It's Hummingbird Migration Season!
We are about one week away from the official start of Fall, which means it is time for hummingbird migration!
We are about one week away from the official start of Fall, which means it is time for hummingbird migration! In Virginia, the most common hummingbird is the Ruby-throated hummingbird. These hummingbirds can be identified by their distinct color patterns. The female ruby-throated hummingbirds have an emerald crown and back with a white throat, and the males have an emerald back and crown with an iridescent red throat. The iridescent red throat can only be seen in bright daylight, however, due to their structural coloration and lack of pigmentation. The red color that is seen on these hummingbirds is actually reflected light off of thin layers of air bubbles found between the feathers of the bird, meaning that the iridescent red color can only be witnessed in broad daylight. This is a useful thing for hummingbirds that don’t want to draw too much attention to themselves in forested areas because it allows them to camouflage more into their surroundings. On the flip side, the red throat in the light is useful in attracting a mate.
Hummingbirds in Virginia, and all over North America, begin their migration in the fall due to the decrease in temperatures. During this period in time they will travel all the way to various locations in Central America. Then in the spring, the hummingbirds come back to their previous locations in North America. Hummingbirds do this because they encounter less competition in North America during the summertime for food in comparison to the heavily populated tropics.
Nectar is the biggest food source for these hummingbirds. They tend to feed from red and yellow flowers or hummingbird feeders left outside by generous hummingbird lovers. Hummingbird feeders are a great way to provide sustenance to your local hummingbird species if the sugar solution is prepared in the correct way. These feeders are especially crucial during this migration time. It is more healthy for the hummingbirds to sip from a homemade sugar water solution rather than a store-bought red sugar solution. The best way to make the nectar is to boil four cups of water, which allows any impurities in the water to be alleviated, and mix that with one cup of pure cane sugar. Placing this mixture in a red hummingbird feeder will attract the hummingbirds without needing to add the artificial red dye to the actual sugar solution. Hummingbirds tend to feed from feeders more regularly as they make their way down to Central America, so set out your feeders and say goodbye to the last of the hummingbirds until Spring!
Pre-Order Your Fall Naturalist Rally T-Shirt!
Our Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally is a little over a month away and we could not be more excited! We have opened pre-orders for the limited edition Fall Naturalist Rally t-shirt.
The Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally is a little over a month away and we could not be more excited! Starting this week, we have opened pre-orders for the limited edition Fall Naturalist Rally t-shirt. Illustrated on the Rally shirt are the squirrels the Blue Ridge region. What signifies fall better than squirrels! They are the perfect fall mascot due to their abundance and increase in activity. This increased activity is due to their need to store food for the winter. The five native squirrel species are the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the Red Squirrel, the Fox Squirrel, the Northern Flying Squirrel, and the Southern Flying Squirrel.
If you’re interested in pre-ordering one of our Limited Edition Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist T-Shirts, click on the link and check out our Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally page for more rally information to come!
Eastern Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis carolinensis) are one of the most common squirrels in Virginia. They can be identified by their gray coat, white belly, and narrow tails. During this time of year, these squirrels spend a great deal of time hiding food in a variety of places so that they do not need to go into a full hibernation. Eastern Gray squirrels will be able to feast on their hidden sustenance all winter long since they tend to hide more food than necessary for survival. Due to this excess of food, these squirrels play a vital role in seed dispersal.
Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus abieticola) are another common species in Virginia. These squirrels can be easily distinguished from the Gray and fox squirrel due to their reddish coat and small size. While other squirrels tend to favor tree nuts, the American Red squirrels tend to be more inclined to devour seeds and fungi. They are also known to steal from bird feeders since most are designed to prevent larger squirrels from invading the feed supply.
Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger niger) are the largest of the squirrel species in Virginia. They can be identified by their large size, brown/gray back fur, and orange belly. These squirrels follow the same food storage protocol that Gray squirrels follow, meaning that they also store an abundance of nuts in various locations in order to feed themselves throughout winter. These squirrels tend to be more social in comparison to other native squirrels and are likely to be found in neighborhoods or parks rather than trees.
Virginia Northern Flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) are actually endangered, so their abundance in the area has declined. These squirrels can be identified by their brown coat with a gray belly and membrane-connected hind and fore legs. This membrane connection is what allows these squirrels to glide through the air from tree to tree. Northern flying squirrels can be distinguished from the southern flying squirrels by their vast difference in size. The northern flying squirrel is much larger in comparison to the southern flying squirrel. While these squirrels also store seeds for themselves to eat during the cold months, they also are able to feed on lichens and fungi, which makes them less reliant on storing seeds.
