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Blue Ridge Environmental Network

Blue Ridge Environmental Network
Bill Modica
1546 Creek Lane
Salem VA 24153
modicabill2[at]aol.com

BREN members include:

Appalachian Regional Recycling Consortium
Pat Therrien
6580 Valley Center Dr.
Radford, VA 24141
540 639-9314
nrvdc[at]nrvdc.org
http://www.civic.bev.net/pdc/arrc/arrc.html

Focus: Integrated solid waste management and innovative recycling technical assistance in the New River Valley.
Activities: Working with local governments and businesses.

Apple Ridge Farm
Peter Lewis
541 Luck Ave SW, Ste 228
Roanoke, VA 24016
540 982-1322
540 982-1670
appleridge[at]infi.net
www.appleridgefarm.org

Focus: To provide enriching outdoor environmental experiences for young people, especially the less fortunate.
Current Activities: (1) A rural setting for environmental conferences, accommodating 100 for the day and 25 overnight; (2) Motivating young people in acquiring a deeper understanding of environmental problems and solutions; (3) Utilizing farm areas to provide first hand experience in nature study; (4) Offering low initiative course and high ropes course for all age groups.

Archeological Society of VA-Roanoke Chapter
Mary Vogt
3527 Poplar Dr.
Roanoke, VA 24018-4040
540 772-7673
Focus: Actively work to preserve historic and prehistoric archeological sites and promote scientific study of these cultural resources. Study past cultures to understand interaction with their natural environment.
Current Activities: (1) Out-reach programs and publications for school groups and civic organizations; (2) Excavation activities in cooperation with the professional archeological community.

Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League
Mark E. Barker
1828 Brandon Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24015
540 342-5580
mebarker[at]rev.net
Focus: BREDL is a community based group dedicated to the principles of earth stewardship, environmental democracy, social justice, and community empowerment.
Current Activities: Raising awareness about landfills, hazardous waste dumps, hog farms, oversized highways, air pollution, and clearcut logging in our national forests.

Blue RidgeGreens
Cindy Bowles
1621 Hampton Road
Roanoke, VA 24015
540 345-6586
catchb[at]aol.com or Aloe[at]rev.net

Focus: Promoting green values in the Roanoke area

Current Activities: Political action for green candidates.

Blue RidgeGrotto
Dave Socky
6572 Woodbrook Dr. SW
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 989-7693
http://www.caves.org

Focus: To encourage and promote the preservation, conservation and exploration of caves and to encourage fellowship among those interested in caving.
Current Activities: Maintaining cave gates, sinkhole cleanup and public education about caves. Monthly meetings and a newsletter.

Blue Ridge Zoological Society/Mill Mountain Zoo
Laurie Spangler, Conservation Coordinator
PO Box 13484
Roanoke, VA 24034
540 343-3221 ext. 29

Focus: To promote an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat conservation through the use of quality exhibits and educational programs.
Current Activities: Conservation/education programs on grounds and outreach; special events; grounds open year round for general admission; breeding exotic and native rare and endangered species; annual Conservation Festival.

Cabell Brand Center
Cabell Brand
PO Box 429
Salem, VA 24153
540 387-3402
cbc[at]cbcenter.org
http://www.cbcenter.org

Focus: To promote environmental stewardship among students, citizens and businesses by providing organizational and financial support for a variety of projects. With donations from members of the CB Center Alliance for Business and the Environment, a grant from the VEE, and personal contributions, the CB Center has established a 20,000-scholarship fund for students and faculty.

Current Activities: (1) The CB Center Fellowship and Mini-Grant program has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships. These activities involve students and faculty throughout the Blue Ridge region. CB Center supports, "Vital Signs" Community Indicators for the New Century Region. CB houses an Environmental Studies Library, and is partners with the SEEDS organization.

Center for Health, Environment and Justice
Larry Yates, Organizer
PO Box 6806
Falls Church, VA 22040
703 237-2249
chej[at]chej.org or lyates[at]chej.org
http://www.chej.org

Focus: National Center for issues relating to Environmental Justice, and Environmental Leadership training. Founded in 1981 by Lois Marie Gibbs, leader of the Love Canal effort, CHEJ assists local peopleto become empowered to protect their communities from environmental threats.

