Can you name Virginia’s state tree? What about our state flower?  Well, that’s something of a trick question, because the flowering dogwood doubles as both our official tree and flower.  The dogwood is such a Virginia icon, that it’s hard to imagine springtime in the commonwealth without it.  Dogwoods burst into bloom in our yards and their signature white blossoms dot our woodlands. But according to a new report from VCN’s partners at the National Wildlife Federation, this native beauty could one day find Virginia too hot to call home.

According to NWF’s Gardener’s Guide to Global Warming, Virginia could lose its state tree and flower to climate change in 80 years without significant cuts to America’s greenhouse gas emissions. Hotter summers, longer droughts, and stronger storms threaten to kill dogwoods and other native trees or leave them more susceptible to pests and disease. Because global warming threatens habitat, it also threatens wildlife and, ultimately, our way of life. 

But there is good news: it’s not too late to change course. By choosing a more sustainable lifestyle today, we can protect the natural world.  By demanding more of our government, our corporations, and ourselves, we can still prevent the worst effects of climate change. On May 3, Virginia Conservation Network honored Virginians who are doing just that. 

Our homes and offices contribute more than a third of our greenhouse gas emissions, so at the Third-Annual Virginia Conservation Awards, VCN recognized individuals and organizations who have led the way through green building. Designed to minimize a range of environmental impacts, green buildings produce less stormwater runoff and utilize lumber that is certified for sustainable forest management.  Perhaps most importantly, they require less electricity to light, heat, and cool.  Because investments in energy efficiency pay for themselves over time, green building is one of the most cost-effective ways Virginia can fight global warming.

VCN also recognized Fredericksburg resident Rev. Richard Cizik for his groundbreaking work among evangelicals.  Since 2002, Cizik has championed a faith-based response to global warming, often in the face of harsh criticism.  But now more and more churchgoers and church leaders are vindicating his work.  Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, Cizik shared the story of his conversion from global warming skeptic to true believer.  That evening, during the awards, he announced a new partnership between the National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Green Building Council to help congregations build and retrofit churches according LEED green building standards.

The example of our awardees—and the commitment of our sponsors and supporters—gives me hope. As long as Virginians continue to lead the way, we can keep the dogwoods blooming. 

Best,
Nathan Lott
Executive Director

CHEAP POWER TO NORTHEAST US: A MIXED BLESSING
At least eight transmission lines are planned to connect the region with Midwestern coal plants.
May 9, 2007 – Christian Science Monitor
A major move to boost grid capacity is under way to bring more cheap coal-fired electricity to the high-cost Northeast. New transmission lines could lower utility bills for millions of consumers and avert blackouts that sometimes hobble the region. At least eight lines, stretching some 2,000 miles through six states at an estimated cost of more than $9 billion, are under active consideration or have been formally proposed. But the plan faces rising resistance.  – BY MARK CLAYTON

GREEN GROUP SEEKS TAX SAVINGS
May 6, 2007 – The Daily Progress
If a new Charlottesville group gets its way, owners of energy-efficient buildings and homes in the city may see hundreds of dollars shaved off their real estate tax bills next year. During the recent session, the General Assembly passed a bill enabling localities to set up a separate class of property for energy-efficient buildings and homes and then levy a lower real estate tax on those structures.  – BY SETH ROSEN

EVANGALISM FOR GLOBAL WARMING
May 5, 2007 – Richmond Times–Dispatch
It is 5:30 on Thursday afternoon, the time at which Richard Cizik is supposed to end the interview and attend a reception -- which, after all, is in his honor.  But 20 minutes has not been long enough -- he will end up taking 50 -- to fully convey his passion for the subject.  That's not surprising. He is a vice president of the National Association of Evangelicals, an organization that represents 60 denominations and 45,000 churches.  But what may be surprising is that the topic is global warming -- and that the Virginia Conservation Network is giving Cizik a major award for his leadership on the issue. – BY RAY MCALLISTER

