Each year, the staff and volunteers of dozens of conservation groups around the commonwealth convene for the Virginia Environmental Assembly.  It’s a bright idea that has become a tradition for Virginia Conservation Network. This year’s assembly will be Sat., Oct. 6 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. 

We have built a lineup of inspiring speakers and educational workshops around the theme “Bright Ideas for a Brighter Future.”  I’m thrilled that we recently added Jeff Barrie, director of Kilowatt Ours, who will speak on his journey from filmmaker to energy activist.   Jeff will also join us for a special screening of the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival that evening.

The assembly will also feature professor John McGlennon on Virginia’s changing political climate and a range of experts on bright ideas like green building, community-supported agriculture, and student activism. 

So please join us on Oct. 6 for the 2007 Virginia Environmental Assembly, and stick around for the best in environmental filmmaking.  You can register online or by mail. Phone 804-644-0283 for more information, including exhibitor opportunities.  

Best,

Nathan Lott, Executive Director  

KAINE PUTS FORTH LONG-RANGE ENERGY PLAN
The report detailed emission goals, advisory panels, development opportunities and conservation efforts
September 13, 2007 - The Roanoke Times
Gov. Tim Kaine on Wednesday unveiled a statewide energy plan that sets long-range goals for conservation, consumer education, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expansion of resources such as alternative fuels and nuclear power. - BY MICHAEL SLUSS

INCENTIVES PROVE POWERFUL
Participation Rises In Efforts to Lower Electricity Usage
September 10, 2007 – Wall Street Journal
As summer enters its final phase, programs that push for, and increasingly reward, reduced electricity use by companies and other users are showing results. Utilities and grid operators are reporting a surge in participation in programs that encourage customers to turn off inessential equipment, shift schedules or take other steps toward greater energy efficiency. That is especially the case in states that have made conservation a central pillar of energy policies aimed at controlling greenhouse-gas emissions and restraining energy costs.– BY REBECCA SMITH

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY: OUR SHAME AND OUR HOPE
August 22, 2007 – Virginia Business Magazine
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority is on the eve of a historic investment. An $85 million dollar upgrade to its North River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mt. Crawford has been proposed, increasing the plants treatment capacity…and installing state-of-the-art nutrient removal technology. This investment has been spurred by statewide efforts to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and by the regions high population growth – BY CHAD LOGAN & DONALD LITTEN

Biking and Walking in the New World
9th Annual Virginia Bike Walk Conference
Date: September 20-22
Location: Crowne Plaza Fort Magruder Hotel, Williamsburg, VA
Attend free workshops, attend the conference on Friday and explore Williamsburg via foot, bike, or canoe!
For More Information: see the conference program
Register Now

Tour Cold Harbor Battlefield with Civil War Preservation Trust
Date: Saturday, September 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with lunch after tour
Location: Meet at Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, 5515 Anderson-Wright Drive
This tour, led by National Park Service historian Bob Krick, provides a unique opportunity to visit an important site with others who are committed to preserving Hanover County’s rich Civil War heritage.  During lunch, participants will discuss preservation challenges at Cold Harbor and in Hanover County. 
To RSVP: Email Brent Laurenz at blaurenz@civilwar.org or call 202-367-1861 (ext. 220) by September 25, 2007. 

Virginia Environmental Assembly
VEA Date: Saturday, October 6, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Andrews Hall, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Come hear renowned speakers share Bright Ideas for a Brighter Future and participate in Virginia Conservation Network's annual gathering of conservationists, policy experts, concerned citizens, and activists.
For More Information: Visit www.vcnva.org/2007veassembly.php
Registration, lodging, directions, and schedule of events are available online
Interested in exhibiting: Visit www.vcnva.org/2007veassembly.php#exhibit or call Suzanne Ankrum at 804.644.0283
Register Online!

