To celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we are hosting three Annual Meetings throughout the James River watershed this year. Our Lynchburg Annual Meeting was held on October 13 at The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center and we were joined guest speaker, Richard Louv, via Skype.
Mr. Louv spoke on “Nature-Deficit Disorder,” a term he coined describing what we have seen in recent years as the detachment of today’s youth from the natural world. His research and that of the Children & Nature Network have shown that fostering the relationship with nature for all people is important, not only for the environment’s health, but for our own as well. Mr. Louv is currently working on another book that highlights the importance of the Human-Animal relationship and the benefits of their interaction.
After Mr. Louv’s presentation, Dr. Tracy Richardson, High School Principal, of EC Glass High School, talked about the positive experiences both she and her students have had through our education programs in Lynchburg. She expressed her appreciation on behalf of the students for the opportunity to experience nature first hand through our programs. Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology student, Anna Drumheller , also addressed the guests and gave a brief overview of her experience on the James River Expedition, a week long journey on the James River. She said she has a new appreciation and commitment to the health of our waterways, thanks to the week she spent on the river with fellow students and educators.
Bill Street, the James River Association’s CEO, highlighted improvements that have occurred in the James since the organization was founded in 1976. Despite the progress that has been made over the last 40 years, there is still much work to be done. Bill also briefly reviewed the James River Association’s 10 year plan.
Our next Annual Meeting will be held in Richmond at the The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing on October 27. We hope you plan to join us for our final annual meeting as we celebrate 40 years of progress and look forward to the next decade. The reception and oyster roast start at 6:00 pm. and the program will begin at 7:00 pm. Ticket prices are $75/person and can be purchased here.