IT’S FOR THE BIRDS PROGRAM

The Rockfish Valley Foundation will hold a program on May 25th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Spruce Creek Park off Glenthorne Loop behind the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center. The program is entitled “It’s for the Birds”. It will celebrate birding in Virginia and in particular the support of the VA Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, which promotes the watchable wildlife trail system in Virginia including the Rockfish Valley Trails, and the Virginia Audubon Society that recognized our area as an important birding area of Virginia. More than 180bird species have been identified on the trails, and Marshall Faintich, the RVF birding activity manager and the author of “A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Wintergreen”, will speak about the success and challenges of birding in our area. A new trail project at Spruce Creek Park will be unveiled. Marshall Faintich, Tim Hodge, and others will guide a bird walk through the new trail area and a reception will be held in the new Natural History Center. There will also be remarks by Connie Brennan, Allen Hale, Mary Elfner, director of Virginia Audubon Important Bird Area program, and Brian Moyer, DGIF Recreation Science Team Leader. For information please contact Peter A. Agelasto, III, President, Rockfish Valley Foundation (434) 361 0271 or 434 361 1296; info@rockfishvalley.org

Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center becomes affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Natural History

Partnership to include shared exhibits, collaborative programs

MARTINSVILLE and NELLYSFORD, Va. (May 2, 2012) – The Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center is now an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH), providing both institutions with a variety of partnership benefits and collaborative opportunities. The Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center is located in Nellysford, Nelson County, Virginia.

As the state museum of natural history for Virginia, VMNH serves all citizens of the Commonwealth through exhibits, education programs, scientific research and collections, and partnerships with other institutions. The VMNH affiliation program further advances the museum’s statewide mission.

“This agreement allows VMNH to reach audiences with our exhibits and programs much more efficiently,” said Dr. Joe B. Keiper, executive director of VMNH. “We can also bring to bear the state’s natural history collections to support the missions of both organizations.”

Officials with both VMNH and the Rockfish Valley Foundation (RVF) recently formalized the affiliation agreement that provides the Rockfish Valley Foundation and its Natural History Center with a variety of affiliate benefits, including loans of exhibits, discounts on traveling exhibits, collaboration opportunities for education programs, and free or discounted programs and lectures by VMNH curators and other staff members.

“We believe Nelson County is the right place for this program, with our abundant natural resources on the east side of the Blue Ridge and our rural cultural heritage,” said Peter Agelasto, president of the RVF.

The mission of the Rockfish Valley Foundation is to preserve the natural, historical, ecological and agricultural resources of the Rockfish Valley. The organization accomplishes this through enriching the lives of the communities served by supporting the Rockfish Valley Loop Trail system, Spruce Creek Park and the lands associated with them. The RVF supports conservation, recreation, preservation and environmental education and promotes a rural tourism experience in the Rockfish Valley of Nelson County, Virginia.

“The RVF also sponsors the Nelson Scenic Loop, the Natural History Center, and a number of community events including a kite festival, stargazing nights, and others,” Agelasto said. “We want the community to understand the natural world and be able to make their own decisions as to how they interrelate with natural resources.”

The Rockfish Valley Foundation’s Natural History Center was formerly home to the Spruce Creek Gallery and is a state and national registered historic landmark. It was built in 1903 by the Harris Family as a general store, survived the flood resulting from Hurricane Camille in 1969 and served as the first sales center for the Wintergreen Resort. As the Natural History Center, it will host exhibits enhanced by cutting-edge technology, allowing Nelson County audiences to interact with VMNH curators and staff in Martinsville. The RVF hopes to host two exhibits per year at the Natural History Center.

“VMNH programs at the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center provide a perfect place for residents of central Virginia to participate in the exhibits of the museum, The Center will also provide a resource to teachers, parents, and young scientists,” said Ann Mallek, central virginia education coordinator at VMNH. “Another home base for our outreach programs, and another chance to recruit more teachers and participants, will be a boost to our success.”

As part of the grand opening of the new RVF Natural History Center on June 16, 2012, VMNH staff will be installing elements of the recent “Living off the Land” exhibit at the center in the coming weeks. The “Living off the Land” exhibit was on display at VMNH from June 4, 2011 to February 25, 2012.

The exhibit will include an array of taxidermied native wildlife, including black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, possum and others. Other displays will give young visitors the chance to experience animal pelts, insects, rocks, and other artifacts.

