After sneaking a peek at winter birds this weekend, you’ll have an opportunity to connect with friends in Grayson County, enjoy a wine dinner at Abingdon Vineyards, share your ideas during the Master Plan Meeting II, and catch the only preview of Barbara Kingsolver’s forthcoming poetry book before its release!

2020 Great Backyard Bird Count

Saturday, February 15th, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hang out on the porch or peer out the windows of the cottage as we participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Staff will be at the BRDC Cottage Saturday, February 15th from 10-2 to document the birds found at the Center, and to submit these data on eBird.

This event is FREE! Please register online.

Special Event: BRDC in Grayson County

Sunday, March 1st, 3:00 pm - 5:00pm

Join us for a special event to make friends, build relationships, and strengthen our community. See what BRDC has been up to in Grayson County, and learn how you can get involved!

We will gather at the New River Wildlife & Conservation Club, 7107 Riverside Drive, Fries, VA 24330.

Kindly RSVP online or by contacting one of the event hosts listed on the event page.

Abingdon Vineyards Fundraiser for BRDC

Saturday, March 7th, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Abingdon Vineyards is teaming up with Chef Charles Parker for a (tasty!) fundraiser in support of BRDC's restoration of the Historic Konnarock Training School. Check out the mouth-watering menu, complete with an AV wine pairing with each course.

Gourmet dinner by Chef Charles Parker:

Appetizer

Beef Carpaccio Crostini

Starter

Crab Cakes

Salad

Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Entrée

Maple Rosemary Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Potato and Garlic Cream

Dessert

Lemon-Poppy with Chevre Cheesecake with Rhubarb

Space is limited. Reservations required.

Women’s Fly Fishing Weekend

Saturday, March 21st - Sunday, March 22nd

This event is SOLD OUT! If you would like to be notified of future events like this, please email outreach@blueridgediscoverycenter.org.

Master Plan Meeting II

Tuesday, March 24th, 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is developing a Master Plan, and we’d love to have your input! During this 2nd session, we’ll review concepts from Meeting I and explore fresh ideas regarding new topics. Join us!

BRDC Field Station, 6315 Whitetop Rd, Troutdale, VA 24378

Snow date: March 31, from 1:30 - 5:00 pm.

Email Emily Carlson at emily@dialogueanddesign.com at 570-506-1207 if you have any questions.

Please RSVP online or by emailing outreach@blueridgediscoverycenter.com.

Budding Botanists

Saturday, April 18th, Details TBD

Save the date! Young children and their parents/caregivers will have an opportunity to engage in hands-on, age-appropriate activities at the BRDC Field Station during our first-ever Budding Botanists program.

Members will receive first access to registration as well as discounts to programs throughout the year. Renew your membership today!

Barbara Kingsolver Book Reading & Signing

Friday, April 24th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

HOW TO BE HOPEFUL: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day with BARBARA KINGSOLVER.

Find inspiration in the natural world through the mind of one of Virginia’s most loved writers, and catch the only preview of her forthcoming poetry book before its September release!

All proceeds to benefit nature education with Blue Ridge Discovery Center.

The Lyric Theater, Blacksburg, VA

Tickets: (540) 951-4771 or www.thelyric.com.

46th Annual Spring Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally

Friday, May 8th - Sunday, May 10th, Details TBD

Save the date! The Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally is BRDC’s signature event. Each year we assemble a wide variety of field trips with leaders who are experts in their field and who are able to make natural history understandable and interesting for everyone from inquisitive amateurs to accomplished naturalists. There is something for the entire family with an expert speaker Friday night, field trips Saturday and Sunday, and nighttime programs. Past topics have included salamanders, birding, caving, geology, primitive skills, edible/medicinal plants, general natural history, kids programs, and much, much more!

Members will receive first access to registration as well as discounts to programs throughout the year. Renew your membership today!