Scenic Virginia hosts 2007 Scenic Awards Luncheon
Date: Friday, October 26 beginning at noon
Location: Kent-Valentine House, Richmond
The event is open to the public, but seating is limited.
For more information: Call Scenic Virginia at 804.282.5522 or contact us at email@scenicvirginia.org.
To nominate awardees: Scenic Virginia is accepting nominations for worthy projects by Friday, September 14 at 5:00 pm. For more information and the nomination form visit www.scenicvirginia.org/awards.html

2007 Virginia Climate Action Conference
Time: Saturday, October 27 from 8:30 am to 5:00pm
Where: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
For more information: visit www.vaclimateaction.org  or e-mail vaclimateaction@hotmail.com.

Virginia’s 2007 Rural Summit: Widening the Road
Date: September 9 – 11
Location: Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, VA
The Summit will focus on Community Capacity Building, Workforce Development and education, and access to capital for entrepreneurs and Small business.
For More Information: Visit www.councilforruralvirginia.org/registration-07.htm

Hampton Roads Green Building Council hosts Hampton Roads Sustainable Communities
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: ODU, Ted Constant Convocation Center, 4320 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA
The First Annual Symposium on the State of Sustainable Buildings in Hampton Roads Co-Hosted by the Virginia Municipal League
RSVP: By September 12th: Email your name & company/organization to:  info@hrgbc.org
Cost is $10 per person
For additional information: www.hrgbc.org/downloads/HRGreenCitiesSymposiumFlyer.pdf

EPA Volunteer Monitoring Conference - Using Monitoring Data to Protect and Restore Water Quality
Date: October 12-13, 2007
Location: Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia
The conference provides a forum for citizen volunteers, government agencies, and the public interact and learn about water quality monitoring.
For More Information: Visit www.deq.virginia.gov/cmonitor/conference.html or contact Mr. Torbeck at cstorbeck@deq.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 698-4461  

EARTHCRAFT VIRGINIA - Technical Manager
The EarthCraft House Tecnical Manager performs field inspections of houses in the Program. The Applicant should should have one year’s experience in construction industry or related field and possess a desire and ability to learn about energy efficient construction and green building. The position requires some physical dexterity, endurance, and balance. 
To Apply:
Email cover letter and resume of no more than two pages to admin@earthcraftvirginia.org
Full Job Description: Available at www.vcnva.org/jobs.php#ECTech

FRIENDS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK - Marketing and Development Coordinator
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Friends of the Rappahannock is hiring a Marketing and Development Coordinator to assist organizational leaders in marketing river conservation programs to the public, corporate sponsors, major donors, and members. The ideal candidate will have a B.A. in a relevant field, interest in grassroots river conservation, and possess strong communications and interpersonal skills.
Full Position Description: Visit www.vcnva.org/jops.php
To Apply
Mail a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Jennifer Allen, Programs Manager, Friends of the Rappahannock, PO Box 7254, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 or email the materials to jenn_allen@riverfriends.org.
Friends of the Rappahannock Job Openings

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 ideal candidate will have a BA/BS and 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.
To Apply: E-mail letters and resume to developmentresumes@civilwar.org.
For More Information: Visit www.civilwar.org/aboutus/a_jobsandinternships.htm

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. The Loudoun County Field officer will develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection.
Full Job Description Available at www.vcnva.org/jobs.php
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 mail to P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188

Volunteers needed for Various Richmond Area Cleanups
9/15: Belle Isle | Contact Alisson Drezek at 804.380.7964 or adrezek@hohnerusa.com
10/27: Appomattox River | Contact: Victor Liu at 804-861-1666 or vliu@cpd.state.va.us
 September – November: Reedy Creek | Contact Tammy Parece of VCU at 804-897-2374.  

Alliance for Community Choice in Transportation needs volunteers for the following events:
-Tabling at the City market on September 8, September 22, and October 6. 
-Tabling help at the Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival 2007, on September 29th anytime from 10:30 to 4:00.
-Tabling help at the "COLUMBUS: Myth and The American Dream Revisited" discussion on October 7th at 7:00pm at Live ARTS.
Additional Help Needed With:
        Computer programming & design assistance.
        Data entry
For More Information: Contact Zachary Shahan at zachary@transportationchoice.org or (434)295-6554.