Southern Flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans volans) are slightly more abundant than the northern flying squirrels, but still prevalent in Virginia. These squirrels also have a grayish-brown coat along with a brown belly and membrane-connected hind and fore limbs. The Southern Flying squirrel can be distinguished from its fellow Virginia native flying squirrel, the northern flying squirrel, by its smaller size. These squirrels tend to feed on nuts and store these in various locations.
Residential Overnight Programs at BRDC
Blue Ridge Discovery Center is thrilled to welcome Carroll County Middle School next week for our residential overnight program with their rising 6th graders!
Blue Ridge Discovery Center is thrilled to welcome Carroll County Middle School next week for the start of a three weekend residential overnight program with 150 of their rising 6th graders. With the renovation of schoolhouse, BRDC will host residential programs throughout all four seasons.
The 6th graders will stay overnight at the Center for an exciting immersive outdoor experience where they will discover the diversity of our native ecosystems. Students will learn about the flora and fauna that call this region home, how it changes over time, and it’s cultural history. Along with exploring the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge on our campus, the students will participate in journaling, conduct experiments, and work together to problem solve. We are so excited to have these students on our campus, and foster the next generation of stewards! If you have a group interested in residential immersive outdoor education such as this, please email info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information!
Fall Naturalist Rally coming this October!
We are so excited to announce the Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally on October 14-16th!
We are excited to announce the our first Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally to be held October 14-16th! This Rally will not only celebrate the ecosystems and natural history of the Blue Ridge but more specifically, focus on the flora and fauna that make the Fall such a beautiful time in the Blue Ridge mountains! Guided programs include seed collecting workshops, nature photography, art, salamanders, apple pomology, and more!
People of all ages are more than welcome to help celebrate this change in season with us. Click on this link to join us for a wonderful weekend Fall Rally weekend!
Virginia Tech Wildlife Student Research at the BRDC
This past week the Blue Ridge Discovery Center has been host to Dr. Marcella Kelly’s Wildlife Field techniques course where students from Virginia Tech in the Wildlife Conservation program get to spend nine days in the great outdoors learning an array of field techniques that are used to monitor wildlife populations. Some of these techniques include camera trapping, small mammal trapping, mist netting for birds and bats, and salamander surveys. Over the past week, these students spent time as a large group adventuring around the Blue Ridge Discovery Center property and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Starting this week the students have broken off into smaller research groups to conduct more specialized researched projects of their choosing. This year’s student-led research projects will be the preliminary data for a multi-year project on the BRDC campus and surrounding Elk Garden area, meaning that each year groups of Virginia Tech students will conduct similar research at the BRDC campus and use this data to assess changes over multiple years.
Salamander Research:
Student-led salamander research projects are focusing on habitat and demographics at three different elevations of 3100 ft, 3700 ft, and 4300 ft on trails surrounding the BRDC to compare how salamander species differ as elevation changes. Where research projects focusing on habitat will focus more specifically on the type of environment each salamander resides in and the demographic research project will assess the number of salamander species found at each field site. Students were led in the field by Dr. Kevin Hamed.
Small Mammal Research:
Small mammal researchers also split their focus into two projects likewise assessing the habitat and demographics of small mammals that were trapped on BRDCs property and at sites at Elk Garden. The habitat research focuses on environment types that attract specific mammals and the demographic group is focused more on the number of different species of small mammals at each field site. These box traps are filled with bait every evening and checked the following morning for small mammals. One of their focuses is to find out what type of vegetation specific small mammals are most likely to be found. Students were led in the field by Dr. Marcella Kelly.
Bat Research:
Bat researchers are using acoustic monitors that can be used to identify bat species by call, to assess the species of bats around BRDCs campus and surrounding trails. These bat detectors can detect high frequency ultrasound, where one focus of the projects is finding out which locations bats utilize the most during the night based on their calls and what times bats call more. Students also got the chance to see a colony of big brown bats leaving the property around dusk, where Dr. Mike St. Germain from the Conservation Management Institute led a mist netting lab to trap and tag part of the colony.
