Discovery Camp
While camping along Fox Creek in Grayson County, campers were immersed into the wonders of the Blue Ridge.
Camp on the Fly
Not only did these kids learn and hone in on their fly rod casting skills but they caught 9 species of fish!
The Hidden Life of Trees
For July 2017, the BRDC Book Club read and discussed The Hidden Life of Trees.
"In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware.
An Expedition on the New
Carrying all provisions in canoes and kayaks, camping at canoe-in-only campgrounds or on private, remote islands allowed these campers to see and experience the beauty and tranquility of the New River.
BRDC Partners with Galax for Hands-On Summer Day Camp Fun
Continuing a successful relationship built through afterschool programs and weekend field trips during the 2016 and 2017 school years, BRDC partnered with Galax Public Schools this summer to offer four unique, weeklong camps in June and July. The camps were hands-on, experiential learning based, outdoor skills focused, and offered free of charge to 3rd-7th grade Galax students.
Discovery Day Camp
31 kids had a fun-filled week of exploration as part of BRDC's Discovery Day Camp. From splashing in the water and examining what lives in a mountain stream, learning to use a map and compass, studying birds, bugs, flowers and rocks, nature arts and crafts, fun games and songs, to the age old pastime of dropping handcrafted vessels into the creek, exploring the Blue Ridge has never been so much fun!
Join BRDC for the Summer Naturalist Rally!
EXPLORE THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MOUNT ROGERS, THE CROWN JEWEL OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
The Summer Rally gives us a chance to explore Mt. Rogers in a different season. We have assembled a wide variety of field trips with leaders who are experts in their field and able to make it understandable and interesting for everyone from inquisitive amateurs to accomplished naturalists.
Stock Donations, a Powerful Way to Support Vital Causes
With the stock market continuing to hit record highs (The Dow Jones industrial average continues to clear 21,000), now more than ever is an excellent time to consider a stock donation to Blue Ridge Discovery Center.
Announcing 6 Camp Scholarships in partnership with Friends of Mount Rogers!
BRDC is seeking applicants for six full scholarships ($795 value) to our Discovery Camp, July 31 - August 5, Ages 9-12 or 13-15. Location: Base Camp, Troutdale, VA
Birding Adventure in the High Country
6 kids went on a gravity-defying adventure in the high country participating in BRDC’s inaugural Ornithology Camp. For four days and three nights, the kids camped out and honed their ornithology skills, searching for bird species that inhabit the diverse appalachian ecosystems of southwest Virginia.
Travel Down the Rapids of the New
New River Expedition: Wed-Sat, July 19-22 for ages 12-15. Want to experience a true river expedition? Join our crew and travel down the rapids of the New River while pitching camp on remote islands!
Searching for Big Red
For the Spring Naturalist Rally, Austin Thomas and I set out with a group in search of Big Red- a very large red spruce that is the second largest of that species recorded in Virginia. The rain cleared out and we had partly cloudy skies when we set the GPS coordinates for Big Red. With measurements of 77 inches circumference, 108 feet height and crown 26 feet recorded in 2010, our group was excited to stand at the base and take current measurements to update the tree's current status.
Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally
Although the weather kept some away, the 43rd annual Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally drew a large crowd of enthusiastic participants during the second weekend in May. Field trips on Saturday included several new opportunities such as Caving, Intro to Birding and Ecology of Grassy Balds, while many of the tried and true trips from the past also remained popular. With the rain giving way to cloudy skies and even a little bit of sunshine, conditions were wet but good for the hearty naturalist who didn’t mind a little mud.
Summit Day Camp
Seven students from Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC were able to get a firsthand perspective into the wonders of the Blue Ridge during a week of exploration lead by the Blue Ridge Discovery Center.
The Appalachian Forest, A Search For Roots and Renewal
For May, the BRDC Book Club read The Appalachian Forest, A Search For Roots and Renewal by Chris Bolgiano. "Steeped in history, the Appalachian wilderness has been profoundly affected by the people who have lived and worked there. This volume traces the natural history of the Appalachian forest while taking into account the people and politics that have shaped its development. Bolgiano is well qualified to write about this area, as she and her husband make their home on 100 acres of the old-growth forest.
Galax Middle Visits Grandfather Mountain
On May 6th, students from Galax Middle School took a trip up 5,946’ to the top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. There they had the opportunity to learn about the various flora and fauna that inhabit the mountains’ 16 distinct ecosystems.
Wilderness Backpacking Camp June 27-July 1
One of the most rewarding opportunities of the summer is discovering more of the Blue Ridge in the company of exceptional guides on this multi-day backpacking expedition. On the trail, you’ll observe and document the wildlife we encounter along the way, including unique birds, trees, plants, insects, mushrooms, salamanders, and many others.
School of Fish
As the school year wraps up, the student's hard work as part of the Trout in the Classroom program is paying off.
Having reared brook trout fingerlings from eggs for the last 4 months, the students now feel the pride of releasing the young trout into local streams.
Still time to apply for an Ornithology Camp Scholarship!
BRDC's Ornithology Camp, for kids ages 9-12, offers 4 days and 3 nights all about birds: eagles, warblers, herons, wrens, woodpeckers, owls, thrushes and more!! The camp, which is funded through the William Roberts Memorial Fund and volunteer support, runs Wednesday-Saturday, June 7-10, and includes all meals and snacks.
Explorers Go Underground
BRDC's Explorers Club recently travelled to Speedwell to explore underground with expert caver Bill Grose. When the group climbed down into the cave entrance, they found themselves in a wild, seemingly uncharted world. The air was immediately cooler (which is why everyone dressed in layers) and all natural light disappeared. Stalactites hung above like chandeliers.