Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative

Winter Lecture: Bringing Back Virginia’s Grassland Birds
2025-03-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | BRMC’s Mountain House Headquarters, 17405 Beverley Mill Dr, Broad Run, VA 20137, USA, 17405 Beverley Mill Dr., Broad Run, VA, 20137, United States
Bringing Back Virginia’s Grassland Birds” is an in-person lecture presented by October Greenfield, co-coordinator of Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative and wildlife habitat restoration coordinator at Piedmont Environmental Council. Over 50 species of birds rely on grassland habitats here in Virginia. But the state of our grasslands is changing with increased pressure from development and changing agricultural practices. As a result, many grassland bird species are in severe decline. The good news is that private landowners and farmers can—and are—helping bring these birds back! Join October and Leopold’s Preserve to learn more about the decline of grassland birds and the work of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative.
RSVP here for this free, in-person lecture. This event is open to the public.
Light refreshments will be provided. This lecture is part of a winter series hosted by Leopold’s Preserve.

Northern Bobwhite Quail and Managing Land for Wildlife Webinar
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Are you a new landowner who doesn’t know where to start in your conservation journey? Or, are you an experienced landowner looking to make changes that benefit wildlife? Join the Quail Forever Biologists from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia for an evening webinar focused on the reason behind the decline of bobwhite populations, habitat requirements, and best management practices.

This is a free event, but registration is required. Register here!

Rivanna Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00
Who doesn’t love a Kestrel??? Learn about American Kestrel behavior, current Kestrel research and how to help them thrive through a multi-agency effort to erect nest boxes and restore habitat. Join the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative Assistant, Lauria McShane, and Shenandoah National Park’s Ecologist, Alan Williams, for a zoom presentation on the American Kestrel and the conservation efforts that are being lead to support their population.

This event is open to Rivanna Master Naturalist Members

Greene County Conservation Speed Dating Workshop
2025-02-26 12:00 - 15:00
If you are a Greene county landowner or producer we invite you to join us for a hands-on workshop that will give you one-on-one time with local technical service providers and conservation practitioners to discuss your interests, options, and next steps specific to your property. All participants will receive a large scale printed map of their property. Lunch will be provided!
Registration is required for this event. Email Lauria McShane: lmcshane@pecva.org to register

Woods & Wildlife Conference 2025
2025-02-22
These long-running full-day conferences provide information, tools, and personal contacts to help private woodland owners keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive.
A variety of topics are offered to appeal to owners of both small and large tracts, and both new and experienced owners.
Please note, VGBI will be tabling at the CULPEPER event.
This is a ticketed event.

Conservation Speed Dating Training Webinar
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative, Northeast Bird Habitat Conservation Initiative, and Cornell Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative are hosting a Conservation Speed Dating Training Webinar on Wednesday, February 12, 12–1 pm EST.
Conservation Speed Dating is a fun, creative way to connect landowners with conservation professionals. This accessible forum enables conservationists to share expertise, answer questions, and assist landowners in mapping out conservation plans for their own properties. October Greenfield, co-coordinator of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI), will walk participants though how to host a Conservation Speed Dating Workshop to help support landowners in their conservation and land management planning.
Help make getting started in conservation less intimidating for landowners in your area! Join the webinar on Wednesday, February 12 from 12–1 pm EST to learn how to host a Conservation Speed Dating Workshop of your own.
Please note, this event is specifically intended for conservation professionals.
