Mushroom Walk
Mushroom Walk on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Search for and learn characteristics of mushrooms with Ken Crouse, a longtime member of the North American Mycological Association, cofounder of the Blue Ridge Mushroom Club, and BRDC guide.
Star watch at Point Lookout Mountain
Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center's amateur astronomer and naturalist Evan Worrell as we explore heavenly bodies and the depths of the awe-inspiring universe in this intriguing hour-long program starting at 6:00pm on Point Lookout Mountain (meeting between 5:15 - 5:30 at the Food City Parking lot in Independence). Evan will help you identify constellations and talk about their ancient mythologies but the real treat is the peak of the Geminid meteor shower just after sunset.
Mushroom Foray with Ken Crouse
Join mushroom maven Ken Crouse on a hunt for mushrooms at River Ridge Farms. Last year we found around 56 species at this site!
Land of Fire and Ice: Exploring Sullivan Swamp, A Southern Appalachian Shrub Bog
Exploring Sullivan Swamp in Grayson Highlands State Park
Led by Naturalist Devin Floyd, this is part of our Blue Ridge Expeditions program and is a chance to explore one of rarest ecosystems in the region a Southern Appalachian Shrub Bog.
Bluff Mountain Hike with Naturalist Doug Munroe
Join Doug Munroe for his second hike to the Nature Conservancy's Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve in Ashe County, NC. The Bluff Mt. hike is a two mile loop of moderate difficulty through some of the Southern Appalachian's rarest ecologies, including a fen and a mesic glade.
Starwatch with Evan Worrell on Buck Mountain
Free to the public! Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center's amateur astronomer and naturalist Evan Worrell as we explore heavenly bodies and the depths of the awe-inspiring universe in this intriguing hour-long program starting at 9:00pm on Buck Mountain. (meeting at 8:15 in Independence)
Dunson Farm Tour: How to create a wildlife haven in the Blue Ridge
Please join us for a unique opportunity to tour a wildlife-friendly farm with seasoned naturalist Bill and Margaret Dunson who have transformed a degraded farm into a vibrant year round wildlife community. This is an opportunity to discover and explore the native and exotic plants that have the greatest local benefit to wildlife. Plus, we will discuss the various other factors that have a powerful influence on biodiversity.