November in Review

As we watch our first snow of the season fall and it truly feels like winter is setting in, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the past month at BRDC. We began November by celebrating our 6 year anniversary of receiving the donation of the beautiful former Konnarock Training School schoolhouse! This incredible historic building has been home to some great programs and events, and we are so grateful that we are able to use such a beautiful space. We invited our members for an early Friendsgiving, where we all got the chance to share a meal and enjoy the community that’s grown around us.

We hosted two educational field days, with Meadowview Elementary and Carroll County Middle schools, and an overnight residential education program with Galax Middle School. During these programs, we learned a lot about phenology- the changing of seasons. Lessons like winter tree identification, decomposition, bird migration, mammal tracking, and winter animal behavior all helped us realize just how much is going on outside right now, even as everything appears to settle down for winter.

This time of year, we can appreciate the impressive antlers on the white tailed bucks, and watch out for small mammals’ food caches and winter burrows (called hibernacula) between the roots of large trees. Just be sure not to disturb the furry fellas, they need their beauty sleep. If you put out some bird seed- or even better, suet- our common backyard winter birds are already making the rounds including such charismatic characters as the Carolina chickadee, dark-eyed junco, tufted titmouse, and white-breasted nuthatch. Keep in mind, it’s a good idea to your bird feeders regularly to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases, such as avian flu. In the mornings after cold nights, keep an ear perked for crunching of cool frost formations like needle ice. And consider visiting our favorite Christmas tree, Frasier firs, in their natural habitat on Mount Rogers.

Between school activities, the staff here at the BRDC had time for some projects of our own. We collected seeds from the annual wildflowers in our garden to save for spring planting, checked our bird nest boxes for repairs and cleaning, revamped the library terrarium, and expanded the insect collection. While planning programs, we also documented a new beaver pond and recorded a very vocal saw whet owl! We also spent some necessary desk time updating our programs and continuing work on grant-funded projects.

Birding Adventures

We have got birds on the brain at BRDC and have enjoyed every second of it! Recently, we have gotten the chance to not only do birding programs with the majority of our school groups, but we also took a staff trip to go see the waterfowl at the Well Fields in Saltville, VA. 

White-breasted Nuthatch

With our school birding programs, we like to start with a brief overview of how to use binoculars, and then we go straight into bird watching. Here at the center we have a plethora of birds still flying around our feeders. The most common feeder birds here are the White-breasted Nuthatch, the Tufted Titmouse, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, and the Carolina Chickadee. With these birds still very active, the students are able to watch them at our center and then be able to identify the birds in their own backyards. 

Gadwalls and Widgeons

On our staff trip, the waterfowl that we were able to see were Canadian geese, American Widgeons, Mallards, Gadwalls, and a Great Egret. Not only did we get to see the amazing waterfowl that currently reside in the ponds, but we also were able to see many terrestrial winter birds as well. These types of trips are perfect for our staff development along with allowing us to practice one of our BRDC pillars, stewardship, by reporting all of our observations on eBird. This app is a great source to use when identifying and documenting bird species. 

Great Egret at the Well Fields in Saltville, VA

We are so glad that we get to participate in the birding activities this chilly Fall/Winter and cannot wait to continue more staff and student bird programs!

The Twin County Community Foundation Sponsors Residential Education at BRDC

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) continues to support Blue Ridge Discovery Center through grants to get students outside engaged in nature. These grants allow students to be fully immersed in the beauties and wonders of the outdoors through residential education programs at BRDC. Our programs engage students in nature in fully immersive outdoor activities.

This residential education program grant provided groups of students from Carroll County and Grayson County with experiential learning experiences that build lifelong skills and a passion for the outdoors. We provide overnight accommodations during the program and nutritious hot meals.

In 2021, the students participated in nature journaling, salamander surveys, seed experiments, macroinvertebrate studies, decomposition, phenology, dendrology, and highland games.

Thank you, Twin County Community Foundation, for your continued support! 