Appalachian Voices - 2nd Annual Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington
Play a Key Role in Helping to end Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Date: May 12-16, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Join citizens from across the country in Washington, DC from May 12-16, 2007, for the 2nd Annual Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington. Last year, citizen lobby efforts helped gain 12 additional sponsors for the Clean Water Protection Act -- federal legislation that would sharply curtail mountaintop removal coal mining -- while educating congressional staff about the destructive legacy of mountaintop removal coal mining. Your participation could make the difference in efforts to advance the Clean Water Protection Act. The week in Washington is a great opportunity to meet people from all around the country who are committed to stopping mountaintop removal coal mining.
To register or find out more:
http://www.ilovemountains.org/action/wiw2007/
Want to come but not sure you can afford it? There are a limited number of scholarships for participants
Can't make it but want to help out? Consider donating your frequent flyer miles or money to assist us in getting as many people from across the country to DC for this important week. Contact ilovemountains.org@gmail.com  or call 828-262-1500 to contribute your frequent flyer miles today.

Virginia Natural Resource Leadership Institute
Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Beginning in September, the Institute will launch its series of six seminar workshops, held throughout the year in various locations across the state. Participants accepted into the program attend all six workshops, which generally run from Wednesday through Friday.
Program:
Institute Fellows will learn ways of moving people in conflict into collaborative problem solving through a mix of dynamic exercises, role plays, mini-lectures, field trips, and stakeholder panel discussions about specific regional "hot" topics.
Dates:
Session 1: Wed-Fri, September 5-7, 2007: Central Virginia
Session 2: Wed-Fri, November 7-9, 2007: Hampton Roads
Session 3: Wed-Fri, January 9-11, 2008: Richmond
Session 4: Wed-Fri, March 12-14, 2008: Shenandoah Valley
Session 5: Wed-Fri, April 23-25, 2008: Southwest Virginia
Session 6: Wed-Fri, June 4-6, 2008; Charlottesville
Graduation Dinner: June 5, 2008
*Applicants must be able to attend ALL six sessions; if you cannot, please consider applying in a subsequent year.
Cost:
Program Fees for 2007-2008 are $2,100. Scholarships are available to reduce cost as a barrier.
*This includes 18 workshop days, all materials and books, meeting rooms, field trip transportation, all breaks and at least Wednesday's dinner and Thursday's lunch for each session.
*Lodging, travel, and some food (Wednesday and Friday's lunches, breakfasts, and dinner Thursday night) are additional costs you will need to cover. We use allowable state travel rates as a guide in planning accommodations.
*Many participants secure funding from their own organization and/or a donor agency.
To Apply:
Applications can be downloaded online at: www.virginia.edu/ien/vnrli
For further information, contact:
Caroline Wilkinson, VNRLI Program Manager at cwilk@virginia.edu or (434)924-6569

Building Trails to a Greener Future: Linking the Economy, Healthy Communities, and the Environment
Date: May 17-19, 2007
Location: Radford University
Conference highlights include: Trail and Green Infrastructure Development and Implementation, Active Living by Design / Safe Routes to School, Virginia Tourism Corporation – Recreational Business Program, Recreational Access and Active Railroads, Management / Maintenance of Green Infrastructure and Trails, and Pedestrian Design Workshop.
Conference flyer:  http://www.nrvpdc.org/trailsconference.html. 

ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY CHOICE IN TRANSPORTATION-Executive Director
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Deadline: May 21, 2007
ACCT is seeking someone who is dynamic, energetic, and most importantly, passionate about ACCT mission. We hope to find a candidate with financial management skill and experience growing a small non-profit. Excellent interpersonal skills, individual motivation, and dependability are essential. This is a unique position in that ACCT's E.D. is involved in all aspects of running this organization.
To Apply:
Send a resume and letter of intent to Alia Anderson, ACCT Executive Director, at Alia@transportationchoice.org or to ACCT, PO Box 1582, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
For More Information: www.transportationchoice.org/pdf/ED_description2007.pdf

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL- Loudoun County Field Officer/Campaign Director
Location:   Leesburg, Virginia
PEC is 30 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. PEC provides technical expertise and organizing support to citizen groups and government officials on land use policy, land conservation, transportation, air and water quality, historic preservation and environmental issues.
Areas of Responsibility

• Develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection. Work with officials to create open, transparent opportunities for community planning with their constituents.
• Write strategic plans to address critical community issues, field organizing, earned media, etc, including goals and metrics. 
• Raise funds for new suburban and rural initiatives in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
• Monitor issues of importance to the Loudoun communities, through attendance at public hearings, meetings with state and local elected officials and staff, and reading county documents. 
  
