Webinars
DRBA offers Lunch with DRBA webinars throughout the year. Sign-up for our e-newsletter to get updates or check our website calendar often.
You can view DRBA's past webinars on this page.
2024 Webinars
11/20/2024 - Inspired by Nature Danville & Pittsylvania County
Public art has the power to transform environments. It reflects and reveals our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. Join DRBA staff member, Melissa Mericle, as she once again explores the public art in and around the Dan River basin. In this final installment of her Inspired by Nature series, she is focusing on Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville. She gets the chance to interview mural artist Carla Garrison-Mattos and photographer and writer Barry Koplen. Carla painted the newest Danville mural, “The Dan River Twins.” Carla gives us her insight on what sharing her art in public spaces means to her. Barry co-wrote the book, The Danville Globe, with Dotti Stone. Barry talks about the inspiration for his photography and his writing and how nature plays a vital role in his art.
Hidden Gems of the Dan River Basin!
The Dan River Basin is packed with "Hidden Gems." Many of these sites are well-known and loved by locals and visitors. But there are some hidden secrets you may not know about. Join us while you are eating lunch as we explore a few of these hidden gems and learn about some unique characteristics you may not have noticed at your favorite destinations in our watershed.
What's Happening on the Dan River? DRBA talks with NC Wildlife
Recorded February 2, 2024. Join Michael Perkins from the NC Wildlife Resource Commission to learn more about their projects and research on the Dan River. Their research projects include multiple fish species; including the Roanoke Logperch and mussels in the Dan River and tributaries.
Remembering the 2014 Coal Ash Spill- DRBA's Response
Recorded January 30, 2024. Join Staff members Brian Williams and Tiffany Haworth as they tell DRBA's story of the incident and what's happened over the past 10 years.
2023 Lunch With DRBA webinars
10/18/2023 - Inspired by Nature Patrick and Henry Counties
Pablo Picasso said, “The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.” Artists find inspiration all around them, especially from the natural world. Join DRBA staff member, Melissa Mericle, as she once again explores the art in and around the Dan River basin. This time she is focusing on Patrick and Henry Counties. Along her journey, she meets a couple of local artists; photographer Rick Dawson and glasswork artist Aleen Wilson. Both artists speak to how nature inspires them to see the world from different angles.
9/13/23 - Rockingham Blueway Guide- Rock the RoCo!
Have you heard of a Blueway guide before? What about the Rockingham County Blueway guide? Join DRBA and Visit Rockingham County, North Carolina for an informational webinar; Lunch with DRBA with Tourism Manager Lindsay Pegg and Anna Wheeler discussing the improved RoCo Blueway Guide!
2022 Lunch with DRBA webinars
9/21/2022 - Inspired by Nature
Humans have always found awe and wonder in the natural world around us. We admire it, we value it, and sometimes we transform it. The beauty of nature inspires us to create our own beauty. ''Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,'' said the famous Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso. Art is our soul’s expression of the beauty that surrounds us. Join DRBA’s staff member, Melissa Mericle, as she explores the art in and around the Rockingham County portion of the Dan River basin. Along her journey she has an in-depth conversation with local mosaic artist, Teresa Talley Phillips. Teresa describes her art as, “a creative push and pull between chaos and order, like the ebb and flow of the seasons.” Melissa talks with Teresa about the way nature inspires her and pulls her to create beautiful works of art.
Inspired by Nature PowerPoint Presentation
2021 Lunch with DRBA Webinars
2/24/21 The Many-Legged Beneath Our Feet, Myriapods of the Piedmont Region
In this webinar, Dr. Jackson Means of the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) will introduce you to the often overlooked world of the Myriapoda (millipedes, centipedes, and relatives). Jackson will discuss what exactly myriapods are, their role in the ecosystem, and why they are so diverse (>16,000 species; about as many as all bird and mammal species combined). He will also show off some of the more impressive specimens in the VMNH collections, and explain why the museum collection has become one of the largest and most important collections in the world for myriapod research. And of course the webinar would not be complete without a run down of the many bizarre and beautiful myriapods which can be found in the Piedmont Region.
5/26/21 Camping in the Dan River Basin
In this Lunch with DRBA webinar, DRBA staff will discuss a variety of camping options from primitive camping to RV parks, and cabins. Participants learn tips on how to plan for your next camping trip. We'll also share a list of top camping places in the basin! Guest speaker, Park Ranger Ernie Shepherd from Philpott Lake will join us to share stories about camping at Philpott Lake. Outdoor recreational activities have grown even more in the last year in popularity due to social distancing, so if you're looking for somewhere local to camp with the family this summer, you may want to join us for this webinar!
9/29/21 Trail Building Webinar
Ever wonder how trails are built? What is involved in the beginning, middle, and end? Using IMBA guidelines, forest service specs, and community involvement, a trail can become a permanent asset in a few steps. Learn all about building sustainable trails during DRBA's Lunch with DRBA webinar!
10/27/2021 Kayak with DRBA on the Dan
Join DRBA staff member Melissa Mericle as she takes her first kayaking trip down the Dan River. Our webinar starts off with some paddling safety tips and instruction. Then Melissa takes us on her journey down the Dan from Klyce Street Landing to the NC Wildlife Access on Bethlehem Church Road. Fellow DRBA staff member Brian Williams guides Melissa on her trip and offers safety tips and pointers for beginning and experienced kayakers alike. They both offer some great advice for anyone interested in learning more about this stretch of the Dan River in Eden, N.C.