Residential Program with Carroll County

Here at BRDC, we have been elated to host 150 6th graders from Carroll County in our Residential Education Program. These students were able to participate in an immersive, outdoor experience exploring, discovering and sharing the wonders of the Blue Ridge. Programs included nature journaling, salamander surveys, seed experiments, macroinvertebrate studies, decomposition, phenology, dendrology, and highland games. A favorite was the salamander survey. The survey was conducted using two plots consisting of 25 wooden cover boards. Students were placed in small groups and were asked to identify the salamander species found under the boards. Since BRDC is in the heart of salamander country, the students were able to find many different species of salamanders during the survey. During nature journaling, students were brought into our rain garden and asked to draw and write about interesting species that they found. During this activity, they were also encouraged to share and reflect on their findings with the group. 

We were able to host these wonderful students with the help of a grant through the Twin County Community Foundation. This funding allowed us to kick off our residential education program allowing full immersion in hands-on , experiential outdoor education. We are so glad to have hosted these students and teachers from Carroll County and hope to see them for years to come. 

Residential Overnight Programs at BRDC

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is thrilled to welcome Carroll County Middle School next week for the start of a three weekend residential overnight program with 150 of their rising 6th graders. With the renovation of schoolhouse, BRDC will host residential programs throughout all four seasons.

The 6th graders will stay overnight at the Center for an exciting immersive outdoor experience where they will discover the diversity of our native ecosystems. Students will learn about the flora and fauna that call this region home, how it changes over time, and it’s cultural history. Along with exploring the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge on our campus, the students will participate in journaling, conduct experiments, and work together to problem solve. We are so excited to have these students on our campus, and foster the next generation of stewards! If you have a group interested in residential immersive outdoor education such as this, please email info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information!

A Year in Review

As we close 2021, a year of stress and uncertainty due to the continued pandemic, social distancing, mask mandates, travel restrictions, and construction projects, the myriad of photos taken throughout the year shows another story. You, our community and participants, coming together to help us meet our mission to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. From naturalist rallies, to summer camps and construction projects, you’ve supported us all year long by sharing, guiding, and giving. Look at what you helped us achieve in 2021 and join us in ringing in the New Year!

Programs

Through the support of local foundations and public schools, we have been able to get youth outside and engaged in nature both on and off campus.

Summer Camps

From June through August, we provided day camps for youth 6-11 years old and overnight camps for youth 11-17 years old. Day camps were held at Matthews State Forest and the BRDC Campus while our overnight camps traveled along the New River, hiked the wilderness areas of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, fished the Blue Ridge, and explored the 12+ acres of the Center and the adjacent lands.

In The Field

Staff continued to pursue their passion as naturalist on day trips and research projects. Through citizen science and data collection, we learn from nature and each other to better share our stewardship of the place we call home.

Volunteers

We had so many wonderful volunteers join us for a variety of projects. Not everything was for everyone but we managed to find something for all. Many hands make for light work. Hundreds of hours were donated by the volunteers who painted, dug, built, hauled, moved, and lifted all kinds of things to help us build our Center!

Construction

A lot of changes have taken place this year on our schoolhouse! The restoration is nearly complete. The building has had major restoration from floor to ceiling. We also restored a wetland, built trails and a brand new pavilion!

Here’s to 2022!

Science In Nature Program: Session II

The Science in Nature Program is a chance for your child to experience science-focused, hands-on, experiential, project-based activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Throughout this 6-week program (one day per week), children in 4th through 5th grade will observe and conduct scientific investigation, research and restoration projects, and environmental literacy.

Session I included: observation through exploration, species identification using keys and field guides, citizen science projects, herbarium contributions, and plant propagation.

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

BRDC Joins Grayson County After School

In April, BRDC applied as the co-applicant with Grayson County Public Schools for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to provide hands-on, experiential programs to the students of Fries School and Independence Elementary School. We were notified in late August that we had received this grant and will happily be working with the Grayson County Public School system!

Community learning centers operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays, and during summer vacation to provide educational services for families of participating children. Blue Ridge Discovery Center will be working with Fries School and Independence Elementary School providing enrichment activities after school three to four days a week, Saturdays, and during the summer. BRDC will be focused on science, nature, and life-long rewarding hobbies such as fly fishing,

With the COVID pandemic, both BRDC and school staff are working hard to provide these programs virtually and remotely until in-person is safely allowed. It is a difficult task but we are working together to make it happen for the youth of our communities.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. Funding is provided by the Virginia Department of Education.

