Hootin' in the Holler: Owls of the Blue Ridge
In the Blue Ridge mountains, one silent assassin reigns above all as the king of the night. Can you guess whoooooo?
The owl, of course! Old folklore associations marked owls as creatures of witchcraft and omen, and kinder modern stories characterize them as having great wisdom.
Either way, the impression they’ve left observant humans with for centuries is one of great cunning. Fitting, as owls are some of the most skilled predators in the Blue Ridge. Keep reading for a primer on our native owls!
How to Make Shagbark Hickory Syrup
For the human outdoor enthusiast, the cold and short winter days can be dreary. Fortunately, nature has a way of providing joy in all seasons. It’s wonderful weather for making a sweet treat: Shagbark Hickory syrup! If you’re looking for a fun snow day activity, desperately in need of a reason to get outside, or just hooked on foraging, making this sweet and smokey simple syrup will brighten your dark winter’s day.
Fraser Firs in the Wild
So what’s the story behind Christmas trees? What species do we use for this treasured holiday tradition, and where do they come from? Read on and find out!
Fifteen Fun Native Fish Facts!
Summer Fly Fishing Camp is back! Join us August 6-10 for a week of tying, casting, and catching! To celebrate the return of this beloved BRDC camp, here’s fifteen fun fish facts.
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! Read for info on our Winter Naturalist Rally, Woodcock Display Walk, Family Weekend, and Spring Break Camp.
Help Scientists by Collecting Data with the Great Backyard Bird Count
For four days each February, birdwatchers of every skill level can participate in a global event for the love and wellbeing of birds.
Join us at the Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally!
Embark on an journey of discovery with us! Blue Ridge Discovery Center proudly presents the Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally. This annual event, upcoming on Saturday, February 17, 2024, is a celebration of the region's diverse ecosystems and a testament to the wonders that winter unveils in the Appalachians.
Winter’s Embrace: Celebrating the Holiday Season
As winter blankets our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Discovery Center extends warm holiday wishes to all those who marvel in the wonder of the natural world.
Wildlife Preparing for Winter: Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, and turtles all call the Blue Ridge Mountains home, but these animals are rarely seen in the cold. So, where do reptiles go during winter?
Wildlife Preparing for Winter: Small Mammals
Here in Southwest Virginia, our forests and fields are home to an array of mice, moles, shrews, voles, and squirrels.
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.
Expressing Gratitude
This time of year is all about gratitude, and here at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center, we have a lot to be thankful for.
Containing Wonder - Creating Terrariums
As the days get shorter and nature prepares to rest, getting outside can be harder—and certainly colder! Now is the perfect time to bring a little bit of nature inside by crafting a terrarium.