Rivanna Conservation Alliance

Volunteer Event: Vine Cutting along the Rivanna River
2019-02-09 08:45 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | RCA Office, 1150 River Rd, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA, 22901-4110, United States
Help RCA and the City of Charlottesville clear invasive vines that damage native vegetation and block views of the Rivanna River.
Meet at the RCA office (1150 River Road) at 8:45 am and we will walk to the Rivanna River Trail at 9:00 am. Wear work clothes and close-toed shoes.
RSVP to: exec@rivannariver.org
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Watch Party for RCA's Episode of Charlottesville Inside Out
2019-02-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Kardinal Hall, 722 Preston Ave, Ste 101, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
RCA is being featured on an episode of Charlottesville Inside Out on our local PBS station, WHTJ!

Please join us at a watch party Thursday, February 7th at Kardinal Hall (722 Preston Ave, Charlottesville). RCA has reserved a separate room that will open at 7:30, and the show will air at 8:30. Come early to get dinner and/or drinks, settle in, and enjoy the show with fellow friends of the river. Click here to RSVP . We look forward to seeing you there!

Bacteria Monitoring: Level III Training
2019-01-26 11:30 - 12:30 | RCA Office, 1150 River Rd, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA, 22901-4110, United States
This training is for new volunteers interested in the Bacteria Monitoring Program. No previous experience is needed.
Please contact bacteriamonitoring@rivannariver.org with questions or to register.

Cleanup at Meadow Creek with TNC
2019-01-21 13:00 - 15:00
Join The Nature Conservancy to clean up your watershed!
TNC is looking for 30 volunteers to help remove plastic bottles, cans and other debris from a stretch of Meadow Creek in Charlottesville, preventing the trash from reaching the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay.
Meadow Creek is located near the intersection of Hydraulic Road and 250. Trash bags will be provided.
To sign up contact Maggie Hankerd, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, via email at margaret.hankerd@tnc.org. A confirmation email will be sent to volunteers with additional details.

CLEANUP AT SCHENKS BRANCH
2018-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Fire and Rescue Station, 828 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902
YES THE CLEANUP IS ON!!! Schenks Branch is in need of a Deep Clean, especially after the rain and floods of this past season. Trash has collected in the stream bed and needs to be removed. Can you helps us clean up along the John Warner Parkway at Rt. 250?
We’ll be meeting at the Fire & Rescue Squad on McIntire Road where there is parking.
828 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville.
RCA will provide gloves, trash bags, trash removal, water and snacks. Please wear closed toed shoes/boots, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. You may also want to wear a cap or hat. For more information call 434-97-RIVER.

Primitive & Survival Skills Workshop 101
2018-11-03 09:00 - 16:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
You’re caught in an urban or natural disaster – could you survive till help arrives? The Primitive & Survival Skills Workshop 101 will cover the basic skill sets needed to keep you alive –
– Building a shelter without tools,
– Finding and purifying water,
– Making cordage – rope,
– Making a fire, without a lighter or matches, and
– Wilderness food gathering.
This workshop is for adults and young people over 14 (with a parent or guardian). Cost $75
Steve Pullinger is an expert in his field and dedicated volunteer at the RCA’s Scheier Natural Area in Fluvanna County. For more information call Steve at 434 249 0419

FLOWtilla: The Spontaneous Decorated Boat Parade & Competition
2018-09-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
FLOWtilla: The Spontaneous Decorated Boat Parade & Competition.
Saturday, September 29th
A $500 award will be given to the most creative design!
As a fun feature of FLOW, Chroma Projects and The Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center (LCEC) invite everyone to decorate a floating device and join in the parade. It’s a delight-filled thing to do with your kids!
Sign up for the LCEC’s Boat Design Workshop from 12-3 Saturday, September 22nd. Pay the $7 LCEC entrance fee, bring your boat or tube and use their cardboard, duct tape, paint and guidance!
FLOWtilla launches at 1:30 on the 29th from Darden Towe Park’s boat ramp.
FLOWtilla is the boat parade feature of FLOW: The Rivanna River Arts Festival and is held in partnership with The Rivanna Conservation Alliance and Albemarle County.
FLOW itself begins at 11:00 with Musical and Art Performances until 3:00, Art Installations close by 5:00.
Questions? Contact www.chromaprojects.com

