2024 WV Brownfields & Main Street Conference

In this fast-paced session, learn about three projects on the forefront of brownfield and community development. These projects from across the region demonstrate how brownfields can be the launchpad for creative and innovative solutions on a wide range of issues. 
 
Save the Trees! Climate Change Mitigation and Resiliency
Brownfield sites often require soil cover or capping, resulting in the destruction of established trees, which provide climate change mitigation and resiliency via flood mitigation, erosion control, shade, and CO2 reduction. Hear how the Town of Bath used creative, common-sense solutions to the challenges of climate change as part of their brownfield cleanup.
  
Appalachian Futures Lab - A Creative Collaboration for Small Community Support 
There are many challenges that arise when working in small rural communities: lack of funding, limited resources, part time staff, needs that go well beyond Brownfields redevelopment, and many more. Hear how the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Energy are partnering with Virginia Tech to create a new experience for students while supporting communities that need it most. The Appalachian Futures Lab serves as a fourth-year hands on design studio for architecture students at Virginia Tech, providing ideas and visions for the future of Pocahontas while enhancing the education and learning experiences of the next generation of Brownfield champions. 
 
Rural Partners Network in Action
Hear from the Rural Partners Network leadership on the intersection of Brownfields and Downtown redevelopment including examples of how communities in RPN are using brownfield and downtown development to address the Network’s priority areas: Workforce Development, Economic Development, Housing, Health & Wellness.