September & October 2020 Events Calendar

Between capturing the remaining vestiges of summer and welcoming fall, there is a lot to appreciate about September! Can you join us for one of the following events?

2020 Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch
Annual raptor count through Hawk Watch International
September 18th-21st
10:00-2:00 daily

Science in Nature Outdoor Program (Session I)
6-week program for 3rd-5th graders of Washington & Smyth County
Happening now through October 7th
Wednesdays, 9:00-3:15

Science in Nature Outdoor Program (Session II)
6-week program for 3rd-5th graders of Washington & Smyth County
October 14th - November 18th
Wednesdays, 9:00-3:15

Youth Outside Program
Hiking & nature observation program for 6-10 year-olds in Grayson & Carroll Counties and the City of Galax
Happening now through October 30th
Wednesdays 2:00-4:00 & Fridays 10:00-12:00
Various locations

Click on event titles for more information and to register. Hope to see you soon!

Youth HBSP Birding Expedition

Huntington Beach State Park (HBSP) hosts some of the best winter birding in South Carolina, and was the destination for our recent youth birding expedition. Eight youth joined guide Allen Boynton and BRDC staff for a whirlwind weekend of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

Along the way, our bird-loving executive director, Aaron Floyd, had us take a detour to an area with recent sightings of the red-cockaded woodpecker, a rarity. Sending a message with an exact location ahead to the parent of one of the kids we were picking up en route, we hoped to meet him at the site where this bird had been reportedly seen. Sure enough, Strummer sent word that he had located the bird and had it in his sights…to hurry up and get here before dark. Minding our speed, we made it just in time for the whole gang to see this wonderful bird! A great start to the weekend.

Since our little detour had us a little late, we pulled over in a safe location and had dinner along the way, arriving at HBSP campground after dark. We set up tents by moonlight and headlamps, and crashed for the night while visions of birdies carried us till light.

The morning was met with hot chocolate to warm us and French toast and bacon to fill us. We met the day head-on in search of birds, beginning at the duck ponds and then the marshes and causeways that bring in the wading birds. There were herons, kingfishers, egrets, sparrows, grebes, pelicans, a few ducks, and cormorants. After lunch, we hit the beach and headed toward the jetty. Here, we saw the shore and ocean birds that prefer the sand and sea. Loons, grebes, gulls, and sandpipers filled the lenses while shells and sea creatures filled our hands. We made it back to camp just before dark and ready for supper! I’m not sure the kids know this, but they put in over 8 miles of walking in search of these birds.

After dinner and a dessert by campfire, we ventured out to see if we could get a glimpse of an owl. With the moon so bright, we could definitely see them, but only got to hear one…the call of a great-horned owl. We returned to camp for sleep. Morning brought hopes of finding more species in a different section of the park.

It was another beautiful sunny day, so after breakfast we checked the ponds again for ducks. We had gadwalls, grebes, teals, and buffleheads. A walk through the maritime forest got us a great view of a northern parula, very rare for this time of year, and an orange-crowned warbler too! Several species were added to our growing list before we had to depart for the drive home. The total for the weekend was 77 species and 827 individual birds seen. Amazing!

Many thanks for our guides Aaron and Allen, for the parents who took strange detours and for getting their kids to us, and especially for such a great bunch of kids who love nature as we do! Please enjoy some of the weekends photos!

First in the Field

Sixty-five 5th grade students and their teachers shared a full day of hands-on activities with BRDC staff and guides. Rhea Valley Elementary School is the first school group to visit our Center and Field Station for a day of experiential learning.

The primary function of BRDC revolves around education. We believe that hands-on activities in the field are the most powerful way to reach students. This hands-on, experiential learning allows students to become fully immersed and actively engaged, with tools to promote critical thinking and creativity. Enhancing lessons from the classroom with experiential learning outdoors is vital to our mission to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship and redefine our youth’s relationship with nature.

We are proud to have been given the opportunity to Explore, Discover, and Share our Center, Field Station, and wonders of the Blue Ridge with Mr. Eskridge’s science classes.

