Helping to Reverse “Nature Deficit Disorder”
With warm weather and longer days here at last, I, like many Virginians, am spending more time in the woods, the garden, and the neighborhood park.  This spring, for the first time, I watched my young son run gleefully through the grass, gesturing wildly to the birds and trees overhead. I can’t help but wonder, however, if he will always take such pleasure in the natural world. 

Author Richard Louv famously diagnosed America’s children with “nature deficit disorder,” arguing that paranoid parents, extracurricular overload, and an obsession with electronic gadgetry are to blame. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average American child spends 44 hours per week—or 6 hours a day—staring at some kind of electronic screen. Some of that time may be spent doing homework on a PC, but much of it is spent text messaging, playing video games, and watching T.V.  Health experts have linked this excessive screen time to obesity and attention-deficit disorder.  Conservationists fear that a generation raised without a personal connection to the outdoors will fail to protect the natural world after coming of age.

But can the woods really compete with the World Wide Web?  Can camping compete with digital cable?  I think the answer is yes and that Virginia Conservation Network has an important role to play.  Already VCN members like PEC and CBF offer excellent outdoor experiences for young Virginians.  Our partners at the National Wildlife Federation recently launched Green Hour, a resource for parents and others who want to raise healthy children with a love of the natural world.   By providing our children with unstructured time outdoors—a “Green Hour” every day—we not only foster their understanding and appreciation of nature, we also nurture their creativity. 

In two weeks, on June 23, thousands of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles will take thousands more children outside—not just for an hour, but overnight. NWF’s annual Great American Backyard Campout is the perfect opportunity to share your love of nature with a young person.  Show them how much fun it is to spend an evening gathered around the campfire instead of the television. More importantly, show them what is you love about Virginia—our trees, our mountains, our rivers. In a globalizing world and a digital age, it is vitally important that our future leaders know first-hand just what it is that make’s Virginia’s environment worthy of protection.

Best,
Nathan Lott
Executive Director

VIRGINIA ISN’T PREPARED FOR RISING SEA, STUDY WARNS
June 7, 2007 -  The Virginian-Pilot
Virginia stands to lose more from rising sea levels than almost any other state on the East Coast but is doing the least to understand and combat the problem, a new study concludes. In a report released Wednesday, the Norfolk-based environmental group Wetlands Watch cites existing scientific estimates that between 50 and 80 percent of the state's tidal wetlands, coastal dunes and beaches could disappear under rising waters over the next 100 years. If unchecked, such losses could be catastrophic, the group describes - enough to "negate any progress made toward restoration of the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem." – BY SCOTT HARPER

ENERGY STUDY SHOWS STATE HOW TO SAVE
Efficiency, Incentives Key to Cutting Demand
May 31, 2007 - Washington Post
Virginians could curb their energy consumption by 10 percent with techniques used routinely in other states, reducing the need for new power plants and lines, according to a report by an environmental consulting group. The report, prepared by Summit Blue Inc. of Colorado and paid for by the Piedmont Environmental Council, recommends a variety of policy changes, including offering financial incentives for residents and businesses that install energy-efficient lighting, air conditioners and heaters, and that incorporate efficient design into their buildings. BY SANDHYA SOMASHEKHAR

Piedmont Environmental Council: Oppose the Dominion and Allegheny 500-kV powerline
Monday afternoon the State Corporation Commission issued an "Order for Notice and Hearing" on Dominion and Allegheny's 500-kV power line. What exactly does this mean? It means that there's now an initial timeline for the proceedings, that public hearing dates have been scheduled, and most importantly, it means that you can now file your official comments online.
TAKE ACTION!
Attend the SCC's Power Line Public Hearings
Public hearings have been scheduled for Warrenton, Bristow, Front Royal and Winchester in late July and early August. Please do everything you can to attend one or more of these hearings. We'll send more details and reminders, but mark your calendars today!
Public Hearings:
July 26 - Fauquier High School Auditorium Beginning at 1:30pm, Reconvening at 7pm
July 27 - Fauquier High School Auditorium Beginning at 9:30am
August 9 - Marsteller Middle School Beginning at 1:30pm, Reconvening at 7:00pm
August 10 - Marsteller Middle School Beginning at 9:30am
August 13 - James Wood High School Beginning at 1:30pm, Reconvening at 7:00pm
August 14 - James Wood High School Beginning at 9:30am
August 15 - North Warren Volunteer Fire Dept Beginning at 1:30pm, Reconvening at 7:00pm
August 16 - North Warren Volunteer Fire Dept Beginning at 9:30am
Can't Attend? Submit Comments Online
It is time to submit official comments. It is essential that you comment in your own name. Because PEC is an official intervenor in the SCC case and because it is more important than ever for these comments to be in your own words, PEC is not be providing a form letter.
Use the following link to submit your comments to the SCC today: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/caseinfo/notice.aspx
Your case number is PUE-2007-00031/PUE-2007-00033
For More Information contact: Bri West, Piedmont Environmental Council,stoptheline@pecva.org

