Our keynote speaker, Nicole Thompson-Martin, shares how her leadership at the Chesterfield NAACP particularly intersects with our Network’s environmental justice efforts. She will share insights on the intersectionality of environmentalism, race, and justice and how the broader environmental community can do a better job at engaging and working with NAACPs throughout the Commonwealth.
MASTERING GRANT APPLICATIONS: INSIDER TIPS TO FIND AND SECURE FUNDING
Learn essential tips and best practices for filling out winning grant applications directly from those who review them. Join us for a dynamic panel featuring program officers from local and regional foundations who will share advice for building relationships and securing funding from community foundations, private foundations, and government agencies. The panel will also discuss the current funder landscape and look at future trends for funding in the Commonwealth.
WETLANDS MIGRATION HIKE TO BEAVER LAKE FOR A SACKETT VS EPA DISCUSSION
Join a hike to Beaver Lake at Pocahontas State Park, a freshwater lake, to discuss the ramifications of the US Supreme Court Sackett vs. EPA and how it may affect the protection of Virginia's wetlands.
DIVE DEEPER: HOUSING & ZONING
How can we solve the housing crisis to stop sprawl and reduce vehicle miles traveled? Join a panel discussion to hear more about this intersectional issue.
COMMUNICATIONS CROSSOVER: AGENCIES MEET ADVOCATES
Join our panel of communications professionals from various state agencies for a “meta” conversation about communications work. Panelists will share how they approach communications work at their respective state agency and what they find most helpful from environmental nonprofit organizations.
CONNECTING WITH SPANISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITIES
Each organization has its own unique approach to engaging with underserved communities. Hear from leaders at Defensores de la Cuenca and Nature Forward as they share their experiences from leading two programs, and gain insights and tips on authentically engaging with Spanish-speaking communities, from grant writing to implementation to longer-term engagement.
BUILDING CODES: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF CLIMATE ACTION
This session will highlight the recent work of VCN partners from across the network in advancing climate and resilience progress through building codes — the little known, but crucial, building blocks for climate action. Join this session to learn how building codes intersect with a wide range of VCN issues including solar and EV readiness, floodplain management, energy efficiency and building decarbonization, and affordable housing. Panelists will also share how you can play a role in advancing climate progress in the built environment.
SCREENING & DISCUSSION: AGAINST THE CURRENT
Join a screening and moderated discussion with a panel of experts and people featured in the film Against the Current. The documentary provides a powerful glimpse of how Virginia’s Eastern Shore residents are subject to the challenges of rising water’s effects on their lives and livelihood and through resilience and perseverance learn to co-exist and celebrate their rural home.
INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ID HIKE & MANAGEMENT TIPS
Join the hike guided by Blue Ridge PRISM To learn how to identify invasive species and tips on invasive species management.
Get ready for our trivia night! We'll unwind, relax, and enjoy some friendly competition with Virginia environmental and advocacy-themed trivia.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Back by popular demand! Join a demonstration and lesson on astrophotography - how to capture the treasures of the cosmos with inexpensive camera equipment. If it’s a clear night, the lesson will take place under the stars. Otherwise, it will be a workshop on techniques.
CAMPFIRE
Campfire - enough said! Join Partners late-night around the fire for s'mores, refreshments, companionship, and maybe even a ghost story or two.
Please pack up and check out of your site/cabin/lodge by 10 AM.
MORNING RUN
Join us for a 5K run throughout Pocahontas State Park! This scenic course offers a mix of challenge and tranquility through lush forests and serene lakes. Ideal for all fitness levels, it's a perfect chance to enjoy fresh air, and rejuvenate in nature. Lace up your shoes for an unforgettable experience in Virginia's stunning state park! (Meet at Powhatan Dining Hall)
BIRDWALK
Join a morning hike to birdwatch from 8-9 AM.
HOW TO TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO LAWS
So you've got a good...no, a fabulous idea for a new law! What should you do next? From an abstract concept to a signature on the Governor's desk, learn from the insiders how to plan and execute a winning campaign to bring your policy ideas into enactment.
HOW TO ORGANIZE & POWERMAP WITHIN YOUR WORKGROUP
Join an interactive workshop to tackle the unique characteristics and challenges of working with cross-organizational teams. You will learn four key principles for managing cross-organizational projects and relationships, gain practical tips for adapting your organizing approach and communication style, and cultivate a culture of mutual respect within your team. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to drive strategic success and foster effective collaboration across the Network (and beyond!). Don't miss this opportunity to build your leadership skills and maximize the impact of your conservation efforts.
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION
Distributed generation will play a significant role in decarbonizing Virginia's power sector while increasing grid resilience. Join this session to learn from policy experts about current policies and opportunities to unlock more distributed generation potential and benefits in the Commonwealth.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WORKSHOP - TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Come play like a kid again! Join Mauren Campbell from the James River Association and Gabi Kinney from Wetlands Watch to participate in an engaging discussion and activity sampler centered around forging creative connections between young learners and the environment. We’ll talk about what inspired us to be the environmental leaders we are today, and how we can foster those connections through interactive environmental activities. Sampler activities will include water quality sampling, sensory drawing, dramatic play, and scenario-based team building.
DIVE DEEPER: STATEWIDE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
How can we build out a statewide network of multimodal trails? Join leaders in Virginia's trail development for a panel discussion.
GUIDED E-BIKE RIDE
Dude, cruising through Pocahontas State Forest on an e-bike is like totally gnarly! It's all about shredding those trails with the wind in your hair and the forest vibes cranked up to the max. Join Bryan from Blue Ridge Cyclery to turn on and tune out!
DIVE DEEPER: BAY AGREEMENT PADDLE
After decades of multi-jurisdictional effort and funding to clean up the Chesapeake and its tributaries, we are at a crossroads. The 2025 cleanup deadline is nearing and work remains to meet our goals and to revise our goals. Enjoy a leisurely flatwater paddle on a Chesapeake tributary with the pros, Anna Killius & Kristin Reilly.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIKE
Join Mary Rafferty, our seasoned guide and Executive Director, for a hike with Executive Directors in our Network. This session provides space for leaders to explore leadership dynamics amidst the natural beauty of Pocahontas State Park.
STORYTELLING FOR OUTDOOR FUNDING
Join an interactive workshop designed to help you craft compelling narratives to secure funding for outdoor access. We'll explore how well-told stories can shape public policy and secure funding, focusing on key messaging themes. Participants will learn to create and present stories that resonate with legislators, the press, and the public. Learn how to incorporate the Virginia Great Outdoors Act (VGOA) into your narratives to highlight the need for funding and become a powerful voice for the great outdoors!
BIPOC SESSION - TRAILBLAZING FURTHER TOGETHER
A session designed and curated for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) environmental professionals, but is open to all seeking spaces to build community, connect, network, and share resources with other BIPOC professionals. Throughout the session, we will hold space for thoughtful discussions as we trailblaze together to make authentic BIPOC connections.