Spring Naturalist Rally Begins this WEEKEND!

Its not too late to get in on the fun! This Saturday, May 1st begins the Mt Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally: Scavenger Hunt Edition.

The Mt Rogers Naturalist Rally: “Scavenger Hunt” Edition is a self-guided, hands-on exploration of the biodiversity within a 7.5 mile radius of the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and within the MRNRA suitable for all ages. Participants will be provided clues to locate and explore unique and special locations, complete challenges, detours, and roadblocks, earn chances to win great prizes, and share findings!

From May 1st through the 9th, you may participate as many days as you like, start anytime you like, and travel at your own pace and convenience. You will:

• Utilize a map and clues

• Complete challenges.

• Contribute to citizen science

• Earn chances to win great prizes

• and, Learn about the natural history of the Mt Rogers area

If you can’t get over this way for the event, raffle tickets are available for purchase to support the Rally with daily chances to win great prizes including a guided fly fishing trip with Matt Reilly, a weekend getaway for two in coastal SC, Vortex binoculars, a MagicScope, loaded naturalist pack, local swag, and more!

The Rain Did NOT Dampen the Weekend

The 45th Annual Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally, held May 10th-12th this year, was a BIG success. The weather always threatens to ruin the weekend and as usual, it was set to be extremely rainy. Alas, the rain came but not in the amounts nor the times to disrupt the Naturalists gathered together for this fantastic event that celebrates the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

Twenty-nine guided trips went out Saturday and Sunday, all full of enthusiastic attendees. Many focused on birds, wildflowers, salamanders, insects, stream ecology, fly fishing, and edible and medicinal plants while others pursued art and science. Lets not forget the awesome kids programs about salamanders and rocks!

It takes a lot of individuals to make this come together. We couldn’t do it without the love and passion our guides have and share for their fields of expertise. Nor could it happen without all the volunteers and their loving hands providing sustenance for the many participants. It is a pleasure to bring like-minded souls together to Explore, Discover and Share the wonders of the Blue Ridge.