Our special programs are free and open to the public.
These programs are usually held virtually. Please register by clicking on the link of the program you are interested in, and you will be sent zoom instructions. Occasionally, in-person events are held at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, located at 1255 Big Bethel Road 23666. Sandy Bottom Nature Park is an Environmental education preserve on 456 acres with a lake and nature center set on reclaimed land.
The set of programs for the first half of 2024-2025 is as follows:
The Fifth Annual Virginia Peninsula Climate Solutions Roundtable
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
This exciting program begins with a greeting from State Delegate Shelly Simonds. Sustainability managers and representatives from Virginia Peninsula localities will report on their latest initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to include solar arrays, energy efficient building practices, EV vehicles and EV charging stations. These localities are Gloucester, Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, and Williamsburg. Whitney Katchmark with Hampton Roads Planning District Commission will give an update on the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant of an initial $1 million, with HRPDC as the lead for the 17 localities in the Hampton Roads area. The grant will support development of a GHG inventory and a regional climate action plan designed to reduce GHG, support clean energy generation, and ensure that low income communities will benefit.
Event concluded
The Third Annual Hampton Roads Southside Climate Solutions Roundtable, hosted jointly with the Chesapeake Bay Group
Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
Congressman Bobby Scott, representing Congressional District 3 has been invited to speak. Sustainability managers and representatives from Southside Hampton Roads localities will report on their latest initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to include solar arrays, energy efficient building practices, EV vehicles and EV charging stations. These localities are Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Southampton, Smithfield, Suffolk, Surry and Virginia Beach. Whitney Katchmark with Hampton Roads Planning District Commission will give an update on the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant of an initial $1 million, with HRPDC as the lead for the 17 localities in the Hampton Roads area. The grant will support development of a GHG inventory and a regional climate action plan designed to reduce GHG, support clean energy generation, and ensure that low income communities will benefit.
Event concluded
Osprey, Menhaden and Protecting the Bay
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
A panel will present information on the tragic situation of the loss of osprey chicks, due to starvation. The principal source of food for the osprey in feeding their young is the small menhaden fish. Research biologists believe the overfishing of the menhaden is the cause. The company Omega Protein harvests the menhaden, using them for fish oil tablets and animal food. On the panel are Dr. Bryan Watts, Director of the Center for Conservation Biology at William and Mary; Chris Moore, Virginia Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Steve Adkinson, Chairman of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, and Jeannie Boyce, Poquoson resident with three osprey nests on their property.
Registration: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvdeigqzIuHdL3VMztdrN3NvdDumQPj2hK
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, tmatteson1@mindspring.com
A summary of most of our recent past programs can be found under "Our Blogs."