Birding at Augusta Springs Wetlands with Wild Virginia
Date: June 9, 2007
Join us as we look and listen for birds and other interesting things at this birding “hot spot” in the George Washington National Forest.  Whether a veteran or beginning birder, all are welcome on this very easy hike following the 2/3 mile loop trail & boardwalk through the wetlands area.  Bring binoculars if you have them, as well as water and lunch. 
Carpool from Charlottesville:
Meet at 7:15am at Java Java, 2214 Ivy Road (by Sneak Reviews Video).  Or, you can meet the group at the Augusta Springs Wetlands parking area at 8:30am. 
Directions:
From Staunton, take State Route 254 (Parkersburg Turnpike) west 8 miles to Buffalo Gap, VA where 254 becomes State Route 42 (Little Calfpasture Highway). Continue on Route 42 for approximately 7 miles to the parking area for Augusta Springs Wetlands, located on the right side of the road. 
For More Information Contact: David Hannah at 434-971-1553 or 434-244-2878 or dhannah@wildvirginia.org

Alliance for Justice Online Workshops
June 13 : Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits Web Workshop
Want to know how your organization can lobby for the public interest?  This session will explain the federal tax laws governing 501(c)(3) lobbying, including how to calculate your lobbying limits under the insubstantial part test and the 501(h) expenditure test, definitions of direct and grassroots lobbying, exemptions to the definition of lobbying and the application of these rules to ballot measure activities.
June 20: Election Rules for Nonprofits Web Workshop
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. 
Register: online or by calling Kyle Murphy at (202) 822-6070.
Workshop Registration is $25

GreenMatters – Designing new homes | Renovating Old Homes
Topics:
July 11 - Workshop on residential energy audits
August 29 - Workshop on LEED building
Location: workshops are held at Habitat’s ReStore on Harris Street in Charlottesville.
Piedmont Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville have teamed up for a two-year series of free, 90-minute workshops to tell you everything you need to know about ‘going green” in designing new homes or renovating old ones.
For more information: call Ryan Jacoby at (434) 293-6331 or visit www.greenmatters.info

CAPITOL REGION LAND CONSERVANCY - Outreach Coordinator
Location: Richmond, VA
Part Time Position (up to 80 hours a month, expenses paid)
The mission of CRLC is to promote the conservation of the capital region’s historically significant land, scenic natural areas and ecologically sensitive land, water and wildlife resources.   CRLC serves the City of Richmond and the Counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent, and Charles City.  The purpose of this position is to implement a comprehensive community outreach and education program to promote conservation easements in the metro Richmond region and to further CRLC’s mission.  
Primary responsibilities:
1) Establish county-based volunteer groups focused on land conservation,
2) Develop, manage, and implement work programs for county-based volunteer groups;
3) Educate individual landowners, community groups, policymakers, and the general public about conservation easements and CRLC’s mission.
4) Assist with developing conservation priorities and strategies
5) Assist with general management and administrative duties of the organization. 
6) Work with partners to research alternative easement holders
Qualifications:
Experience organizing and motivating volunteer groups; Familiarity with skills and strategies for effective community outreach and organizing; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and ability to represent CRLC to a wide range of audiences including community residents, land owners, government officials and partner organizations; K nowledge of conservation easements and the associated tax benefits (preferred but not required.); Self-motivation and capacity to work independently; Strong interpersonal skills; An understanding of growth patterns in the Richmond area; Interest and commitment to conservation
More Information: Visit www.capitalregionland.org
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to: CRLC, P.O. Box 17306, Richmond, VA 23226
or
e-mail bill@capitalregionland.org

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Historic Land Acquisitions
The Civil War Preservation Trust is the nation's largest organization dedicated to preserving important Civil War sites. The Trust is looking for an Associate who will be dedicated to accomplishing the acquisition and preservation of the country's most important historic sites.
Responsibilities:
The Associate will manage all aspects of the land acquisition process, including initial contact, site analysis and historic relevance, contract offers and negotiations, approval presentation, due diligence and feasibility analysis, and closing. Additionally, the Associate will assist in the funding process, working with local groups and state and federal funding sources.
Qualifications:
A BA/BS is required. Experience dealing with landowners, farmers, and small business owners and negotiating agreements is desirable. You must have good negotiation, communication, and technology skills, along with strong problem solving abilities. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential.
To Apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume via e-mail to Tom Gilmore at tgilmore@civilwar.org
Or Mail To: Thomas M. Gilmore, Director of Real Estate, Civil War Preservation Trust, 1331 H Street, NW Suite 1001, Washington, DC 20005

