RegisterLearn MoreSustainable Summits: Managing Public Access for the Protection of Rare Plant CommunitiesThe Natural Areas Association (NAA) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Natural Heritage Program will host a VIRTUAL professional training on managing sensitive natural communities concurrently for biodiversity conservation and public access. Sustainable Summits Managing Public Access for the Protection of Rare Plant Communities is a compact, interactive, virtual field workshop that will include expert-led discussions in connection to three high-elevation sites with frequent public access in Virginia: Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, Bull Run Mountain Natural Area Preserve, and The Channels Natural Area Preserve. Along with the natural history, the field workshop will explore innovative stewardship strategies for mitigating the effects of public access to rare plant communities on public lands. Filmed during an in-person field workshop in September 2021, the virtual field workshop will feature opportunities for collaboration and networking among land managers, ecologists, and outdoor recreation experts from around North America. Agenda12:00 pm - 12:10 pm EST Welcome & Opening Remarks 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm EST Stewarding Virginia's Natural Area Preserve System: 25 Years of Balancing Resource Protection with Public Access 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm EST Public access management at Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve: Balancing Sustainable Visitation & Biodiversity Conservation 1:00 pm - 1:20 pm EST Restoration Challenges of a Mountaintop Natural Community at Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve in Northern Virginia 1:20 pm - 1:40 pm EST Public Access Management of a Geologically Unique Heath Bald in the Southern Appalachians 1:40 pm - 1:55 pm EST. Open Discussion - How are YOU dealing with these issues? 1:55 pm - 2:00 pm EST. Conclusion Registration:Member: $29 Nonmember: $49 NAA is committed to getting important conservation science into the hands of those who need it, and a lack of funding should not get in the way. If you or your organization cannot support your registration for this event, please contact us. RegisterLearn MoreSpeakersClick on presenter's name for bio Natural Areas Association Board Member Northern Region Steward / Regional Supervisor Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Natural Heritage Program Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Natural Areas Public Access Steward Regional Supervisor / Western Fire Manager Preserve Manager |