• Monitor local press and blogosphere to keep current with community issues and concerns and the way issues are being framed and debated by reporters, bloggers, and citizens.
• Create and implement internet and traditional media strategy, extending campaign’s direct interaction to growing number and diversity of citizens, online and in the community.
• Engage and develop capabilities of core citizen activists in community planning; build volunteer leaders and number of activists on multiple issues.  Create and implement strategies to engage diverse constituencies.
• Lead, build, and organize coalition of 17 citizen groups and nonprofit organizations around geographic and issue-based campaigns. 
• Write clear, persuasive emails to citizens in suburban and rural Loudoun with timely turnaround.
• Provide an overview of the land use policies and regulations for both the built and natural environment in Loudoun County
• Monitor local land use activities by regularly attending meetings of the Loudoun County Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors and other county and community meetings on related land use issues
• Develop analyses of the impacts of zoning and policy changes on long term community goals
• Provide technical assistance and information upon request to local citizens and public officials on matters relating to the comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, transportation, air and water quality, and land conservation
• Organize effective community participation in critical local land use issues

Qualifications
Qualifications preferred: grassroots organizer with strong record of access in creating and running issue advocacy campaigns.  Candidate should have strong experience in digital and traditional media and excellent public relations, communication, and project management skills. 
Expertise Needed: Bachelors or equivalent experience, Grassroots organizing, Internet production, Interactive marketing, Background in strategic planning, maintain good media relations, prior experience with fundraising, strong oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, willingness to work extended hours (including some weekends and evenings), ability to work independently, familiarity with Loudoun County and Virginia land use issues preferred, knowledge of smart growth principles and their applications at the local level preferred, prior experience in land use advocacy and law, and land conservation preferred
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package including health, disability and term life insurance, employee pension plan [403(b)], annual and sick leave.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and a resume with 2 references to Dawn Wilmot, Assistant to the President, PEC at dwilmot@pecva.org or
PO Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL-Online Advocacy Specialist
Location: Warrenton, VA
Duration: 3-6 months with potential for permanent employment
Start: Immediately
Position Overview
The Online Advocacy Specialist will report to the Director of Information Technology and collaborate with PEC staff, elected officials and their staff, grassroots and organization leaders; assist in the maintenance of PEC Web sites, blogs, photo galleries and other online presences; collaborate with others to write, edit and send PEC’s online advocacy messages; assist in developing compelling online campaigns on key issues and advocacy targets; build and nurture online constituencies and communities; collaborate with staff, volunteers, activists, and partner organizations to evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of online campaigns; compile photo essays on short timelines for online and print media; provide digital products for PEC’s traditional media publications; protect PEC and partners’ brands and campaign messages across the internet
Qualifications
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to compile, condense, write, edit, and proof written materials; Passionate about the social and political applications of technology; Excellent team player, comfortable in a fast paced, high stakes environment with shifting strategies and challenges; Strong collaborative abilities including ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds required; Competency or strong aptitude for desktop publishing software including Photoshop, content management systems and CRM tools required; Some knowledge of HTML, video publishing, and database management a plus; however this is a communications, not a technical role; Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines; Experience in campaigning, organizing or advocacy preferred;Experience in the non-profit or high tech sector preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a beginning position with potential for substantial growth. PEC does not provide benefits for temporary positions, but this may be negotiable. This temporary position may lead to permanent, fulltime employment.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email to: Mike DeHart, Director of Information Technology Piedmont Environmental Council at mdehart@pecva.org
www.pecva.org

LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS-Deputy Legislative Director
Use your lobbying, policy and research experience to advocate for pro-environment policies and elect candidates who will support those policies!
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline: May 18, 2007
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment.  LCV advocates for sound environmental policies and works to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies.
Description
The Deputy Legislative Director works with the Legislative Director to advance a pro-environment agenda in Congress.  He or she collaborates with the Legislative Director to develop and implement LCV's legislative and administrative positions and strategies on a range of environmental issues, with a major emphasis on global warming and clean energy.  The Deputy Legislative Director lobbies Congress directly and works with others to produce LCV's nationally recognized Scorecard.  Additional responsibilities include researching, tracking and analyzing the flow of environmental legislation and administrative policies and ensuring the accuracy of public education and electoral campaign materials. The Deputy Legislative Director will also assist the Communications Department with press responses and work closely with the state leagues.
Experience
Ideal candidates will have a college degree and 5 or more years in environmental advocacy and legislative affairs. Experience should include policy, research, and writing in a political environment.
Compensation:
LCV is committed to diversity within its staff and offers opportunities for growth, convenient metro location, and comprehensive benefits including 3 weeks vacation, paid health, life and disability coverage and 401(k) plan. 
To Apply:
Email letter of interest stating salary requirement with resume to hr@lcv.org no later than May 18th (put Deputy Legislative Director Search in subject line). 
Website: www.lcv.org. 

COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH - Managing Director
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Start date on or around June 1st.
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading smart growth group covering the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region. Founded in 1997 by partner groups in the conservation community, the Coalition remains a collaborative effort of its partners addressing the key issues of where and how our region will grow. Our mission is to ensure that transportation and development decisions are made with genuine community participation and allow the region to accommodate growth while revitalizing communities, providing more housing and travel choices, and conserving our natural and historic areas.
Role Description
The Managing Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, including staff management, hiring, fundraising and finances, with an additional role in communications. The Managing Director will work with the Executive Director to ensure the day-to-day operations of our 10 person staff move the organization towards our long-term vision. The Managing Director will play a key role in anticipating and planning for organizational development needs. This person would also be responsible for our media/marketing campaign, building upon the Coalition’s effective use of earned media to communicate our message, and will provide communications advice and support to our partners.
Primary Responsibilities include:
Working collaboratively with the Executive Director to ensure the CSG's effectiveness and success; Developing, managing and advising the Coalition’s staff; Financial planning and management, including developing, tracking and managing the organization’s budget and revenue plan with the support of an accounting team; Identifying, cultivating and securing support from existing and new foundation and institutional donors; Organizational development and management, including establishing community advisory boards; Conducting public relations and marketing efforts to support our campaign and outreach goals; Providing training and consultations on communications, media strategy and framing for staff and partners; and ensuring CSG is utilizing all of communication tools to expand, engage, educate and activate our constituency;
Qualifications:
Seasoned non-profit manager; proven experience managing staff and organizational resources to create a thriving,
collaborative, and effective team; A sincere interest and love for staff and organizational management; Commitment to a strengths based organizational culture and management approach; Experience managing budgets and creating and implementing fundraising plans; Successful experience with media campaigns from creating a plan to pitching reporters; Strong communications skills; An ability to balance immediate & long term needs; Talent for thinking strategically to ensure effective delivery and coordination of programs, communications and organizational goals;
Applicants will need to have excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to work independently and as part of a larger team, a sense of humor, and must be able to work occasional weekends and evenings; Knowledge of growth and transportation issues; and an understanding of Virginia, DC, and Maryland culture and politic; experience working in and knowledge of Washington area jurisdictions are preferred, but not required.
To Apply:
Email a letter outlining interest and qualifications along with a resume, and 1-2 work samples (fundraising, media, marketing, or other written materials) to jobs@smartergrowth.net
For more information about the Coalition for Smarter Growth visit: www.SmarterGrowth.net
and www.washingtonregion.net for information about our housing and equitable development initiatives.

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--join a Legislative Contact Team!
For More Information Contact:
Suzanne Ankrum, Program Coordinator
Virginia Conservation Network
Phone: (804) 644-0283
Email: suzanne@vcnva.org