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Webmaster/Information Technology Specialist
CWPT is looking for a computer and web savvy individual for an immediate opening in its external communications division.  The webmaster/information technology specialist will be responsible for maintaining the organization’s computer network, creating and implementing innovative graphic design for our website.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years of professional experience, strong computer skills and a passion for American history/preservation.  Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet and database software is a requirement as well as written and verbal communication and presentation skills and the ability to work effectively in high-tension situations and maintain composure under pressure. Interpersonal skills are essential.  Experience with Microsoft exchange servers, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Adobe graphics software a plus.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  Occasional travel may be required.
To Apply:
Please forward cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three references to:  WEBMASTER/IT OPENING at preservationjobs@yahoo.com. 

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST- Grants Associate
The Grants Associate will be responsible for expanding CWPT's use of funding available for battlefield preservation from federal, state and local government entities, as well as other non-profit organizations. The Associate will make presentations to representatives from varying levels of government and other organizations, maintain detailed records and tracking, research and recommend new grant sources, and facilitate prompt reimbursement of grant awards (totaling several million dollars per year).
Qualifications
A BA/BS is required, as well as 2-3 years of professional experience. Strong initiative, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills are required. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential. Salary is commensurate with experience.  Moderate travel is required.
To Apply: e-mail letters and resume to developmentresumes@civilwar.org.

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Teacher Advisor
CWPT is hiring this temporary position, requiring a general commitment from June 1st to September 3rd, with the possibility of fulltime employment at the end of the period.  The applicant must be specifically available to be in Chattanooga (TN) for CWPT’s sixth annual Teachers Institute, July 20-22.  The June-September availability period is subject to negotiation between CWPT and the Advisor hired.
Responsibilities:
Primary responsibility will be to assist CWPT staff with the planning and carrying out of the Chattanooga Teachers Institute, including development and publication of the resource book distributed to the expected 175-200 teachers attending the Institute, coordination of the 5-10 speakers who conduct workshops and battlefield tours during the Conference, and review and follow-up tasks after the Conference. Secondary responsibility will be to assist CWPT in its range of existing school programs, and in implementing and enhancing CWPT’s battlefield interpretation and other public education programs.
Qualifications:
Desirable work experience would cover teaching experience at the elementary, secondary, or post secondary school level; or a background in public education or onsite education.  Experience in teaching, or an interest in, American history/Civil War history is essential.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  Moderate travel is required.
More Information: Visit www.civilwar.org
To Apply: E-mail resume and letter with brief reasons for applying for the Teacher Advisor position to developmentresumes@civilwar.org 

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
P.O. 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

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies - Wildlife Conservation Communications and Coalition Associate
Temporary Position (July – December 2007) in Washington DC
Deadline: June 8, 2007
The Teaming with Wildlife Communication and Coalition Associate, under the direction of the Wildlife Diversity Director and in coordination with the Public Affairs Director, is responsible for building awareness and support for the state wildlife action plans and Teaming with Wildlife Coalition. This position assists state TWW coalition-leaders in growing membership and strategizing grassroots efforts for new and greater funding for wildlife conservation.
Projects:
Write State Wildlife Action Plan Success Stories Report: The Association is currently collecting wildlife action plan project descriptions from every state for an upcoming report that will be distributed to Members of Congress, organizations, and the media. This person will edit examples into a final report, incorporating Teaming with Wildlife messaging and coordinating with a graphic designer and publisher to see the project to completion.
Provide support for field-trips for Members of Congress and Media: Help coordinate field trips to State Wildlife Grant project sites for members of Congress and the media.
Develop outreach materials to grow the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition: The Teaming with Wildlife Coalition has identified four target audiences for growing the coalition in 2007: sportsmen, the tourism industry, land trusts, and resource users. The position will work with state coalition-leaders to develop outreach materials, compile lists of potential coalition members, provide support for outreach at conferences, and generally work to engage target and other audiences.
Qualifications:
Background in Wildlife, Environmental Studies, Communications and/or Journalism. Must be highly motivated, organized and creative. Able to speak and write effectively. Flexible and capable of handling multiple tasks. Knowledge of wildlife conservation, media and outreach, and the legislative process a plus.
To Apply:  Please send resume and one page writing sample to:
Naomi Edelson, Teaming with Wildlife Director
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
444 N. Capitol St., NW Suite 725
Washington DC 20001
Email: teaming@fishwildlife.org

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