Bird Research:
Bird researchers are conducting point counts to assess the presence or absence of five common bird species at three field sites which include Whitetop, Elk Garden, and Lewis Fork. The five species being surveyed include the Eastern Towhee, the Dark-eyed Junco, the Golden-crowned Kinglet, the Red-breasted Nuthatch, and the White-Breasted Nuthatch. In each of the three different surveying locations, students look and listen for birds to identify which species are calling and how far away they are. They will also compare what combinations of their desired birds are calling at the same time at each location. Students also got the chance to participate in a bird banding workshop led by Dr. Ashley Peele and Shawn Kurtzman from the Conservation Management Institute.
Camera Trap Research:
Camera trap researchers are using twenty-six trail cameras to identify what different species of all animals cross the trail. They will use this data to assess which habitat certain animals are most likely to be found in. They will also be assessing species differences based on elevation. The camera traps, along with the bat detectors that the bat researchers are using, are set up in multiple locations on trails surrounding the BRDC. Since the camera trap researchers and bat researchers are using the same locations, they are able to assist in each other's projects by splitting the map of the sites in half, meaning both groups will be checking both camera traps and bat detectors at the same time. Once both groups check their designated camera sites, they report back to each other with data. Students are led through this with the assistance of graduate assistant David Lugo.
The staff at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center have thoroughly enjoyed having the Wildlife Conservation students and their instructors on our campus and we cannot wait to see how their research grows over the next couple of years! To see pictures from their research check out our Instagram and Facebook page.
Seeking Applications for Naturalist/Educator
Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Naturalist/Educator (N/E) to help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the east. This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards.
Position Announcement
Job Title: Naturalist/Educator
Hours: Full-time - 40hrs/week
Location: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, Konnarock, Virginia
Salary: Based on experience
Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as the Naturalist/Educator and help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the East. This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards. Play a major role in program development, coordination, and delivery while contributing to our community and BRDC’s educational foundation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Naturalist/Educator is our point of connection with the public and is primarily responsible for implementing BRDC programming. The role of the N/E is to help participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The N/E does this through the discovery method of guiding: an inquiry-based education technique. The N/E works with all ages of participants. These include grade school kids, summer camp attendees, researchers and adult participants. The N/E is expected to work in a wide variety of settings, including wilderness areas, public classrooms, meeting halls and summer camp facilities.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic, positive, inquisitive, goal oriented, hard working personality
Can inspire and empower others to engage in natural history
A strong base of natural history knowledge, preferably focused on the Southern Appalachians
Passion for and eagerness to expand and share their own personal knowledge
Bachelor's degree in environmental education, outdoor recreation, biology, or similar
Experience in environmental education working closely with youth and/or general public
Excellent verbal and written skills
Able to meet the physical demands of outdoor activities related to BRDC programming
Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions and wilderness settings
Can provide their own transportation
Strong organizational skills
BENEFITS:
Competitive Pay
Paid Federal Holidays
Assistance with certifications as required
Travel reimbursement
ABOUT BLUE RIDGE DISCOVERY CENTER
Blue Ridge Discovery Center (BRDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, discovering, and sharing the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 2008, BRDC has built a reputation for implementing innovative hands-on, experiential learning programs and initiatives. Working with all age groups from children to adults, including curious kids, professional researchers, and amateur naturalists, BRDC draws on a deep web of knowledge about local natural history to illustrate relationships within the rich flora, fauna, and geology that make up the unique Blue Ridge ecosystems. Emphasizing curiosity while establishing a life-long appreciation for the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge region are goals that shape BRDC’s work and its vision.
BRDC’s MISSION is to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.
Rooms for a Naturalist
We are offering 16 beautifully restored rooms with the ability to sleep 68 individuals in the historic 1924 Konnarock Training School!
In 2016 we began a strategic planning process that covered all facets of the organization. The most significant conclusion to come out of that was the acknowledgment that we needed longer periods of engagement with program participants than our 1-2 hour programs. This pointed us to an atypical Discovery Center model: a residential facility! Our vision steered toward “a night in the museum” or “a giant naturalist cabin” … a support structure to launch explorations and discoveries throughout one of the great wilderness regions in the East.
We are so very excited to see that vision come to fruition, with the offering of 16 beautifully restored rooms with the ability to sleep 68 individuals in the historic 1924 Konnarock Training School. The rooms are set up with their own dedicated bathroom, except for the two ends which have Jack & Jill bathrooms. The second floor is all twin XL bunk beds while the third floor is set up with king and queen suites with one room being an entire studio apartment.
This new core asset for Blue Ridge Discovery opens the door to a variety of engagement opportunities, like the dawn warbler chorus, a night of wood frog calls, or after dinner astronomy, but most importantly it provides a house for peer to peer dialog where we can share our observations and ideas. It is a place for rest, sustenance, reflection, research, and sharing, all critical components for fostering curiosity and stewardship.
