ANPDC Offers Shore Strong Photo Workshop on Chincoteague

The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC) is inviting Chincoteague residents to participate in a unique photo workshop aimed at preserving the community’s cultural and environmental values for future generations.

The “Shore Strong” workshop will consist of three in-person sessions held at the Island Community House. The first session, featuring guest speaker Ted Shockley, editor of the Eastern Shore Post, will take place on Tuesday, June 3 from 3 to 7 p.m. Additional sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 (3 to 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, August 12 (5 to 7 p.m.), culminating in a community art showcase.

Participation is free but requires attendees to be well-acquainted with Chincoteague, possess access to a digital camera or smartphone with a camera, and commit to attending all three sessions. Interested individuals must register by Wednesday, May 28.

The workshop is part of a broader effort to help Eastern Shore communities proactively plan for change and build resilience in the face of environmental challenges—much like the barrier island communities displaced by hurricanes in the 1930s.

Participants will be tasked with photographing places or things they hope to preserve for the next 50 years, writing captions to explain their importance, and discussing ways to sustainably adapt and protect them. These reflections will be shared in a final public event, fostering dialogue between residents and local decision-makers.

“This project is about sparking thoughtful conversations about what really matters to Chincoteague and how we can preserve it amid a changing landscape,” the A-NPDC stated. “By grounding planning in community values, we can build a more resilient future together.”

To register or learn more, contact Rita Chandler at 757-787-2800 or email [email protected].