BRDC News: Upcoming Events

The world is thawing out, fauna is getting more active, and here at BRDC we are excited to get back out there and discover more with you! Here’s what’s in store for upcoming events:

Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally

February 17, 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery with us at the Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally! Our upcoming seasonal rally is just around the corner. The Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally is a celebration of the region's diverse ecosystems. Learn about Appalachia’s unique landscape, meet fellow nature lovers in your community, and engage in interactive lessons taught by naturalist professionals.

This event is open to anyone. To learn more, visit the event page below.

Join local artist, Suzanne Stryk, for her talk, “Taking the Pulse of Place: Connecting to the Natural World through the Arts" as she discusses how art offers ways of better connecting us to the natural world.

Woodcock Display: Members Event

Tentatively march 1

The American Woodcock is an anomaly, a plump little shorebird that makes its home in young forests and shrubby fields instead of coastal shores. The woodcock’s long bill and short, and rounded body make this bird a cartoonishly endearing sight - if you can spot them! Their mottled brown plumage, which camouflages them perfectly in their preferred habitats, and elusive behavior means that these birds can be difficult to spot. Except for in spring evenings, when breeding season takes over, and male woodcocks engage in marvelous flight displays. Cornell Lab of Ornithology refers to this mating display as “one of the magical natural sights of springtime in the East.” The males cry a loud, distinctively buzzy peent call and spiral in flight 200, 300 feet into the air, before plummeting in a zig zag back to Earth to do it again.

We invite members to join us as we watch this mesmerizing sky dance - we will meet at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center office and travel by van to the area where woodcocks are currently active. The exact date of this event is determined by woodcock activity as spring approaches, but is tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 1st. Stay tuned to our events page for any changes, and sign up for the event below to stay in the loop.

Family Weekend

March 16 through 17

Come spend the weekend with BRDC and surround your family with the magic of the mountains as you explore, discover, and share endless natural treasures together. This weekend is designed for families that are ready for adventure and fun. With our expert guides, your family will hone their observation skills while exploring seasonally interesting topics, such as beaver ecology, birds, tracks and signs, dendrology, nighttime creatures, and fire building. This package includes lodging in our facility, as well as meals. More information coming soon!

Spring Break Kids Camp

March 25 through 28

Looking for something to keep your young naturalist engaged during spring break? BRDC is now offering Spring Break Camp from March 25-28, 2024! This is a perfect opportunity for any young naturalist between the ages of 6 and 13 to explore, discover, and share the wonders of the Blue Ridge during the springtime!

Programming topics will include tree study, nature journaling, birding, hiking, pollinators, orienteering, native plants, and more! Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors.

48th Annual MRNR Keynote Speaker

May 6th - 8th will mark the 48th annual Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally, and BRDC is thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will be wetland ecologist, wetland biologist, and author, Thomas Biebighauser. Well known for his international travels to help design and construct wetlands, Tom has positioned himself as one of the leading experts in the implementation of naturally-appearing wetlands and specializes in creating habitats that cater to endangered or threatened species. Since 1979, he has restored over 2,700 wetlands and streams in Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and 26 States. He retired in 2013 after working 34 years for the US Forest Service as a Wildlife Biologist, where he initiated wetland and stream restoration programs across the United States. Now, Tom’s passion for wetlands still carries him across the country (and world) for restoration projects, wetland construction workshops, and various other teaching opportunities. Tom has served as an instructor for the British Columbia Wildlife Federation Wetlands Institute for 17 years, teaches a graduate-level Wetland Design for Engineers course at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, and has also taught classes for the British Colombia Institute of Technology. Tom has also written four books about wetland restoration and has received 44 awards for his outstanding contributions. Tom’s keynote address will discuss the practice of wetland restoration and the importance of reestablishing these vital habitats for people and wildlife, alike.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Biebighauser.

BRDC Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop- May 7-8th

Not only will Tom be presenting his keynote, but he will also be one of the joint leaders of a two-day Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop hosted at BRDC on May 7th and 8th. The other instructor will be Michael Hayslett, principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC, who has spent his career studying and raising awareness for the conservation of vernal pools in Virginia. This workshop will teach participants how to design and restore wetlands that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, amphibians, reptiles, and a diversity of birds. Attendees will discover how to select locations for building wetlands, test soil texture, determine groundwater elevation, choose appropriate construction techniques, work with heavy equipment operators, control erosion and non-native plants, and establish native plants. BRDC is so excited to host these two great minds during this special event. If you want more information on this opportunity or want to register visit this link- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1phX8u90Zm0_8J8iNAWYXJLp5Eod8c0lE/edit.

