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Stories in Virginia

Community Outreach

Engaging community members of all ages and backgrounds and connecting people with the places we protect at the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve.

Last updated August 26, 2023

A mother and two girls enjoy a boat ride.
Engaging our Communities A family enjoys a boat tour during Brownsville Preserve's annual Open Farm Day © Jennifer Davis / TNC

The Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve's (VVCR) staff members all live on the Eastern Shore. We’re passionate about the place and the community we call home.

We believe that strong partnerships and connections with our neighbors in Accomack and Northampton counties are crucial to the success of our conservation, restoration and educational goals.

Public events at Brownsville Preserve such as our annual Open Farm Day and Holiday Open House, Stroll with the Staff nature walk series and evening lectures at historic Brownsville house provide opportunities for staff, locals and visitors alike to gather, have a conversation and together enjoy this beautiful place.

VVCR relies on an outstanding and ever-growing team of volunteers who help with local conservation projects ranging from eelgrass and oyster restoration, barrier island stewardship and shoreline clean-ups to assisting with field trips to TNC properties and representing the organization at local fairs and festivals.

By making these connections, we believe we can contribute to a vital Shore community, further a sense of stewardship of our natural resources and inspire new champions for conservation.

Scenes from VVCR

Connecting with the community in the place we call home.

Families seated in a large open sided wagon for a tour of Brownsville Preserve.
A group of about 10 people stand around two rows of colorful kayaks.
A group of about 20 people walking away from the camera on a wide gravel trail through fields.
Three people with cameras photograph an unseen animal in the grass on a beach..
Holiday tree decorated with shells and gingerbread cookies next to a poster with The Nature Conservancy's logo on it.
Families seated in a large open sided wagon for a tour of Brownsville Preserve.

Ready for a Ride: Young visitors enjoy a wagon ride during Brownsville Preserve's annual Open Farm Day. © Jennifer Davis / TNC

A group of about 10 people stand around two rows of colorful kayaks.

Exploring the Marsh: Coastal scientist Bo Lusk leads a group on a kayak outing during Brownsville Preserve's annual Open Farm Day. © Alex Novak / The Nature Conservancy

A group of about 20 people walking away from the camera on a wide gravel trail through fields.

Full Moon Walk: Public outings and walks offer an opportunity to explore Brownsville Preserve and connect with our neighbors. © Amanda Hurley / TNC

Three people with cameras photograph an unseen animal in the grass on a beach..

Wildlife Photography: Photography students from Lord Fairfax Community College focus on a ghost crab during a field trip to VVCR's Hog Island. © Jennifer Davis / TNC

Holiday tree decorated with shells and gingerbread cookies next to a poster with The Nature Conservancy's logo on it.

A Welcome for All: In 2019, homemade gingerbread cookie ornaments were an edible memento for guests at VVCR's annual holiday open house, decorated by the daughters of Coastal Scientist, Bo Lusk. © Margaret Van Clief / TNC

Contact

Margaret Van Clief
Outreach and Education Coordinator
phone: (757) 442-3049
email: margaret.vanclief@tnc.org

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