Rappahannock River Roundtable

08/13/2026

We are seeing record droughts across the entire Rappahannock River region which is having an enormous impact on our farms, fisheries, and communities.

Every drop counts!

One of the best ways to combat a drought is to help more rainwater infiltrate back into the earth to replenish our groundwater and aquifers which support our crops, well water, and environment. There is cost-share available from local soil and water conservation districts and local non-profits for things like rain gardens, conservation landscaping, rainwater harvesting, tree planting, permeable pavement, and more!

Northern Neck Soil & Water Conservation District
Hanover-Caroline SWCD
Tri County City Soil and Water Conservation District
Three Rivers SWCD
John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District
Friends of the Rappahannock

Drought conditions continue in our region.

Our homes, business, parks, and environment are all impacted by drought.

Understanding what causes a drought helps us make smart choices to help conserve water.

Let's all do our part. Every drop counts.

For more information about saving water during drought: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought/drought-responses

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

Check out this job position from Town of Urbanna, VA ‼️

08/10/2026

It's not too late join in for Conservation Appreciation Day this Wednesday. A free event with some delicious food and a great time! 🌱🐝

❗️MARK YOUR CALENDARS❗️

NNSWCD's 3rd Annual Conservation Appreciation Day is right around the corner! Join us on Wednesday, August 12th from 11AM-1PM for delicious food, savory ice cream, sweet drinks, and great fellowship.

Here is a sneak peek of what to expect:
🥔 True Blue BBQ - brisket, pulled pork & loaded potatoes
🍤 Cajun Carry Out - shrimp & catfish po'boy and Jambalaya
🍦 Famous Dairy Freeze soft serve ice cream
☕️ NNK Sweet Sips - iced coffee, refreshers & more

08/06/2026

Become a Certified Environmental Educator🌱

Enrollment for the Virginia Environmental Education Certification Program opens August 3–11, 2026!

Whether you are a classroom teacher, informal educator, nonprofit professional, park educator, or anyone who teaches about the environment, this program provides a pathway to strengthen your knowledge, skills, and professional practice.

Accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), Virginia’s EE Certification Program supports educators through professional learning, workshops, self-directed exploration, teaching practice, and a capstone project.

✨ Build your skills
✨ Connect with environmental educators across Virginia
✨ Strengthen your impact through high-quality environmental education

Ready to take the next step in your professional growth?
Learn more and register: eevirginia.org/programs/certification

Virginia Association for Environmental Education

08/04/2026

This month is ! Thank you to all who help protect the Rappahannock River and its watershed every day. Clean water supports healthy communities, wildlife, recreation, and the places we love.💧💚

Photo credit: Rappahannock Near Kelly's Ford - Jeffries

07/31/2026

🎣 Our local streams are changing...

A recent look at Rappahannock County’s waterways highlights an important challenge: while many streams remain among Virginia’s cleanest, warming water temperatures, drought, and bacteria contamination are putting increasing pressure on aquatic life.

This includes Brook trout which have declined significantly in some local streams. Volunteers, conservation organizations, farmers, and agencies continue working to monitor water quality, restore streamside forests, reduce pollution, and protect the health of our waterways.

Healthy rivers start with healthy watersheds. 🌊 “If folks can remember the watershed concept — everything flows downhill, therefore everything you do on the land affects the water — and if you’re good stewards of what you do on the land, that eliminates a lot of problems from the beginning,” said DEQ water monitoring supervisor Drew Garey.

Read the full article to learn more about the changing conditions in Rappahannock rivers and streams. Source by: By Bob Hurley, Foothills Forum Reporter

Once-cold Rappahannock streams are warming, brook trout are vanishing and bacteria persists, raising new questions about how healthy these “clean” waters really...

07/29/2026

Check out this great opportunity from The Clifton Institute

We are seeking an Office Manager to help run our headquarters, manage our 900-acre nature preserve, and assist our Co-Directors with fundraising and administrative duties. The Office Manager will be based at the Clifton Institute in Warrenton, VA! For full job description please see our website: https://cliftoninstitute.org/about-us/employment/

We are seeking an Office Manager to help run our headquarters, manage our 900-acre nature preserve, and assist our Co-Directors with fundraising and administrative duties. The Office Manager will be based at the Clifton Institute in Warrenton, VA.

The Clifton Institute’s mission is to save Virginia’s native species. We monitor plants and animals to identify which species are in decline and we do scientific research to figure out how we should manage land to support declining species. We put what we find into practice at the Clifton property. And we share our knowledge with thousands of people every year through our education programs. The Office Manager will join a small and friendly team and will play a crucial role in supporting the organization’s work.

07/29/2026

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation just announced a record $304 million for soil and water conservation! This is historic funding for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) that will empower farmers and protect water quality.

Farmers are the original conservationists. They know that soil and water are what sustain us. They recognize the critical role they play in protecting Virginia's water quality, not just for the Chesapeake Bay, but also for their local waterways. This unprecedented funding ensures farmers have the tools and support needed to help all of us succeed in our long-term partnership protecting our waterways.

See the full press release here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2026-07-28-12-30-35-583527-m84

07/28/2026

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨

We're excited to announce Dr. Amy Johnson as the keynote speaker for the 6th Annual Rappahannock River Symposium held on October 21st!

Amy is a Conservation Biologist at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. She also leads the Smithsonian Working Land and Seascapes and directs Virginia Working Landscapes, partnering with landowners and conservation organizations to advance biodiversity and sustainable land stewardship on working farms.

We're also thrilled to feature an outstanding lineup of session speakers:
🔹Joe Rossetti, Virginia Department of Forestry
🔹Zach Foster, Appalachian Conservation Corps
🔹Lauren Taneyhill, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

View more of this year's featured speakers here: www.rappahannockroundtable.org/rappahannock-river-symposium