For more information on Tom Biebighauser and his wetland restoration practices, check out his website- https://www.wetlandrestorationandtraining.com/

February Events

If you’re willing to brave the cold and exercise a little patience, winter bird-watching can be a rewarding experience. Birds don’t hibernate and with a pretty high metabolism, they remain active even in the coldest time of the year.

Some birds stay around all year, some travel great distances south (insect eaters for example), and some travel just a little ways south to escape the bitter cold and lack of food. Raptors and waterfowl are species that find their way to Burkes Garden.

Join us February 5th as we migrate over to Virginia’s highest valley in seek of over wintering raptors such as Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Owls, and more!

If you can’t make it on the 5th, stop by the Center on February 19th for the Great Backyard Bird Count. We have the feeders full and ready to participate in this citizen science activity. Join us! Click event titles for more information.

Burke’s Garden Birding Trip
February 5th, 9:00-4:00

Great Backyard Bird Count
February 19th, 10:00-2:00

Upcoming Events

Fall is quickly approaching bringing cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and outdoor activities! With darkness getting earlier, we are entering the prime season for stargazing. As trees and shrubs lose their foliage, fewer visual obstructions affect birdwatching, and the trails await new discoveries! There’s something for everyone over the coming months. Join us! Click event titles for more information.

Get Outside Hikes
Saturdays, now through October 30th
All ages!

Planting Day
Friday, October 1st, 9-4

Volunteer Weekend
Saturday, October 23rd - 24th , 10-4

New River Christmas Bird Count (hosted by BRDC)
Saturday, December 18th, 9:00-5:00

Burke’s Garden Birding Trip
February 5th, 8:00-5:00
All ages!

Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12th, 10:00-2:00
All ages!

Upcoming Events

As the temperatures cool down, Blue Ridge Discovery Center isn’t slowing down! With darkness settling in sooner in the evenings, we are entering the prime season for stargazing. And with trees and shrubs losing their foliage, the winter months allow for fewer visual obstructions during birdwatching, including sighting rare wintering birds from the far north. There’s something for everyone over the coming months. Join us! Click event titles for more information.

Exploring Astronomy
Friday, November 20th, 5:30-7:30
All ages!

Seedling Scientist
Saturday, November 21st, 2:00-3:30
Ages 3-5

New River Christmas Bird Count (hosted by BRDC)
Saturday, December 19th, 9:00-5:00

Mt. Rogers Christmas Bird Count (hosted by Allen Boynton)
Sunday, December 20th, 9:00-5:00

Burke’s Garden Birding Trip
February 6th, 8:00-5:00
All ages!

Great Backyard Bird Count
February 13th, 10:00-2:00
All ages!

Experience 2019 with Blue Ridge Discovery Center

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!

Late July Events and Outreach

The last weekend of July was packed with BRDC activity. 

On Thursday, the 24th, Scott offered an aquatic survey for nearly 20 kids from the Mount Rogers Youth Services, a collaboration through the Grayson County 4-H led by Erin Farmer, and the Grayson County Recreation Department.  We gathered at the famous falls on Power House Road, just across and down the street from the Rec Park.  For ninety minutes the kids collected various stream critters, with one group of boys especially devoted to finding every crayfish possible. 

We looked at stone and mayflies under the microscopes, while others were catching minnows and several fly larvae species.  All of the critters were arrayed in the ice trays for further study and comparison.  Time allowing, we also discussed the amazing diversity of aquatic life and how that speaks to the relative health of the stream.

On Friday, Sarah Osborne, Brenda Bonk and Debbie Greif held down the BRDC fort at the Independence Farmers Market…offering a hands-on program based on trees and leaves…with fun crafts and lively discussions.

Meanwhile, Scott and Andrea Langston were setting up the BRDC/New River Land Trust booth at the 13th annual Floyd Fest for a commitment of three days on site serving the interests and energy of kids inside the ‘Children’s Universe’ zone.  This zone was unique in being set off from the hustle and bustle of the Floyd Fest, intentionally giving kids and their families a special place for specific kid events and activities.  Central to the zone was a stage set up to offer a variety of presentations, music, open mike, and other crowd pleasers.  Each of the three days, Andrea and I were responsible for a staged workshop oriented to outdoor education.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries booth was adjacent to ours.  JD Kleopfer, state herpetologist, shared his booth with Kimberly Terrell, hellbender specialist from the Smithsonian Institution. They specialized in live salamanders, a model of a hellbender, and a fantastic collection of turtle shells.  This was a nice fit for BRDC/NRLT as we had a live box turtle and a tank of aquatic animals for the kids to view…including a small bull frog.  Our combined booths were a big hit.

For our stage presentation on Friday, Andrea and I offered ‘art in nature’ with a focus on using field guides as inspiring model material for sketching.  We instructed the kids to either draw inside of a small circle for creating take-home buttons, or decorating post cards to be sent from and in celebration of the event. 