Pond Ecology Workshop
2018-09-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
RESCHEDULED FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
Come join Master Naturalist and RCA’s StreamWatch Monitor Ida Swenson for a “deep dive” into the living things in the ponds at RCA’s Scheier Natural Area, located at 917 Long Acre Road, Palmyra, VA 22963
Ida will furnish most of the equipment but you will want to bring your own boots or old sneakers, a hat, insect repellent and water.
Please call Ida for more information. 434-996-8405 mobile or idathefriz@gmail.com

FLOW: The Rivanna River Arts Festival
2018-09-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Join us for FLOW: The Rivanna River Arts Festival on Saturday, September, 29th, along the Rivanna Trail! The event starts at 11:00 AM at Darden Towe’s Boat Ramp.
Chroma Projects is collaborating with The Rivanna Conservation Alliance to bring you this one day celebration of our river. The Front Porch Musicians, McGuffey Art Center, the Rivanna River Company, and the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center are also our partners.
FLOW 2018 will feature many of last year’s visual and performing artists interpreting the river, along with a number of new ones. Visitors to the event encounter their diverse gifts of creativity, tucked into natural wooded grottoes and overlooks along the river trail, expressing the history, ecology and spiritual traditions of the river.
Environmental organizations will have informational tables as well, so that visitors may learn about the good work that is being done.
This year we are pleased to announce that Alex Nyerges, Director of the VMFA and his wife, Katherine are our jurors for the River Bank Plein Aire Painting Event, the Site Specific Environmental Sculpture, and the FLOWtilla Spontaneous Art Boat Parade.

Rivanna River Renaissance Conference
2018-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA, United States
Join us for the 2018 Rivanna River Renaissance Conference

Friday, September 28, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Albemarle County Office Building – 401 McIntire Rd.

To see Program & Register, visit www.tjpdc.org or 434-979-7310
Learn about River redevelopment projects in Roanoke VA and Greenville SC. Hear an update on Phase 1 of the Rivanna River Corridor Plan. Participate, in a workshop to provide input for Phase 2.
Who Should Attend: Community leaders, local government officials, developers, builders, financial investors, conservation and environmental organization personnel, members, and the public-at-large.
Friday, September 28:

10:30 am Welcome and Introductions- Ann Mallek Chair, Rivanna River Basin Commission- Albemarle County

Panel discussion: River redevelopment from Greenville and Roanoke

Jim Bourey. Greenville South Carolina’s plan for cooperation for Reedy River Redevelopment

Jim Bourey is Director of Management Services for the architectural & engineering firm McGill Associates. Jim was City Manager of Greenville, S.C. during much of the Reedy River redevelopment planning and implementation.

Bern Ewert. Former City Manager, Roanoke, VA

Moderator: Chip Boyles, Executive Director at the TJPDC

11:30 am Introduction to the Rivanna River Corridor Plan – Chip Boyles and Nick Morrison, Community Planner, TJPDC

Special announcement for the River. Ann Mallek, Ned Gallaway, Bob Crickenberger

Lunch Break and networking.

Bring your own lunch or visit the food truck.

1-3 pm. Rivanna River Corridor planning Work-session and interactive engagement session

County Office Building, second floor

Saturday, September 29:

Guided South Fork Rivanna Paddling Trip

A Campaign Kick-Off Float supporting creation of the new South Fork River Access Guided by members of the Rivanna River Paddlers; Outfitting by Rivanna River Company

9:30 am – 2:00pm,
6 miles, Class I-II rapids
$39 per person, 20 Spaces Only.
Trip Description Here.
Register https://tinyurl.com/ydaogta5
Trip meets at 9:15 @ RRC Shop (1518 E. High St)

Stormwater Landscapes: Using Native Plant Communities for Design
2018-09-12 09:00 - 16:30 | Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA, United States
This class covers site assessment, research, and creation of species lists and installation plans for assemblages of plants. Participants will understand how design choices can support greater habitat value for wildlife and biodiversity through the use of appropriately selected native plants.
Instructor: David Hirschman
$85 early/$100 after June 25 includes lunch
6.5 CBLP CEUs
https://cblpro.org/produc t/central- virginia-cblp-advanced-training-workshops/
questions: beth@cblpro.org
Stormwater Landscapes Flyer

