The Secret Life of Butterflies
With such striking coloration, this meadow fritillary (Boloria bellona) easily stands out against its floral backdrop when feeding and in flight. However, it needs to be a little more inconspicuous at times of rest.
Summer Day Camps
BRDC staff and interns have been sharing the Blue Ridge with the kids of Grayson, Smyth and Washington Counties.
Budding Birders
Blue Ridge Discovery Center kicked off the Summer Camp season with our Ornithology Camp!
Color in the field!
As spring rains give way to warm, sunny days, the meadows of Mount Rogers come to life with the emergence of a plethora of insects. Among these creatures is a beetle with a striking iridescent blue body and a yellow-orange wash across its elytra (forewings).
Scholarships offered for 2018 Summer Camps
Through the generous support of the Great Outdoor Provisions Company and Mitchel Morton and Johnny Foster of Foster Lake and Pond Management we are able to offer four full scholarships to local youth to our summer camps!
Cottage renovation progress!
The cottage renovation is making quick progress due to the great work by contractor David Hood and generous contributions by both longtime supporters and new donors.
New School Partnerships: Fairview and Baywood
We are excited to announce two new school partnerships this summer with Baywood and Fairview schools in Grayson County. Blue Ridge Discovery Center will be offering "Summer Camps" to each school as part of their summer school programming.
Birds... Neighbors? Tenants? Friends?
Imagine for a moment, if a friend of yours traveled 2,500 miles by his own power with just the clothes on his back, across mountains, seas, rivers, through storms, dodging danger day in and day out, just to come to your doorstep. What kind of reception would you give him when he arrived after such a journey?
The Trout Population has Increased in Wilson Creek
Last week was absolutely beautiful and we couldn't have had a better time on Wilson Creek in Grayson County as the 7th grade students of Independence Middle and Grayson Highlands Schools and the 5th grade students of Piney Creek Elementary School released their trout.
Earth Day Wildflower Walk
Carol Broderson and special guide, Snow Ferreniea enlightened us with their vast knowledge of wildflowers.
BRDC and Fairveiw Elementary School
Blue Ridge Discovery Center is excited to be adding additional opportunities for the students at Fairview Elementary School.
Do You Know Your Trees?
Do you know the tree species that live and grow around your home and provide shade and shelter to wildlife that visit you?
Cottage Renovations Underway
Over the past month, Blue Ridge Discovery Center has begun renovations on the cottage adjacent to our center! Our aim is to move our offices out there by the Spring Naturalist Rally in early May and set up shop!
Journaling: A place for exploration
Journaling by definition is a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly
Support from Smyth County
We are excited to receive the recent resolution from the Smyth County Board of Supervisors supporting our mission and application to the Department of Housing and Community Development Industrial Redevelopment Fund grant.