
Signs of Spring at BRDC
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.

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.

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.
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
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.

Excessive Road Salt: AsSALTing Our Streams
Putting down salt on traveling surfaces can help make them safer during treacherous winter conditions. But excessive levels of salt has consequences in our waterways.