A Year in Review: VCN’s 2023 Annual Report
Thanks to highly coordinated efforts and despite political headwinds, VCN — in our role as the strategic facilitator of our 150+ Network Partners — was successful in holding onto major environmental and climate policy successes from the last few years while celebrating historic investments in conservation funding through the budget.
Our Annual Report reviews Virginia Conservation Network’s work from Spring 2022 to Winter 2023. While it feels almost impossible to cover everything we worked on last year in only a few pages, we did our best to squeeze in the highlights, including:
- our strategy to advance conservation initiatives year-round,
- our policy gains and challenges through the General Assembly session and beyond,
- our Network Partner engagement events,
- and more.
As we sent this annual report to the printer, we learned of the tragic loss of our Clean Energy & Climate Justice Policy Manager, Shawn Soares, on May 4th, 2023. Shawn was committed to devoting his career to bettering the Commonwealth and was a rising star in the climate movement. We are dedicating this annual report to him and are committed to working in his honor moving forward.
Read more of our recent updates from our blog:
ROUNDUP: Governor Youngkin Releases Conservation Budget
Every two years Virginia’s Governor introduces a biennial (two-year) budget. See what Governor Youngkin allocated for Virginia's natural resources.
Report: Virginia Passenger Rail
A comprehensive examination of the current state of passenger rail in Virginia and a roadmap for its expansion and enhancement.
Join a Regional Watch Party for Our Annual General Assembly Preview
Make sure to grab a ticket for VCN's General Assembly Preview on Sat., Dec. 2nd, 2023, before they run out! This is your best chance to hear from statewide experts, meet other conservationists in your area, and learn how to get more involved on the local level all in one day.
Our 4 favorite moments from VCN’s Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat
VCN Partner organizations joined our Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat at Pocahontas State Park to unplug, recharge, and spend a few days enjoying the outdoors.
OPINION: The process is working when it comes to offshore wind energy
In a joint Opinion-Editorial, Virginia Conservation Network and Sierra Club Virginia Chapter celebrate the milestones that will start the construction of the largest offshore wind project in the country.
WATCH: Environmental Education Series
Check out our educational webinars covering Virginia's top environmental priorities for clean water & flood resilience, land & wildlife conservation, climate & energy, good governance, and land use & transportation.