Each summer, Virginia Conservation Network hosts its Environmental Leadership Fellowship program, a 10-week, paid fellowship program designed to develop a pipeline for the next generation of environmental leaders. During the fellowship, fellows deepen their understanding of the environmental sector through work in communications, grassroots organizing, policy research, event coordination, hand-on volunteer work, and beyond.

In August, interns & fellows from VCN’s Environmental Leadership Fellowship, the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship, and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition traveled to Waynesboro to learn about local initiatives in renewable energy, outdoor access, and connected communities in the Shenandoah Valley. See the fun (and learning experiences below).

Interns & fellows first toured a solar project on a local farm alongside Dimension Energy and SunTribe. We learned about how these projects help with our transition to more clean energy while meeting Virginia’s energy needs.

Afterwards, we met with Waynesboro Parks and Recreation at Sunset Park. We learned about the history of Sunset Park and the benefits of outdoor access and recreation. Fellows and interns also participated in a team-building exercise, further cultivating and strengthening connections among the next generation of environmental leaders.

Wrapping up the day, interns & fellows met with Waynesboro Parks and Recreation and the South River Watershed Coalition for a tour of the South River Greenway. We learned about the history of the greenway and ongoing efforts, and how this project has improved water quality and access to outdoor spaces.