I Spy

Breakfast for humans often starts with a cup of coffee, eggs, and toast. For the birds, however, it starts with a game of I Spy! The 4th and 5th graders of Washington County Schools learned this Wednesday, June 5th, when the Blue Ridge Discovery Center taught a lecture on camouflage. Prey are often easily missed or mistaken for less appetizing forms of energy making hunting a challenge for predators and their families. This was exemplified through a difficult scavenger hunt that even had some of the adults scratching their heads! In the end, students gathered their findings to force conclusions about the shortfalls and triumphs of their hunts. Though there were different teams, they all came to the same conclusion: prey can integrate their appearance with the surrounding environment in a way that masks them from predators’ vision. This use of camouflage acts as a defense mechanism and protects the species at hand from becoming someone else’s breakfast!

On June 11th we traveled back to Washington County to work with 1st - 3rd graders. There we discussed insects, their different body parts, and what differentiates them from other bugs. Later, the students used their knowledge of insects to perform an insect scavenger hunt and make Father’s Day cards!

Along the Creek

The sun was shining and spirits were high this past week when we had the opportunity to journey into Grayson Highlands State Park with a seventh grade group from Grayson Highlands School. After departing from the school, we hiked down the Cabin Creek Trail from Massey Gap, observing wildlife that we saw along the way.

After reaching the base of the trail, the students conducted a stream survey which involved sampling and studying aquatic macroinvertebrates as well as fish. Even a few salamanders decided to show themselves! With the help of context clues and dichotomous keys, the students were able to not only catch but also identify the species seen.

Before heading back, we took the opportunity to hike to the Cabin Creek Trail Waterfall, which added to the day’s adventures.

At the Summit

A beautiful week of sunshine and cool weather was spent with the 5th graders from Summit School. They explored the Blue Ridge from the rivers and streams to the peaks of mountains. Fly fishing, hiking, birding, snorkeling, and kayaking; they carried back a taste of the place we call home. Finishing the week along the New River, satiated by “walking tacos”, an eagle flew past. Could there be a better end to our time together than a salutation from their mascot?

Trout in the Classroom

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program that was started over 20 years ago in which students raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, and learn to appreciate water resources as a means to foster a conservation ethic. BRDC provides the supplies, education and support for this program to teachers and students from tank set-up to fingerling release.

The program begins in October with tank set-up and the life cycle of our native brook trout. In creating a cold water habitat within a 55 gallon tank, the students learn aquaculture through rigorous water testing and the proper balance of bacteria and nutrients. Through the winter, the eggs that are delivered in November transform from alevin to fry. By spring, they have become fingerling trout. May sends us to the stream for habitat study and the release of those trout.

Release day is a big deal for students as they set free nearly 100 tiny brook trout after watching and caring for them over the span of an entire school year. This program emphasizes the importance of our watershed and our mission to inspire stewardship in our youth. Congratulations to Ms. Tignor’s 7th grade Explorer class for a job well done!

Happenings with BRDC in the Schools

Each month, BRDC shares elements of the natural history of the region with the students in elementary schools in Grayson and Washington Counties.

The winter’s cold causes the vegetation to die back and expose the rocks, making January, although cold, the perfect time to study geology. With first graders, we share the world of long ago with a close look at fossils and how they are formed. Using clay and shark teeth, the kids create a mold of that tooth showing how the “impression” is made and left behind as a treasure to be discovered later. The fourth graders study the rock cycle and use Play-Doh as the medium in which to create sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock. This “hands-on” manipulation emphasizes the power of the Earth’s heat and pressure to form and reform our geology.

February brings the snow and the ability to follow tracks. Tracks and signs are always a fun way to learn about the fauna of the region. Learning how to identify an animal from the signs left behind engages our students on a deeper level. Making prints and seeing them in sand leaves an “impression” on the students. They study and try to imitate various methods of animal walking patterns to better understand animal behaviors and actions.

March is for marsupials and marvelous adaptations. The first graders learn about the only North American marsupial, the Virginia opossum. We call it the superhero of mammals due to its immune system and ability to survive the most deadly of toxins. Students develop an appreciation for the niche the opossum fills in its environment and ours.

