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!