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2008 AWRA Summer Specialty Conference
Founder's Inn Hotel and Spa
Virginia Beach, VA
June 30-July 2, 2008

Albert Todd
Conference Chair

We welcome you to Virginia Beach, Virginia -- at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and in the heart of central Atlantic Coast. The Conference Organizing Committee, AWRA staff, and the Riparian Technical Committee, welcomes you to the 3rd quadrennial AWRA Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers Conference: Working at the Water’s Edge.

The study of riparian ecosystems and the proliferation of initiatives and programs using riparian areas as buffers and living shorelines have demonstrated the need to remain on the cutting edge of science and practice when working at the water's edge. The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to some of the most aggressive programs to conserve and restore riparian areas and coastal shorelines in the world--making Virginia Beach, VA an ideal location for this conference.

Final Program

We have worked hard over the past year to organize an excellent agenda which is guaranteed to provide you with new insights into the function and management of the critical riparian landscape and an enjoyable environment for networking with scientists and the managers who are implementing riparian programs and practices on the ground. Meet some of the most prominent scientists in the field of riparian ecosystem research from across the country and around the world. Learn about new approaches and emerging issues in 36 technical sessions and an extensive display of posters, hear from renowned environmental leaders in our plenary sessions, learn about new technology in the Exhibit Hall, and learn about coastal riparian ecosystems on our Field Trip. You will also have time to meet and greet new and old friends at our Reception, Luncheon, Lakeside Barbeque, and other networking events we have planned.

AWRA's Summer Specialty Conference is packed with opportunities for you to learn, network, and be entertained. We hope that you have an exceptional experience and we get a chance to meet at the Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers Conference!

Albert H. Todd
Conference Chairperson
U.S. Forest Service, Northeastern Area S&PF, Annapolis, MD

Judith A. Okay
Conference Technical Program Chairperson
EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, Annapolis, MD

TEN REASONS TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE

Participate in the “Surf and Turf” Field Trip and experience unique coastal riparian ecosystems, living shorelines, and environmental landscaping designs
Network and collaborate with colleagues and share riparian knowledge and practical experience.
Discover new techniques, tools and ways of problem solving at the water’s edge through integrated, interdisciplinary approaches and the exchange of ideas and culture.
Participate in the Oral and Poster Sessions, Commercial Exhibits, and Student Competition where you’ll see and learn about new developments in the field of riparian zone function and problem solving at landscape scales.
Learn how floods and other processes actually function as ecological processes in floodplains and how channel restoration can optimize the connection between floodplains and habitat.
Listen to experts discuss stream bank erosion and its impacts and challenges to the riparian system.
Enjoy the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Coast and check out the sights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the Norfolk waterfront.
Listen to Bluegrass and experience an Eastern Shore barbeque under the stars with colleagues and friends.
Gain greater understanding of the relationships of physical, biological and hydrological interactions and the impacts of these relationships on ecological conditions
Experience first hand how the only multidisciplinary water resources organization dedicated to the advancement of water resources education, management, and research (AWRA), can help you expand your horizons.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?

Ecologists, Biologists, Wetland Scientists, Foresters, Hydrologists, Engineers, Physical Scientist, Sociologists, and Water Resources Attorneys
Managers, scientists, practitioners, educators, and students
Water resources specialists, conservation, farm, land management planning, specialists and decision makers from federal, state, local and international agencies or organizations
Members of watershed groups, wetland groups, environmental groups, industrial groups, non-governmental groups and other water-related organizations
Water resources specialists with consulting firms
Representatives of the media

STUDENT ORAL/POSTER PRESENTER COMPETITION
Monday, June 30 – Wednesday, July 2

Through the Outstanding Student Presentation Award, AWRA recognizes exceptional student contributions to the Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers conference. Conference presentations are an important aspect of professional development and AWRA seeks to encourage and support student participation at its meetings, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Significance and originality of the material will be fundamental in evaluating the student presentations. The presentations and posters will be judged by the session attendees and members of the Technical Program Committee.

The winners of the competition will be featured on the AWRA website and in an upcoming issue of AWRA's Water Resources IMPACT magazine.

In-Kind Sponsors

AWRA would like to thank the in-kind sponsors of the 2008 Summer Specialty Conference for their generous support in putting this conference together.

2008 AWRA Summer Specialty Conference Founder's Inn Hotel and Spa Virginia Beach, VA June 30-July 2, 2008

In-Kind Sponsors

2008 AWRA Summer Specialty Conference
Founder's Inn Hotel and Spa
Virginia Beach, VA
June 30-July 2, 2008