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Soaring Together Summer Campaign

This summer, soar with DRBA and celebrate the incredible comeback of the bald eagle. From July 13 through August 10, you'll discover fun eagle facts, enjoy hands-on environmental activities for kids and adults, explore ways to support local conservation, shop exclusive DRBA merchandise featuring our 2026 Critter of the Year and of course, we hope you choose to support our work throughout our watershed.

Why the bald eagle? Because its story is our story. Once nearly gone from our region, bald eagles have returned because people worked together to restore rivers, improve water quality and protect the habitats wildlife depends on. Their remarkable recovery proves that conservation works.

Check out this video!

Presented by Jeff Cooper, wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, this informative video explores the lives of Virginia's bald eagles. Mr. Cooper discusses eagle migration, the remarkable recovery of bald eagle populations in the Commonwealth and shares many other fascinating facts about these iconic birds. (Run time: 1 hour, 25 minutes.)

Enter the Soaring Together Summer Art Contest!

We can't wait to see your creativity come to life! Create an original piece of artwork that celebrates the beauty of the Dan River Watershed and features an eagle in the scene. Whether you envision an eagle soaring over the Dan River, perched high in a tree along one of our trails, or watching over your favorite watershed landscape, we encourage you to let your imagination take flight and share your unique perspective. The winning artwork will be featured on a commemorative postcard!

Contest Guidelines:

· Open to artists of all ages.

· Artwork must be created on an 8½" × 11" sheet of paper (portrait or landscape orientation).

· Artwork may be created using crayons, colored pencils or paint. No computer generated artwork will be accepted.

· The design must include an eagle and a setting that represents the Dan River watershed.

· Winner's original artwork will be requested after the contest by DRBA.

· Entries are due by Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

How to Enter:

Take one or two clear photos of your completed artwork and upload it using the submission link below. Image files must be 10 MB or smaller.

Whether you're a budding young artist or an experienced creator, we hope you feel inspired to grab your art supplies and help us celebrate the Soaring Together Summer Campaign and the wildlife and landscapes that make the Dan River Watershed such a special place. Submit Your Creation Here!

Compare Your Wingspan!

Visit the Philpott Lake Visitor Center (1058 Philpott Dam Road, Bassett, VA 24055) now through the end of our campaign on August 10 and take a photo with our new eagle wingspan backdrop. This interactive display highlights just how powerful and incredible these birds of prey are and gives visitors a chance to experience the impressive size of an eagle’s wings. While you’re there, explore the Visitor Center’s wildlife exhibits and learn more about the natural and cultural history of Philpott Lake. And don’t forget to stop by the gift kiosk! When you purchase a souvenir, you’re not just taking home a memory of your visit, you’re supporting DRBA’s mission. All profits from sales help fund DRBA’s Environmental Education programs throughout the Dan River Basin.