“There will also be a dugout canoe set in front of the animals; it’s a great photo op to have your child’s picture taken in the canoe,” Agelasto said.

The RVF was founded in 2005 and dedicated its first birding trail through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in September 2006. Since that time, the scope of the foundation and its support from the community have grown significantly. In May 2011, it established its headquarters at the Wintergreen Country Store, which will now also house the Natural History Center.

“Nelson County is indeed fortunate to have the engagement of so many of its residents who care about our culture, arts, history and natural resources,” said Connie Brennan, central district member of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors. “The establishment of the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center is another jewel in our crown, and will contribute much to our community’s and our visitors’ appreciation of this precious and special part of Virginia.”

The Virginia Museum of Natural History became a state agency in 1988, and opened a new state-of-the-art facility in 2007. The museum is recognized as one of the nation’s leading museums in its field, with award-winning permanent and temporary exhibits, active scientific research and collections programs in a variety of disciplines, and educational programs offered both at the museum and though outreach programs statewide. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of museums in the United States.

“This affiliation agreement provides numerous opportunities for collaboration by the two institutions,” said Dr. J. James Murray, a member of the VMNH Board of Trustees. “We look forward to working with staff and board members at the Rockfish Valley Foundation on a variety of future projects.”

For more information about the Rockfish Valley Foundation, visit www.rockfishvalley.org or www.nelsonscenicloop.com. For more information about the Virginia Museum of Natural History, visit www.vmnh.net.

###

About the Virginia Museum of Natural History
The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville seeks to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural history of the Commonwealth through education, research, collections, publications and exhibits. The museum – an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution – is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10 percent of museums in the United States. The museum is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Virginia Association of Museums, Heritage Preservation, and is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Sundays, as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission through January 2 is $5 for adults; $4 for senior citizens and college students; $3 for children and youth 3-18; members and children under 3 receive free admission. For more information about membership or volunteer opportunities, please call 276-634-4141 or visit www.vmnh.net.

About the Rockfish Valley Foundation

The mission of the Rockfish Valley Foundation is to work cooperatively with the Rockfish Valley community and others to demonstrate and promote agricultural and non-agricultural land uses and activities that conserve, protect and sustain the natural, cultural and historic resources of the Rockfish Valley for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors. The RVF seeks to preserve the natural, historical, ecological and agricultural resources of the Rockfish Valley. This is accomplished this through enriching the community by supporting the Rockfish Valley Loop Trail system, Spruce Creek Park and the lands associated with them, the Nelson Scenic Loop, and the Natural History Center. The mission furthers supports conservation, recreation, preservation and environmental education and promotes a rural tourism experience in the Rockfish Valley of Nelson County, Virginia. The Rockfish Valley Foundation aims to inspire a healthy lifestyle by offering hiking trails, campsites, programs and events. The lands serves as an outdoor laboratory for students, the community and visitors alike. The Rockfish Valley Foundation is a public foundation recognized under Internal Revenue Code section 501c3 and as such is permitted to receive donations. A copy of the 501(c)3 is available upon request. For more information please call 434-361-1296 or visit www.rockfishvalley.org.

Erika Howsare, the mother of Elsie talks about the Rockfish Valley Foundation kite festival :

Family events in Nellysford are somewhat rare, so my husband and I were excited to see the Kite Festival on the calendar April 15. We looked forward to taking our one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Elsie, who knows what a kite is, but mostly from books.

When we arrived at the big open field, a steady stream of cars was flowing into the gate, most of them containing kids of various ages. The three of us made our way (at toddler pace) toward the line of exhibitors–face painters, food vendors and a main attraction: the table where free paper kites were being given out to kids. Amid an enthusiastic crowd of young artists, Elsie grabbed a crayon and made a few marks on her kite before friendly volunteers helped us cut, fold and tape it into good flying shape.

It was hot, so we headed for the shade at the edge of the field. From this vantage point we could see dozens of the white paper kites lifting up into the spring sky. Even with professional kite flyers showing off their skills, I found myself watching kids. Two boys about 8 years old worked together to get their kite aloft, with one running and the other flinging the kite upwards. Another girl, about 11, worked intently by herself in a corner of the field, trying over and over.

