The Appalachian Habitat Association is dedicated to preserving and improving wildlife habitat on public lands to ensure the future of all varieties of wildlife, habitat, outdoor sports and our hunting heritage.

Education 

One of the goals of the Appalachian Habitat Association is to promote education and research designed to improve wildlife habitat and conservation. One of the ways in which we do this is to provide scholarship opportunities to students who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs of study related to wildlife habitat and conservation. The students are from the counties of Allegheny, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, and Rockbridge. They may attend programs outside of the region but must be from these areas to qualify.

We also fund studies that provide us with information and a better understanding of ways in which to improve habitat and wildlife preservation.

Advocacy

The AHA works closely with our Legislators, and State and Federal agencies, including the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Forest Service.  AHA also coordinates with and supports other conservation groups to advocate for the wise management of habitat on public lands and for the protection of our hunting heritage.

Youth Activities 

The AHA supports hunter education classes for young people and adults.  Many members of the AHA are instructors. 

The AHA supports Youth Hunt activities of all types throughout the Commonwealth. 

The AHA works with local 4-H clubs to promote hunting skills for the next generation by working with local 4-H Hunting, Wildlife & Outdoor Skills Clubs in each county. AHA supports these clubs by providing assistance to train 4-H adult volunteers who want to start a club in their community. 4-H requires hunting club volunteers to be certified through a weekend of training that's offered through the Virginia 4-H Shooting Education Council. Certification opportunities will be offered later this year. If you have questions about starting a club, contact the 4-H Agent in your county's Virginia Tech Extension Office. AHA board member Ed McCoy has experience starting one of these clubs and will be glad to discuss the opportunity and, if wanted, meet with your 4-H Agent. His contact is edmccoy@ujroutdoors.com or 540-339-0622. 4-H: "Learn By Doing"