RICMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is recognizing local schools for working to include environmental literacy through the Commonwealth’s official environmental education school recognition initiative.

The “Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program” honors exemplary efforts to increase environmental awareness and stewardship among K-12 students with hands-on, real-world learning both in the classroom and beyond.

Area schools recognized for the 2024-2025 include Linville-Edom and John Wayland Elementary Schools in Rockingham County and Bessie Weller Elementary School in Staunton.

This year also marks the first time the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind was honored by the program.