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Concern for the environment and access to parks and open space is not frivolous or
peripheral, rather, it is central to the welfare of people - body, mind, and spirit.
—Laurance Rockefeller
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In the News
Hampton Roads Pilot; May 24 2009
Arkansas Democrat; May 22 2009
Arkansas Democrat; May 22 2009
Baltimore Sun; May 24 2009
New Jersey Star Ledger; May 3 2009
Philadelphia Inquirer; May 19 2009
Scientific American; March 2009
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Silver
Lake -
Community Conservation Choices |
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When: Tuesday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: McCoart Government Center, Board Chambers
After two years of indecision, two of the three proposals for Silver Lake have been withdrawn. The County is left with only one choice - the PWC Park Authority (PWCPA).
Although the PWCPA requested the land transfer, they have not committed to recreation uses at Silver Lake. Instead, the PWCPA says they will determine the uses through their Master Planning Process, which generally includes citizen input on an invitation-only basis.
The best time to identify recreation uses for the Silver Lake property is now - before the land is transferred to the PWCPA.
Supervisors have the authority to establish clear guidelines through deed restrictions that establish the range of recreational uses.
Deed restrictions, while not as protective as a conservation easement, would establish clear guidelines for the Silver Lake property and take a step in the right direction toward County goals to conserve green open space and increase passive recreation opportunities.
Despite significant citizen comments on recreation uses at Silver Lake (click here to read citizen comments), the process is such that citizens must comment again to have their views considered.
Plan to speak at the public hearing for Silver Lake, June 2 at 7:30 p.m., McCoart Government Center. If you absolutely can't attend, click here to email your comments to Supervisors.
Do you want to spend another two years going over the same old ground or do you want to take a hike at Silver Lake? Keep reading...
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Congressman Connolly Conservation Forum |
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When: Wednesday, March 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Buckland Farm, Vint Hill Road and Pleasant Colony Lane, Gainesville
Congressman Gerry Connolly will host a panel discussion on conservation efforts and opportunities in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Congressman Connolly will be joined by representatives from the Buckland Preservation Society, the Piedmont Environmental Council and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Additional participants include the Prince William Conservation Alliance, Journey Through Hallowed Ground and the American Battlefield Protection Program.
For more information, contact Congressman Connolly's Prince William office at 703.670.4989. |
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Merrimac Farm Master Naturalists |
More Information: pwconserve.org
Register: Deadline June 10
Cost: $200
This is a fun way to learn more about nature close to home and meet new friends. People from the first session are now having a great time monitoring Bluebirds, investigating vernal pools, leading nature tours and exploring the great outdoors.
Participants receive more than 50 hours of training, including classes and field trips covering amphibians, birds, plants, wetland ecosystems, geology and more.
Local Sponsors: Prince William Conservation Alliance, Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District; Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries, Pince William Wildflower Society, Prince William County Watershed Management Division
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1st Thursdays - Climate Change Close to Home |
When: Thursday June 4, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main Street, Manassas
Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to the future of human communities, fish and wildlife habitat, and the natural communities we depend on for our food, our drinking water, our recreational opportunities (such as fishing, hunting, and bird watching), the strength of our local economies, and our quality of life.
The pressure that global warming will put on the state’s habitats may also make it harder to reach the state’s existing and future conservation goals. From sea-level rise to warming air and water temperatures, many of Virginia’s cherished wildlife species will be significantly affected by global warming.
Please join PWCA on June 4 when Austin Kane, National Wildlife Federation, will share information about the impacts global climate change will have on wildlife and habitats in Virginia and Prince William County. Presentation followed by Q&A. |
Tools for Change Workshop |
 Building a Clean, Green Future for Virginia
When: Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Please join other Northern Virginians in sending a strong message to the public and our elected officials. Learn the skills needed to bring about change and move our elected officials to work for a healthy planet. Light refreshments will be served.
Speakers:
- The Honorable L. Preston Bryant, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources
- Edward Maibach, Ph.D., Director, Center for Climate Change Communication, GMU
- Mike Tidwell, Executive Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
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