ecological status of rare plant and animal species and natural communities. This ongoing inventory is conducted by staff ecologists, botanists and zoologists, contract staff, volunteers and cooperators. Inventory efforts focus on globally rare species and communities.
All work is conducted with the permission of the landowner.
Over 1000 conservation sites, containing more than 5000 rare species populations and natural communities have been found to date. In addition to inventories for specific plants and communities, inventories are conducted to assist private and public land managers. The work is leading to the development of sound conservation measures for migratory songbirds on Virginia's eastern shore. Click to see the staff of the Natural Heritage Inventory section.