The Environmental Almanac of Virginia, 2nd edition covers all major environmental topics relevant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Chapters include natural resources, air quality, water quality, solid waste issues, toxics found in Virginia’s environmental, wildlife species of Virginia, and endangered species. Groover approached Frits van der Leeden, author of the first edition, to encourage him to write a second part, but the author instead encouraged Groover to take on the monumental task. Which he did.
This second edition reference book contains hundreds of pages packed with up-to-date information, more than 30 maps, charts and tables organized in a user-friendly format for quick access. Some information that is irretrievable for government sites, internet searches or current research has been distilled for the reader’s use. New topics since the first edition have been updated in this edition, such as energy strategies, Marcellus Shale deposits, uranium deposits, and alternative energy possibilities. Also new in the Second Edition is current climate change data for Virginia, information on invasive species, and updates on water quality, air pollution and environmental regulations.
According to a recent interview with Emory & Henry College, Groover’s alma mater, Groover enjoys being busy. Groover told E & H: “I’m worried about being bored. If I die tomorrow, I’ve had a really fun life!” In the course of his life he has been a scientist, a teacher, a field researcher, a government employee, a reserve deputy sheriff, a hostage negotiator, a documentary filmmaker, a National Park docent, a former member of the Governor’s Climate Change Commission for Virginia, and is a current member of the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Science Museum.
Dr. Richard S. Groover is an aquatic ecologist. He has a PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University. In addition to being an Assistant Dean at Reynolds Community College, he is a Fellow of the Virginia Academy of Science, and was a member of the Governor’s Climate and Resiliency Commission, 2014 – 2015. He has published articles in journals and other media, and has produced a number of award-winning documentary and educational films.
