During their annual retreat, VCN staff members had the opportunity to visit with several Network Partners and explore some of Southeast Virginia.
First up, the team took to the air from Hampton with SouthWings. Volunteer pilots Stu Bailey and Forrest Ward led VCN on a route that articulated both the beauty and environmental concerns of the area – flying northeast to observe Dominion Power’s Skiffes Creek Transmission Station and then south over the barrier islands and Sandbridge.
Back safely on the ground, the team headed to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Center to meet with Chris Moore, senior regional ecosystem scientist, to learn about the delicate ecosystem on the Lynnhaven River. Led on a guided boat tour by Moore and Lynnhaven River Now, VCN staff explored oyster reefs, crab traps, and tried their hand at oyster tonging.
The adventures of the retreat wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach. The team was able to see a training session with one of the aquarium’s seals, take in several of the facility’s large tanks, and observe two young Komodo Dragons.
VCN would like to thank all of our wonderful Network Partners, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s retreat and educational success. We look forward to many more years of successful partnerships.