Eventually we ventured with Elsie back out into the sun and showed her what to do. With her dad providing some muscle on the kite end, she held onto the handle. A perfectly timed breeze arrived, and her kite lifted off! Big smile as she watched it hover and play a good 15 feet off the ground. Not bad for someone shy of her second birthday, and a worthy end to our day at the Kite Festival. We’ll be back!

The Rockfish Valley Foundation and the Charlottesville Astronomical Society (CAS) will host an evening
of astronomical observing for the public on Saturday, April 14th, beginning at 8 PM. The observing site
will be the field behind Spruce Creek Gallery and Park on Glenthorne Loop in Nellysford. Visitors may
bring their own telescopes or look through those brought by CAS. In case of rain or extremely cloudy
weather, the event will be postponed until the following evening at the same location.

Directions:
Drive south 1.4 miles from the Valley Green Shopping Center on Rt. 151 in Nellysford to Spruce
Creek Gallery and turn left onto Glenthorne Loop (Rt. 627), immediately past the gallery. Drive down
Glenthorne Loop for about 2 tenths of a mile and turn left to enter the field, where you will find parking and the observing site.

APRIL 15, 2012 – 11:00 AM UNTIL 3:00 PM


At Bold Rock Field, on Route 627, the big field off Rt 151, Glenthorne Loop next to ELK HILL Church and behind Spruce Creek Park.


FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


Kite demonstrations and competitions courtesy of members of Richmond Air Force, a professional organization of kite flyers; face painting, caricature drawing, kettle corn, sand bottle art, t-shirts and the popular yellow Duck Race down the Rockfish…and much more!

Free kites and assembly for first 150 children, Bird and Stunt kites flown, At 11:30 AM and 1 PM – free dual line group lessons - instructions given and over 500 kites for sale from a professional kite store.

Food available from Eastern Star Catering offering a children’s meal for $6 including choice of hot dog or hamburger, fries and small drink. Or BRING A PICNIC FOR A FAMILY FUN DAY – NO RAIN DATE

SPONSOR: ROCKFISH VALLEY FOUNDATION check website for updated information www.rockfishvalley.org or phone 434 226 0446 and email: info@rockfishvalley.org

NELSON COUNTY LIFE – Media Sponsor

BOLD ROCK CIDERY – Site Sponsor

OTHER SPONSORS: RICHMOND AIR FORCE, Easter Star Catering, Nelson Physical Therapy, Wild Wolf Brewery , Stoney Creek Auto, Mountain Area Realty,
Nellysford Dentist, UVA Credit Union, Martha Jefferson Afton Family Medicine, Blue Toad, Blue Mountain Brewery, Trager Brothers Coffee, Sky Jewels Kites

ALSO SUPPORTED BY THE NELSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

ROCKFISH VALLEY STAR WATCH APRIL 14 AT 8 PM ACROSS FROM THE ELK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH ON GLENTHORNE LOOP.

SAVE THE DATE – Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center opens June 16 at Wintergreen Country Store with exhibit Living on the Land

Don’t miss it!

EVENT: September 18 at 2 p.m.

Rocks are books waiting to be opened to tell their story. The Rockfish Valley Foundation (RVF) will present a program on the geology of the Rockfish Valley and a dedication of the Foundation’s trail along the Rockfish River on Sunday, September 18 at 2 p.m. The program will be held at the Spruce Creek Gallery with dedication along the Rockfish River and reception to follow. Spruce Creek Gallery is located in the historic Wintergreen Country Store at 1368 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, VA 22958.

Lynn S. Fichter, professor of geology and environmental science at James Madison University has greatly assisted in development of Rockfish Valley geology map, storyboard and points of interest brochure. He will talk about local geology including the Rockfish Valley fault and the plate tectonics that shaped our surroundings. The Rockfish Valley sits at the center of some of the most profound geology to be found anywhere in the world. Dr. Fichter’s talk will explain why.

Eric Pyle, professor of geology & environmental science at James Madison University is the trail project sponsor and field geologist. He will talk about our local rocks and demonstrate rock identification and sampling. .

Connie Brennan, Nelson County Supervisor for the Central District, and Chip Morgan, Rockfish Valley Foundation Trustee, trail guide and Vice President of the Flora of Virginia Project will cut the ribbon to open the trail.

A reception with light refreshments will follow at which the presenters and other honored guests will be available for discussion and to answer questions. A donation to the Rockfish Valley Foundation is encouraged but not required. Please call or email if you would like to attend as space is limited.

