This event was a partnered effort offered by Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Birders, Ashe County Gardeners, and Blue Ridge Discovery Center.

Event summary: Jesse Pope presented his program at Mountain View Elementary today,
with Doug Smith and Scott Jackson-Ricketts providing back-up. Two program sessions were offered before noon, that in total included 90 kids, with a sound approach of conversation as opposed to lecture. Education tools included two live owls, bones, feathers, visual backup with Thayers software, nests, and the the most popular...a hands -on 'build-your-own-bird' activity, based upon choice of habitat. Special thanks go to Doug, Jesse, and Scott... and to Ruth Turnmire for being the smartest and most enthusiastic teacher Scott has ever known.
After the presentation, Doug, Jesse, Scott and Ruth walked the campus and found huge trail and garden possibilities. Many ideas were discussed, with the understanding that a long term vision will be required, along with the requisite patience and persistence.

Music on the Lawn at the Davis Bourne Inn: Celebrate the New River Plateau with Blue Ridge Discovery Center.

The Grayson area pilot chapter of BRDC got rolling on October 3, 2009 with an event in Independence, Virginia. We could not have asked for a better day for an event! ...Sunny and warm, a light breeze, music, wildflowers, trees, hikes, fish, insects, and food all in the outdoors under a beautiful canopy of walnut trees...and nobody got hit in the head with a walnut! The activities and conversations continued throughout the day and word of BRDC’s activity will undoubtedly spread.
We’d like to give a special thanks to the many volunteers that helped with this effort and thanks to you newcomers for participating in this celebration! We look forward to seeing how the Grayson Area Chapter of BRDC blossoms over the coming years!