Tuesday, September 26th

1:45-5:00 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakouts 1 & 2

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*(1:45-5:00 PM) Davee Gardens Beautification Project  — Led by Ali Croft, Southside ReLeaf & Rob Jones, Groundwork RVA

• We want to improve the life expectancy and quality of life for Southside residents by increasing green spaces, reducing pollution, and improving infrastructure. Work involves raking, weeding, and re-mulching trees. No special qualifications, skills or requirements are necessary other than a willingness to get a little dirty, sweaty and a love for completing a beautification project. You’ll learn about the challenges of overcoming equity-related barriers in Black and Brown communities and the model Groundwork RVA is creating to effectively hire youth and young adults into their workforce.
• This field trip is about a 30-minute drive from the park. Travel time is included. Please be back at Pocahontas State Park by 4:45 PM to join us for Happy Hour & VCN Olympics at 5:00 PM. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the site. 
• *This session continues through both breakouts. Pre-registration required.

1:45-3:15 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakout 1

Trailblazing Together: BIPOC Connection Session — Led by Mariah Davis, Choose Clean Water Coalition, and Maya Alexander, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley

• This session was designed and curated for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) environmental professionals, but is open to all. If you seek spaces to build community, connect, network, and share resources with other BIPOC professionals, then this is the place for you. During this session, participants will engage in a series of team building activities to include a guided nature walk. Throughout the session, we will hold space for thoughtful discussions as we trailblaze together to make authentic BIPOC connections.

Debunking Myths about E-Bikes on Biking Trails — Led by Blue Ridge Cyclery & Frank Maguire, Virginia Trails Alliance

• Do e-bikes belong on biking trails? You’ll have the opportunity to take Blue Ridge Cyclery’s e-bikes out on a joy ride in the park while learning about the common misconceptions around e-bikes on trails!

3:30-5:00 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakout 2

*One With Water: Let’s Paddle and Test the Water Quality of Swift Creek Lake! — Led by Maya Alexander, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley

• Learn to go with the flow as we connect with the water of Swift Creek Lake. Spend time floating on a stand up paddle board or paddle in a kayak and bring out your inner scientist by testing the lake’s water quality!
• *Pre-registration required.

Greenwashing in the Virginia Plastics Recycling & Composting Industry — Led by Jana Flores, Founder of Fill Happy, and Zachary Huntington, Clean Virginia Waterways

• Virginia’s recycling and composting industry is a tricky slope. Learn how to identify clear signs of greenwashing on everyday products and which certifications to look for when trying to plan your own zero-waste events. You’ll also learn about the harmful impacts of plastics in Virginia, how we can reduce our carbon footprint through advocacy, the composting process, and get advice on how you and your organizations can get started on composting, too!

7:30-9:00 PM — Exclusive Environmental Documentary Premiere & Expert Panels

• For the first part of our partnership with the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF), we will showcase two films with expert panelists: Conserving Carter’s Creek: A Tides Inn Shoreline Restoration by Director Connor Griffin and Not on This Land: The Fight Against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline by Director Christopher Landry. These films will be shown during RIFF’s Global Visionary Summit on October 1st. Registered attendees have a chance to get discounted tickets!

9:00-10:00 PM — Night Owl Activity

Astrophotography Night Workshop — Led by Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia

• Back by popular demand! Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia, will give 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 so bring camera gear. Otherwise, it will be a workshop on techniques. See examples of Brennan’s work at @brennanmgilmore on Instagram.

Campfire & Late-Night Snacks

• Relax after a busy day around the fire with smores and goguma (Korean sweet potatoes)!

Wednesday, September 27th

8:00-9:00 AM — Morning Field Trips

Birding in the Morning — Led by Mary A. Elfner, Richmond Audubon Society Vice-President and 500-Year Forest Foundation Executive Director 

Sunrise Paddle — Kayaks & SUP’s provided by Friends of the Rappahannock

11:15 AM-12:00 PM – Hot Topic Discussions

Climate Federal Funding — Facilitated by Carrie Hearne, Virginia Department of Energy and Chris Berg, Virginia Department of Transportation

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: 2025 & Beyond — Facilitated by Anna Killius, Chesapeake Bay Commission and Mariah Davis, Choose Clean Water Coalition

1:45-5:00 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakouts 1 & 2

1:45-3:15 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakout 1

[DOCUMENTARY] Menhaden: The Biggest Little Fish You’ve Never Seen Before — Facilitated by Director Bill McKeever; Bryan Watts, Ecology Professor at William & Mary; and Jim Rogers, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Board of Trustees

• Menhaden are a critical keystone species in the Bay. They feed the striped bass, ospreys, eagles, and marine mammals that live in the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast. Menhaden numbers are quickly dwindling due to overexploitation from massive corporations, like Omega Protein, and lax conservation policies. Join the roundtable discussion with Director William McKeever and conservation biologists protecting the Bay on how we can conserve this beloved fish in our waters.
• *This film is the second part of our partnership with the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) and will be shown during RIFF’s Global Visionary Summit on October 1st.