We have chosen to open this facility for the 48th Annual Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally, an event that was originally founded at the Historic Schoolhouse and one that will soar with the return to a residential support structure. On May 6-8 we will host a variety of educators, professionals, naturalists, and artists all co-mingling for an entire weekend of explorations focused on Virginia’s highest mountains. We have opened the rooms up for reservation to our members and rally participants and have already booked up except one six person room and a few beds. To learn more please check out our room reservation page: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/overnight-accommodations
As part of our interpretative mission, each residential room is going to be themed in a particular subject: salamanders, raptors, geology, butterflies, mammals, etc… and we are offering naming rights for these rooms. For instance, one of these rooms has been named the “Golden Eagle Room” in honor of Chester and Ann Robertson, featuring Raptors of the Blue Ridge! This will provide the opportunity for participants to further engage with artwork, collections, and books associated with each subject. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these bedrooms, please reach out to Linda Hylander, chair of our Capital Campaign Committee, at info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org.
Drawing From Nature with Suzanne Stryk
The Blue Ridge Discovery Center is excited to announce that the talented artist and author, Suzanne Stryk will be leading a “Drawing From Nature” session at the 48th Annual Spring Naturalist Rally.
The Blue Ridge Discovery Center is excited to announce that the talented artist and author, Suzanne Stryk will be leading a “Drawing From Nature” session at the 48th Annual Spring Naturalist Rally, with a book signing to follow!
Suzanne calls Southwest Virginia home, and includes many creatures and found objects from the Blue Ridge Mountains in her conceptual works. Her artwork can best be described in her own words as “a dialogue—as in life itself—between the overwhelming tangle of life and the crisp, if fragmentary, vision emerging from it.”
We are delighted that she will be sharing her wealth of knowledge as a naturalist and an artist with Rally attendees. Her session will provide opportunities for participants to enhance their observational skills and record experiences in the natural world. Part of Stryk’s creative process is to record observations in sketchbooks and collect natural materials; then, back at her studio in Bristol, she will create assemblages about each unique place. In the session, Stryk will demonstrate how to make quick sketches as well as more sustained studies. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchbooks and pencils or pens.
Suzanne’s book The Middle of Somewhere: An Artist Explores the Nature of Virginia will be available to purchase after the program! In the book, Stryk proclaims that “everywhere is the middle of somewhere for some living being,” and explores various outdoor sacred spaces encountering many Appalachian creatures in their habitats. She has a knack for weaving in historical anecdotes and personal memories while relating her encounters with all of these “beings” in their “somewheres.” You won’t want to pass up the opportunity to pick up one of these breathtaking books. (purchase proceeds go to the Blue Ridge Discovery Center).
Register For the Rally Here: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnrspring
48th Annual MRNR Keynote Speaker
The 48th Annual MRNR keynote speaker is wetland ecologist, wildlife biologist, and author, Thomas Biebighauser.
May 6th - 8th will mark the 48th annual Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally, and BRDC is thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will be wetland ecologist, wetland biologist, and author, Thomas Biebighauser. Well known for his international travels to help design and construct wetlands, Tom has positioned himself as one of the leading experts in the implementation of naturally-appearing wetlands and specializes in creating habitats that cater to endangered or threatened species. Since 1979, he has restored over 2,700 wetlands and streams in Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and 26 States. He retired in 2013 after working 34 years for the US Forest Service as a Wildlife Biologist, where he initiated wetland and stream restoration programs across the United States. Now, Tom’s passion for wetlands still carries him across the country (and world) for restoration projects, wetland construction workshops, and various other teaching opportunities. Tom has served as an instructor for the British Columbia Wildlife Federation Wetlands Institute for 17 years, teaches a graduate-level Wetland Design for Engineers course at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, and has also taught classes for the British Colombia Institute of Technology. Tom has also written four books about wetland restoration and has received 44 awards for his outstanding contributions. Tom’s keynote address will discuss the practice of wetland restoration and the importance of reestablishing these vital habitats for people and wildlife, alike.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Biebighauser.
