The Start of a New Semester: Let's Go To The River!

Hello, my name is Samantha! If we are not acquainted, here are a few facts about me: I have a hard time choosing favorite things, I am a youngest child, I love sweets, and I and am currently enrolled in VT's Online Master of Natural Resources program. This school semester, I will be investigating biodiversity in the York River!

York River State Park Photo by Samantha Wilson

The York River is an interesting stretch containing multiple types of ecosystems, from sandy beaches to tidal marshes and estuaries. Added to the mix are highly developed areas like the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center. I grew up on the York River and I think very highly of it, although I have not made the time to visit as often as I would like to. In my undergrad I became familiar with the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program, and I was shocked that the York River was not included. Over the course of this semester, I would like to learn more about the local organizations that care for the river, understand more about the local biodiversity and how it changes along the river, and see if I can get the segment of the York River near York River State Park designated as a Scenic River.