As Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, we can’t help but celebrate the holiday a little early – and why limit our support for the Earth to just one day?
We have a few activities planned throughout the month for our supporters, and will also be highlighting our Partner’s Earth Day events. Keep checking back for more event updates!
Climate Action Now License Plate
What better way to show your support for the Earth than a Climate Action Now license plate for your (hopefully electric) vehicle? You can now pre-order your Climate Action Now license plate for $25, or $35 for a personalized plate, and all proceeds will go to the Virginia Conservation Network!
License plate development is a legislative process, and Delegate Rasoul will introduce this bill to the Virginia General Assembly in January 2022. This means that you will not receive your plate immediately. However, it is still important to pre-register because the law requires the collection of a minimum 450 prepaid applications before the DMV can develop and issue a special interest license plate.
Once the bill is passed, it will take 6-9 months for the plate to become publicly available. This means the plate is likely available mid-late 2022.
Make sure this license plate gets developed by pre-registering now!
Black in Green: Conservation Career Panel
On April 21st, we are co-hosting the Black In Green career panel with Black Oak Collective. The panel is an opportunity for Black students and young professionals to gain career advice and learn from Black environmental leaders who are doing the work right now to fight climate change, advance environmental justice, protect rural landscapes, ensure clean water for all and more.
Our panelists are advocates, executive directors, and lawyers. Get excited to hear from:
- Ebonie Alexander, Black Family Land Trust
- Kim Jemaine, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
- Josephus Allmond, Southern Environmental Law Center
- Harrison Wallace, Equity Fund
VCN’s 2020-21 Annual Report
On Earth Day, VCN will release the digital version of our 2020-2021 Annual Report. The Annual Report will cover all of the legislative accomplishments from the last year, staff and Board changes, an overview of our 2020 events, and more. Check back on Earth Day to see the digital release!
Partner Events
Our Partners are hosting Earth Month events through April – check back regularly for updates!
April 11
Capital Region Land Conservancy: Guided Hike at Malvern Hill Farm
Join CRLC to learn about the natural and cultural landscape of Malvern Hill Farm. They are offering two different experiences on the property: a nature hike and a history walk. The nature hike will be led by Dr. Rick Myers, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The history walk will be led by Parker Agelasto, CRLC’s Executive Director.
Note: All tickets have sold out. Please email john@capitalregionland.org to be placed on the waitlist.
April 14
Green Banks 101: Exploring the Potential of Green Banks in Virginia
Join the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association for an informational webinar on green banks. Green banks are funding mechanisms that bring together commercial, public, and mission-driven capital to provide financing for energy projects.
April 17
Friends of the Rappahannock: Tayloe Unit Tree Planting
Friends of the Rappahannock are partnering with the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge and National Wildlife Federation to plant 10,000 native trees at the Tayloe Unit outside of Warsaw, VA. This project will enhance valuable wildlife habitat and protect clean water in the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay!
Shifts are from 9AM–12PM and 12:30PM–3:30 PM on Saturday, April 17th.
April 22
Ask an EV Owner: Online Q&A
Considering an electric vehicle but still on the fence? Are you brand new to EVs and want to learn more? Wherever you are in the process, this event is for you! Our Partners at Generation 180 are bringing together EV owners to answer your questions and bust some EV myths.
April 28-29
Virginia Green Travel Conference & Travel Star Awards
VCN Partners can register with a 50% discount code – email nicole@vcnva.org for the discount code!