Join us at our Biennial Conference in Glen Allen, Virginia!

The 2024 VBS Conference begins with Friday evening’s opening reception, including a repeat of the popular Bluebird Bingo from the 2022 Conference, then a buffet dinner in the hotel dining room. Following dinner, a gathering will be held of County Coordinators and those who may be curious about what Coordinators do. Friday evening will also offer the opportunity to meet and greet other conference attendees, share tales from the trails and hang out with like-minded bluebird enthusiasts.

Saturday morning’s early birds may join a walk led by Buz Sawyer, resident of the Richmond area, VBS trail leader, and Virginia Master Naturalist. Following registration and a light breakfast, the conference kicks off with keynote speaker Myrna Pearman, renowned biologist, author, and nature photographer from Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada. Myrna’s most recent book, Get to Know Bluebirds: A Guide for Young Nature Lovers, produced with the assistance of Bet Zimmerman Smith and other members of the North American Bluebird Society Education Committee, needs to be on the bookshelf of every budding bluebirder in Virginia. And yes, there will be signed copies available for purchase online and at the conference. Want to know more? Check out Myrna’s website at https://www.myrnapearman.com/.

The rest of Saturday will be devoted to our popular breakout sessions. Confirmed presenters include Capital Naturalist Alonso Abuggatas, Wildlife Rehab Supervisor Alex Olvera and Dr. Olivia Schiermeyar with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Nature Journalist Jen Brown (yes, bring your sketchbooks!), Virginia Master Naturalist Robin Didlake, expert nature photographer and teacher Dr. Marshall Faintich, lifelong birder, instructor, and volunteer Nancy Barnhart, Virginia Working Landscapes Program Director Dr. Amy Johnson, and VBS’ very own Pam & John Narney who will reprise the always popular session “Bluebirding 101.”

And be sure to visit our Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors (see below) who will be on hand all day Saturday.

Registration Member Non-Member

Friday & Saturday $125 $150

Saturday Only $75 $100

Accommodations

We are thrilled to host the 2024 Conference at the Virginia Crossings Conference Center & Hotel in Glen Allen, VA. This comfortable resort rests on 20 acres of open green space, with a campus featuring English gardens and Colonial architecture. Popular Richmond area destinations and additional accomodations are just minutes away. Hotel guests receive discounted rates at The Crossings Golf Club next door.

VBS has reserved a block of rooms at Virginia Crossings at a special rate for Conference registrants. Please make your reservations on the Virginia Crossings website and be sure to use Group Code 91I (nine-one-eye) for the special room rate of $135 per night. You may also call the hotel directly at 804-727-1400. The Special Group Rate is valid only through October 12, 2024.

Conference Schedule

♦ Friday, November 1 ♦

Silent Auction Opens: 5:00pm

Reception & Social Hour: 6 - 7pm

Light appetizers and cash bar

Dinner Buffet: 7 - 8:30pm

County Coordinator Meeting: 8:30 - 9:30pm

Business Meeting & Social

♦ Saturday, November 2 ♦

Optional Bird Walk with Buz Sawyer - 7:00am - 8:30am

Bryan Park, Richmond, VA

Continental Breakfast & Registration: 7:00 - 8:45am

Conference Opening: 9:00 - 10:00am

Welcoming Remarks by Valerie Kenyon Gaffney, VBS President

Presentation of VBS Awards

Annual Business Meeting & Elections

Keynote Address: 10:00 - 11:00am

Myrna Pearman - Bluebirds, Bears and Beyond: Celebrating Beauty Everywhere

Breakout Session #1 11:15am - 12:15pm

Bluebirding 101 - John & Pam Narney

Bring Back the Birds - Dr. Amy Johnson & Allison Huysman

  Hawks in Flight, An Introduction to Hawkwatching - Nancy Barnhart  

Buffet Luncheon: 12:15 - 1:15pm

Breakout Session #2: 1:30 - 2:30pm

Birds, Bugs, & Berries - Alonso Abugattas

Songbird Rehabilitation - Dr. Olivia Schiermeyer & Alex Olvera

Nature Photography Part 1 - Dr. Marshall Faintich

Breakout Session #3: 2:45 - 3:30pm

Birding with Children - Robin Didlake

Nature Journaling - Jen Brown

Nature Photography Part 2 - Dr. Marshall Faintich

Silent Auction Ends: 4:15pm

Conference Closing: 5:00pm

Speakers & Presenters

  • Alonso Abugattas

  • Nancy Barnhart

  • Jen Brown

  • Robin Didlake

  • Dr. Marshall Faintech

  • Valerie Kenyon Gaffney

  • Dr. Amy Johnson

  • Pam & John Narney

  • Alex Olvera

  • Myrna Pearman

  • Buz Sawyer

  • Dr. Olivia Schiermeyer

Silent Auction

All proceeds from the Silent Auction will further the mission of the Virginia Bluebird Society, including establishing and refurbishing bluebird nest box trails and supporting bluebird conservation and education throughout Virginia.

We offer two ways to contribute and participate!

>> Donate goods or services to the Silent Auction before the Conference.

>> Bid on Silent Auction items while attending the Conference, November 1 and 2.

Business Meeting & Elections

VBS will hold our Annual Meeting & Elections as required by the Bylaws on Saturday morning, November 2. All VBS members are invited to participate and vote to elect Officers and Directors.

The Slate of Candidates will be announced and communicated to all members by October 2, 2024

Conference Sponsors

VBS is grateful to the following individuals and organizations who have provided financial support for the 2024 Conference. Your generosity helps VBS continue our mission of conservation and education!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and we welcome your participation. Please contact vbs@virginiabluebirds.org or complete our online Conference Sponsorship Questionnaire.

Conference Exhibitors

  • Keep Henrico Beautiful

  • North American Bluebird Society

  • Piedmont Environmental Council Grassland Bird Initiative

  • Virginia Association for Parks

  • Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

  • Virginia Master Naturalists Riverine Chapter

  • Virginia Native Plant Society

  • Virginia Osprey Foundation

  • Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

Merchandise Sales

Order these items online now for pickup at the Conference on November 1 and 2, 2024.

  • Get to Know Bluebirds $15

    Signed by Author Myrna Pearman. Special VBS Conference price.

  • VBS Bluebird Nest Box $35

    Sturdy cedar construction, must add separate Noel Guard.

  • Noel Predator Guard $10

    Protect every nest box with a cat/ raccoon guard.