The Rockfish Valley Foundation is indebted to the BAMA Works Fund, a component fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation created by contributions of the Dave Matthews Band.

APRIL 9, 2011

11:00 AM UNTIL 3:00 PM

Bold Rock Cidery Field across from SPRUCE CREEK PARK, the big field on the
right off Glenthorne Loop (Rt 627) Enter next to Elk Hill Baptist Church

View Rockfish Valley Loop Trails in a larger map

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Kite demonstrations and competitions courtesy of members of Richmond Air Force,
a professional organization of kite flyers. Some performances are done to music.

Noon
Unfurling of 1200 square foot flag by children (of all ages) in attendance with
playing of star spangled banner.

11 AM and 1 PM free dual line group lessons lasting ½ hour

Stunt kites flown, instructions given and kites can be purchased from 2 Guys Flying

Children activities include – free kites and assembly to first 100 children; basket
races with parachutes if wind permits

Bring a picnic for a family fun day or purchase food from Eastern Star, our fabulous new Richmond food vendor: $6 youth lunch with hotdog or hamburger, French fries and small drink

NO RAIN DATE

SPONSORS:

ROCKFISH VALLEY FOUNDATION
check website for updated information www.rockfishvalley.org
434 361 1296; info@rockfishvalley.org
Bold Rock Cidery and Cider Pub, Nelson County Life, RICHMOND AIR FORCE
www.richmondairforce.com, and 2 Guys Flying.

Supported by Nelson County Parks and Recreation Department

PRESS RELEASE
Flyer

MINUTES OF THE ROCKFISH VALLEY FOUNDATION BOARD
February 26, 2011

The Board of the Rockfish Valley Foundation met at the Old Wintergreen Country Store on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Chairman Peter Agelasto called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Attending were Peter Agelasto, Betsy Agelasto, Parker Agelasto, Liz Sargent, Hank Gibb, Craig Cooper, Alice Faintich, Marshall Faintich, Karl Hess, Sharon Hudson, Russ Reid, and Michael Lechance.

Karl Hess, chairman of the Working Committee, gave the report of this committee and its recommendations. The Working Committee reviewed the RVF vision and mission statements. Using the list of activities created by Alice Faintich and Peter Agelasto that RVF is currently undertaking, the Working Committee then gave RVF a programmatic structure. Attached is a copy of their recommendations to the Board.

• Geographic Focus Area of RVF which constitutes the principal area in which the RVF implements its programs: The boundary roughly goes from Route 250 at Rockfish Gap to the Plank Road turnoff to Batesville. Then down the Ragged Mountains ridgeline to Brents Gap. From there across the ridge of Horseshoe Mountain to the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Reids Gap. From Reids Gap back to Rockfish Gap at Afton.
• Vision statement: A community that works cooperatively to conserve, protect, enjoy, and promote the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Rockfish Valley.
• Mission statement: The Rockfish Valley Foundation (RVF) is a non-profit 501 c (3) organization committed to working cooperatively with the Rockfish Valley community and others to demonstrate and promote agricultural and non-agricultural land uses and activities that conserve, protect and sustain the natural, cultural and historic resources of the Rockfish Valley for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors. It was noted that the words agricultural and non-agricultural were in the mission statement instead of in the vision statement because they were a better fit there.
• The Proposed Programmatic Structure includes six areas of RVF involvement, each discussed below.

Programmatic Area 1: Trail Establishment and Maintenance — “the development and maintenance of educational and recreational trails within the RVF focus area to advance the Foundation’s mission, and to other such contiguous trails that may, in time, be promoted or cooperatively established on lands adjacent to the focus area.” Current activities include Birding, Geology, Botany, and Hiking.

Programmatic Area 2: Land and Water Conservation and Restoration — “ the cooperative conservation and restoration of lands within the RVF focus area for the purposes of returning or sustaining critical ecological functions and structures, including wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity; enhancing native plant communities and habitat; aquatic system and species health; water storage, delivery, and purification; nutrient cycling; and other ecological services endemic historically to those lands, and to other such lands adjacent to but outside the RFV that may, in time, be cooperatively conserved or restored.” Current activities include Wildlife Habitat Enhancement (Warm Season Grass Field Establishment); Spruce Creek Park Conservation; South Rockfish River Restoration; Bog Restoration and Protection; Habitat Assessment including satellite imagery and butterfly survey; and Elk Hill Conservation Easements.
Comments: No major activity of RVF in this area at this time, but all RVF clearly support.