Summer Woods Hike
2018-06-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
Summer is a wonderful time to explore the woods, it flora, fauna and the peace that comes with experiencing nature. So come join us at RCA’s Scheier Natural Area in Fluvanna County for the Summer Woods Hike.
When: June 10, 2018
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Scheier Natural Area
Address: 917 Long Acre Road, Palmyra, VA 22963
Contact:
email: dandersen64@gmail.com
phone: 804-310-6464

POSTPONED TILL JUNE 9 POND ECOLOGY WORKSHOP
2018-06-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
POSTPONED TILL JUNE 9 POND STUDY WORKSHOP
Due to the heavy rain, the workshop scheduled for Scheier Natural Area this Saturday is being postponed to Saturday, June 9, from 9:00 am – 11:00am. (NOTE TIME CHANGE from original workshop).
For more information, call Ida Swenson at 434-589-2777, or to register go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Scheierponds. Boots and old clothes recommended!
POND STUDY WORKSHOP AT SCHEIER NATURAL AREA
Wonder what is under the surface of a pond? Join Ida Swenson at the Scheier Natural Area at 917 Longacre Road, Palmyra, Saturday, June 9 from 9 AM to 11:30. Bring your own boots or old sneakers, water and a hat. We will provide buckets, nets, and microscopes! For more information, call Ida Swenson at 434-589-2777, or to register go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Scheierponds. Sponsored by the Rivanna Conservation Alliance.
Pond ecology tells us a lot about the health of aquatic life, the environment and water quality. And, tadpoles are great fun to catch, examine and release. Come join us for a workshop at the Scheier Natural Area where there are 8 different ponds to explore:
Our Workshop Leader is RCA Member, Master Naturalist and educator Ida Swenson.
While this is a FREE event, we do ask that you register so our workshop leaders can plan and organize the event to accommodate all workshop participants.

POND ECOLOGY WORKSHOP
2018-06-02 14:00 - 16:30 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
Pond ecology tells us a lot about the health of aquatic life, the environment and water quality. And, tadpoles are great fun to catch, examine and release. Come join us for a workshop at the Scheier Natural Area where there are 8 different ponds to explore:
Our Workshop Leader is RCA Member, Master Naturalist and educator Ida Swenson.
While this is a FREE event, we do ask that you register so our workshop leaders can plan and organize the event to accommodate all workshop participants. Please register at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Scheierponds

Rivanna River Fishing Tournament
2018-05-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Free Bridge, Charlottesville, VA
May 19, 2018 – Sat 8 AM ·
Location: Rivanna River Company · Free Bridge – Rt. 250 at High St. Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Rivanna River Fishing Tournament
1st Annual Rivanna River Fishing Tournament(Paddle-Powered, Catch-Photo-Release, Supports Conservation). Location: 1538 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 – Call for more details 434 218-2052
Rivanna Conservation Alliance is a partner in this event.

Rivanna River Regatta
2018-05-12 08:00 - 11:30 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Rivanna River Race Information
All information about the May 12, 2018 Rivanna Canoe & Kayak Race has moved over to CvillePaddlers.com this year.
Here is a link directly to the information page where you may register online and also print out the ACA Waiver and bring it with you on race day. https://www.cvillepaddlers.com/2018race.html

S&P Global Rivanna Cleanup
2018-04-30 10:00 - 13:00
S&P Global conducted an amazing cleanup at the new RCA Office Location at 1150 River Road – along the Rivanna River. Twenty Five S&P employees devoted more than 100 hours to this cleanup that took more than 2 truck loads to dispatch.

Rivanna River Sojourn
2018-04-29 15:30 - 20:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Come join the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and its River Stewards for a late afternoon paddle on the beautiful Rivanna River as you support the work RCA does to keep the river and the watershed health. We will be cleaning the river and collecting trash along the paddle.
The biennial Rivanna River will take place on Sunday April 29, 2018 from 3pm to 8pm. The Sojourners will paddle from Rio Mills (at Rt. 29) to Darden Town Park.
The paddle will be guided by the RCA River Stewards with the support of the Rivanna River Company. All equipment, PFD’s, paddles, canoes, kayaks and light snacks will be provided.

