Avian Adventures, Blue Ridge Birders, Community Programs, Event, SWVA
Annabelle Muriano
Help Scientists by Collecting Data with the ...

For four days each February, birdwatchers of every skill level can participate in a global event for the love and wellbeing of birds.

Help Scientists by Collecting Data with the Great Backyard Bird Count
School Programs
Lisa Benish
Science In Nature Program: Session II

Join us October 14th through November 18th (one day per week) for Session II

Science In Nature Program: Session II
Naturalist Gift Guide
BRDC, Admin
A Naturalist's Book List

With all of the wonderful apps available, it is still a good idea to have a shelf of guides to call on.  We love paging through them while planning our next exploration, exploring their beautiful illustrations, and carrying our favorites with us for quick reference.

A Naturalist's Book List
Galax Enrichment Program
BRDC, Admin
Galax Enrichment Week - Primitive Technology

BRDC recently hosted a Primitive Technology course as part of Galax Middle School Enrichment Week. The students were engaged with a variety of hands-on activities that connected them to skills used by early American Indians and materials found in their backyards.

Galax Enrichment Week - Primitive Technology
Book Club
Anonymous
(July 2014) 4. The Sixth Extinction: An ...

"Over the last half a billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs."

(July 2014) 4. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert

"inquiry"

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Plant identification challenge...Krigia virginica (dwarf dandelion)

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***Krigia virginica (dwarf dandelion) seems to be the consensus. Thanks for your help!
Do you know what plant this is?

We do not! We could use your help. If you know what this is or have any ideas, please let us know in the comments section below. (Some members of the Albemarle Co. Natural Heritage Committee are trying to compile a list of species for a rare habitat. This is one that has not been identified yet.)

When observed: Mid-June.
Where: Central Virginia, Albemarle County, Virginia
Habitat/ plant community type: granite outcrop
Elevation: 1025'
Aspect: south facing slope, full to part sun
Geologic substrate: granodiorite
Soils: sparse, very dry sandy loam, well drained
Associate plants: eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa), fameflower (Talinum teretifolium), dwarf dandelion (Krigia virginica), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), post oak (Quercus stellata), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and others.
Images © Devin Floyd, 2011.
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Another Beautiful Mystery Flower

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Do you know what this flower is?
If you have a guess, let us know!

While hiking north of Elk Garden (between Whitetop & Mt Rogers) along the Appalachian Trail performing a bird survey, a group of us noticed quite a few flower stalks in the forest at about 5000 feet elevation, perhaps 7-10 inches high with a tuft of white flowers at the end. But there were no leaves evident.
I am not familiar with this strange plant and cannot find it in any of my books. It reminds me in some ways of a mountain lily (Clintonia) without leaves, and vaguely resembles book photos of a false asphodel, which I have never seen.
Any help will be appreciated.
Bill Dunson
Galax, VA