Programmatic Area 3: Recreation-Based Education and Outreach — “support and development of recreation based educational activities on lands within the RVF focus area, and on lands adjacent to the focus area that may, in time, be linked to these activities, for the purpose of reaching out to the citizens of Nelson County, the school children of Nelson County, and others with interest in Nelson County, and enriching their knowledge about, awareness of, and appreciation for the natural and historical resources of Nelson County, the stewardship needs of those resources, and the issues pertaining to the long-term conservation and protection of those resources. “ Current activities include Kite Festival; Star watch; Discovery Days; Earth Day; and Blooming with Parkway.
Comments: RVF should always be aware that the activity links to the broader goal of RVF. An example questioned was the Star Watch which can possibly be linked to the importance of the Night Sky in Nelson County.

Programmatic Area 4: Historic Resource Recognition, Promotion, and Protection — “the recognition, promotion, and protection of the historical resources of the Rockfish Valley for the education, awareness, and use by local citizens to build and sustain a community that continues to connect with its past for the benefit of current and future generations. “ Current activities are the South Rockfish Rural Historic District; Nelson County Scenic Loop; Satellite Imagery- Remote Sensing for Archeology; and Designations for National Historic Register ( which currently include Elk Hill and Wintergreen Country Store).

Programmatic Area 5: External Affairs – Coordination with and Support for Allied Stakeholders –
“Coordination with and support for individuals, agencies, and organizations located in or with interests in the Rockfish Valley for the purpose of conserving, protecting or enhancing the valley’s natural and historical resources for current and future generations through collaborative and cooperative partnerships. “ Current activities are Environmental Summit; Virginia Museum of Natural History; Master Naturalists; Audubon Society; Virginia Watchable Wildlife and Birding Trails (VA DGIF); and Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water District
Comments: Very important area. RVF could reach out of RVF and work with others to accomplish similar goals.

Programmatic Area 6: Landowner-Based Outreach and Education — “Voluntary use of cooperating lands within the RVF Focus area to demonstrate to, share with, and disseminate among surrounding landowners in the Rockfish Valley (a) best land management practices ; (b) sustainable agricultural and non-agricultural economic opportunities (e.g.), market-based alternatives, including Ag Tourism; (c) conservation actions for delivery of income-producing ecological services (water, habitat, wildlife, open space, aesthetics, etc.); and (d) financial resources to support conservation-driven agricultural and non-agricultural land uses now and into the future.” Current activities are Cidery Development in Nellysford and Ag Tourism such as the Guest House at Elk Hill.
Comments: This is a new Programmatic area. This will demonstrate to people the alternatives to traditional activities to protect open space and to make the land sustainable. The Working Committee felt that this is a major category and could be the factor that makes RVF have an important future life.

The Working Committee also recommended that one individual be assigned to lead each of these areas with the goal to co-ordinate people and the programs in each programmatic area, to co-ordinate with the other programmatic area leaders, and to co-ordinate with the Board.

Discussion followed with the following suggestions:
• Programmatic Area 7 be added and include Fund Raising, Marketing, and Public Relations.
• Mission statement be amended to read “ non profit 501 c (3) public charitable organization.
• Concern was expressed about the Kite Festival and Star Watch as being a part of the RVF Mission. Several would like to see a more obvious link. Perhaps RVF could use education as the link. For example, information about what makes a kite fly or why the Night Sky is important
• Add to the Working Committee’s report the names of the committee and summarize when it was formed and its process. This could be added as a “prelude” to its report.
• Priority of the various activities is needed and how to establish the hierarchy of which are the most important. It was noted that if RVF had a grant for an activity or a commitment from a person or a group, perhaps that activity would move up the list of priority. Priorities can change all the time and RVF would hate to lose an opportunity.
• Set short term priority now and look to long term priorities. Go over with Peter Agelasto the current projects and get them “under control” first.
• Karl Hess commented that prioritization will become more important as RVF receives more donations and grants. RVF will then need to decide which activities are the most important and will receive that money.
• Peter Agelasto brought up the Master Plan with Water Street Studio. RVF has changed so much since the original plan was drawn up and needs to revisit the Master Plan.
• Leadership development , training capacity development and recruitment should be added.
Examples given of successful leadership development were Jesus Najar with the Nelson Scenic Loop and Tim Hodge with the Birding Trail. Examples of RVF ideas being copied a new the Scenic Loop created by Nelson County Tourism. Some activities such as the Kite Festival could be spun off to another group if RVF wished to free up RVF for other activities. Also discussed later in the meeting was Leadership capacity building and “entrepreneurial activity incubation.”
• The question was raised whether RVF should be involved in different conversations such as those about Byways or Transportation infrastructure. This could be added to External Affairs in a category of Planning (Transportation, Communications, and Connectivity). However, the group agreed that they did not wish to see the RVF engage in political policy, but more in the area of education with informational outreach.
• RVF could create a program to take to the schools and other organizations. RVF could create a quarterly speakers program.
• An organization chart needs to be drawn showing the structure of the Board, an Executive Director, and under that Programs, Administrative Co-ordinator, Treasurer and other necessary positions.
Discussion of the report of the Working Committee came to a close. Peter Agelasto, Board chairman, noted that a quorum was present. However, he had a letter of resignation from S. Waite Rawls III. Hank Gibb moved to accept Waite’s resignation and Parker Agelasto seconded. A quorum was still present to vote. Hank Gibb moved that the Board approve the Vision, Mission, and Geography of the Working Committee’s report. Russ Reid seconded. Motion carried.

