2005 Governor's Conference on Greenways, Blueways & Trails Mobile Workshops on Greenways & Trails

To enhance educational opportunities and your conference experience, the conference offers 20 mobile workshops that build on session discussions and offer participants the chance to see ideas implemented in the field.  Mobile workshops take place on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, rain or shine.  Pre-registration for mobile workshops is required.

To assist in selecting your workshops, we have organized them in three categories.  Some workshops may be cross-listed in both Greenways & Trails as well as Metro Richmond. 

Multi-Use Trails Systems

On this interactive mobile workshop at Pocahontas State Park, participants will learn techniques for designing, constructing and managing multi-use trails for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 30 participants.

Stretching the Almighty Dollar

Explore Robious Landing Trail and discuss cost-saving partnerships for trail construction and maintenance.  These partnerships involve sheriff's workforces, Boy Scout troupes, corporate work projects and the adopt-a-trail program.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 20 participants.

Riparian Buffers and Trails -- More Than Just a Walk in the Woods

Walk through riparian buffers while discussing the similarities and contrasts of various buffer types and the benefits of streamside buffers to ecosystems as well as greenway projects.  The workshop will also explore ways to capitalize on the unique characteristics of riparian buffers to enhance user enjoyment of greenways.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 30 participants.

Dutch Gap Conservation Area Walk

Discuss issues related to both environmental preservation and historic interpretation on this walking tour of Dutch Gap Conservation Area.  In discussing Chesterfield County's acquisition and development of the preserve, participants will consider public/private partnerships, accessibility, the coexistence of multiple types of recreation and historic interpretation.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 15 participants.

Museums on the Boulevard

How did the seven museums and attractions along Richmond's Boulevard pool their collective resources to dispel the myth that museums are stodgy, formal and unlikely to engage children?  Examine recently completed capital improvements as well as plans underway to create an urban greenway in this museum corridor.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 50 participants.

Oregon Hill Greenway Project

Take a walking tour of this neighborhood greenway project.  While the project is still underway, the community is actively developing major elements of the plan to connect neighborhood residents with the James River, local parks, schools and Richmond's central business district.  Workshop is on Tuesday, May 3.   Limited to 30 participants.

Challenges of the Urban Trail System

Take a walk in Richmond's James River Park and environs to witness the challenges of maintaining and improving a trail system in a natural but urban setting.  Learn how volunteers have initiated trail and park improvements through fundraising and work projects.  Workshop is on Tuesday, May 3.  Limited to 24 participants.

The Slave Trail:  Developing a Thematic Trail

Learn how the City of Richmond tells an uncomfortable story from its past.  Walk along the Manchester Slave Trail and learn about the struggle to have this powerful but unpopular story told.  Explore the steps to developing a thematic trail, including historical research, site development and even political maneuvering.  Workshop is on Monday, May 2.  Limited to 15 participants.

Interpretive Planning and Design

National Park Service planning staff will explore varioius techniques for determining and telling the story of your trail, greenway or blueway.  The session will provide an overview of the tools and techniques available to interpret your local resources using examples from various sites in Virginia and highlighting the Richmond National Battlefield's Tredegar Visitor Center.  Workshop is on Tuesday, May 3.  Limited to 30 participants.