On Saturday our presentation centered around our aquatic tank, macro invertebrates, microscope use, and of course, the box turtle.  Kimberly was kind enough to join us on stage with her salamanders, and two of the kids, who had become our constant companions, brought recently caught earthworms for a hungry turtle demonstration.

Sunday’s stage presentation offered both owl pellet dissection and bird parts to handle and compare.  Wings, skulls and talons from a variety of mostly raptors were passed around, while other kids poked through animal remains details found within barn owl pellets.  This was a nice finale to a long weekend, well worth the time and effort.  Andrea and I estimated we served 200 kids over the 3 days, most of them between the ages of 3 and 13.  Many parents took appreciative notice of our work and promised to be ambassadors to our collective cause of connecting kids to their outdoor treasures.

Also on Saturday evening, at the Matthews State Forest, Dr. Robert Perkins conducted a ‘Moth Night’ survey on behalf of BRDC and the Blue Ridge Birders.  Following is his report:

For the 10 participants in Moth Night, the evening began with rain and a slow start. Beetles—lightning beetles of undetermined species, click beetles of undetermined species, at least one carrion beetle (Nicrophorus sp), several rove beetles of undetermined species, and a bunch of Cyclocephala borealis (a species of scarab beetle)—appeared first. Later a mayfly, a medium-sized stonefly, and several caddisflies joined the party. Moths were scarce. The final list included Nais Tiger (Apantesis nais), Tuliptree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera), Skiff Moth (Prolimacodes badia), Bent-line Gray (Iridopsis larvaria), Texas Mocis (Mocis texans), a Pyraustid of undetermined species, and a tiny micro in the Schreckensteinia genus.

Had more people signed up for Roald Kirby’s summer expedition, also on Saturday, BRDC would have led a field trip to the Channels.  Roald is hoping to reschedule. 

What all of this clearly exemplifies is the breadth of Blue Ridge Discovery Center’s educational outreach, and our currency within the Blue Ridge communities.  Please stay tuned as we move into the fall season and resume our work with school age kids and their sponsors.

Scott Jackson-Ricketts

BRDC visits the Matthews Living History Farm Museum!

Click here for a gallery of the day's activities:

GALLERY

Click here for a list of butterflies seen at the event:

BUTTERFLIES

Through the great energy and support of Sandy Troth, and the Matthews Farm Museum staff, BRDC was proud to explore in the outdoors this last Saturday on those grounds. There is lots to discover in the fields and creek around the farm, and the setting was perfect. We also had the pleasure of sharing the event with Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, whose two volunteers , set up shop and fit right into our hands-on creative approach to learning in the outdoors. Local BRDC volunteers included Bob and Bill Perkins, Susan, Terry and Claire Gleason, Allen Boynton and Gale Kuebler, Jesse Pope, Jane Floyd, Michelle Pridgeon, Deborah Shell, and Laura Belleville. The farm staff also set up a creative blue bird house adventure, hosted by David Hauslohner, Sandy Troth and Sydney Rose Fant.

Among the activities were two stations set up by Jesse, chief naturalist for Grandfather Mountain; one consisting of highly technical gadgetry that read air temps at various altitudes, and the other a collection of bones, skins and feathers of a variety of critters, including squirrel, beaver, bat, sharp shinned hawk, and much more.

Allen and Gale helped with the critter station. Bob and Bill led a series of field trips concentrating on butterflies (butterfly images here-in by B. Perkins) and wildflower/insect associations.

Terry led field trips to the creek, with nets to gather and observe living aquatic creatures. Jane, Michelle and Deborah operated the flower press, concentrating on Queen Anne's Lace, complete with a live black swallowtail butterfly caterpillar, that feeds on Queen Anne's Lace. Kids were invited to create collages of the lace with butterfly printouts, and decorate as whim directed. Devin managed two stations, one devoted to deep local history defined by a collection of prehistoric projectile points, the other to brook trout and its ecology. Both of these stations had creative hands-on elements designed to draw participants closer to the moment, and were a big hit.

Claire brought her famous corn snake for another tiring day of being handled, along with a series of books on snakes and snakes as pets. Scott participated at all tables, accompanied a field trip, and kept attention on those coming and going...in other words, attempted to manage the event.

During the day we had two surprise guests. Chris Brooke, reporter from the Galax Gazette arrived late in the day with his wife, Beth, to take in the festivities including the last field trip. And Jack Pitcher, well known for his Star Watch contribution to a number of newspapers and journals, arrived with a gift of ginkgo trees and enthusiastic support. We hosted kids, accompanied by parents, friends and in some cases, grandparents, and everyone seemed genuinely captivated.

-Scott Jackson-Ricketts

Photographs by Scott Jackson-Ricketts, Robert Perkins, and Devin Floyd