Field Trips Announced for 45th Annual Spring Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally
If you were to glance at a biodiversity hotspot map of the United States, you would see a striking pop of color stretching across the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the highest level of diversity right here in our backyard among the three highest peaks of Virginia: Mount Rogers, Whitetop Mountain, and Pine Mountain. Is it any coincidence, then, that people have been coming to this region for 45 years to take part in the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally?
Since 1974, researchers, amateur naturalists, outdoor recreationists, families, and students have come together to experience the natural history of one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Blue Ridge Discovery Center is honored to continue this tradition by hosting Mount Rogers Naturalist Rallies every May and August.
This May, BRDC is pairing some of our most popular field trips with a variety of new opportunities to explore, discover, and share the wonders of the Blue Ridge. There’s something for everyone. Check out the list below!
45th Annual Spring Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally
May 10-12, 2019, Konnarock, VA
Featured Speaker: Lara Call Gastinger, Botanical Artist & Illustrator
Field trip topics will include:
Appalachian Cove Forest Diversity
Astronomy
Astrophotography
Birding
Bushcraft
Drawing From Life
Edible/Medicinal Plants
Entomology
Fairwood Cultural History
Fly Casting
Fly Fishing (proper licenses required)
Fly Tying
Geology
High Elevation Plants
Hiking and Camping with Bears
Hiking to Mt. Rogers
Kids Programs
Mammals
Native American Lifeways
Natural History of Whitetop
Salamanders
Storytelling
Stream Ecology
Trail Building
Wildflowers
For full field trip descriptions and to register, visit: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnr. This event kicks off Friday, May 10th, with a locally-sourced dinner and presentation by our featured speaker, Lara Call Gastinger. Field trip sign-ups begin at 4:00 PM on Friday. All field trips have a limited number of participants and will be first-come, first-served.
Tickets are just $10 for non-members for the weekend. As always, members and youth attend for free! (Please register online.)
See you there!