Parker Agelasto moved that Peter Agelasto ,as RVF chairman, write to Karen Norman a letter of appreciation for her work with RVF on Board Development and facilitating the October 30, 2010 Board Meeting.

Discussion followed about potential chairmen of the seven programmatic areas. Alice Faintish, Volunteer Co-ordinator , pointed out the advantage of the chart she created for potential chairmen and potential volunteers. Parker Agelasto suggested that a job description of each area and the expectation of the time commitment be included. Karl Hess suggested that all programmatic committee chairmen be a member of the Working Committee. The following people were nominated.
1. Trail Establishment and Maintenance — Chris Gensic , not in attendance, had agreed earlier
2. Land and Water Conservation and Restoration — Karl Hess
3. Recreation-Based Education and Outreach – Peter Agelasto for the present
4. Historic Resource Recognition, Promotion, and Protection – Liz Sargent “with reservations”
5. External Affairs – Coordination with and Support for Allied Stakeholders – Marshall Faintish
6. Landowner-Based Outreach and Education – Michael Lechance
Sharon Hudson moved that the Board accept the nominations of these committee chairmen. Motion passed.

Parker Agelasto , acting as treasurer but having resigned as treasurer at the last Board meeting, noted the following:
• Reminded the Board that Karen Norman suggested that the treasurer NOT be an Agelasto family member and that RVF needed to find a treasurer.
• If RVF receives more than $25,000 in donations and grants in one calendar year, it will move to a more scrutinized filing with the IRS.
• The RVF financial records should more accurately reflect the amount of money that the chairman Peter Agelasto has spent and not repaid himself.
Peter Agelasto asked for volunteers for the Finance Committee. Since there was no volunteers from the floor, Hank Gibb kindly said that he would participate as time permits. Peter Agelasto will contact Craig Cooper about possibly being on the committee.

Earlier in the meeting, Peter Agelasto announced that RVF has about $18,000 in the bank account. Of this about $11,000 is restricted and about $7,000 is unrestricted. The Nelson Scenic Loop has $5,000 from The Virginia Department of Tourism which must be used by July 1; The Virginia Department of Game and Fisheries gave $1,5000 for the design of story boards ; John Washburn of the new Cidery gave $1,000 for the Kite Festival and hopes to be a promoter of the RVF

Peter Agelasto announced that Rick Winter has volunteered to hold a Marketing Committee Workshop. Attending will be Foxie Morgan, Maureen ???????? from Nelson County Tourism, Dana Quillen from Wintergreen, and Mary Wolf of the Big Bad Wolf Brewery. Karl Hess and Hank Gibb will also attend.

Peter Agelasto noted that the Board needs to appoint a Nominating Committee in order to nominate new members. Suggestions for new members were Karl Hess, Liz Sargent, and Marshall Faintish. Parker Agelasto noted that the old By-laws had two classes of Board members – Agelasto Family Board members and appointed Board members. It was noted that the old By-laws were structured on a private charity, and not a public charity as the RVF has become. Hank Gibb and Parker Agelasto will review the By-laws and bring back suggestions to the Board.