*Beyond Boundaries: Disability & Inclusion Training (Interactive Workshop) — Led by Beyond Boundaries RVA

• This training will dive into what disability inclusion is and why it’s important, how your staff can be more inclusive and feel more comfortable interacting with people with all abilities, and how to better include individuals with disabilities in your programs. Attendees will receive a certificate in Disability Inclusion and a digital badge to display of course completion.
• *Pre-registration required.

Briefing on the 2023 Elections and the Environment — Facilitated by Connor Kish, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Executive Director

• Get an update on this fall’s state elections including who’s running and what environmental issues are making it into conversation. (please note: VCN is a 501c3 organization and does not support or oppose any candidates. This briefing will inform attendees of the overall issue and the electoral landscape. It is not intended to show support or opposition on any one candidates, party or candidates committee)

Bug Safari: An Entomological Deep Dive While Catching Bugs! — Led by Mollie Wyatt, Insect Researcher

• Did you know that entomologists estimate that there are more than 20,000 different species of insects in Virginia? Grab a bug net and identify all the species you catch with entomologist and insect-lover Mollie Wyatt! You’ll learn all about the different kinds of insects that call Virginia their home, their key function within the ecosystem, and more.

3:30-5:00 PM — Afternoon Field Trips & Workshops Breakout 2

Director Working Group: Hike & Discussion — Led by Mary Rafferty, Virginia Conservation Network

• Are you an Executive Director or CEO? Let’s go on a hike and talk about how we can lead our organizations forward to tackle key environmental issues within our Network.

Electric Vehicle & E-Bike Showcase — Led by Electric Drive RVA & Blue Ridge Cyclery

• Want to learn more about electric vehicles and e-bikes? Now is your chance! In this showcase, you can take a short test drive on e-bikes from Blue Ridge Cyclery, “Central Virginia’s Friendly Local Bike Shop,” and talk to electric vehicle owners to see what the electrification movement is all about.

*Wetlands Watchers on the Water — Led by Gabi Kinney, Wetlands Watch

• Join Wetlands Watch on a guided tour of Swift Creek Lake on canoes and kayaks! You will get the opportunity to reflect in nature, tune into wetland biodiversity, and learn about the numerous ecosystem services wetlands provide while paddling in the beauty of one of Pocahontas State Park’s major rivers.
• *Pre-registration required.

Animal Ambassadors — Led by Alliance of Wild Animal Rehabilitators & Educators (AWARE)

• Get up close and meet some animal friends! You’ll get to see Virginia birds, reptiles, and mammals; hear each of their unique stories on how they became animal ambassadors; and learn a little bit about the permitting process to become a wildlife rehabber in Virginia. Take a sneak peek at their amazing Animal Ambassadors.

9:00-10:00 PM — Night Owl Activity

Moth Light Trap — Led by Mollie Wyatt, Insect Researcher

• After the sun goes down, gather around a white tarp and see what critters get attracted to the light!

Campfire & Late-Night Snacks

• Relax after a busy day around the fire with smores and goguma (Korean sweet potatoes)!

Thursday, September 28th

8:00-9:00 AM — Morning Field Trip: Sunrise Paddle

• Kayaks & SUP’s provided by Friends of the Rappahannock.

9:00-10:00 AM — Breakfast Breakout: Working Parent-Life Workshop

• How do you find the perfect balance between work and home life, especially with a newborn baby or a little kid running around? Learn tips and tricks from fellow professionals in our Network to take that next step for achieving balance.

10:30 AM-12:00 PM — Morning Field Trips

Virginia’s Native Trees Identification Hike — Led by Sophia Chapin, Piedmont Environmental Council

• Go on a hike with Sophia Chapin from PEC around Beaver Lake and learn about all the various native trees that call Pocahontas State Park home.

*Fly in the Sky with SouthWings

• Get an aerial view of a major data center in Richmond, future on-site solar site in Chesterfield, power plants, and more from above! Learn about how various environmental policies have changed the land, like the Community Flood Preparedness Fund on Mayo Island, and engage in discussion on what kinds of policies need to be shaped next in the context of new arising issues, like data centers. SouthWings is kindly volunteering their time for this excursion, so it is at no extra cost.
• This field trip is about a 15-minute drive from the park. Participants must provide their own transportation to the site.
• *Pre-registration required.

