Get ready to be inspired at the 11th annual Turning a New Leaf Sustainable Landscaping Conference—the Chesapeake Bay region’s must-attend event for anyone passionate about conservation, design, and building a greener future! Since day one, this conference has been the place where ideas take root, connections grow, and sustainable practices spread far beyond the watershed.
This year’s theme, “Chart the Course, Shape the Future: Together for a Greener Good,” invites you to join over 200 professionals for a high-energy day packed with innovation, collaboration, and practical takeaways you can put to work right away. From exciting keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, an internationally recognized forester and bestselling author, to inspiring plenary speaker Amber Ellis of Find Your Nature, you’ll walk away motivated, informed, and connected. Plus—earn CEUs, explore optional field days, and kick things off with a welcome dinner at one of Richmond’s most vibrant venues. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement that’s transforming landscapes—and communities—across the Chesapeake Bay and beyond!
Kick off Turning a New Leaf 2025 in style at our Pre-Conference Welcome Dinner on December 2 at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. Enjoy stunning views of the James River while savoring fresh, locally inspired cuisine and connecting with fellow conservation professionals. Our evening will feature guest speaker Giles Garrison, Superintendent of the James River Park System, who will share insights on managing Richmond’s 600-acre riverfront treasure. We’ll also celebrate excellence in the field with the presentation of the Marcy Damon Conservation Landscaping Award. This special evening sets the stage for an inspiring conference—don’t miss it!
VCU’s Rice Rivers Center Field Tour, December 4th, 9:oo am – 1:30 pm
Get out of the city down to the James River with this visit to the Rice Rivers Center, Virginia Commonwealth University’s river campus, at the midpoint between Richmond and Williamsburg. With more than 360 acres of riparian marsh, tidal creeks and mature forests, the center provides outdoor and indoor spaces for research and education. We will tour the facility and campus and learn from VCU scientists about their research on wetlands and Atlantic Sturgeon.
Best of RVA Field Tour, December 4th, 9:oo am – 1:30 pm
This field day will showcase four vibrant public green spaces in central Richmond. Along the way, we will learn about The Green, a community space chockful of native plants at the Science Museum and visit an award-winning Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay project that incorporates art into stormwater practices. Then we’ll head down to the river to visit James River Association’s new education center and take a walk along the Low Line, where Capital Trees has led a rehabilitation and planting project nestled alongside active railroad trestles.
Conference Lodging
Make your stay in Richmond easy and convenient! A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express Richmond Midtown (2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA 23230). Be sure to book by November 11, 2025 to secure the special conference rate.