Peter Agelasto feels that the RVF website needs to be updated. It was noted that Peter Agelasto IV, the webmaster, is a member of the Board, which could be a conflict of interest, even though Peter IV is giving RVF a 50% discount for his services. This issue will be discussed and resolved.

Under new business, it was announced that the Virginia Environmental Assembly sponsored by the Virginia Conservation Network will be held at Wintergreen September 9, 2011. Peter Agelasto helped to make this possible and would like for RVF to be a sponsor. He suggested that RVF sponsor a reception on the first night. Perhaps RVF could partner with the Wintergreen Nature Foundation and hold the reception at the Trillium House. The motion was moved and passed. Karl Hess will contact Doug Coleman about this possibility.

Peter Agelasto announced that Phase I of the Geology Trail was on schedule. He hopes to cover the expenses with a $3,000 grant from BAMA Works, a $2,000 semi restricted gift, and $600 left from another BAMA Works RVF project. Because of this project, the Geology Department at JMU, particularly Lynn Fishner and Eric Pyle, are establishing a close relationship with RVF and Nelson County.
Phase ! will include the dedication of the Geology Trail and possibly a Field Trip, the storyboards at the kiosk, a map, brochures, trail markings, and a website. Phase II will include more development of the website and scheduled guided walks. Michael Lechance expressed the possibility of RVC creating a “package” about the geology of Nelson County and market it to college Geology classes. Liz Saregent noted that her friend Erin Cross was updating Keith Frye’s Roadside Book on Geology and that RVF should contact him.

Hank Gibb noted the “next steps” for RVF:
• The Working Committee should meet with Peter Agelasto about the scope of RVF and its current priorities.
• Peter Agelasto needs to convene a meeting of the programmatic chairmen to bring them all up to date on the RVF goals and priorities.
• A Nominating Committee needs to be established and potential candidates invited to attend Board Meetings . Additionally, the Board should begin to rotate some members off the Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Betsy Rawls Agelasto,
Recording Secretary

Download minutes

A Water Quality Study on the North Fork, South Fork, Rockfish River and Taylor Creek in Nelson County, VA.
(information from the forwatershed.org website)
North Rockfish Report final 7.29.10

• Presentation at Public Meeting Jan. 19, 2011
• rockfish factsheet
• Rockfish River TMDL Local Steering Committee Meeting Notes, February 1, 2011
• North Fork, South Fork and mainstem of the Rockfish River Bacteria TMDLs, February 1, 2011t
• A Letter from the American Canoe Association – Help Stop Fertilizer Pollution In the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

When: Saturday June 12, 2010 8:00 am until 7:00 pm
Where: The LOOP drive around the Rockfish and Tye River watersheds
Why: To celebrate the Nelson environment and its communities
Who: Organized by the Rockfish Valley Foundation www.rockfishvalley.org

HOW TO SPEND JUNE 11-13, 2010 – IT’S ALL FREE

Start with THE KICKOFF at 9:30 am at Spruce Creek Park, 1368 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, Virginia, 22958 with the assembly of dozens of antique cars from Piedmont and Skyline Antique Car clubs, the Hodge Family jugglers, unveiling and sale of Scenic LOOP print by Pat Saunders , ribbon cutting and much more. Then take the LOOP drive and enjoy the Love Mountain Festival at Royal Oaks, the Piney Mountain Music Festival, ELK HILL and Parsalia open house events, Devils Backbone Brewery, Java Depot Festival, Montibello Fish Hatchery 80th anniversary celebration, two antique auto club rallys, Nellysford Farmers Market, Lescene Forest program, Tuckahoe Community Center yard sale fundraiser and a whole lot MORE. Special rates at Wintergreen Resort. IT’S ALL FREE.

Watch for the LOOP map and description of LOOP DAYS presented by the Nelson County Times. Visit www.nelsonscenicloop.com for events, directions and information. Plan your family day. You may also contact Rockfish Valley Foundation at 434 226 0446.

MORE ABOUT THE VIRGINIA MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM

The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course offered by a local chapter of the program. An additional 8 hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service.

Chapters are in development across Virginia. In an area where there is no existing chapter, several interested people and an advisor from a sponsoring agency can start their own.

The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is jointly sponsored by

• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Virginia Department of Forestry
• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
• Virginia Museum of Natural History

It is based in the Department of Forestry within the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech.