How to Make Shagbark Hickory Syrup
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.
Frozen Frogs: The Wood Frog's Unique Defense Against Winter Conditions
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!
Recap: Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival
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.
Fraser Firs in the Wild
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!
All it's Clocked Up to Be: Circadian Rhythms
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!
Snow Science and Winter Folklore
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.
Out of Season Happenings
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.
Mysteries Afoot: Identifying Appalachian Animal Tracks
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.
Plunging into the World of Freshwater Fishes
Last Saturday, 8 intrepid explorers joined BRDC staff on a snorkeling program at Straight Branch, a tributary of the South Fork of the Holston. Fortunately, we thought to bring an underwater camera this trip to share some of the experience.
The Great Monarch Migration
Monarch tagging at our latitude begins August 29! They are about to embark on an incredible journey
Nature Day Camp, Session 3
With this last session of Nature Day camp, BRDC’s summer season has come to an end! Once we get started, it’s crazy how quickly time passes.
Wilderness Expedition 2024
Our last overnight camp of the 2024 summer season. How the time flies by! We had a great group of campers, better weather than we expected, and some amazing views! And we hiked almost 30 miles!
Discovery Camp 2024
This year’s Discovery Camp was a great expedition, and introduction to the many ways we explore the high country of Southwest Virginia here at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center. Climbing the second highest peak in the state of Virginia, snorkeling amongst our largest native reptiles, wandering through nocturnal temperate rainforests, and paddling in remote mountain waterways were just a few of the adventures our campers had a chance to take on.
New River Expedition 2024
Last Wednesday, 12 campers and 4 naturalist educators headed out on a 29.5 mile journey down the New River…. and what a trip it was!
A Journey to the Virginia Museum of Natural History
Last week, between camps and the busy outreach programs of summer, the BRDC naturalists closed down the Center for a day and embarked on a road trip east across our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, over the New River, and along the sprawling backroads, pinelands, and solar farms of the Southside region on a mission. What better way to inform our exhibit-making process than to learn how the state’s museum of natural history interprets flora, fauna, and fungi?
Summer Butterfly Count
Every year, BRDC conducts the summer butterfly survey to monitor species and the condition of their habitat. Keep reading to find out what species we saw, and learn more about Virginia's state butterfly!
Ornithology Camp 2024
Ornithology Camp 2024 was a success, with a lot of fun times following high mountains, green valleys, and gurgling rivers in search of unusual birds in the “Wild West of Virginia.” From early mornings hiking the balds for warbler surveys and an incredible sunrise before daybreak, to late nights in the firefly-swarmed woods surrounded by a family of owls, we had some great young birders who enjoyed it all, with excitement and curiosity with every species, baked cinnamon apples from the coals of a campfire, and plenty of laughter. We ended the trip with 97 species, and many fascinating secrets about the avian world were unveiled.
Springtime Salamanders
The mountains are finally warming up, and the forests are starting to come alive with some of our favorite critters! Salamanders have long been a staple species for us here at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and have been a fan favorite for decades at the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rallies.
Happy Bee-lated World Bee Day
World Bee Day was May 20th, a day to appreciate bees for the enormous role they play as pollinators.
