CE Webinar Series

NEXT WEBINARS: July 29, July 30, August 4, August 19

Our Underwater Grasses: Monitoring to support future restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Description: Representatives from The Nature Conservancy will be discussing the SAV (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) Watchers program, which is a community science-driven initiative to collect data on underwater grass distribution and health. They will also be talking about SAV ecology and why SAV is so important to the Bay’s recovery.

Presenters: Mary Gartner is The Nature Conservancy’s Seagrass Monitoring intern. This summer, she is focusing on volunteer engagement by organizing community science events and writing an email newsletter to inform the public all about SAV! She is excited to collect SAV data all across Virginia before entering her senior year at William & Mary, where she is double majoring in Environmental Science and Integrative Conservation.

Kati Booth is The Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Bay Wetlands Program Manager and a wetland restoration scientist. She’s been with TNC for 13 years and focuses on tidal and non-tidal wetland restoration science, project management, and policy. She is very excited about exploring ways to support SAV restoration efforts in the Bay. Kati loves kayaking and identifying plants, so the SAV Watchers program is a perfect way to do both at the same time!

Living with Coyotes

Date: Thursday, July 30, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Description: Learn about coyotes and what humans can do to reduce conflict with these interesting animals that are becoming more common in urban areas. Note: For this webinar to count as the required train-the-trainer session for VMN volunteers who want to do public presentations and outreach about coyotes using the DWR materials, those volunteers must attend the live webinar, not just watch the recording.

Presenter: Leah Card is the furbearer biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

From Shoreline to Solutions: How the International Coastal Cleanup Drives Change

Date: August 4, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Description: The webinar will focus on how to get involved in the Virginia Waterways Cleanup, part of the Ocean Conservancy’s ICC. We will discuss how to organize or participate in a cleanup, how to collect data using CleanSwell, and how that data is used to drive meaningful change.

Presenters: Christina Trapani (Executive Director, Clean Virginia Waterways) worked in the field of marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, rehab and research for more more than 12 years. This work led to many first hand experiences of the effects that marine debris had on them and the environment. As a result, she organized her first cleanup in 2002 and has now spent more than 20 years working with CVW in plastic pollution prevention from beach cleanups to marine debris monitoring projects to litter prevention education. She began her new role as Executive Director of Clean Virginia Waterways in August, 2024. Christina also runs a small retail business that offers alternatives to single-use plastics and serves on the board of the Virginia Green Travel Alliance.

Emily Bodsford is excited to join the Clean Virginia Waterways Team as the Environmental and Outreach Specialist. With over a decade of experience in community engagement, sustainability, and environmental education, she is passionate about advancing CVW’s mission. Emily earned her degree in Environmental and Health Sciences from Old Dominion University in 2015 and has since led impactful initiatives, including citizen science water quality monitoring, marine debris reduction campaigns, volunteer programs, and conservation advocacy efforts. Emily’s journey in environmental stewardship began immediately after graduation at the Brock Environmental Center, where she started working with Lynnhaven River NOW, a local environmental organization. In 2022, she took on the role of Communications Specialist for the Virginia Oyster Trail, where she continues to serve on their Board of Directors. Along the way, Emily has cultivated strong community partnerships, developed innovative educational programs, and advocated for sustainable practices. Emily joins CVW with a passion for inspiring environmental stewardship, fostering collaboration, and driving conservation efforts to protect and restore Virginia’s waterways for a cleaner, healthier future.

Beyond Debate: Navigating divisive issues in outreach conversations

Date: August 19, 12:00 – 1:00 pm 

Description: Ever felt the heat when discussing wildlife management or water quality? Conversations about environmental topics can raise controversies that often make participants feel distressed and confused. But sidestepping these tough topics means missing a vital chance to foster informed public engagement. Join this dynamic webinar to discover how to prepare for and address divisive subjects across various outreach settings. We will discuss proactive strategies to prevent friction before it starts and practical techniques to defuse tension when it arises. Participants will gain fresh perspectives on controversial issues, reflect on personal biases, and come away with practical methods for navigating controversies with confidence.

Presenter: Andrea Lorek Strauss, is an Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota specializing in Conservation Education. Based in Rochester, MN, she co-leads the Minnesota Master Naturalist program with a focus on recruiting, preparing, and supporting instructors and partners of the program. Extensive professional experience teaching about wolves in the north woods and about prairies in agricultural areas have given her a strong footing to handle a wide range of political, emotional or otherwise divisive topics with aplomb.