October 2026 Members Meeting

The October members meeting was held October 21st at Oakland Christian Church Community Center. Board Member Darden Langston called the meeting to order. After first-time guests were introduced, everyone enjoyed a dinner of fried chicken, cheesy potatoes, bean salad and rolls.
The guest speaker was Ashley Stimpson who is currently conducting research on east cost swamps; her current focus is the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Ashley is a free-lance environmental journalist and is currently the president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
Besides writing by-lines for the New York Times, National Geographic and other national and local publications, Ashley is working on an article for Outdoor America about the Great Dismal Swamp and the Chapter’s involvement with the Refuge. She is conducting research to support her upcoming book on the natural and cultural history of swamps in the United States.
Her presentation, “Swamp People”, was about the five major east coast swamps and some of the key stories associated with each swamp and how they became national wildlife refuges.
She discussed the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge here in Virginia, the Congaree National Park in South Carolina, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Park both in Florida.
Her presentation concluded with a discussion of the importance of swamps for water filtration, flood control, wildlife habitat and the contact with nature for humans.
Darden swore in new members Isaac Macias, and Autumn and Dominic Lipari (pictured below left to right). 
Richard Wentz provided a summary of the BBQ fundraiser. In total, 440 tickets were sold, 199 sold by Darden Langston.
Ray Powell reminded everyone that there is a 6-week window left to earn participation hours. There will be a members e-blast to provide park maintenance tasks for those who need additional hours. He reminded everyone that the calendar on the Chapter’s website is updated with opportunities to participate. Participation forms must be submitted by December 1.
Tim Doxey displayed an IWLA quilt that was made in honor of a former member. The quilt was donated and will be raffled off at the Chili Cook-off in February.
Calendars for 2027 are still available. Contact Virginia Wahab if you would like to purchase a calendar.