Rockbridge Conservation will host a two-day workshop, “Protecting Our Old-Growth Forest,” on March 13 and 14 at Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington St. in Lexington, as part of its 50th anniversary series.
The workshop features oldgrowth forest expert Josh Kelly, who brings more than 20 years of experience researching and mapping remnant old-growth forests across the Southern Appalachians.
Kelly, a Madison County, N.C., native, earned his biology degree from UNC Asheville and has spent his career working at the intersection of science, mapping, and forest protection. He previously worked with the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition identifying old-growth forests on public lands and with WildLaw advancing ecological restoration as a model for National Forest management.
For the past 15 years, Kelly has worked with Mountain-True, where he monitors logging and development issues on public lands and provides site-specific scientific analysis to promote ecological restoration and oppose ecologically damaging practices. His experience includes conducting rare plant surveys, protecting hemlocks from the hemlock woolly adelgid, conserving ash trees threatened by emerald ash borer, and prioritizing prescribed fire based on ecological science.
The two-day workshop blends science, mapping, and hands-on learning.
In the first day’s session on March 13, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., participants will learn what defines an old-growth forest, why these ecosystems matter, and how GIS mapping is used to identify and protect them, followed by a live questionand- answer session.
The second day of the workshop, on March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a guided field tour designed to teach participants how to safely recognize old-growth characteristics in the wild and how to help report verified locations to the Virginia Office of Forestry.
Old-growth forests provide critical wildlife habitat, store significant carbon, support biodiversity, and represent an irreplaceable part of Virginia’s natural heritage. This workshop offers community members a rare opportunity to gain practical skills and directly support conservation efforts, said a Rockbridge Conservation spokesman.
Registration is $15, and participants may register at www.RockbridgeConservation. org. This event is part of Rockbridge Conservation’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2026. Throughout the year, the organization is hosting monthly socials and conservation education programs that highlight five decades of protecting the region’s natural resources. Community members are encouraged to stay tuned to RockbridgeConservation. org and follow Rockbridge Conservation on social media for upcoming events.
For more information, contact Jamie Goodin at director@ rockbridgeconservation. org or visit RockbridgeConservation. org.
