Overview:
The Piedmont is Virginia’s largest geological province with its low-relief terrain underlain by a complex array of rocks that record the multi-act drama of the Appalachian Orogen. The 2026 Virginia Geological Field Conference will explore the western Piedmont of central Virginia in Appomattox, Buckingham, and Nelson counties. The field conference will focus on the relationship of rocks and structures across the enigmatic boundary between the Piedmont and Blue Ridge. In this region the James River cuts a meandering northeasterly course, and it is the James’ fluvial landforms that provide evidence of the Piedmont’s Neogene landscape history. Additionally, the conference will also discuss the human history of central Virginia and its connections to the region’s geology as well as historic floods along the James River.
Trip Leaders:
Dr. Chuck Bailey, College of William & Mary
Nailah Johnson, College of William & Mary Alum
Accommodations:
This year’s conference will be based at James River State Park, and we’ve reserved both cabins and camping sites for participants. The weekend begins with a social hour, business meeting, and trip introduction on Friday evening under a shelter beginning at 6 pm. For those wishing to stay in cabins they include a fully equipped kitchen, so please plan to pack in food covering your own dinner Friday evening, and breakfast both Saturday and Sunday mornings. There are a limited number of reserved tent sites in the Red Oak RV Camp which can accommodate 6 people each. The Red Oak RV Camp has bathroom facilities, fire pits, and running water.
Buses will depart early Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided at Yogaville, a peaceful retreat in the Piedmont. Saturday ends with a community pizza dinner under the shelter. We’ll reconvene early Sunday morning to visit a few more sites before everyone heads home.
James River State Park is located along the James River in Buckingham County. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible, and the park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019. There is no cell phone coverage in the park, but we think you’ll enjoy an evening or two away from technology. Learn more on the park’s website: James River State Park.
Registration:
Registration will be open from September 1, 2026 through October 16, 2026, or until our maximum capacity is reached. Guidebooks will be digital again this year available for download. You may also choose to purchase a printed and bound guidebook at registration checkout.
Note* - If you are not planning to stay overnight in a cabin or tent, please select a Professional Ticket (Saturday Only) or Student Ticket (Saturday Only) at checkout (whichever is applicable). Lunch, dinner, and transportation on Saturday will be provided.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation for a refund minus applicable fees is allowed up until October 16, 2026. The refund amount will be your total paid amount minus Eventzilla fees (1.99% + $1.50) and PayPal fees (3.49% + $0.49) of the total checkout amount. After this date, we are unable to provide a refund as the money generated by registration is used for the conference logistics. Please ensure your refund request is made by October 16th.
Donations and Other Details:
The Geological Society of Virginia (GSV) is a new 501(c)(3) organization (nonprofit) that will host the annual Virginia Geological Field Conference each fall, as well as support the Virginia Geological Research Symposium hosted each spring. Donations to the GSV (not including conference registration) will be tax-deductible and will be accepted online and by check. You can access the Donation link here: GSV Donation Link or scan the QR code below:
If you have a specific question about donations, please feel free to reach out to us via email at gsv.directors@vageology.com. Once you make a donation, we will send an acknowledgement letter for your records.
Thank you - Linda, Tyler, Wendy, and David
