Spring Forward – 2025 VAWP Spring Meeting Summary
This spring’s VAWP meeting brought together wetland professionals, regulators, and educators for an inspiring day of learning and collaboration. We had a great group of speakers covering a broad range of topics – from Trevor Michaels’ fascinating work with the Maryland Detector Dog Program (check out the Story Map here) which trains dogs to detect rare plants like Small Whorled Pogonia, to John Lain’s comprehensive regulatory update covering key changes in Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coordination.
We also heard exciting news about the upcoming Flora of Virginia App features from Eli Wright, a review of Virginia’s Water Quality Assessment from Dr. Joe Morina of VA DEQ, and important insights on hydric soil identification and misidentification in previously logged sites by Greg Hammer. Additional presentations covered innovative living shoreline designs by Mary-Carson Stiff of Wetlands Watch, Fear To Hope program updates by Jordan Williams, and Cate Hemphill’s research on Thin-Layer Placement.
A big thank you to all attendees, sponsors, and the VAWP board for making this event a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again this fall!
Getting Down to Soil Basics: April Foundational and Hydric Soils Training Recap
In April, Hammer Environmental, in partnership with VAWP, hosted a compelling two-day Foundational and Hydric Soils training in Virginia Beach, led by Greg Hammer, Allison Hammer, Carl Peacock, and John Gagnon. This workshop combined classroom and immersive field sessions to equip environmental professionals with practical skills in soil identification—everything from differentiating soil horizons, types, and chroma to accurately identifying hydric versus non-hydric soils. Day one covered foundational soil concepts, while day two focused specifically on hydric soils, each held at sites tailored for hands-on learning.
Looking ahead, two more sessions are scheduled for fall:
- October 29–30
- November 5–6
These upcoming workshops will limit attendance to 16 participants, offering a more intimate, practice-oriented experience. Registration opens September 2 and 8 respectively, and VAWP members enjoy discounted rates.
