Ornithology Camp 2024
Ornithology Camp 2024 was a success, with a lot of fun times following high mountains, green valleys, and gurgling rivers in search of unusual birds in the “Wild West of Virginia.” From early mornings hiking the balds for warbler surveys and an incredible sunrise before daybreak, to late nights in the firefly-swarmed woods surrounded by a family of owls, we had some great young birders who enjoyed it all, with excitement and curiosity with every species, baked cinnamon apples from the coals of a campfire, and plenty of laughter. We ended the trip with 97 species, and many fascinating secrets about the avian world were unveiled.
Springtime Salamanders
The mountains are finally warming up, and the forests are starting to come alive with some of our favorite critters! Salamanders have long been a staple species for us here at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and have been a fan favorite for decades at the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rallies.
Happy Bee-lated World Bee Day
World Bee Day was May 20th, a day to appreciate bees for the enormous role they play as pollinators.
Recent Sightings of the Blue Ridge
Are you ready for the Naturalist Rally? Read about some of the recent finds during our programs around the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and beyond, and learn how to improve your chances of seeing some fascinating species before a weekend immersed in the Appalachian spring.
Wildflower Walk Recap
If you didn’t get a chance to join us on our wildflower walk last Sunday, here’s your chance to live vicariously through pictures! We saw Virginia Spring Beauties, Mayapples, Red Columbine, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Wild Ginger, and Wake Robin (to name a few).
Moons of the Year
As April’s full moon is overhead, let’s look at the cultural significance of moons and why we have moon phases at all!
Countdown to the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally 50th Anniversary!
It’s almost time for a very SPECIAL Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally!
Fifteen Fun Native Fish Facts!
Summer Fly Fishing Camp is back! Join us August 6-10 for a week of tying, casting, and catching! To celebrate the return of this beloved BRDC camp, here’s fifteen fun fish facts.
Spring Salamander Migration
As February draws to a close, the first warm spring rains nurture a tiny, threatened ecosystem nestled in the forest floor: vernal pools!
The Lichen Light Show of Mt. Rogers
Tracing the line of interdependence from lichens, to trees that host them, to the squirrels that planted them, and beyond, the entire ecosystem sprawls out through the window of just one tiny, slimy superorganism that clings to the harshest and most unforgiving environments.
BRDC News: Upcoming Events
The world is thawing out, fauna is getting more active, and here at BRDC we are excited to get back out there and discover more with you! Read for info on our Winter Naturalist Rally, Woodcock Display Walk, Family Weekend, and Spring Break Camp.
Help Scientists by Collecting Data with the Great Backyard Bird Count
For four days each February, birdwatchers of every skill level can participate in a global event for the love and wellbeing of birds.
Excessive Road Salt: AsSALTing Our Streams
Putting down salt on traveling surfaces can help make them safer during treacherous winter conditions. But excessive levels of salt has consequences in our waterways.
Join us at the Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally!
Embark on an journey of discovery with us! Blue Ridge Discovery Center proudly presents the Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally. This annual event, upcoming on Saturday, February 17, 2024, is a celebration of the region's diverse ecosystems and a testament to the wonders that winter unveils in the Appalachians.
Winter’s Embrace: Celebrating the Holiday Season
As winter blankets our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Discovery Center extends warm holiday wishes to all those who marvel in the wonder of the natural world.
Wildlife Preparing for Winter: Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, and turtles all call the Blue Ridge Mountains home, but these animals are rarely seen in the cold. So, where do reptiles go during winter?
Wildlife Preparing for Winter: Small Mammals
Here in Southwest Virginia, our forests and fields are home to an array of mice, moles, shrews, voles, and squirrels.
November in Review
As we watch our first snow of the season fall and it truly feels like winter is setting in, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the past month at BRDC.
Expressing Gratitude
This time of year is all about gratitude, and here at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center, we have a lot to be thankful for.