Past Events

Join us for Colonial's Conservation Kick off Dinner

June 3       |       4:30 - 7:30 pm       |       Cousiac Manor

Agenda to include:

• Guest Speaker: Dr. Hunter Frame, Virginia Tech

• VACS Updates

• Alliance updates

• Partner updates

• Cover crop check pick up

• Assistance with round 3 applications (you must bring a copy of farm maps and subsidiary print)

• Dinner

Cousiac Manor - 9960 Old Sweet Hall Ferry Crossing, Lanexa, VA

Directions      

Please RSVP by May 21 to guarantee dinner for all:

     Samantha Pereira

          Email:               Samantha.Pereira@ColonialSWCD.org

          Text only:        (757) 759-0528

     Robert Waring

          Email:               Robert.Waring@ColonialSWCD.org

          Text only:        (804) 920-1202

STORMWATER 101 

Addressing Erosion, Standing Water, and Excess Runoff

Poquoson Public Library

This presentation will help community members learn how to manage stormwater issues on their property with eco-friendly solutions such as rain gardens, native plant habitats, permeable pavement, living shorelines, and more. Robyn will also share information about the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) which is newly available to Poquoson residents and can provide funding for landowners who install an eligible stormwater management practice.

It's going to be a super fun and educational morning at Spring into Conservation.  If you like nature and are interested in learning more about conservation and what you can do to help conservation efforts in your own back yard, don't miss this event!

Registration Required. 

More information coming soon.

Virginia Cooperative Extension has a fun day planned where you can learn all about bugs. There will be many vendors, including Colonial SWCD, who are. going to be ready to share their bug knowledge. Food trucks will be present.

Saturday, March 14

10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Jamestown Beach Event Park

2205 Jamestown Road

Parking is $5/car (cash or check)

Grab your leash and get to the park with your furry friend for a great time!  We'll be there talking about the best turf for your best friend! You love your dog, so you need to make sure that the grass is always safer for your pup on your side. Come learn about what you can do to keep you dog safe when they are playing outside in the grass. .

Other activities at the event include:

• Best Trick Contest  

• Fido Fashion Show  

• Photo Row 

• Family-friendly, dog-friendly activities & games

• Arts & crafts for kids and adults

• Food ($), merchandise ($) and community vendors

Leashed pets only. No retractable leashes. Dogs must be current on vaccines.

STORMWATER 101 

Addressing Erosion, Standing Water, and Excess Runoff

Poquoson Public Library

This presentation will help community members learn how to manage stormwater issues on their property with eco-friendly solutions such as rain gardens, native plant habitats, permeable pavement, living shorelines, and more. Robyn will also share information about the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) which is newly available to Poquoson residents and can provide funding for landowners who install an eligible stormwater management practice.

Robin Woolsey, Senior Conservation Specialist from the Colonial Soil & Water Conservation District will discuss methods that mitigate storm water runoff and reduce the maintenance of your property.

This talk will be an introduction to the order Odonata – the dragonflies and damselflies. General terminology, anatomy, and their amazing and unique life history / behavior will be reviewed, as well as how to differentiate between the two major suborders – the dragonflies and the damselflies. Each of the 10 Odonata families found in Virginia will be introduced along with natural history and anatomy to help with identifications. The presentation is jam packed with high quality videos, photographs, and diagrams (which are my own or from colleagues who also specialize in the order) that will enhance your experience and further your understanding. If you like dragonflies, then this talk isn’t to be missed!

This talk will be an introduction to the order Odonata – the dragonflies and damselflies. General terminology, anatomy, and their amazing and unique life history / behavior will be reviewed, as well as how to differentiate between the two major suborders – the dragonflies and the damselflies. Each of the ten Odonata families found in Virginia will be introduced along with natural history and anatomy to help with identifications. The presentation is jam packed with high quality videos, photographs, and diagrams (which are my own or from colleagues who also specialize in the order) that will enhance your experience and further your understanding. If you like dragonflies, then this talk isn’t to be missed!

The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) is an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives as well as technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Virginia’s participating Soil & Water Conservation Districts. These practices can be installed in areas of your yard where problems like erosion, poor drainage, or poor vegetation occur. Qualified sites shall be used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes with a proposed practice that addresses a need. Most practices are eligible for 80% cost-share and some practices provide a flat incentive payment up to the installation cost.

VCAP can help you:

• Restore problem areas

• Control and minimize erosion

• Conserve water within the landscape

• Improve riparian buffer areas

• Promote wildlife habitat

• Re-vegetate bare slopes

• Stabilize drainage ways

• Treat storm water runoff

This course discusses eligibility requirements, eligible BMPs, and the overall process.

Register here: 

https://kingandqueen.libcal.com/event/15334800

The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) is an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives as well as technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Virginia’s participating Soil & Water Conservation Districts. These practices can be installed in areas of your yard where problems like erosion, poor drainage, or poor vegetation occur. Qualified sites shall be used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes with a proposed practice that addresses a need. Most practices are eligible for 80% cost-share and some practices provide a flat incentive payment up to the installation cost.

VCAP can help you:

• Restore problem areas

• Control and minimize erosion

• Conserve water within the landscape

• Improve riparian buffer areas

• Promote wildlife habitat

• Re-vegetate bare slopes

• Stabilize drainage ways

• Treat storm water runoff

This course discusses eligibility requirements, eligible BMPs, and the overall process.

Register here: 

bit.ly/4haLPUR

Insects are more than just bugs in the garden—they’re essential workers that pollinate, recycle nutrients, and keep pests in check. In this workshop, Amanda will uncover the hidden world of insects as she discusses their life cycles, diets, and the essential ecosystem services they provide in your garden. You’ll learn simple ways to attract and support pollinators and other beneficial insects, what garden practices to avoid, and the most eco-friendly options for dealing with problem pests when they show up.