ORKNEY SPRINGS—“The Flora and Fauna of Virginia” is the theme of Virginia’s annual Environmental Education Conference, to be held Oct. 16-18 at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs. The event is an opportunity for educators of all backgrounds to pick up new skills, learn about trends and benchmark with peers from around the state. Formal and nonformal educators, K-12 teachers, university instructors, and museum and nature center staff may consider attending.

More than 40 breakout sessions will be offered at this year’s gathering. Field trip choices will include a hike on Big North Mountain and a cave tour. Scheduled keynote speakers are J. Christopher Ludwig, an author of the newly published “Flora of Virginia,” and renowned nature author Chris Bolgiano. The registration fee includes meals, lodging and field trip admission. A conference program and schedule will be posted soon at VDGIF website, www.dgif.virginia.gov