BRDC Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop- May 7-8th
Not only will Tom be presenting his keynote, but he will also be one of the joint leaders of a two-day Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop hosted at BRDC on May 7th and 8th. The other instructor will be Michael Hayslett, principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC, who has spent his career studying and raising awareness for the conservation of vernal pools in Virginia. This workshop will teach participants how to design and restore wetlands that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, amphibians, reptiles, and a diversity of birds. Attendees will discover how to select locations for building wetlands, test soil texture, determine groundwater elevation, choose appropriate construction techniques, work with heavy equipment operators, control erosion and non-native plants, and establish native plants. BRDC is so excited to host these two great minds during this special event. If you want more information on this opportunity or want to register visit this link- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1phX8u90Zm0_8J8iNAWYXJLp5Eod8c0lE/edit.
For more information on Tom Biebighauser and his wetland restoration practices, check out his website- https://www.wetlandrestorationandtraining.com/
The Rally is back!
We are very excited to announce the return of the Naturalist Rally!! After a two year remote hiatus the 48th Annual Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally is back in full force May 6-8! Online ticket purchasing and room reservation is now available.
We are very excited to announce the return of the Naturalist Rally!! After a two year remote hiatus the 48th Annual Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally is back in full force May 6-8! But more exciting than that, two years of construction and a $2.5 million restoration of the historic 1925 Schoolhouse has opened the door for us to bring the Rally back to its very origins for the first time in more than thirty-five years! The Rally is returning to the “Spike Camp” where it was founded in 1975. This historic moment will also mark the first official Blue Ridge Discovery Center program at our Center!
The immaculately restored 17,240sf building is an incredible resource for the Naturalist Rally. A building solely dedicated to exploring, discovering, and sharing the wonders of the Blue Ridge it will continue an education legacy that spans back nearly 100 years. The structure provides a dining hall, a chapel for lectures, an exploration classroom, a natural history library/museum, and residential rooms that can sleep more than 70 rally participants and guides! Reserve a bed or a room now! This “giant naturalist cabin” is a support structure for launching all of the classic Rally field trips that you have come to love: Salamanders with Dr. Hamed, Geology with USGS Geologist Arthur Merchshat, Birding with Ashley Peele, and Dr. Hopp, and many others!
Beyond the schoolhouse, Blue Ridge Discovery Center has acquired strategic neighboring properties and we have begun onsite habitat restoration, giving us a campus with access to a large creek, a smaller salamander scale branch, wetlands, a frog pond, meadows, and a variety of woodland trails! We are so excited to share and explore with you all what the campus has to offer our Rally community!
Join us for a full weekend of celebratory activities May 6-8! Checkout the special edition t-shirt for this year’s rally and purchase Rally Tickets and Raffle Tickets here.
The rally will be held at Blue Ridge Discovery Center, 6402 Whitetop Rd, Troutdale, VA 24378. For more information please visit www.blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnrspring
or call BRDC at (276) 388-3155
Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity
Do you have a child that loves nature…birds in particular? One that really wants a deeper connection with nature and the wonders of the Blue Ridge? Well, we have a camp for them!
Do you have a child that loves nature…birds in particular? One that really wants a deeper connection with nature and the wonders of the Blue Ridge? Well, we have a camp for them!
Through the generous donation of Katherine Higgins, the William Roberts Scholarship Fund will provide 10 lucky kids ages 11-17 the opportunity to experience the amazing life of birds…for *FREE!
With our quality binoculars and spotting scopes they’ll see detail, color and action that you could never imagine! Looking for birds is a gateway to enjoying the outdoors that anybody at any level can dive right into. The Blue Ridge is an ideal place to start because of its phenomenal density of bird life, including: eagles, warblers, swallows, herons, wrens, woodpeckers, owls, thrushes, and more! From sunrise to the moonlit night, they’ll have tremendous fun with our expert guides, learning all about the fascinating world of birds. While honing their birding skills, they will also play games, meet other young people with similar interests, participate in citizen science projects, learn field ecology, and explore careers in ornithology. Each participant receives a journal and their very own field guide to study and keep. During the adventure we will identify between 80-100 different species of birds!
If your child has a drive to attend this camp, we encourage you to fill out the Scholarship Application and get ready to explore, discover, and share with BRDC during this Ornithology Camp! Camp runs from June 8th through 11th and is an overnight camp.
*Scholarships are given for both MERIT and NEED. To apply for the scholarship, please submit the following digital form http://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/scholarships. The scholarship application will be open until May 1st, 2022. On May 2nd, BRDC will notify the recipients of the scholarships! For more information on the Camp, visit http://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/ornithology-camp. To learn more about the scholarship contact info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org or call 276.388.3155
BRDC will provide all camp gear, meals, materials, and supplies for all camps. Personal gear, sleeping bag, and toiletries are required by participants.