Whether you’re there for just one day or all three:

• Water Bottle – to minimize plastic waste. We’ll have refilling stations.
• Comfortable, casual clothes. Please dress comfortably and for the weather – pack rain gear and layers, regardless of the weather forecast. Consider bringing an extra set of dry clothes if you’re planning to participate in any of the outdoor or water activities.
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• A camp chair – the chairs at the venue must stay indoors, so if you’d like to spend time sitting outdoors, please bring a camp chair
• ID – if you plan to imbibe

Along with the above, if you are staying overnight with a Rustic Cabin/Glamping Lodge Pass:

• Sleeping bag, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc. – The cabins have bunks with mattresses, but no linens or pillows (Glamping Cabin has pillows, but no linens)
• Shower supplies – there is shower access
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• A power strip – The rustic cabins only have one outlet, so you’ll want to bring a power strip so all cabin occupants can charge their devices.
• Food if you’re a late-night snacker

Along with the above, if you are camping with a Traditional Tent Pass:

• All the usual camping accoutrement (tent, stakes, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Headlamp or flashlight

Use this Park Map as a reference. Pocahontas State Park is located at 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832. When you enter the park, continue to the Ranger Station and tell them you are with the VCN event at the Powhatan Dining Hall. You will not have to pay.

Immediately after the Ranger Station, take a right onto East State Park Road. Continue until you see a sign on the left for the Algonquian Ecology Camp and take a left. Continue on this road until you see parking on your left. Park here and take the path at the far end of the lot to the Powhatan Dining Hall. You’ll see the registration table with a VCN tablecloth to let you know you’re in the right place.

You can search “Powhatan Dining Hall at Pocahontas State Park” for the specific event location or use the following Google Plus Code: “9CHM+25 Chesterfield, Virginia”. You need to add “Chesterfield, Virginia” to the plus code for it to work.

Dress Code

The dress code is casual camp wear: t-shirts, long sleeves, outdoor pants, sneakers/boots. Make sure to bring clothes that accommodates for rain and chillier temperatures.

While we can’t mitigate all risks, here are some things you can do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19:

• We encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and take a test before you arrive to the campsite.
• If you aren’t feeling well, please do not attend.
• We’re trying to do as much as possible outdoors, but whether indoors or out, please feel free to mask if you are more comfortable doing so. We will have some masks available.
• Smoking and pets are prohibited in all state park buildings.
• There is no internet in the park. There is cell service at Powhatan Dining Hall and throughout the park. Although, we encourage you to step away from your email for a few days and step into the wilderness.

Rustic Cabin Pass

Amenities:

• Inside: porch, openable screen windows, electrical outlets, USB plugin, lighted ceiling fan.
• Outside: picnic table, a campfire ring and a lantern post.
• Campground bathhouse for bathroom and showers.

Traditional Tent Buddy Site Pass: Campgrounds

Amenities:

• Electric and water hookups (no sewer), grills, picnic tables and lantern holders.
• Centrally located restrooms with hot showers.
• Swimming and boat launching is free for overnight guests.
• Outdoor steel fire ring that can be used for cooking and campfires.
• 20 and 30-amp current.

Hotels Nearby (Not Covered in Overnight Passes)

Bring on the room service!

Of course, we understand that not everyone wants to sleep in the great outdoors. Thankfully, there are a number of hotels in the area all approximately a 20 minute drive away from the venue.

*NOTE: Our overnight passes only cover lodging costs from specific reserved areas within Pocahontas State Park—NOT hotel costs. Any hotel costs will be covered by the registrant.

• Hampton Inn Richmond-Southwest-Hull Street 
• Super 8 by Wyndham Hull Street Midlothian/Richmond Area
• Sleep Inn & Suites Harbour Pointe 

If you’d prefer to stay downtown, we always recommend the Linden Row Inn.

• Linden Row Inn — 35 minutes from venue

[SOLD OUT!] Glamping Lodge Pass: 3-Bedroom Cabin

 

Amenities:

• Central heating, air conditioning and a gas fireplace.
• Two bathrooms and three bedrooms with kitchen-dining-living area open floor plan.
  • Living area: one sofa, one coffee table, two chairs, two end tables, ceiling fans and lights, and two lamps. There is a fireplace with gas logs.
  • Three bedrooms with nightstands, lamps, closet with hangers, clock radio, and pillows.
  • The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishwasher, ice maker, dishes and utensils.
• Picnic table, campfire ring and a charcoal pedestal grill right outside.
• Partially covered deck with rocking chairs and a beautiful lakeview.
• There is a recycling bin in each cabin; a recycling and dumpster station is located in the campground. There are no outside trash cans or pick-up service. Guests will be asked to take their trash and recycling to the dumpsters at the end of their stay.

Thank you for your interest in attending our 2023 Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat this September 26-28 at Pocahontas State Park!

This year, we are offering a limited number of scholarships for individuals in need of financial assistance to attend our Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat. This scholarship opportunity is prioritized for organizations with smaller budgets; individuals from diverse backgrounds; and students, fellows, or interns in our Network.

We will select scholarship recipients based upon financial need, commitment to diversity, and/or previous attendance to VCN Network Partner events. All recipients are asked to volunteer during the Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat (e.g. help with registration, field trip/workshop assistant, cleaning up, managing the campfire, social media, etc.).

Scholarship Recipient Expectations: