JotCast | Moderated Discussion

Marianne in NC

7:53

Teresa in RVa

7:53

BarbG

7:53

Marianne in NC

7:53

Wolves on the runway is from Jim Brandenburg's White Wolf.

Nikki

7:53

Agreed, 5!

Lydia V. 🐻

7:53

Looks like many of us agree

CK in Pa

7:53

Amanda Nicholson, WCV

7:54

So ... next book club ...

In April!

Raina DeFonza

7:54

Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb

Jay

7:55

Perfect segue to this book!

Lacy Kegley

7:55

Interesting that some of you brought up road crossings with the Yellowstone wolves - we'll dive more into that!

Becky in SoCal

7:55

That should be good

Amanda Nicholson, WCV

7:55

This seems particularly good timing for us as we've talked about legislative pieces for wildlife crossings -- unfortunately, HB2025 was tabled. But some other possibilities live in the Senate!

This was an email update from the Wild Virginia Habitat Connectivity Director today:
Last Friday, HB 2025 was tabled, meaning the bill is dead for this session—but we are far from finished. Thanks to your incredible efforts, we saw record-breaking support for this legislation, and it was truly inspiring to witness so many voices coming together to advocate for wildlife corridors and safer roads. Your dedication is making a difference, and we will be back next year to fight for this critical legislation once again.
In the meantime, our work isn’t done. We now need to push for SB 1341, which will establish a Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund—a key step in ensuring these projects get funded and implemented across Virginia. This is our chance to secure financial resources for wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity efforts! Please see our Fact Sheet for more information.

We’re also thrilled to see that Senate Budget Amendment 438 #10h is included in the current Senate Proposed Budget, allocating $450,000 to support Virginia's Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. This is a major win, but we need to keep up the momentum to ensure it stays in the final budget.
Stay engaged, keep advocating and contacting your reps, and let’s get SB 1341 across the finish line! Please thank our sponsors, Delegates Gardner and Simonds and Senator Marsden for being our champions! Thank you for your continued support—our work together is making a real impact.

7:56

^^from Jess Roberts

(Oh who is actually also a former wildlife center intern!)

Mary E in NC

7:57

WCV's been talking about roads and the apple core for a long time!

Nikki

7:57

It's so important, especially near forested/field areas. :) Absolutely worth fighting for!

Jay

7:57

Excellent! This will get me off the couch (figuratively)

Mary E in NC

7:57

Sounds interesting!

Nikki

7:57

Ooh, interesting! I wonder if it's going to dive into the wildlife crossings that save pumas. Heard about them, we don't have them here. Ot

Lydia V. 🐻

7:57

Yes Nikki! We must advocate

Marianne in NC

7:57

I just grabbed this from a science article -- "Wild house mice rely on specially evolved proteins in their urine to sniff out and avoid mating with their close relatives."

7:58

Excellent!

BarbG

7:58

thanks for another great book club

Amanda Nicholson, WCV

7:58

Thanks so much, everyone!

Raina DeFonza

7:58

Thank you all for another wonderful book club!

Lacy Kegley

7:58

It was great to "see" everyone here! Glad you enjoyed this one :)

Lydia V. 🐻

7:58

Thank you all!

Jay

7:58

Thank you! My favorite book in recent memory!

Mary E in NC

7:58

Thanks, Amanda and Raina and Lacey, for another great book club!

CK in Pa

7:59

Thanks for another great Book Club. Welcome back Lydia! Good night everyone.

Nikki

7:59

Thank you all! Great to "see" you!

Teresa in RVa

7:59

Good night everyone!

Becky in SoCal

7:59

Thank you for a great Book Club. Looking forward to April.

Jay

7:59

Great discussion too!

Lydia V. 🐻

8:00

That looks like a valuable read!

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