Seeking Applications for Chief Naturalist/Educator
Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Chief Naturalist/Educator (N/E) to help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the east. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership and management skills and make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards.
Position Announcement
Job Title: Chief Naturalist/Educator
Hours: Full-time - 40hrs/week
Reports To: Program Director
Location: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, Konnarock, Virginia
Salary: Based on experience
Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as the Chief Naturalist/Educator and help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the East. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership and management skills and make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards. Play a major role in program development, coordination, and delivery while contributing to our community and BRDC’s educational foundation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This full-time position at BRDC is responsible for serving the organization with a personal commitment to meet our mission to: inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The Chief N/E position requires dedication to experiential learning, natural history/science education, and lifelong learning. This role coordinates and executes natural history/science programming on campus and in the field during our school programs, community programs, and summer camps. The Chief N/E works with all programmatic staff to ensure top notch program and curriculum development, field and classroom instruction, and program coordination and administration for all ages of participants including grade school kids, summer camp attendees, researchers, and adults. You will be expected to work in a wide variety of settings, including in the field, classrooms, public events, and BRDC facilities with some travel in Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, VA.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic, positive, inquisitive, goal oriented, hard working personality
Can inspire and empower others to engage in natural history
A strong base of natural history knowledge, preferably focused on the Southern Appalachians
Passion for and eagerness to expand and share their own personal knowledge
Bachelor's degree in environmental education, outdoor recreation, biology, or similar
3-5 years experience in environmental education working closely with youth and/or general public
Excellent verbal and written skills
Able to meet the physical demands of outdoor activities related to BRDC programming
Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions and wilderness settings
Can provide their own transportation
Strong organizational skills
Creative in curriculum design and development
BENEFITS:
Competitive Salary
Paid Federal Holidays
Assistance with certifications as required
Travel reimbursement
ABOUT BLUE RIDGE DISCOVERY CENTER
Blue Ridge Discovery Center (BRDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, discovering, and sharing the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 2008, BRDC has built a reputation for implementing innovative hands-on, experiential learning programs and initiatives. Working with all age groups from children to adults, including curious kids, professional researchers, and amateur naturalists, BRDC draws on a deep web of knowledge about local natural history to illustrate relationships within the rich flora, fauna, and geology that make up the unique Blue Ridge ecosystems. Emphasizing curiosity while establishing a life-long appreciation for the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge region are goals that shape BRDC’s work and its vision.
BRDC’s MISSION is to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.
February 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.
If you’re willing to brave the cold and exercise a little patience, winter bird-watching can be a rewarding experience. Birds don’t hibernate and with a pretty high metabolism, they remain active even in the coldest time of the year.
Some birds stay around all year, some travel great distances south (insect eaters for example), and some travel just a little ways south to escape the bitter cold and lack of food. Raptors and waterfowl are species that find their way to Burkes Garden.
Join us February 5th as we migrate over to Virginia’s highest valley in seek of over wintering raptors such as Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Owls, and more!
If you can’t make it on the 5th, stop by the Center on February 19th for the Great Backyard Bird Count. We have the feeders full and ready to participate in this citizen science activity. Join us! Click event titles for more information.
Burke’s Garden Birding Trip
February 5th, 9:00-4:00
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 19th, 10:00-2:00
A Year in Review
Look at what you helped us achieve in 2021 and join us in ringing in the New Year!
As we close 2021, a year of stress and uncertainty due to the continued pandemic, social distancing, mask mandates, travel restrictions, and construction projects, the myriad of photos taken throughout the year shows another story. You, our community and participants, coming together to help us meet our mission to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. From naturalist rallies, to summer camps and construction projects, you’ve supported us all year long by sharing, guiding, and giving. Look at what you helped us achieve in 2021 and join us in ringing in the New Year!
Programs
Through the support of local foundations and public schools, we have been able to get youth outside and engaged in nature both on and off campus.
Summer Camps
From June through August, we provided day camps for youth 6-11 years old and overnight camps for youth 11-17 years old. Day camps were held at Matthews State Forest and the BRDC Campus while our overnight camps traveled along the New River, hiked the wilderness areas of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, fished the Blue Ridge, and explored the 12+ acres of the Center and the adjacent lands.
In The Field
Staff continued to pursue their passion as naturalist on day trips and research projects. Through citizen science and data collection, we learn from nature and each other to better share our stewardship of the place we call home.
