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The Rivanna Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists in Charlottesville invites interested community members to apply for training to lead educational programs, participate in citizen science, and carry out environmental stewardship projects. Training and field trips for the local Rivanna chapter begin in February 2026, with an application deadline of January 5th. Learn more by attending an interest session at the Ivy Creek Natural Area or on Zoom in November or December. For more information, visit VMN dash Rivanna dot ORG.

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, based in Nelson County, is dedicated to creating a vibrant and compassionate future for wildlife in Virginia and beyond. The devoted team of wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers rescue and care for more than 900 animals annually from across Virginia. The team also leads educational programming so folks from all walks of life can learn about the importance of our wild neighbors and native species. For more information, including ways to volunteer and a schedule of events with the center's animal ambassadors, visit Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary dot Org

Community Attention Foster Families is a public foster care agency and division of the Human Services Department for the City of Charlottesville. They recruit, train, and provide ongoing support to foster parents for children in our community. Their greatest needs are for families who will foster sibling groups, teens, and LGBTQ individuals. They hold information sessions virtually each month and invite caring individuals and families to register to attend. They are also open to having individual conversations about the decision to pursue fostering. Learn more by visiting Charlottesville dot Gov slash Foster or by calling 434-970-3735.

Abortion is still legal in Virginia, and Blue Ridge Abortion Fund continues to fund abortions for Virginians and people traveling to Virginia for abortion care. You can volunteer your time and skills to help keep the organization running. Or raise funds by hosting a house party or benefit event. Learn more online at Blue Ridge Abortion Fund dot org.

A five-cent plastic bag tax is in effect in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club encourages you bring reusable bags with you when you shop rather than use plastic or paper bags for groceries and merchandise. If you have too many reusable bags gracing your home, you can donate clean, gently used ones to The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St Suite C, in Charlottesville. The Sierra Club will redistribute the bags to individuals who need them. E-mail your questions to aadann@gmail.com.

The Piedmont Action Coalition on Hunger, working with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, has launched Piedmont Feeds DOT org, a website connecting individuals and families with food pantries, prepared meals, free grocery programs, and other resources across Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties. The site features maps, operating hours, and guidance to the more than 19,000 individuals in the Piedmont experiencing food insecurity. There is enough nutritious food in our community to meet the need, if people know where to find it. Piedmont Feeds DOT org helps make that connection faster and easier.