The study of adaptation is the focus with the fourth grade science classes. Colors and patterns as part of an organism’s adaptation, is studied. Does this organism blend in or stand out? Why? Is it a warning, or for attraction, mimicry, or camouflage? The students explore the answers to these questions by placing certain organisms into their respective category and debate their reasoning. This exercise fosters critical thinking skills and pushes the students to think deeper about why an organism looks like it does.

The cold of winter is slowly leaving and the warmth of spring is bringing new life to the Blue Ridge. We are looking forward to sharing those happenings too!

Enrichment with Galax Middle School

What a week loaded with lots of fun both inside and out! The students of Galax Middle School played games, made camp, knapped arrowheads, and caught BIG fish.

As part of the enrichment program with Galax City Public Schools, BRDC provides educational hands-on activities focused on the Blue Ridge. Last week we provided cultural heritage exploration as well as outdoor skills to these students. Fly fishing, primitive technology, camping, and highland games were the course offerings for the spring session.

It was a chilly start to the first morning of the fly fishing program, so we focused on equipment and knots, with the students learning those necessary for building leaders and tippet. As an introduction to flies used in fly fishing, Tuesday provided us with warmth and sunshine as we hit the creek looking for aquatic insects . . . aka . . . fish food. After an intro to casting, review, and practice, the fishing began, but to no avail. After a day of no fish fishing, they hit the fly tying table to equip themselves with ammunition. Between the woolly bugger, Griffith’s gnat, and mop fly; something had to catch fish. Friday was the day! The trout hit those woolly buggers and never stopped. We could hardly keep up with the frenzy. It was a stellar fly fishing (and catching) week!

The afternoons provided a multitude of programs. Highland Games introduced the students to some of the cultural heritage of the region. Not only did they participate in Highland-style games, but Appalachian games as well. All week the students competed with one another in the caber toss, sheath toss, haggis hurl, stone put, kiltie dash, and tug-of-war as part of the Scots-Irish highland games. The Appalachian games were mostly indoors and included marbles, jacks, hopscotch, checkers, hoop rolling relays, three-legged races, and jumping rope. The Lions were the winning clan, but each individual was a winner in their own right as they all excelled at something.

Camping is a joy to all kids, big and small. What could be more fun than pitching a tent or chilling in a hammock during the school day? As part of our introductory camping program, the students were introduced to the basic skills and equipment needed to have a safe and enjoyable camping and hiking adventure. The week began with learning where to camp if you find yourself in an unplanned outdoor overnight situation, learning how to build an emergency shelter, and tying knots. It progressed to the ten essentials that one should carry backpacking and hiking, and on to bear safety and water purification. Of course they had to build a fire, cook food, and drink hot chocolate, too . . . it was February!

Cordage “tied” the week together. Primitive technology finished out the week with a multitude of projects that demonstrated the skills needed to provide food and shelter for early peoples of any region. Searching out and finding natural plant materials and resources to make tools and primitive living essentials was the goal of this program. The students made cord from the fibers of plants, pottery from clay, baskets from vines, fire from pine cones, and glue from sap and scat. The highlight was making arrow points from rocks using antlers; definitely a primitive living skill to perfect.

It was a pleasure working with these students and providing them with a new skill or even a new lifelong hobby. Thanks to all the hard work and planning involved for the Galax Middle School staff in pulling this great week of enriching activities together and allowing Blue Ridge Discovery Center to be a part of it. And thanks to Matthews State Forest for the generous use of their facilities and property. It was a fintastic week!

BRDC Science Fair - Grayson County Middle Schools

The fun and excitement continues as 246 students in Grayson County competed for prizes at the 3rd Annual Science Fair! Independence Middle School hosted the Science Fair again this year and accommodated all the students and their projects as they set up in the gymnasium.

Judging for the event began on Thursday evening with the review and scoring of the projects. Scoring was based on the students research question or problem, design and methodology, data collection, analysis and interpretation or construction and testing (engineering projects), creativity, and their display board. Friday morning, the judging continued with the presentation/interview section of the scoring. This is where the students got to shine and tell the judges all about their experiences working on the projects and the results of their experiments and testing.

During the event, BRDC provided programs for the students about animals and “What makes Grayson County so Special”. Darin Handy and Aaron Floyd (BRDC Executive Director) presented the programs. As this is a community event, parents and family members were invited to view the projects and be there for the awards ceremony in the afternoon.