Tri Sigma Sorority Cleanup
2018-04-27 15:00 - 17:00
Thanks to the fantastic women of the Tri Sigma Sorority for spending their Friday afternoon cleaning up River Road. Their efforts support RCA’s commitment to clean up trash and debris along the road and the Rivanna River.

Celebration & Open House
2018-04-15 15:00 - 18:30 | RCA Office, 1150 River Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, United States
The Rivanna Conservation Alliance has moved to a new office location – 1150 River Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
Come join us for our Celebration & Open House from 3:00pm – 6:30pm.
The Program at 4:00pm Includes the Presentation by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Southern Region Earth Team Award to RCA. This awards builds upon the USDA/NRCS Virginia Award presented to RCA last December.
Refreshment will be provided, along with a tour of RCA’s new water quality monitoring laboratory and The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Workshop next door.
A silent auction is also a part of the program.
If you have any questions, give us a call at 434-97-RIVER or email us at exec@rivannariver.org

TOADS, FROGS AND NIGHT CRITTERS WORKSHOP
2018-04-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
With the spring comes flowers, warmer weather and lots of living creatures that inhabit the woods. Come learn about the Toads, Frogs and Night Critters.
Please bring your flashlights and camera, as these are sights to behold.
Hot cocoa and s’mores will be provides starting at 7:30 pm.
Workshop Leaders: Ida Swenson and Terrie Wood.
While this is a free event, we do ask that you register so our workshop leaders can plan and organize the event to accommodate all of the participants. Please register at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ToadsFrogsWorkshop

Bird Identification Workshop
2018-04-07 09:00 - 11:30 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
CANCELLED BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER.
We will reschedule for late spring or early fall.
Birds are beautiful and fascinating. And, the birds are often a bellwether for climate changes, environmental health, and emotional well-being. Come joins us for this workshop where you can learn more about these amazing creatures, come join us at Scheier Natural Area for the Bird Identification Workshop. Our workshop leader is Robert Jennings, an RCA member and a Grassroots Field Specialist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
There is no cost for this workshop but would ask that you register so that we have a number count, as registration will be capped at 24 participants. For more information call 434-97-RIVER or email us as exec@rivannariver.org.
Registration – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BirdWorkshop

WORLD WATER DAY EVENTS
2018-03-31 14:00 - 17:00 | Ivy Creek Natural Area Education Building, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VT, 22903, United States
Come celebrate World Water Day with some of your favorite organizations. The Ivy Creek Foundation, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, the City of Charlottesville, the County of Albemarle and the Rivanna Water and Sewer authority are working together to provide the community with the opportunity to learn about Ivy Creek, the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir and the interconnections of land, water and sky.
What: World Water Day Celebration
Date: Saturday March 31, 2018
Time: Nature Hike at 2:00pm
Address: Ivy Creek Natural Area
1780 Earlysville Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
For More Information call 434-973-7772

Primitive Skills and Survival Workshop
2018-03-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
Come join us for this consistently popular workshop!
You will learn about how to build foul weather shelters, how to secure water,
how to make cordage and build a fire. Steve Pullinger will again be the workshop leader.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PrimitiveSkills

Tadpole Day At the Scheier Natural Area
2018-03-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
March 25th is Tadpole Day at RCA’s Scheier Natural Area. Come join us for an afternoon of exploration and amazement – and bring the children.
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: Scheier Natural Area 917 Long Acre Rd. Palmyra, VA 22963
Contact:
Email: dandersen64@gmail.com
Phone: (804) 310 6464

World Water Day - Multi-organizational celebration
2018-03-22 12:30 - 19:00
EVENT POSTPONED: MOVED TO SATURDAY MARCH 31 AT 2PM.
Come celebrate World Water Day with some of your favorite organizations. The Ivy Foundation, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, the City of Charlottesville and the Rivanna Water and Sewer authority are working together to provide the community with the opportunity to learn about Ivy Creek, the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir and the interconnections of land, water and sky.
What: World Water Day Celebration
Time: Nature Hikes at 12:30 pm and repeated at 5:30 pm
Address: Ivy Creek Natural Area
1780 Earlysville Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
For More Information call 434-973-7772