2020 Lunch with DRBA webinars
4/15/20 Protecting Our Waterways - What you can do to help now!
Learn about fun stewardship projects that you can do even during a crisis, including being a DRBA River Watch Monitor, starting a Clean Up Crew, and becoming a Certified Water Protector. Just because you are social distancing, doesn't mean you have to stay away from nature or protecting the environment!
4/22/20 Rain Barrels & Reducing Your Water Footprint
Learn all about rain barrels and how to reduce your water footprint by practicing water conservation. We all need clean water and there is no better time to start conserving it!
4/29/20 Virtual Tub of Bugs!
Join us for an exciting and unique webinar learning about aquatic insects and crustaceans found in a stream in the Dan River basin. Aquatic life is a great indicator of the health of our rivers and streams. In this webinar, you'll learn about identifying the small creatures and what their presence (or absence!) means.
5/6/20: Snakes, Oh My!
Snakes are a fascinating and important part of our incredibly diverse eco-system. There are more than 2,900 species of snakes in the world. They live almost everywhere, in deserts, forests, oceans, streams, and lakes. Join us to learn a little about the 33 species that live within the Dan River Basin. This webinar will help you identify the most common types of snakes you may encounter and learn how to distinguish the 4 venomous species, how to avoid conflict with snakes and why they are an important part of the environment.
5/13/2020 - New Trails & River Accesses in 2020
DRBA’s working on several trail and river access enhancement projects throughout the Dan River Basin. Be the first to know where they are, and when you’ll be able to enjoy them. You’ll also have a chance to offer your input for outdoor recreational projects in 2021.
5/20/2020 - Virtual Tour of the Basin, Part 1 Virginia
We can’t possibly show you every unique outdoor recreational asset that’s located in the Dan River Basin in Virginia, but we bet we’ll surprise you with a few unique assets you didn’t know about! Join us and learn something new about the Virginia side of the watershed you live in.
5/27/2020 - Spotlight: Philpott Lake
Philpott Lake is more than just a beautiful scenic lake. We’ll explore some of the cool things you can do at Philpott Lake, its history and it value to the Dan River Basin in this behind-the-scenes webinar.
6/3/20 Mayo River State Park Master Plan
The Mayo River State Park, covering more than 2,700 acres over a 16-mile corridor, is going through a master planning process that will identify priority facilities, amenities, and recreation needs for the park's future. Learn more about the plan and how you can provide input to help it succeed.
6/10/20 All About Pollinators
Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and all human crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. However, declines have been reported for many insect pollinator groups creating a significant threat to biodiversity, global food webs, and human health. Learn more about pollinators during this live webinar co-hosted with Dr. Kal Ivanov, Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
6/17/20 Birds of the Dan River Basin
Learn about the birds you might find singing and flying (or swimming) around the Dan River Basin in this live webinar co-hosted by Kendall Harden. You will learn about the species in our region and what time of year you might see them. You’ll also find out about the basics of bird watching and how to make your yard a bird haven!
6/24/20 Virtual Tour of the Dan River Basin, Part 2 North Carolina
The North Carolina side of the Dan River Basin is full of amazing sites to explore! We can't cover all of them, but we'll virtually visit some that we know you'll want to visit!
Spotlight Chinqua Penn Trail/Virtual Tour of the Dan River Basin, Part 2 NC
Due to technical difficulties, the Chinqua Penn Trail was not included in the "Virtual Tour of the Dan River Basin, Part 2 North Carolina" webinar. We were able to record it after the webinar and you can view the presentation below.
Recorded Webinar Session
7/29/20 River and Trail Safety Basics
Join DRBA's recreation pro, Brian Williams, for an informational webinar about the basics of hiking and paddling safety. You'll learn what you should always carry with you on an excursion and simple ways to prepare for potential challenges so that you can enjoy our local trails and rivers safely and responsibly.
8/26/20 Aquatic Species of the Dan River Basin
Featuring speaker, Kelsey Roberts (Lincoln), a District 5 Fisheries Biologist, with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, this webinar will be a condensed overview of the aquatic critters, including mussels, crayfish, and fish, you can expect to find throughout the Dan River Basin. Learn about what endangered or threatened species live in this system as well as what invasive species are present and how they affect aquatic ecosystems.
9/30/20 Photographing the Dan River Basin with Gordon Allen
Featuring nature photographer, Gordon Allen, who shared his adventures while photographing the flora and fauna of the Dan River Basin. Mr. Allen “loves being 'in the field' behind the camera, and "sharing those moments and stories behind the shot.” He’ll show you his amazing photographs and share techniques and strategies to help you snap your own perfect portraits of nature. NOTE: There are some technical difficulties during this webinar, be patient.
Recorded Webinar Session
10/28/20 Benefits of Environmental Education
In this Lunch with DRBA Webinar, join DRBA's Education Manager, Krista Hodges, for an informational webinar about environmental education in the Dan River Basin and how it benefits local students. The webinar will feature two personal video clips from two teachers who have worked with DRBA for years and how EE has impacted their students.
Recorded Webinar Session
12/2/20 DRBA in 2020
The DRBA in 2020 webinar highlights the projects and activities we've accomplished this year because of our generous members and donors - despite the pandemic and weather challenges. You'll learn about new parks and trails, innovative environmental education strategies and exciting one-of-a-kind projects.
