November 4, 2009 — The Garden Club of Virginia will host its 51st annual Conservation Forum in the Abbott Center Auditorium at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business on Friday at 9 a.m.

Local academic, governmental and conservation leaders will offer strategies for cities and towns to reduce their ecological footprints while becoming more livable, economically viable places.

There will be a panel discussion addressing planning for Virginia's urban and rural communities, with moderator Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, presenting a case for urban revitalization, transit-oriented development, affordable housing and more walkable communities.

Also on the panel will be Rachel Flynn, Richmond's director of community development who led development of that city's Downtown Master Plan; Chris Miller, president of the Piedmont Environmental Council; and Larry Schweiger, president and chief executive officer of National Wildlife Federation.

The forum, which has a $16 registration fee, is open to the public. Students with appropriate ID are free. Advance registration is required.

Founded in 1920, The Garden Club of Virginia has 47 member clubs with more than 3,300 civic leaders from around the Commonwealth. The Garden Club of Virginia has been a founding member of other Virginia environmental organizations, including the Virginia Conservation Network, Piedmont Environmental Council and Scenic Virginia.

For more information, visit http://www.gcvirginia.org/.