Current Activities: Provides assistance to grassroots community organizations about environmental concerns, including models for organizing, strategy, scientific and technical information. Publishes quarterly magazine, Everyone's Back Yard. Other hard copy and web-based publications available.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Jess Barton
1108 E. Main St. Suite 1600
Richmond, VA 23219
804 780-1392
http://www.savethebay.cbf.org

Focus: Environmental defense, environmental education, and land conservation of the Bay and its tributaries, with a special focus on resource protection and restoration.

Current Activities: The Bay Foundation is active throughout VA, by providing workshops and educational outreach programs that show our influence on the Chesapeake Bay. Currently teaching how to grow bay grass and oysters. The Bay Foundation also provides a curriculum throughout VA that provides education for teachers to assist in the Watershed Action for Virginia's Environment (WAVE), for middle school students.

Citizens Concerned About 1-73
Ann Rodgers
PO Box 14224
Roanoke, VA 24038
540 725-8222
http://www.civic.bev/cca73

Focus: Educating the public about choices for the I-73 road project and seeking to influence V-DOT decisions.

Current Activities: Working with other groups, agencies and local governments to design a better road plan and to stop the construction of harmful interstate-like routes.

Citizens Organized to Protect the Environment (COPE)
Doris Link
PO Box 175
Newport, VA 24128
540 544-7877
Focus: Protect the natural resources of Giles County
Current Activities: Land use issues; protect rural landscapes; maintain clean water and air.

Citizens Task Force on National Forest Mgmt.
Jim Loesel
2753 Tanglewood Dr.
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 774-6690
jeloesel[at]aol.com

Focus: Work on George Washington and Jefferson National Forest management issues, with an emphasis on wildlife, watersheds, recreation, and scenery.

Current Activities: Providing input on the Jefferson National Forest revised plan; following legislation affecting national forests; commenting on national policies regarding roadless areas, roads, planning regulations, watershed management, and recreation; coordinating with other groups through the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition.

Citizens for Water Quality
Jay Gilliam
7598 North Lee Highway
Raphine, VA 24472
www.csw.com

Focus: Working with local and statewide partners to promote the growth of citizen monitoring of Virginia's waterways.

Current Activities: Holding annual Summit Conference and other events throughout the Commonwealth. (See also Izaac Walton League listing for more information.)

Clean Valley Council, Inc.
541 Luck Ave., Ste 319
Roanoke, VA 24016
540 345-5523
http://www.cleanvalley.org

Focus: A Roanoke Valley leader in litter control and prevention, clean-ups, recycling and environmental education for the counties of Botetourt and Roanoke; and the municipalities of Roanoke and Salem and Vinton.

Current Activities: (1) Clean Valley Day--valley-wide volunteer clean-up; (2) Environmental programs for schools, community groups etc.; (3) Clean Valley Awards to recognize individual groups and governments for making contributions towards improving the environment; (4) Earth Summit for high school juniors and seniors in the five valley governments.

The Clinch Coalition
Focus: To protect and preserve our mountain forest

Current Activities: Participate in activities that will reduce the damage that is being done to our forest and waterways in the Clinch Ranger District/Jefferson National Forest and surrounding areas.

Coalition for Jobs and the Environment
Eileen McIlvane
PO Box 645
102 N.Court St., Rm 5
Abingdon, VA 24212-0645
540 628-8996
Fax 628-8996

Focus: Training, networking, and technical assistance for environmental and community development groups in SW VA.
Current Activities: (1) Education with economic development officials to sensitize them to environmental issues; (2) Sustainable economic development workshops.

Common Ground
Anje Ackerman
284 E. Water St
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
www.Homel.gte.net/cogrnd4
Cogrnd4[at]gate.net

Focus: Peace, justice and the environment.
Current Activities: Coordinates environmental efforts in Shenandoah Valley. Opposes the I-81 beltway around Harrisonburg. Publishes a monthly newspaper.

The Community Arboretum at VWCC
PO Box 14007
Roanoke, VA 24038
540 857-7120
http://www.vw.cc.va.us/arboretum/

Focus: A two acre collection of ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs demonstrating environmentally sound approaches to horticulture intended for tourists, school groups, clubs, and the general public.

Current Activities: "Friends of the Arboretum" membership is open, providing tours, trips, seminars, etc. to members.

Connect Now
Mark Peterson
1210 Penmar Ave., SE
Roanoke, VA 24013
540-344-5357

Focus: Study transportation alternatives to new highways.

Current Activities: Supporting a light rail transportation alternative.

Council of Community Services/Aids Council of Roanoke Valley
Pam Meador, AIDS Council
PO Box 598
Roanoke, VA 24004
540 985-0131

Focus: Lists and referrals to all volunteer services and in the valley

Current Activities: Promotes AIDS education, research and assistance.

Craig County Rural Partnership
Bonnie Cranmer
PO Box 238
New Castle, VA 24127
540 864-7540
http://www.http://www.co.craig.va.us

Focus: To encourage and nurture sustainable economic development, while maintaining our rural quality of life.

Current Activities: Building Bridges between local stakeholders. Strengthening regional communication networks with local and regional businesses, organizations and governments. Increasing local awareness of regional resources. Increasing citizen participation in decisions affecting their lives. Expanding access to educational and employment development through utilization of technology.

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Susan Mills
PO Box 20986
Roanoke, VA 24018
Office 540 389-6804
USFRIENDS[at]aol.com

Focus: Help preserve, protect, and promote the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of the BRP and it's surrounding scenic landscape, thereby preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Current Activities: (1) Conservation and preservation of viewsheds and overlooks. (2) Environmental education.

Friends of Maury River
Anita Filson
7598 North Lee Highway
Raphine, VA 24472
(w) 540 462-3881
(h) 540 377-6179
afilson[at]intelos.net

Focus: To work with other local groups to collect data on the water quality in the Maury River watershed.

Current Activities: Participate in citizen's water monitoring network in Rockbridge Co.

Friends of the North Fork of Shenandoah River
John Kreitzburg, President and Chair
PO Box 746
Woodstock, VA 22664
540 459-8550
fax: 540 459-8850
friends[at]shentel.net

Focus: Protecting and enhancing the purity, beauty, and natural flow of the North Fork, its tributaries, and its watershed.

Current Activities: Education, public awareness, volunteer monitoring, and promotion of long range plans to protect the river and its environments.

Friends of the Roanoke River
Bill Tanger
PO Box 1750
Roanoke, VA 24008
(W)540 343-3696
(H) 540 366-2228

Focus: The conservation of the Roanoke River and its water quantity and quality. Member of FORVA Friends of the Rivers of Virginia.

Current Activities: (1) Roanoke River erosion and sediment problems; (2) Flood reduction project; (3) Improvement of state regulation; (4) Boating access.

Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR)
Karen Anderson
PO Box 410
Front Royal, VA 22630
540 636-4948

Focus: To protect the water quality and wildlife habitat along the Shenandoah River system.

Current Activities: Monitoring pollution in the river.

Impact & Amplify
Tom Cain
2258 Memorial Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24015
540 345-6579
roanokeimpact[at]earthlink.net

Focus: Pre-disaster mitigation, especially through the macro-scale (regional and urban) addition of low-impact development (LID) to traditional stormwater management techniques.

Current Activities: Developing understanding on the part of the public and their leaders that there are things which they can do to mitigate the potential for disaster (especially floods, droughts, wildfires) and catalyzing public and private action for "safe and sound" development.

Institute For Sustainable Living
Diane Legendre
Rt. 3 Box 51D
Floyd, VA 24091
540 651-3412

Focus: An intentional community based on socially and ecologically sustainable systems, sharing incomes, making decisions by consensus, and striving towards self-sufficiency.

Current Activities: Demonstrations of organic and sustainable agriculture and lifeways.

The Izaak Walton League of America
Jay Gilliam
7598 North Less Highway
Raphine, VA 24472
540 377-6179
strmiwla.csw.com
elizabet.csw.com
http://www.sosva.com

Focus: Promote recreation and protect air and water quality.

Current Activities: Educational nature hikes; member of RACC, and coordinator for "Save Our Streams" water monitoring projects.

Mill Mountain Garden Club
Anne Jennings
2710 Rosalind Ave, SW
Roanoke, VA 24014
540 342-5331
amj2[at]aol.com

Focus: Helping the environment through education and beautification projects.

Current Activities: Maintains wildflower garden on Mill Mt. and conducts annual historic garden week tour in the Roanoke Valley.

Mountain Empire Environmental Team (MEET)
Mountain Empire Alliance
Fred and Joy Dye
270 Angela Dr
Whitwell, TN 37397
24210-3479
540 496-3477

Focus: Promote a clean air community and sound development in Smith Co., VA

Current Activities: (1) Better clean up and monitoring of Olin Chemical Superfund site in community and town landfill; (2) Health study of water quality in North Fork of Holston River

National Committee for the New River, Inc.
Tom Smith
533 Roundhouse Road
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
540 579-2623
FAX 540 579-2320
ncnrva[at]naxs.net

Focus: Protecting the New River Watershed through education and conservation easements.

Current Activities: Land-use planning, scenic river designation, conservation and land trust programs and education.

Nature Conservancy
Michael Lipford
490 Westfield St.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434 295-6106
http://www.tnc.org

Focus: Protection of rare and endangered species and natural communities by land acquisition, conservation easements, management agreements and land registry with landowners. They have protected over 220,000 acres of natural areas in the state and 11,000,000 acres worldwide.

Current Activities: (1) In SW Virginia the Conservancy has protected land at Bottom Creek Gorge in Floyd County, Falls Ridge in Montgomery County, Poor Mtn. in Roanoke County, the Narrows in Giles County; has an ecosystem project underway protecting endangered species in rivers near Abingdon.
(2) Guided field trips are given to their properties. Call Daniel White at 804-295-6106, or e-mail at dwhite@tnc.org .

New River Free Press
Susan Anderson
PO Box 846
Blacksburg, VA 24063
540 951 7320
(fax) 540 540-2031

Focus: Education in responsible journalism.

Current Activities: Publishes an alternative newspaper for the New River Valley and promotes environmental and environmental consciousness.

New River Valley Greens
Don Mackler
P.O. Box 428
Blacksburg, VA 24063
540 951-8919
dmackler[at]vt.edu

Focus: Promotes greens-philosophy of saving the earth

Current Activities: Political activism, and advocacy for the environment. Political Activities for the Green Party.

Patrick Environmental Awareness Group
Jan Wiley
PO Box 812
Stuart, VA 24171
540 930-3869

Focus: Promote appreciation of the environment of Patrick County through education and advocacy.

Piedmont Environmental Council
Christopher Miller, President
PO Box 460
Warrenton, VA 20188
540 347-2334
www.pec/va.org
pec[at]necva.org

Focus: Fighting uncontrolled sprawl in the Shenandoah Valley.

Current Activities: Land conservation and land-use policies.

Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge
David Nova
2207 Peters Creek Rd NW
Roanoke, VA 24017
540 562-2370
http://www.ppblueridge.com

Focus: To provide education and resources in limiting population growth, one of the world's gravest environmental concerns and support legislation to stabilize population growth.

Current Activities: 1). Advocacy work to provide federal funding for international family planning programs; (2) Collaboration with individuals and organizations concerned about population stabilization; (3) Promotion of international family planning as solution to overpopulation; (4) Available for speaking engagements regarding stabilizing population growth; (5) Counseling services.

Plowshare Peace and Justice Center
Bob Fetter
1402 Grandin Rd, SW, Room 203
Roanoke, VA 24015-4367
540 985-0808
fax: 540 982-0614
office[at]plowshare.org
http://www.plowshare.org

Focus: An education and resource center committed to the creation of a just world and peace which recognizes the dignity and worth of every human being.

Current Activities: (1) Active in organizing Roanoke's Earth Day; (2) Ongoing political and environmental monitoring and organizing; (3) Publishes newsletter monthly.

Preservation Alliance of Virginia
George Edwards
108 East Grace St.
Richmond, VA 23219
804 421-9800
Fax 804 421-9810
pav[at]vapreservation.org
http://www.vapreservation.org

Focus: Protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Virginia.

Current Activities: Local and statewide forums.

River Spirit Partners
Suzanne Goldsmith
PO Box 149
Waynesboro, VA 22980
540 942-4423
Rvrfest[at]hotmail.com

Focus: We are citizens talking to citizens. Annual river festival for the public to celebrate river awareness; along with year round activities and projects to involve the public in stewardship with South River watershed.

Current Activities: Annual Festival is every 3rd Saturday in May.

Roanoke City Parks and Recreation
Tom Clarke, Outdoor Events Director
210 Reserve Ave., SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
540 853-1339

Focus: To provide the Roanoke Valley with responsible environmental education and adventure-based programs.

Current Activities: Creative activities, fun, and group interaction are stressed. Outdoor events and trips are offered.

Roanoke County Parks and Recreation
Rick Showalter
1206 Kessler Mill Road
Salem, VA 24153
540 387-6078

Focus: Providing opportunities to relate to and explore our outdoor environment through adventure programs.

Current Activities: Camp Roanoke; environmental outings, adventure trips, education and workshops.

Roanoke County Solid Waste Management
Nancy Duval
1216 Kessler Mill Rd
Salem, VA 24153
540 387-6072
http://www.co.raonoke.va.us

Focus: Provide residential refuse collection and recycling for Roanoke County

Roanoke Natural Foods
Bruce Phlegar
1319 Grandin Rd
Roanoke, VA 24015
Shop # 540 343 5652
http://www.roanokenaturalfoods.com

Focus: Your community owned natural foods grocery.

Current Activities: Maintain Resource Center store at 1330 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke. Community room for guest speakers and educational center.

Roanoke River Volunteers
Herb Cormier
Virginia's Explore Park
P.O. Box 8508
Roanoke, VA 24014
540 427-1800

Focus: Providing training and coordination for citizen monitors along the Roanoke River system.

Current Activities: Conducting training in the "Save Our Streams" method of water quality testing and data collection for the Roanoke River watershed.

Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Wayne Strickland, Executive Director
Matt Miller, Staff Contact
P.O. Box 2569
Roanoke, VA 24010
540-343-4417
rvarc[at]rvarc.org
www.rvarc.org

Focus: Regional planning for growth that respects out special environmental character.

Current Activities: Promotes greenways projects and land use planning.

Roanoke Valley Bird Club
Alyce Quinn
4725 120'clock Knob Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 989-1763

Focus: Study and enjoyment of birds, their breeding patterns and their habitats

Current Activities: Animal bird counts and raptor studies.

Roanoke Valley Garden Club
Mary Anne Johnson
1150 Foggy Ridge Rd
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540 483-4360
maryjohn[at]aol.com

Focus: Promoting gardening among amateurs, protecting the environment, encouraging conservation of natural resources, promoting civic beauty and planning, aid in the preservation and restoration of historic gardens in Virginia.

Current Activities: (1) Beautification of Roanoke Transportation Museum grounds; (2) Legislative action towards controlling highway billboards and tree cutting along highways and other conservation issues.

Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission
Liz Belcher, Coordinator
PO Box 29800
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 776-7159
lbelcher[at]http://www.co.roanoke.va.us
http://www.greenways.org

Focus: Promote citizen involvement in greenways planning.

Current Activities: Working for approval of greenways throughout the Valley.

Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation
Alison Blanton, President
PO Box 1558
Roanoke, VA 24007
540 342-5263
ablanton[at]hillstudio.com

Focus: Promote preservation of cultural, natural, and historic resources in the Roanoke Valley.

Current Activities: Public awareness, heritage education, encouraging responsible community planning.

Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
John Hubbard
1020 Hollins Rd., NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
540 857-5054

Focus: Solid waste disposal program.

Current Activities: Recycling and disposal of tires, metals and wood waste.

Roanoke Valley Solar Association
Bill Modica
1546 Creek Lane
Salem, VA 24153
540 387-2782

Focus: To promote renewable energy resources and energy conservation information to the public.

Current Activities: Solar Resource Center, Demonstration Project (at Sedalia Center), referrals.

Roanoke Wildlife Rescue
Dorothy Runion
5931 Cotton Hill Rd
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 989-3798
http://www.roanokewildlife.org

Focus: Rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wild animals.

Current Activities: Wildlife conservation through education in schools and in the community.

Rockbridge Area Conservation Council
Ed Spenser 540 463-8866
Barbara Walsh 540 463-2330
PO Box 564
Lexington, VA 24450

Focus: To promote wide stewardship of natural and cultural resources through education, advocacy and action.

Current Activities: Working to restore and improve the "Chesse" Trail for recreational uses.

Rockbridge Greens
Eric Sheffield
1 South River Rd
Buena Vista, VA 24416
540 261-4306
http://www.organizations.rockbridge.net/green

Focus: A grassroots organization dedicated to promoting the Green's 10 Key values: (1) Ecological wisdom and sustainability, (2) Social Justice, (3) Grassroots Democracy, (4) Non-violence, (5) Decentralization, (6) Community-based economics, (7) Feminism, (8) Respect for Diversity, (9) Personal and Global Responsibility, (10) Future Focus.

Current Activities: Public Forums; electoral campaigns, local, regional, and national; newsletter with the Greens of Virginia.

Science Museum of Western Virginia/ Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society Hopkins Planetarium
Stewart Hill, Director
1 Market Square
Roanoke, VA 24011
540 342-5710
http://www.smwv.org

Focus: Making science, technology, and environmental issues accessible and understandable through collections, exhibits, programs, and services.

Current Activities: Exhibits and out-reach programs, planetarium, and megadome films.

Sensible Concerns About Toxics
Michele Smith
323 Pioneer Trail
Collinsville, VA 24078-3070

Focus: An alliance of grassroots activists, workers, citizens working for safe, clean jobs, health care and compensation, and environmental justice.

Current Activities: Toxic discharge monitoring in Henry Co. Martinsville area, helping fight trucking terminal storage and transporting hazardous wastes in a Martinsville neighborhood, also
worker safety.

Sensible Mountain Policy Action Coalition
Brent Riley
5280 Wade Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24018
540 989-2195
smpac2000[at]hotmail.com

Focus: Urging collocation of the Va. Gas Co. pipeline into the existing pipeline easement and saving Poor Mt.

Current Activities: Public action to convince regulators and pipeline companies to work together to protect our scenic resources from further destruction and helping property owners who are faced with land confiscation.

Seven Springs Farm
Polly Hieser
Ron Juftes
426 Jerry Ln.
Check, VA 24072
540 651-3228
www.7springsfarm.com
7springs[at]swva.net

Focus: Community garden producing organic vegetables. Members share in harvest.

Current Activities: Providing products and the information on non-toxic pest control for home and gardens.

The Shenandoah Eco-systems Defense Group
Jen Creasy, PO Box 1891
Charlottesville, VA 22903
804 971-1553
sedg[at]firstva.com

Focus: Protecting forests and wild places in the Shenandoah ecosystem.

Current Activities: Citizen action, lobbying, and education. Active in the central region of Virginia.

Shenandoah Valley Pure Water 2000 Forum
Bruce Lundeen, Watershed Coordinator
JMU/Cisat, MSC 4102
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540 568-8793
fax: 540 568-2768
pw2000[at]jmu.edu
http://www.http://www.cisat.jmu.edu/purewater

Focus: A diverse forum dedicated to promote water pollution prevention, prioritize and address water quality issues, and enhance environmental education in our schools and communities throughout the Shenandoah River watershed.

Current Activities: Newsletter. Pure Water 2000 grant program. Water quality database. Convening organization for the Shenandoah portion of the Potomac/Shenandoah tributary strategy.

Sierra Club - New River Group
Rosemarie Sawdon
PO Box 125
Blacksburg, VA 24063
540 953-0379
Mary Rhoads
540 552-6508
sawdon[at]msn.com

Focus: National and Local Environmental Issues

Current Activities: Opposing the AEP line to Collinsville VA, opposing all logging and extractive industries in National Forests; supporting the best management practices used for logging in the state of VA and opposing chip mills; encouraging sustainable development as opposed to urban sprawl.

Sierra Club - Roanoke River Group
Bob Egbert
3571 Bradshaw Road
Salem, VA 24153
540 384-7448
www.roanoke.com/community/environmental
Lara[at]roanoke.infi.net

Smith Mountain Lake Monitors
Carolyn Thomas
Rt. 2, Box 132-A
Ferrum, VA 24088
540 365-4368 (O)
540 365-7114 (H)

Focus: Study of water quality issues in Smith Mountain Lake and its feeder streams.

Current Activities: Actively monitoring conditions using students and faculty from Ferrum College.

Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project
Elaine Stinson
P.O. Box 2868
Roanoke, VA 24001
540 345-1184
http://www.sercap.org

Focus: To promote, cultivate, and encourage the development of water and wastewater facilities to serve low income rural residents at affordable cost.

Current Activities: SE Rural Assistance project grants.

Southern Environmental Law Center
Cathryn McCue
201 W. Main St Suite 14
Charlottesville, VA 22902-5065
804 977-4090
http://www.southernenvironment.org

Focus: Environmental advocacy in the SE for public land protection, utility reform, water quality and forest issues.

Current Activities: Campaign for air and water quality throughout the region; legal assistance when needed.

Upper James River Advisory Board
Focus: Protecting the upper section of the James River

Current Activities: Promoting citizens' monitoring efforts.

Upper James River Watershed Roundtable

Focus: To foster and support water quality initiatives by soliciting the involvement of citizens and stakeholders.

Current Activities: Conducting valley wide meetings to get community involvement with planning efforts to promote a healthy and clean regional watershed.

Valley Beautiful Foundation
Focus: Improving quality of life in Roanoke Valley through beautification projects.

Current Activities: Hanging baskets in downtown Roanoke; placing plants in various public place such as the post office, public schools, and local government sites; assisting neighborhood projects. Board meeting the 3rd Tuesday of month at 4:00 pm usually in Board Room of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Valley Conservation Council
PO Box 2335
Staunton, Virginia 24402
540 886-3541
fax: 540 886-1380

Focus: Land-use and resource conservation

Current Activities: Protecting farmland, forests, open spaces and the cultural heritage of the Valley of Virginia by conservation easements, education and funding.

Virginia Conservation Network
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 303
Richmond, VA 23219
804 644-0283
Fax 804 644-0286
www.vcnva.org

Focus: Statewide watchdog over environmental legislation and activities. Created by the merger of the Virginia Environmental Network and the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1994.

Current Activities: Tracking environmental and executive activities and legislation. Reporting on significant new legislation. Tracking voting records. A statewide network of environmental organizations. BREN is a constituent.

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Roanoke
Focus: Education and outreach programs

Current Activities: Composting demonstrations, pesticide consultancy and horticultural workshops. Contributes an article to the Roanoke Times on gardening.

Virginia Explore Park
PO Box 8508
Roanoke, VA 24014
540 427-1800
Fax 427-1880
http://www.explorepark.org

Focus: Environmental education programs, teacher in-service training, and environmental out-reach programs. Host site for Roanoke River citizens' river monitoring program.

Current Activities: Historical reenactment nature park: Open to the general public April - October 10:00-5:00, Wed-Sat; and Sun. 12:00-5:00. Admission charge. Group rates available. Blue Ridge Parkway Interpretive Center, Brugh Tavern restaurant open year round.

Virginia Forest Watch
vafw[at]mounet.com

Focus: Opposition to wood chip mills in VA

Current Activities: Campaign to regulate and/or ban new mills.

Virginian's for Appropriate Rural Roads (VARR )
PO Box 2153
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540 365-2230
www.civic.bev.net/cca73

Focus: Support responsible road building and oppose projects that destroy rural life.
Current Activities: Opposing plans to build interstate 73.

Current Activities: Opposing plans to build I-73.

Virginia Organizing Project
Joe Szakos
703 Concord Ave.
Charlottesville, VA 22903-2803
904 984-4655
fax: 804 984-2803
www.virginia_organizing.org


Focus: Statewide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

Current Activities: Community projects to foster citizen involvement in local events; training and education.

Virginia Tech Museumof Natural History
Llynn Sharp
428 N. Main St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0942
540 231-3001
http://www.vtmnh.vt.edu

Focus: Save Our Streams (S.O.S), Stream Monitoring to insure good water quality.

Current Activities: Training of S.O.S. stream monitors and data collection.

Western Virginia Land Trust
Roger Holnback
Executive Director
722 First Street, Suite L
Roanoke, VA 24016-4120
phone/fax 540 985-0000
rholnback[at]westernvirginialandtrust.org
www.westernvirginialandtrust.org

Focus: A private foundation promoting preservation of Virginia's natural and cultural heritage.

Current Activities: Encouraging private landowners whose lands have high public value to enter into conservation easements with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Holds land in trust for future generations to enjoy while maintaining the benefits of private ownership.

Wilderness Conservancy at Mountain Lake
115 Hotel Circle
Mt. Lake, VA 24136
540 626-7121
http://www.mountainlakehotel.com

Focus: Private, non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education, public service, and research on 2600 acres of pristine landscape at Mountain Lake resort lodge.

Current Activities: (1) Elder Hostel - Accredited environmental education courses; (2) interpretive hiking trails.

Wildlife Center of Virginia
PO Box 1557
Waynesboro, VA 22980
540 942-9453
http://www.wildlifecenter.org

Focus: Professionally staffed veterinary hospital providing care to sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

Current Activities: Educational programs for children and adults; promoting positive behavior toward wildlife and their habitats.

Wildlife Society - Virginia Chapter
Focus: Sound management of wildlife habitat.

Current Activities: Educational programs for children and adults; promoting positive behavior toward wildlife and habitat.

• vcn@vcnva.org
• 804.644.0283