Our special programs are free and open to the public.
Unless otherwise noted, these programs are usually held on a Wednesday evening at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, located at 1255 Big Bethel Road 23666. Sandy Bottom Nature Park is an Environmental education preserve on 456 acres with a lake and nature center set on reclaimed land.
The set of programs for the second half of 2023-2024 is as follows:
An Update on the Virginia General Assembly 2024: Top Environmental Legislation
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
We invite our Sierra Club members and friends to attend an exciting and informative program. Connor Kish and Bob Shippee will speak about legislation still in play in the General Assembly and how we can engage in the legislative process. VA Chapter’s Legislative Committee has a careful process where numerous bills are discussed weekly during session, and positions are determined by committee vote on whether to support or not support legislation. Broad categories of VA Chapter Sierra Club include energy issues, climate, transportation, environmental justice, good government, water, toxins, and wildlife. General Assembly Session 2024 began on January 10 and ends on March 9.
Already concluded.
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, tmatteson1@mindspring.com
Offshore Wind “The Good, the Bad and the Breezy”
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
Offshore wind energy is a critical climate solution that can provide energy where it is needed most, all while creating tens of thousands of jobs and revitalizing the maritime sector. Learn about the challenges which have been overcome and those still facing offshore wind. These challenges affect our present and future offshore wind projects in the works off Virginia’s coast. We will celebrate the final federal approval of January 30, 2024, for the go-ahead on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), the largest windfarm in the US to date. The project will install 176 wind turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach, which will provide clean energy to over 600,000 homes and businesses. The Sierra Club, led by Eileen Woll, played a major role in bringing the CVOW project to fruition.
Speakers: Eileen Woll, Offshore Energy Program Director, VA Chapter Sierra Club, and Josh Kaplowitz, Senior Counsel at Locke Lord LLP and former Vice President for Offshore Wind at the American Clean Power Association Sponsored by the York River Group Sierra Club.
Already concluded.
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, tmatteson1@mindspring.com
Who is Protecting York County?
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m., via ZOOM (not in person)
You will learn about two local citizen groups who are dedicated to protecting the air, water, and land in York County.
Speakers: Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacques Van Montfrans, and Bob Hodson with Preserve Yorktown
Elizabeth and Jacques are marine scientists who will explain the dangers from pollution if mega-sized cruise ships come up the York River to the historic Yorktown village. Bob, Elizabeth, Jacques and others with Preserve Yorktown have stopped the Princess Cruise Lines for 2024, but concerned that they may try coming next year. The company has a record of illegal discharges of contaminated wastewater. Most ships use bunker fuel which fouls the air and water and threatens the fragile marine life in and along the York River.
Speaker: Ron Struble, President of Conserve York County Foundation
This effective non-profit group has a mission to conserve the rural areas of York County, with a focus on environmental stewardship of its natural resources.
Already concluded.
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, tmatteson1@mindspring.com
Earth Day in Newport News Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10:00am-5:00 p.m.
Sierra Club celebrates Earth Day at the Outdoor Enthusiast Event in Newport News at Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23603. Join the York River Group at our exhibit booth to share information and resources with people on our work and invite them to get involved with the Sierra Club! Volunteers at the table can also, of course, check out and enjoy the event as well!
Already concluded.
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, at tmatteson1@mindspring.com for taking a shift from 10-12, 12-2, 2-5 or other preferable time.
Tribute to Lee Rich at Sandy Bottom Nature Park
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Visitor’s Center
Address: 1255 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA 23666
Lee Riggins Rich passed away this past December at the age of 94. She was a life member and a vital part of our York River Group, serving as political chair. She received an award from the Virginia Chapter for her accomplishments, which included facilitating programs on the Chesapeake Bay and the importance of oysters in cleaning the Bay. Lee also hosted a program on the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, where she served as president of the non-profit Friends of Great Dismal Swamp.
Our in-person only program will be a wonderful chance to see our members and friends and share a cake and refreshments. We are extremely pleased that Lee’s daughter Regan Gavagni will attend with her family. Also attending is Chris Lowie, Manager of the Great Dismal Swamp, who worked closely with Lee. There have been some recent grants awarded to the Great Dismal Swamp and nearby areas, which will further its legacy of valuable history and nature.
Registration: not required, just show up!
Further Information: Tyla Matteson, Chair YRG, tmatteson1@mindspring.com
A summary of most of our recent past programs can be found under "Our Blogs."