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PETE'S PICKS
Did you know that the Roanoke Region is home to Virginia's largest conservation easement?
The Western Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) was instrumental in making this happen, and since 1996 has helped save more than 86,000 acres of land in western Virginia from urban sprawl and development. Through conservation easements, WVLT works with private landowners to forever protect critical farmland, vital animal habitat, scenic view sheds, and nationally significant watersheds.
They do some pretty cool things over at the WVLT, one of which takes place this Sunday (March 11).
"Coffee Ambassador" Jonna McGraw will give a presentation on how the land helped heal the war-torn country of Rwanda. In April of 1994, the tiny central African country was wracked by devastating genocide in which up to one million people were killed. In the aftermath of this tragedy, sustainable coffee farming has helped to reunite the country while providing jobs and living wages to the people of Rwanda. Click here for more details. Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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NEW BIKE RACKS AND FIX-IT STATIONS INSTALLED
 Have you ever found yourself in this position?
- Riding your bike around town, noticed you had a loose bolt, but didn't have your tool kit with you
- Commuting to work on your bike, look down and see your tire pressure is low, but don't have an air pump on you
- Cruising the streets, looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, but can't find a safe spot to stash your bike
Well your troubles are over!
Roanoke City just installed three bike racks and fix-it stations in the Gainsboro, Market Square, and Campbell parking garages.
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HELP SHAPE VIRGINIA'S OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state's official document regarding land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space planning. It helps all levels of the public and private sectors meet needs pertaining to those issues. The plan provides guidance for the protection of lands through actions of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF), and the plan is required in order for Virginia to take part in the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program.
 In other words...it's the document that helps shape the future of outdoor recreation in Virginia! It helps determine where the money gets spent.
Planners with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold two public meetings March 8 in Roanoke to gather regional input for the 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan. If you cannot attend the meeting please email your comments to janit.llewellyn@dcr.virginia.gov.
Meetings will be at 3 and 7 p.m., at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, 313 Luck Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. Residents are invited to share their ideas for outdoor recreation and land conservation needs.
Here are a few topics that you should ask be to be included in the plan:
- Expansion of trails such as the Roanoke River Greenway, the James River Heritage Trail and the Great Eastern Trail
- Connect our communities by connecting:
- downtown Roanoke with Explore Park
- downtown Roanoke with Carvins Cove
- Roanoke River Greenway to Huckleberry Trail in Blacksburg
- Huckleberry Trail to New River Trail
- Roanoke River Greenway to James River Heritage Trail to Richmond
- US Bike route 76 and US Bike route 1
- US Bike route 76 to downtown Roanoke
- US Bike route 76 to New River Valley
- Develop the Craig Valley Scenic Trail connecting New Castle with Eagle Rock (along Craig Creek)
- Add a whitewater park to the Roanoke River
- Increased water and trail access throughout the Roanoke River and James River Basins
- Increased access on Johns Creek, Jackson River and Lake Moomaw
- Further development of locals parks along greenways and blueways
- Potential for state Scenic River designation for sections of the Roanoke and James Rivers and Johns and Craig Creeks
- Expansion of partnerships and collaborative efforts to connect the region's natural, historic and recreational resources
Click here for even more talking points>>>
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HELP BRING A CLIMBING GYM TO THE ROANOKE REGION
 Are you a climber, or just someone looking for a new way to exercise? Do you want to see a climbing/bouldering gym open in Roanoke Region?
A potential operator is conducting a feasibility study for a climbing gym in Roanoke.
But before they commit to building the gym, they want to know if people will use it.
200 responses are needed to demonstrate demand - share this with your friends, co-workers, on Facebook, etc.
Please take a moment to complete the survey>>>
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WIN A PAIR OF FOUR-DAY PASSES TO FLOYDFEST 11 - LOVERS ROCK
 There is a reason FloydFest was voted "Best Outdoor Festival" by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine - it's simply an incredible experience you don't want to miss. It's much more than just a music festival - four days of camping (if you want to), more than 100 performers on 10 music stages, beer and wine gardens, performance art, global village, kids' universe, craft workshops, trapeze school, disc golf, mountain bike trail, and lots more.
The music acts you'll see are too numerous to list, but here are a few headliners you won't want to miss: Alison Krauss, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jackson Browne, SOJA, Brandi Carlile, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Bruce Hornsby, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Galactic, ALO, Punch Brothers, Gary Clark, Toubah Krewe, Locos Por Juana, and many, many more.
FloydFest sold out last year and the way ticket sales are going this year it looks like it will sell out fairly soon. So, if you don't win our contest and really want to go, we highly recommend not waiting to purchase your tickets.
Continue reading to learn more and enter to win>>>
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WE'RE HIRING!
 The Roanoke Regional Partnership, which is responsible for Roanoke Outside, is looking for a creative professional to manage our message. The position is well suited for someone with experience in advertising, marketing, graphic design, digital media, or writing. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain diverse experience and make contacts while further developing a portfolio of accomplishments in the marketing field.
The person selected will be responsible for designing simple collateral, managing several websites, managing social media, working with web analytics, and writing basic marketing materials such as newsletters. There also will be some opportunity to be involved in event planning and implementation for projects such as the Blue Ridge Marathon and GO Fest. The position operates with direct supervision from RRP staff but a successful applicant must be able to demonstrate initiative and the ability to execute responsibilities independently. This position does not involve complex programming or coding.
There is an annual salary and full benefits including fully paid health and dental insurance. A position description is attached. We're asking applicants to provide resumes BUT extra points will be awarded if they can creatively market themselves. The deadline is March 30 to info@roanoke.org .
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UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
- Instant Classic Trail Marathon & Half - 3/17
- Montvale 5 & 10 Miler Trail Race - 3/24
- 33rd Annual Clean Valley Day - 3/31
- Beginner Cave Trip - 3/31
- Dragons Tale Bike Race - 4/1
- Roanoke River 5K - 4/7
- Mill Mountain 10K Trail Race - 4/14
- Party for the Planet - 4/14
- Komen Race for the Cure - 4/14
- Roanoke Twilight Roller Races - 4/20
- Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay - 4/21
- Roanoke Twilight Criterium - 4/21
- YMCA Kids Marathon - 4/21
- Trail Nut 10K & Half Marathon Trail Race - 5/5
- Gallop 4 The Greenways - 5/12
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Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org
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