In the quiet of the winter woods you may see a blanket of fallen leaves or a dusting of snow and think of the life resting beneath it, awaiting the rains and warmer temperatures of spring before emerging to bloom or forage. But not all life is waiting out the winter.
Much like the northern flicker (pictured), Blue Ridge Discovery Center is quite active year-round in this region. We have a full calendar of events planned throughout 2019, and we invite you to join us!
We will begin with a geologist-led Geology Expedition this Saturday, January 26th, to learn about the geology of the highlands area.
In February we’ll head to Burke’s Garden for a birding trip, where we have the potential to see over 50 species of birds, including two rare wintering birds from the far north: the golden eagle and rough-legged hawk.
In March we will be hosting a Native Plant Landscaping and Non-native Plant Abatement Workshop at the Center. Join us to discuss native plant gardening, non-native plant identification, and appropriate abatement strategies for a variety of species.
April showers bring . . . wildflowers! Details coming soon for a Wildflower Walk on Buffalo Mountain on Sunday, April 28th.
And what would May be without the Spring Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally? This is the spring version of our biggest annual, signature event and is an opportunity for naturalists of all ages and experience levels to access all that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer with the help of expert guides in a variety of subject areas.
June through August will be filled with non-stop action as we host a line-up of overnight and day camps throughout the region for youth aged 6-15.
August 16-18 will be the weekend of our Summer Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally, with registration opening after the conclusion of the Spring MRNR. We will also be hosting a Nighthawk Watch in August to witness the migration of these nocturnal birds.
Likewise, September offers an opportunity to witness migrating raptors during the Hawk Watch.
Interested in photography? Join us in October for a Fall Photography Workshop while capturing all the natural beauty October has to offer.
In November we will take advantage of longer nights with an Astronomy event where you will have the opportunity to view and potentially photograph the night sky.
Rounding out the year, we will participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count as well as host our 2nd annual Nature’s Little Elf Workshop.
We hope to see you at many of our events! And if there is an event or experience you would like to see us host, please let us know by emailing outreach@blueridgediscoverycenter.org. Remember, all BRDC Community Events are FREE to members!
