BIRDS OF A FEATHER STICK TOGETHER
February 23, 2007 – The Washington Post
It's not often you find a wide variety of animal habitats in a relatively concentrated area, and it's even rarer that such a pristine spot is open to the public. But that's exactly what you'll find at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in the northwest corner of Loudoun County.  The nearly 900-acre site, which is owned by the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation... - BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

MERCURY STUDY GETS NEEDED MONEY
Review will assess effects on environment, public health
February 20, 2007 - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Monday that he will finance a major study of mercury and its toxic effects on Virginia’s environment and public health. The study was commissioned last year in state clear-air legislation but never received any money. Kaine said he is dedicating $256,000 this year for the scientific review, which the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will oversee. A final report should be ready by May 2008. The money is being pulled from the state Environmental Emergency Response Fund, where pollution fines are deposited, and does not require approval of state lawmakers. - BY SCOTT HARPER

CHESAPEAKE BAY GROUP SUES TO BLOCK NN RESERVOIR WORK
The foundation objects to the state's reversal of Newport News' King William permit.
February 17, 2007 – The Daily Press
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has filed a lawsuit challenging a decision to allow Newport News to continue work on the King William Reservoir.  The State Water Control Board in December agreed to extend Newport News Waterworks' permit, which is necessary to do any work planning the 12.2-billion gallon reservoir. – BY PATRICK LYNCH

Outcomes for Advocacy Workshop
When: Two full-day sessions on March 6th and 20th, 2007 (two week break for implementing applications learned at workshop)
Where: Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC  20036
Sponsored by the Rensselaerville Institute and Alliance for Justice, these two workshop days are focused on helping advocacy organizations navigate the difficult terrain of outcome based grant-making.  Experts will discuss powerful tools that will allow organizations to evaluate the impact of their advocacy work. Outcomes for Advocacy will address how to shift the focus from what organizations produce (publications, awareness campaigns, media messages, etc) to what people do with what they are given.  Case studies, impact verification techniques, ways to define and hit influence targets and other very practical help will be provided.
Registration is $398/person (includes tuition for both days, materials and morning coffee)
Clark Foundation Scholarships covering 50% of tuition are available to grant recipients of this foundation!
For more information: Contact Bonnie Chase Gifford by email at BCGifford@Rinstitute.org or at (518) 797-3783 with questions. 
See the full program description at www.rinstitute.org/center4outcomes/workshops.htm.

Virginia Association of Fund Raising Executives hosts Mini-Masters Series
When: Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Jefferson Lakeside Country Club, Richmond, VA
Need some tips on starting a basic planned giving program? Or are you looking for a timeline for planning a special event? At this event, you'll have the chance to choose two one-hour workshops that best meet your interests.
The topics are :
Session 1 - Cashing in on Direct Mail
Session 2 - Planning a Special Event: Its Not Just a Party
Session 3 - Making the Most of Your Website
Session 4 - Planning for the Future: The Importance of a Planned Giving Program
Cost: $17 for members and $25 for guests.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS Thursday, March 1st by 5 p.m.
Register online: http://www.vafre.org/meeting/register_online.asp
Directions can be found at this link: http://www.vafre.org/meeting/directions.html

The Community Tax Law Project - Starting a Nonprofit in Virginia
This workshop will present an overview of items to consider before deciding whether to pursue nonprofit status. The two-hour workshop will discuss:
*     The definition of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations
*     State and federal legal requirements
*     Maintaining tax-exempt status
*     The benefits and costs of nonprofit status
*     How to find out if there are other local organizations doing what your organization proposes to do
When:  Thursday, March 15, 2007 -  4:00 - 6:15 p.m. (includes a 15 minute break)
Where:  3600 West Broad Street, 3rd Floor (Suite 395), Richmond, VA
Cost:  $25 Materials Fee (please register by Tuesday, March 13)
For More Information Contact:  The Community Tax Law Project - (804) 358-5855 or info@ctlp.org

Join Earthjustice for Climate Crisis Action Day - 2007
Thousands of concerned citizens will gather at the United States Capitol to tell Congress it's time to tackle global warming head-on, with responsible energy decisions and protections -- not drilling -- for special places like the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. The clock is ticking on climate change. Leading scientists are warning we are near "a tipping point" and must act now to avoid large-scale, irreversible impacts. We get the message. But does the new Congress? Be a part of the Climate Crisis Action Day in Washington D.C. on March 20, 2007, and tell our leaders we can't wait any longer.
For More Information: Visit the Climate Crisis Action Day website http://action.earthjustice.org/ct/a7_r1Nd1m4de/
Sign up for the March 20th Climate Crisis Action Day: http://action.earthjustice.org/ct/a7_r1Nd1m4de/

2007 CONFERENCE ON VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Date: April 11, 2007 - April 13, 2007
Location: Holiday Inn Select, 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23235
The conference, presented by the Governor's Commission on Community and National Service, is the largest and most comprehensive event of the year for individuals and organizations working to strengthen their communities through service. Historically, over 500 participants attend from throughout Virginia representing nonprofit and faith-based organizations, public and private school systems, colleges and universities, large and small businesses, and national service programs, including AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Take advantage of the large number of networking opportunities, exciting and informative plenary speakers, relevant skill-building workshops, and recognition ceremonies.
For more information, including the agenda and how to exhibit Visit www.vaservice.org/go/conference/.
To register visit: www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=119357

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