2026 Annual Meeting
Session descriptions
Keynote: Exploring Virginia’s Outdoor Plan and Recreation GrantsThis presentation will provide a hands-on view of the different components of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) including StoryMaps, Surveys, Dashboards, and Maps. Ways to use information from the VOP in planning and advocating will be discussed. Also, Federal recreation grants including the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) will be described.
PreK-12 Programming at Blandy Experimental Farm: Engaging students through experiential, inquiry-based curriculumThis presentation will provide a hands-on view of the different components of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) including StoryMaps, Surveys, Dashboards, and Maps. Ways to use information from the VOP in planning and advocating will be discussed. Also, Federal recreation grants including the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) will be described.
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The Nuts and Bolts of Virginia's Recreational Bacteria CriteriaRecreational bacteria standards are a regulatory tool for controlling fecal contamination of our surface waters. The water quality standards scientist at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Tish Robertson, will present an overview of the scientific nuts and bolts of Virginia’s recreational bacteria standards and describe how DEQ uses them to find impaired waters.
Let’s Go Adventures - Outdoor Recreation & Education in State ParksThis presentation will provide a hands-on view of the different components of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) including StoryMaps, Surveys, Dashboards, and Maps. Ways to use information from the VOP in planning and advocating will be discussed. Also, Federal recreation grants including the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) will be described.
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Brook trout trends and management in Shenandoah National ParkThe last decade has not been kind to brook trout in Shenandoah National Park with declines across most streams, but strongholds remain, and there are even places that are improving as the effects of acid rain start to diminish. This talk will unpack these recent changes and discuss actions the park is taking to help protect these fish that are a key component of mountain stream ecosystems and offer highly coveted recreational fishing opportunities that draw anglers from across the region.
Incorporating Outdoor Adventure Activities and Their Connection with Underserved PopulationsBlue Sky Fund's mission is to provide transformational experiences for Richmond area youth through outdoor adventure and education. This presentation will discuss how Blue Sky Fund uses outdoor adventure activities to encourage diversity in the outdoors, promote resilience, and breakdown barriers to environmental access.
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