39th Annual Natural Areas Conference in Norfolk VA!

Join conservation professionals from around the country in Norfolk, Virginia, for the 2012 Natural Areas Conference, hosted by the Natural Areas Association (NAA) with co-host National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils (NAEPPC). This year’s conference will address keeping natural areas programs relevant in today’s world and natural areas resilient in the face of change.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with and learn from others working in fields related to natural areas conservation. Special opportunities for students offer chances to make valuable connections with working professionals.

Partners

This year’s conference is being planned with the assistance of natural area professionals in the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Preconference Field Trips (subject to change)

• Caves and karst lands of western Virginia
• Clinch River canoe float in southwest Virginia
• Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve and Southern Blue Ridge
• Coastal Plain sinkhole ponds
• Chesapeake Bay shorelines
• Longleaf pine restoration at its northern limit

Conference Field Trips(subject to change)

• Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
• Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
• False Cape State Park and Natural Area Preserve
• Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve
• Zuni Pine Barrens
• Blackwater River canoe float
• Chesapeake Bay ecotour (boat trip)
• Eastern Shore Marshes ecotour (kayak trip)
• Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve
• Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve
• North Landing River Natural Area Preserve
• Migratory Bird Habitat Restoration on the Eastern Shore

Learn more here.

The Natural Areas Conference is an unparalleled opportunity to learn about new research, receive valuable training and make important connections with other professionals in conservation-related fields.

Research

Discover the latest research results for species and habitat management. Learn about the challenges, successes and pitfalls of conservation site management.

Stewardship & Training

Attend thought-provoking plenary sessions, symposia, workshops and hands-on field trips to natural areas and features unique to the region. This year’s conference features many specialized training opportunities, including a daylong Phragmites workshop and State and Natural Area Roundtables. NA-EPPC will be featuring dedicated tracks to sharpen the saw on invasive species management.

Networking

Share your story of conservation stewardship and learn from more than 300 of our nation’s conservation leaders. A can’t-miss opportunity to meet face-to-face with peers to share successes and to problem-solve.

Virginia Master Naturalists are encouraged to attend.