Volunteers
We had so many wonderful volunteers join us for a variety of projects. Not everything was for everyone but we managed to find something for all. Many hands make for light work. Hundreds of hours were donated by the volunteers who painted, dug, built, hauled, moved, and lifted all kinds of things to help us build our Center!
Construction
A lot of changes have taken place this year on our schoolhouse! The restoration is nearly complete. The building has had major restoration from floor to ceiling. We also restored a wetland, built trails and a brand new pavilion!
Here’s to 2022!
$25,000 Gift of Support from Food City
BRDC received $25,000 from Food City.
We were very excited to receive $25,000 from Food City at their grand opening for the brand new Independence location last night! This generous support will build out our commercial kitchen to feed the participants coming through our programs. Our vision for food service is not all that different than the original 1924 Konnarock Training School kitchen. We aim to reconnect the kids to the local sources of food and supplement the menu with regional specialties, including partnering with our local neighbors and the Konnarock Community Center to provide apple butter, blueberries, maple syrup, fresh fruits and vegetables, sustainably harvested ramps, wild mushrooms, branch lettuce, and much more! Thank you Food City for making this vision a reality!
2022 Summer Camp Registrations Are OPEN!
Registrations are now open for 2022 Summer Camps.
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2022 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN!
BRDC offers a unique variety of summertime experiences suitable for youth ages 6-17 (please see individual Camp webpages for details). We feel confident that we have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and everything in between! We welcome novice and experienced naturalists who are interested in old-fashioned fun, learning about nature, and developing a sense of connection to this beautiful place that we call home. See the list of camps that will be offered next summer below. Please follow this link if you would like to be taken directly to the Summer Camps overview webpage, where you will be able to select the camp you’re interested in and Sign-Up: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/camps
New River Expedition
Primitive Skills
Wilderness Expedition
Fly Fishing Adventures
Nature Day Camp
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.
Fall is quickly approaching bringing cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and outdoor activities! With darkness getting earlier, we are entering the prime season for stargazing. As trees and shrubs lose their foliage, fewer visual obstructions affect birdwatching, and the trails await new discoveries! There’s something for everyone over the coming months. Join us! Click event titles for more information.
Get Outside Hikes
Saturdays, now through October 30th
All ages!
Planting Day
Friday, October 1st, 9-4
Volunteer Weekend
Saturday, October 23rd - 24th , 10-4
New River Christmas Bird Count (hosted by BRDC)
Saturday, December 18th, 9:00-5:00
Burke’s Garden Birding Trip
February 5th, 8:00-5:00
All ages!
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12th, 10:00-2:00
All ages!
Come HIKE with US!
Blue Ridge Discovery Center’s Get Outside Program hikes are back! Join us this weekend or one of many this fall!
Get Outside Hikes
Blue Ridge Discovery Center’s Get Outside Program connects families of Grayson and Carroll Counties and the City of Galax to nature through hands-on, active, outdoor natural history activities. The components of this program include observational hiking, outdoor activity, and natural history education. Participants will get outside with their families to explore, discover, and share their experiences during a short hike in local areas. Activities include a scavenger hunt and the chance to earn a BRDC patch!
Our first hike is THIS SATURDAY (9/11/2021) at Dannelly Park in Galax (Carroll County).
Activity Highlights:
Explore the biodiversity of the region
Activate observational skills
Participate in natural history activities
Earn a patch
Schedule:
Saturday, September 11 @ Dannelly Park, from 10AM-12PM
Saturday, September 25 @ Whitetop Mountain, from 10AM-12PM
Saturday, October 2 @ Matthew’s State Forest, from 10AM-12PM
Saturday, October 9 @ Beaver Dam Creek Trail, from 10AM-12PM
Saturday, October 16 @ Stamper’s Branch Trail, GHSP, from 2-4PM
Saturday, October 23 @ New River Trail - Gambetta, from 10AM-12PM
Saturday, October 30 @ Elk Garden Trail, from 2-4PM
FAQ:
Who can come?
Everyone of all ages! This program is intended for families.
How much does it cost?
FREE, but registration is required.
What do I bring?
Please bring a reusable water bottle. All instruction, materials, and supplies are included.
How do I sign up?
Please sign up using the button below. Just choose which hike you would like to join. You may sign up multiple times. There is no limit to how many hikes you can attend!
We hope to see you out there!
Email lisa@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information.
Summer Camp Wrap-Up
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the Blue Ridge.
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the beautiful Blue Ridge.
