Searching for Ducks
BRDC staff ventured into the field on Monday, February 15th in search of wintering/migrating ducks and waterfowl. We had a very successful day, with a total of 15 waterfowl species identified and 531 individuals counted.
2021 Great Backyard Bird Count
Anyone can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from the beginning bird watcher to the expert!
Get Outside on the New River Trail
This Saturdays (February 13th), hike begins at 2:00 pm. Activities include a scavenger hunt and the chance to earn a BRDC patch.
2021 Summer Camp Registrations Now Open!
Registrations for the 2021 Summer Camps & Overnight Adventures are now open. Read on to learn more about next year’s lineup for youth ages 6-17!
Get Outside This Weekend!
Get Outside with BRDC guides on a hike along Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail!
Schoolhouse Walkthrough & Update
The schoolhouse took another step towards completion last week with the addition of our gorgeous stained glass window.
The Twin County Community Foundation Partners With BRDC for the 2021 Get Outside Program
BRDC’s Get Outside Program, supported by the Twin County Community Foundation, kicks off on Friday, January 1st with the 2021 First Day Hike! Families are invited to join BRDC for this unique program in conjunction with the nationwide First Day Hike event. This program is FREE to participants, but registration is required.
Cottage Rain Garden Completed
The BRDC Cottage Rain Garden, funded through the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP), has been completed!
Giving Tuesday
Each year, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday. For 2020, Giving Tuesday falls on December 1st. This global movement gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. We all have gifts to give, and this year you can make the greatest impact by contributing to the community while supporting the next generation of stewards and community leaders.
Irruption of the Pine Siskin
If you have not been fortunate enough to see a Pine siskin, this is the year to look! This is one of the biggest irruption years in recorded history for these finches.
How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons)
I got my copy of How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons) by Barbara Kingsolver in the mail recently and I can't stop picking it up, flipping to a random page, and leaping off the cliff into it’s deep waters. I turn to it when the stress of Covid-19 overwhelms and my head hurts from problem-solving. The book is both an escape and a lesson at the same time.
Upcoming Events
As the temperatures cool down, Blue Ridge Discovery Center isn’t slowing down! With darkness settling in sooner in the evenings, we are entering the prime season for stargazing. And with trees and shrubs losing their foliage, the winter months allow for fewer visual obstructions during birdwatching, including sighting rare wintering birds from the far north. There’s something for everyone over the coming months. Join us! Click event titles for more information.
BRDC Welcomes Lauren and Chris to the Team
BRDC is growing! Lauren and Chris joined the team this year and are busy helping us meet our mission as we work to create the Center for a grand opening in 2021.
Seedling Scientist Program Offered for Preschoolers
Let your Seedling Scientists explore nature in a program designed specifically for preschool aged children.
Science In Nature Program: Session II
Join us October 14th through November 18th (one day per week) for Session II
Kettles over Mahogany Rock
BRDC staff and volunteers spent Saturday through Monday looking up!
BRDC Joins Grayson County After School
BRDC applied as the co-applicant with Grayson County Public Schools for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to provide hands-on, experiential programs to the students of Fries School and Independence Elementary School.