June 30, 2026 in Cumberland, Va

Written by Natalie Klesch, Virginia Sea Grant Fellow

On June 30, the DWR Wetlands Team, two Virginia Sea Grant Fellows, Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC, and the James River Association partnered to host a wetlands workshop for conservation practitioners at Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County, Virginia. Held at the site of a recently completed vernal pool project, the workshop brought together federal, state, local, tribal, academic, and non-governmental partners who work directly with private and public landowners to advance conservation and restoration efforts across Virginia.

Through a series of field-based activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the site’s history and the ecological value of vernal pools, seasonal wetlands that support a unique diversity of plants and wildlife. Instructors led participants through the planning, design, and construction methods used in vernal pool restoration and shared approaches for long-term habitat management. Participants also gained hands-on experience identifying wetland plants and wildlife, evaluating hydric soils, and recognizing indicators used in wetland assessment and
delineation. 

The workshop concluded with a visit to the site of Cumberland County’s next wetland improvement project, where participants learned about proposed restoration activities and discussed opportunities to enhance wetland function and habitat through future restoration efforts.

Cumberland Wetlands Workshop attendees pose for a group photo (Credit: Bayleigh Albert | Virginia Sea Grant).