New River Expedition
25 miles down the winding New River made for an exciting start to the overnight camps. Snorkeling, swimming, games, and hikes were all included in this exhilarating trip. Battleship and Ninja were games that sparked competition and fun; while exploring riverside plants and animals, kept us curious and enthusiastic. The heavy rain didn’t cause us to lose our spirits, but the occasional rock in the water may have caused a lack of balance! We waited for the rain to pass by skipping rocks and adventuring along the riverside. In the heat of the day, we cooled off by swimming in the river and resting under a refreshing waterfall. Fishing spiders, slimy salamanders, and crayfish were some of our favorite critter friends found along the way. The campers were always a delight, especially during our fun games or as we bonded around the fire.
Primitive Skills
During this week, campers learned primitive technology that can be used in survival situations. By the end of camp, they were no strangers to fire building; as Joe Flowers helped teach several methods to catch a spark. We were also involved in shelter building, flint knapping, and foraging. Something often asked while pointing at a plant or fungus was, “is it edible,” as we walked through the woods. Using the wild plants and fungi that we harvested, we made teas, dyes, and salad toppings. Carrie Sparks showed us other ways to utilize wild plants that we may initially consider weeds and appreciate them for the medicinal or edible properties they hold. Other skills gained from camp were basket weaving, cordage making, knife safety, and primitive trapping. Perhaps the greatest things from this week were the appreciation for primitive skills and friendships that go beyond camp.
Wilderness Camp
Adventure was no stranger to us during this week in the Lewis Fork Wilderness. Days were spent hiking and exploring the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, finding critters, eating blueberries, and singing our way into the mountains. We spent our nights under the stars, with the Milky Way visible in the clear night sky as lightning bugs flashed and the campfire crackled. The highlight of our trip was backpacking to the highest point in Virginia to the peak of Mt. Rogers, then sleeping in the clouds. Journaling our findings was a must, as we encountered many different species of plants, animals, and fungi. Campers learned basic navigation skills, binocular usage, and proper backpacking techniques. Birding was one of many interactive lessons, especially being on the hunt for the Northern saw-whet owl.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in the Blue Ridge was a great way to send off the summer. We fished in creeks, ponds, and rivers, in hopes that everyone could catch a big one. Fishing for the endemic brook trout made for a challenge to the campers, but the beauty of the pristine mountain streams made it worthwhile. Campers practiced casting daily in order to ensure they all could perform “the perfect cast.” Fly tying became a nightly ritual before turning in for bed. Music by the fire (and in the van!) was a great way to bond. Many of the campers were friends of years past. It was an enjoyable and unforgettable experience where old friends were reacquainted and new friendships were formed. And...everyone caught a fish! We consider that a success!
Thank you to the campers who participated this summer. All of you brought something special to each trip. We hope to see you all again soon!
A Lotta Help from Our Friends
As disappointing as it was to cancel the Mt. Rogers Summer Naturalist Rally, we couldn’t be more thankful or appreciative of all the help the multitude of volunteers did to support our Center last weekend!
As disappointing as it was to cancel the Mt. Rogers Summer Naturalist Rally, we couldn’t be more thankful or appreciative of all the help the multitude of volunteers did to support our Center last weekend! In lieu of our Naturalist Rally, we solicited the help of our friends, members, partners, board, and families to help us create the Discovery Center through various projects.
Friday Friends
Beginning Friday morning at 9:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm on Sunday these dedicated volunteers accomplished a tremendous amount! They painted 10 picnic tables and 5 custom made exterior doors, polished and constructed nearly 80 brass light fixtures, built three large bee houses and filled them with cut wood and bamboo (all drilled with various sized holes for our solitary bees), and constructed and stained six “rocket box” bat houses - all with repurposed, hand hammered copper roofs.
Then there was the planting! Hundreds of small trees, shrubs and native plants were put in the ground throughout the BRDC Campus. A small orchard was planted with apple trees (4 species) grafted by staff back in February. They protected them with fencing along with some prior planted American chestnut trees. Brush was cleared and burned, cuttings were potted, weeds were pulled, and gardens were mulched…it was magnificent!
On Saturday evening, we broke bread, shared stories, and in the tradition of a naturalist rally, took an evening hike to watch a maternal colony of big brown bats leave the roost on their nightly hunt…all 224 of them! We listened to crickets, katydids, and screech owls and ended the night with a view of Jupiter and its moons alongside our own beautiful full moon.
This would not be possible without the help of so many of you…our friends, our community, our support. We thank you for all you did and do for and with us last weekend and always!