Hellbender. Sounds like something out of a horror movie, right? With a flat head, tiny eyes, wide mouth, and long wrinkly body, hellbenders are certainly misunderstood and undervalued for the marvelous critters that they are–a unique regional treasure and an indicator species to overall ecological health.

Post Hurricane Helene and its devastating impact on southwest Virginia that began in late September of last year, people have been more curious than ever about what hellbenders are and how these animals are doing in the wake of such an unprecedented natural disaster.

In honor of World Bee Day, we’re cleaning up our native bee home here at Blue Ridge Discovery Center! One way we can support native bees is by building a “bee hotel”. These structures supply plenty of nesting opportunities to a few of the local bees. Adding a bee hotel to your garden is a great way to interact with some of these native species, and it can be an attractive feature to showcase local biodiversity.

The art of photography an incredibly powerful and important tool for the conservation of biodiversity and education about the natural world—and the amazing thing is that anyone can do it. In this article we’ll discuss how to take great photos of wildlife with just your smartphone as well as give you beginner tips on how to use DSLR cameras and what types of lenses are best for wildlife photography. 

Spring is in full swing in the Blue Ridge! We can tell thanks to the small, ground-dwelling plants that have started to bloom—the spring ephemerals! Spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches, and trillium are among our favorites—keep reading for more info about these gorgeous short-lived wildflowers.

March 20 marks the beginning of spring for the Northern hemisphere. It’s the vernal equinox; the day the sun rises on the North pole, we start having more than 12 hours of daylight, and the halfway point between the solstices. As the temperatures rise and the soil wets, new signs of life appear all around! Keep reading for some early spring appearances we've noted on campus.

When someone says the name “butcher bird,” what comes to mind? Do you think of a raptor with a hooked beak and strong talons to shred their prey apart? Or maybe an eagle with a chef’s hat, holding a butcher knife? Whatever does come to mind, it likely isn’t a songbird. But that’s exactly what the butcher bird is! Let me introduce you to the most deadly passerine in Virginia, the loggerhead shrike, A.K.A the butcher bird!

Who’s that knocking on your door? Who else but your friendly, neighborhood native woodpeckers! Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky to have six native woodpecker species. And while they may all have their own unique features, they do share some common characteristics. Have you seen them all?

In the Blue Ridge mountains, one silent assassin reigns above all as the king of the night. Can you guess whoooooo?
The owl, of course! Old folklore associations marked owls as creatures of witchcraft and omen, and kinder modern stories characterize them as having great wisdom. 

Either way, the impression they’ve left observant humans with for centuries is one of great cunning. Fitting, as owls are some of the most skilled predators in the Blue Ridge. Keep reading for a primer on our native owls!

Looking for some natural relief this cold and flu season? Try making spruce tea! Spruce tea is rich in vitamin C, a natural immune-booster, and its bright and citrusy flavor tastes a lot better than cough syrup.

Ever been in the woods and heard someone trying to start a car? More likely it was just a male ruffed grouse “drumming” by beating its wings back and forth very quickly.

Last weekend, the Blue Ridge Birders and friends traveled to beautiful Burkes Garden looking for raptors and other winter resident birds.

For the human outdoor enthusiast, the cold and short winter days can be dreary. Fortunately, nature has a way of providing joy in all seasons. It’s wonderful weather for making a sweet treat: Shagbark Hickory syrup! If you’re looking for a fun snow day activity, desperately in need of a reason to get outside, or just hooked on foraging, making this sweet and smokey simple syrup will brighten your dark winter’s day.

Arctic blast with its sub-freezing temperatures got you worried about all these critters in our lovely Blue Ridge mountains? You shouldn’t be! Many species have adaptations to help them survive winter conditions, but wood frogs have an especially incredible and effective method of surviving freezing temperatures—they freeze solid!

Last weekend, BRDC staff attended the 24th annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. The convention brings together avid and beginner fly fishers alike and provides a place to learn about some of the great organizations and opportunities from around the state—even some international representation! All the while, attendees can enjoy tastings from Virginia wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

So what’s the story behind Christmas trees? What species do we use for this treasured holiday tradition, and where do they come from? Read on and find out!

Have you noticed that the days are getting shorter? You’re not the only one! We’re a little under two weeks away from the winter solstice, and subtle seasonal shifts like cooler temperatures and shorter days affect plants and animals (including humans!) in significant ways. Keep reading to learn about circadian rhythms and how animal and plant behavior changes throughout the year!

Winter is arriving in the Blue Ridge! Watching the snow fall is a beautiful sight to behold (if you feel prepared for it!) but for the curious, snow can spark a lot of questions.

If you’ve ever thought that a warm November day feels more like spring than fall, you’re in good company. Many species depend on specific environmental cues to trigger physiological and behavioral changes.

Animal tracks are an interesting tool for anyone with a keen eye who wants to learn more about the habits and behaviors of our animal neighbors.