Public Meeting: Cunningham Creek Watershed Plan
2018-03-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Fluvanna County Public Library, 214 Commons Blvd, Palmyra, VA
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the County of the Fluvanna and the Citizen Technical Advisory Committee are hosting a public meeting to review and discuss the draft Watershed Plan for Cunningham Creek. The meeting will be at the Fluvanna County Library 214 Commons Blvd. Palmyra, VA 22963. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.
VADEQ Contact: Nesha McRae, TMDL Coordinator, Valley Regional Office
Email: nesha.macrae@deq.virginia.gov – Phone: 540 574-7850

Fall Rivanna River Sojourn 2017
2017-11-05 17:00 - 20:00 | South Fork Rivanna Reservoir
Location: UVa Rowing Club Boat Dock 276 Woodlands Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
Registration Fee: Adult $60.00; Child/Student $45.00 (Fees are used to support future RCA programs)
REGISTRATION FEES WILL INCLUDE:
– Kayaks/Canoes/Paddles/Personal flotation devices
– Refreshments
– Water safety instruction
– A professionally guided paddle of the beautiful Rivanna River
Once you have registered, additional Sojourn details will be emailed to the address you have provided.
Contact: Robbi Savage– robbisavage@rivannariver.org 434-977-4837 (434-97-RIVER)

Bird Identification Workshop
2017-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
Birds are beautiful and fascinating. Bird are often a bellwether for climate changes, environmental health, and emotional well-being. If you want to learn more about these amazing creatures, come join us at Scheier Natural Area for the Bird Identification Workshop.

Rockin' the Rivanna River Festival
2017-09-30 09:00 - 15:00
Rockinʼ the Rivanna – September 30, 2017
Join us at Riverview Park and Darden Towe Park for a 5K run, biking, river floating, food, music, art & fun! Click here for the Save the Date Card.
8:30am – 9:00am: River safety demonstrations by the Lake Monticello Water Rescue Team and Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad (Free Event)
9:00 am – 10:00 am: Park to Park 5k (Riverview to Darden Towe)
Cost is $30 per runner. Runners please register activity #220316 with a credit card by calling (434) 970-3260 or online at www.charlottesville.org/parksandrec.
5k registration period end on Sept. 27. Meet at Darden Towe. Shuttles service from 8:00am – 8:40am will take you to the race start in Riverview. 5k Questions? Contact Mindy Dodge at dodgem@charlottesville.org ($ Event)
9:00am – 2:00 pm: Exhibits at Riverview Park (Free Event)
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: River parade featuring decorated kayaks and canoes (Darden Towe Park to Riverview) Park. Trash collection along the way (Contact: Dan Mahon – dmahon@albemarle.org (434) 966-5373 (Free Event)
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: River trips from Darden Towe to Riverview (2 miles). The Rivanna River Co. will provide FREE shuttle service through the day for all participants, and will have rental equipment available for rent at the launch site. Discount rental rates apply: solo kayak=$23, tandem kayak/canoe= $33. Reserve rental equipment atwww.rivannarivercompany.com. Contact: Gabe or Sonja Silver-rivannarivercompany.com (434) 760-2840 ($ Event)
11:00 am – 3:00pm: FLOW: Rivanna River Art Festival along the banks of the River (from Darden Towe to Riverview). FLOW will include visual. dance and musical arts. The Parade of Boats and the Rivanna Trail is the best way to experience FLOW. Contact: Deborah McLeod -artlab@chromaprojects.com – (434) 806-9667 (Free Events)
12:00pm – 2:00pm: Biological (Benthic), Bacteria and Chemical Water Quality Monitoring demonstrations at Riverview Park – for background information log on to www.rivannariver.org. Contact: Robbi Savage exec@rivannariver.org 434-97-RIVER (434)-977-4837) (Free Event)
All day event – National Bike Your Park Day. Contact: Chris Gensic Gensic@charlottesville.org (434) 970-0061 (Free Event)
You can register for your free event tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rockin-the-rivanna-tickets-36043181125?aff=ehomecard
Hope to see you there!
Also, the previous day on Friday, September 29th we are hosting the Rivanna River Renaissance Conference, with many interesting and informative speakers. Visit this link to learn more.
