This intensive multi-week program is held on six consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m., running from July 18 to August 22, 2023. Participants are expected to attend at least five of the six sessions.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Registration deadline: July 16, 2022.

Join us for CBF's adult education program, Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards, or VoiCeS, hosted in Southside Richmond, VA.

CBF created the VoiCeS program in 2004 as a way to reach out to local volunteers and their communities and create a deeper understanding of the Bay and the efforts to restore it. VoiCeS is CBF's most in-depth adult education program available to its members and the public.

The course will feature different speakers each week who are experts in their field. We will learn about a variety of topics impacting Richmond and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed, though the course will focus on our diverse, urban environment.

VoiCeS participants are encouraged to complete 20 hours of service on a Bay-related project(s) of their choosing. Those who attend five out of six classes will receive CBF's designation as "Chesapeake Stewards."

The course agenda will be added once it is finalized.

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Getting to Know Your Watershed: What we do in the James River watershed will impact the communities and environments downstream. We'll kick things off by learning about the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
• Urban Heat Islands & Trees: Amy Wentz, Southside ReLeaf—Extreme heat threatens the health of Richmond neighborhoods. How did decades of racist policies create this problem, and could planting more trees be the solution?
• RVA Green 2050: Michael Smart, Richmond Office of Sustainability—RVA's Climate Equity Index uncovered which neighborhoods are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. How is the city planning for more resilient and healthy communities?
• RVAir: Devin Jefferson, Science Museum of Virginia—What is contributing to air pollution in our region, how is it impacting our health, and how are community members playing a key role in collecting air quality data?
• Environmental Justice: Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, CBF—What is environmental justice, why does it matter, and how do the injustices of pollution impact our most vulnerable communities?
• RVAH2O: Richmond's fight against stormwater and sewage pollution and tips on how residents can reduce their stormwater utility fee.
• Urban Agriculture: Duron Chavis, Happily Natural Day—transforming communities by increasing access to fresh produce in food deserts, improving health, and developing local skills.
• Virginia's Fisheries: Chris Moore, CBF—Examining the health of our crab, rockfish, and oyster populations.
• Engaging with State and Local Elected Leaders: State Senator Ghazala Hashmi and Richmond City Council President Michael Jones will share how you can be an effective advocate for the issues that matter most to you.
• And more!

Participants are also invited to join us on a field trip: An educational boat trip on the James River with CBF education staff aboard the Baywatcher during which we will cruise down the James River and learn about our ecosystem firsthand.

We are excited to host an engaging course and connect like-minded folks who are excited and willing to learn from passionate experts in the Chesapeake Bay region. If you have additional questions about the class, please reach out to Gabby Troutman, Virginia Grassroots Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 804-258-1605.