Can you make it?  Can you afford to miss it?
Those are the questions of the hour. I’m referring of course to the 2006 Virginia Environmental Assembly.  The annual gathering of Virginia’s conservation community happens Saturday, Sept. 30 in Falls Church.
The assembly itself is all about questions—and answers. 

Join us and you can ask renowned scientist Dr. Robert Correl your questions about the state of climate science. You can ask expert attorney John Pomeranz about the lobbying rules that govern nonprofits. You can ask the Sierra Club’s Glen Bessa how to make your hometown a “cool city,” complete with green buildings and a biofueled fleet.
Maybe you’ve got nagging questions about global warming: “how does it relate to land conservation and water quality,” or “how can I channel the public’s concern about climate into broader support for my organization and its goals.”

Guided by the theme “Cooling the Commonwealth: Better Communities Today, a Better Climate Tomorrow,” our speakers and panelists will help to answer those questions and more.  And of course, you will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from your fellow conservationists.  To ask them “how do you turn out volunteers,” or “where do you stand on wind energy?”

The discussion promises to be spirited and informative.  I hope you can take part.
Nathan Lott
Executive Director

CHAIN OF COMMAND
Long known for contaminating the fish population, mercury is making its way through the food chain
September 21, 2006 - RICHMOND.COM
For years, high mercury levels in fish have led Virginia and other states to warn against eating species that live in tainted watersheds.  But a new report released this week by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) shows that the dangers of eating contaminated fish aren't limited to humans. From bald eagles to river otters to the Carolina wren, the country's wildlife population, once thought to be safe from mercury contamination, is showing unsettling high levels of the toxin. – BY POLLY ROBERTS

POWER LINE COULD UNDO OPEN-LAND CONSERVATION
Soaring Usage Puts 3 Northern Virginia Counties in Path
September 10, 2006 – THE WASHINGTON POST
Dominion Virginia Power is planning to build a high-voltage power line that could stretch across parts of Prince William, Fauquier and Loudoun counties, an answer to the region's growing energy needs that has raised fears of spoiling o some of the state's most fiercely protected open land. It would be part of a 240-mile, 500,000-volt electricity line from southwestern Pennsylvania to a substation near the Loudoun village of Aldie to serve Northern Virginia, where the addition of tens of thousands of residents the past decade has pushed demand up by 40 percent. It is also one of about 10 similar proposals across the country that could test a new federal law giving power companies far-reaching authority to take land if their services are deemed vital to national interests – BY SANDHYA SOMASHEKHAR

VIRGINIA NETWORK OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Are you interested in giving voice to the issues and constituents you care about, and articulating your vision for the nation's nonprofit sector?
Then join Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations (VANNO) at one of seven regional Town Hall Meetings during the month of September. These gatherings are being held throughout the state as part of the Nonprofit Congress - a national effort to unite nonprofits and strengthen the charitable sector.  In October, 500 nonprofit representatives will gather in Washington, DC to affirm their common values, prioritize the issues generated from 100 Town Hall meetings in 42 states, and plan collective action that addresses the sector's greatest challenges.  Come join this facilitated discussion and add your voice, ideas, and opinions.

Dates and Locations - Click on the city/town for details about event location and time
Richmond - Monday, September 25
Machipongo - Tuesday, September 26
Emory - Thursday, September 28

While advance registration is not required, attendees are asked to RSVP so the local hosts can plan adequate seating, food and materials.
For more details Visit www.vanno.org

ALLIANCE FOR JUSTICE ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Register online or by calling Kyle Murphy at (202) 822-6070.
Workshop Registration is $30.
Workshops last one-hour and begin at 2:00 PM
Election Rules for Nonprofits Web Workshop (9/26)
Want to know the role your organization can play during an election year?  This session explains the federal tax rules regarding permissible electioneering activities for 501(c)(3)s, particularly voter registration drives, candidate questionnaires, candidate forums and legislative scorecards. 

VCU POSTS COURSE SCHEDULE FOR "ESPECIALLY FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS" CLASSES
See a list of course offerings by visiting www.vcu.edu/ocp/programs/nonprofitorgs/    
For More Information Contact VCU at (804) 827-0246.

PLANT TREES AT PRESQUILE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Help restore 20 acres of wildlife habitat at the Presquile NWR in the James River

Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Audubon Society, the James River Association, and Presquile National Wildlife Refuge staff to restore 20 acres of habitat for wildlife at Presquile NWR. Presquile is a pristine island in the James River at the crossroads of Chesterfield, Henrico, Charles City Counties and Hopewell City that is usually closed to the public. This refuge is host to Eagles, heron, osprey, and other migratory birds. Come take this special opportunity to help the James River while viewing amazing wildlife!
When:
September 30 and October 3, 4, and 21
Where:
A ferry to the island will be provided - meet at the ferry at 8:30 a.m. and arrive back by 1 p.m. 
For More Information: Contact Amber Foster at afoster@jamesriverassociation.org or (804) 730-2898 ext 206.
Sign Up: visit www.jamesriverassociation.org/watershed_plant.html                             

CLEAN VIRGINIA WATERWAYS
Is your group or class looking for way to contribute to cleaning up the waters of Virginia? 

Last fall, more than 4,500 volunteers helped clean Virginia's rivers, streams and beaches as part of the VA Waterways Cleanup Day (part of the International Coastal Cleanup). From Virginia's beaches to its mountains, cleanup events are scheduled throughout September and October 2006.
To find a cleanup site near you visit: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/iccsitesva06.htm
Register a cleanup event by filling out a registration form available at this website: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/images/icc_virginia_signup_form.htm or call CVW at 434-395-2602

LET YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CONSERVATION IS TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY!
Join other individuals as citizen lobbyists and convey key conservation issues to your representative.
If you are interested in building a relationship with your legislators and learning how to make sure conservation is their priority--then join a Legislative Contact Team!
For More Information Contact:
Mike Kaestner, Program Coordinator
Virginia League of Conservation Voters – Education Fund
Phone: (804) 225-1902
Email: mkaestner@valcv.org
or
Suzanne Ankrum, Program Coordinator
Virginia Conservation Network
Phone: (804) 644-0283
Email: suzanne@vcnva.org