Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute

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The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) is a professional development program for leaders confronted with Virginia’s most pressing natural resource issues who seek new skills in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving. 

VNRLI brings together natural resource managers from across Virginia’s communities to engage in productive dialogue and collaborative problem solving.  Our goal is to help these leaders effectively manage, conserve, and protect Virginia’s natural resources. The VNRLI network of natural resource managers across sectors work together to solve problems and build consensus around environmental issues and move beyond conflict to find creative solutions. 

The program is composed of six three-day sessions featuring a wide range of teaching methodologies, including mini-lectures, panels, and large group and small group exercises. This process emphasizes hands-on experiential learning via case studies and field trips that give participants opportunities to develop and practice skills taught in the classroom. 

Applications for the 2026-2027 program will open in Spring 2026. Please reach out to VNRLI Program Manager Blair Blanchette (blair.blanchette@virginia.edu) to be notified when applications are available. We invite you to learn about VNRLI and hope you will join us as a program Fellow or regional session participant.