The Grand prize was once again a mini 3D printer (back by popular demand) with subsequent 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes of Acorn Naturalist gift certificates, Best in School plaques and participation certificates for all. The Winners of this years Science Fair are:

A.J. Perry, Grayson Highlands School; The Humidity Dilemma; Grand Prize and Best in School
Meg Donley, Grayson Highlands School; Color Fade; 1st Place 6th grade
Kristina Barnette, Independence Middle School; Which Wipe Works Well; 1st Place 7th grade and Best in School
Christopher Barnette, Independence Middle School; Recycled Technology; 2nd Place 6th grade
Tierca Lawson, Independence Middle School; Germs are Everywhere; 2nd Place 7th grade
Preston Jones, Aaron Peterson, Independence Middle School; Do Plants Grow Better with Sugar Water or Well Water; 3rd Place 6th grade
Emily Vaughan, Independence Middle School; Keep Your Fire Burning Longer!; 3rd Place 7th grade
Ethan Lineberry, Rachel May, Jasalyn Trimble, Fries School; Make our Cafeteria Cleaner; Best in School

BRDC is very thankful for all the community support for this great event. Grayson Express, Woody’s Pharmacy and Subway all contributed financially towards the prizes. Also, we could not have done it without the help of our fantastic volunteer judges: Deb Greif, Kim Phipps, John Kovacich, Bill Hylander, Brenda Bonk, John Fant, Niki Weir, Henry Hobson, Ken Kreuzer, Beverly Fermor, Heidi Breedlove, Keith and Pat Andrews. Many hours were spent reviewing all the 161 projects. We could not have done it without you….many heart felt thanks to you all!

Emory and Henry College's 2018 Service Plunge at BRDC

Thanks to Emory and Henry College’s dedication to serving local communities through acts of service, BRDC gained a crew of helping hands for a morning of ground maintenance during E&H’s 2018 Service Plunge. Students and staff from Emory and Henry joined BRDC staff on the Center grounds to tackle our crop of non-native, invasive plants. After a brief introduction to invasive plants by Jay Martin, the crew got to work eradicating the thorny thicket of Japanese barberry and the low light-loving Japanese stiltgrass around the property.

In the 1920’s, during the time that the Konnarock Training School was built, Japanese barberry had a 50-year history of being selected as an ornamental shrub in the United States. The plant grows under a variety of light and soil conditions, requires little maintenance, is deer-resistant, and turns a beautiful shade of deep red during autumn. Its size and thorns also contributed to its use as a hedge. However, its hardiness and browse resistance also allow it to thrive, outcompeting native plants. Further, its seeds are readily dispersed by birds and can remain viable in the soil for up to ten years.

Similar to the barberry, Japanese stiltgrass was also introduced in the United States from Asia – although accidentally – and also grows in a variety of habitats. Each plant is capable of producing 100-1,000 seeds which can remain viable in the soil for up to five years. This unpalatable annual grass both crowds out native plants and increases deer browse on more palatable natives.

Little by little, we pulled, trimmed, and hauled, removing these unwanted residents manually. In doing so, we uncovered salamanders, a young ring-necked snake, and a stone wall that was previously masked by shrubs.

Thank you, Emory and Henry College, for helping us to eradicate these invasives, making way for a future of healthy, native vegetation!

An introduction to non-native, invasive plants

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)

E&H students tackling the thicket

Juvenile ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus)

The stone wall unveiled

Summer Day Camps

For the last two weeks, BRDC staff and interns have been sharing the Blue Ridge with the kids of Grayson, Smyth and Washington Counties.

Explorers Camp and Prehistoric Cultures Camp with Fairview Elementary, Prehistoric Cultures and Highland Games Camps with Baywood Elementary and our very own Discovery Day camp in Konnarock have filled our days with excitement and FUN!

The kids at these camps have joined us on explorations in the fields of ornithology, entomology, geology, herpetology, dendrology and stream ecology. They have traveled to new places, used tools and equipment of a naturalist and experienced the wonders of the outdoors. And this is just the beginning as our camps continue throughout the summer.