Nature's Little Elf Workshop
It’s crafts, cocoa and cookies galore at our Nature’s Little Elf Workshop! After picking an elf name, children will have the opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of seasonal crafts. Elf costumes welcome!
2024 New River Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count, organized by the Audubon Society, is a North American citizen science survey that runs from December 14th through January 5th each year. Information gathered during these counts helps us to better understand the health and status of bird populations.
Each year, Blue Ridge Discovery Center heads up to the New River CBC, centered around Sparta, NC. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate! This event is free to all and we’ll make a full day of it.
NOLS Wilderness First Aid and CPR Course for Adults
Need Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Join us for the weekend to get certified!
Friendsgiving + Annual Meeting
Join us for a potluck meal celebrating another great year!
Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally
Come Join us for the upcoming Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally! Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Blue Ridge. Attend one of the many guided hikes, workshops, and presentations. You won’t want to miss out!
Members Event: Spring Wildflower Walk
Join BRDC for a guided walk looking at the first blooms of the Spring!
Members Event: Woodcock Walk DATE CHANGE
Members/Blue Ridge Birders Event: American woodcocks (Scolopax minor), inconspicuous in plumage and behavior, can be difficult to spot throughout the year. During their mating season, however, it is possible to witness the males’ magnificent courtship display at dusk and dawn.
Burke's Garden Birding Trip 2024
Join us for our annual visit to a rare valley bowl that plays host to the rare wintering birds from the far north including the golden eagle and rough-legged hawk.
New River Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count, organized by the Audubon Society, is a North American citizen science survey that runs from December 14th through January 5th each year. Information gathered during these counts helps us to better understand the health and status of bird populations.
Each year, Blue Ridge Discovery Center heads up to the New River CBC, centered around Sparta, NC. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate! This event is free to all and we’ll make a full day of it.
Nature's Little Elf Workshop
It’s crafts, cocoa and cookies galore at our Nature’s Little Elf Workshop! After picking an elf name, children will have the opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of seasonal crafts. Elf costumes welcome!
Friendsgiving
BRDC is hosting a Friendsgiving potluck dinner for community members, BRDC members and guests on Thursday, November 9th at 4pm. We will have a social hour from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, and dinner at 5:00pm. As the year begins to close, we want to take an evening to join together and share a meal with friends. If you haven’t had time to visit, this will be a great opportunity to tour the newly restored Schoolhouse. Please bring your favorite dish!
To register, please email us at info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org.
MEMBER EVENT - Native Seed Saving Workshop
Come join us for our Fall Native Seed Saving Workshop! BRDC Members will walk around the property assisting in the collection of native plant seeds. These seeds will be processed and packaged to allow for the continued propagation of regionally significant plants for further habitat development on campus. Participants will also be able to bring some seeds home for their own garden!
Contact us via email at info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org to register!
BRDC Thanks YOU with an Open House
Join us Sunday, October 15th for a THANK YOU and Open House with Schoolhouse Tours, Nature Walks, and light snacks from 2:00 - 4:00pm.
Bring a story or small momento to seal away in a time capsule as we commence the next step in our journey: Filling the Schoolhouse!
Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally
Come Join us for the upcoming Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally!
Fall is a beautiful time of year at BRDC. Attend one of the many guided hikes, workshops and lectures during the third seasonal Rally of 2023. You won’t want to miss out!
Stay tuned for more Rally and registration information.
2023 Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch CANCELED!! PARKWAY CLOSED!!
View thousands of raptors as they soar over Mahogany Rock in their annual migration south!
Burke's Garden Birding Trip with Blue Ridge Birders
Blue Ridge Birders and Blue Ridge Discovery Center will conduct a Burkes Garden field trip on Tuesday, June 13th.
Spring Wildflower Walk
Spring wildflower hike. Meet at BRDC at 10 am. Email kdoyle@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information and to register.
Woodcock Walk
American woodcocks (Scolopax minor), inconspicuous in plumage and behavior, can be difficult to spot throughout the year. During their mating season, however, it is possible to witness the males’ magnificent courtship display at dusk and dawn.
Burke's Garden Birding Trip 2023
Join us for our annual visit to a rare valley bowl that plays host to the rare wintering birds from the far north including the golden eagle and rough-legged hawk.
(Image above was taken by Sandy Worrell during the 2022 Burke’s Garden Trip)
Friendsgiving
BRDC is hosting a Friendsgiving potluck dinner for community members, BRDC members and guests on Thursday, November 10th at 4pm. We will have a social hour from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, and dinner at 5:00pm. As the year begins to close, we want to take an evening to join together and share a meal with friends. If you haven’t had time to visit, this will be a great opportunity to tour the newly restored Schoolhouse. Please bring your favorite dish!
To register, please email Keely Doyle at kdoyle@blueridgediscoverycenter.org.
Art Explorers with WKMA
What do these artists have in common? They create by going outside and exploring nature!
Spring Wildflower Walk
April 24th -- Spring wildflower hike. Meet at BRDC at 10 am. Email lisa@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information and to register.
Burke's Garden Birding Trip
Join us for our annual visit to a rare valley bowl that plays host to the rare wintering birds from the far north including the golden eagle and rough-legged hawk.
Mt. Rogers Christmas Bird Count
Each year, local birder Allen Boynton heads up the Mt. Rogers Christmas Bird Count. This 15-mile diameter circle survey, centered on the highest peak in Virginia, has great scenery!
Volunteer Weekend - Painting the Schoolhouse
Help get the Schoolhouse ready for visitors! We’d love your help painting the third floor rooms.
Volunteer Event - Planting Day
Volunteer opportunity for planting in our newly established wetland!
Volunteer Weekend (In Lieu of Summer MRNR)
Join the BRDC team for a volunteer weekend in lieu of the Summer Naturalist Rally.
Snorkeling in Whitetop-Laurel Creek (Virginia Highlands Festival)
Join BRDC Guides for snorkeling fun on Whitetop-Laurel Creek!
Budding Botanist Program
Let your Budding Botanist explore nature in a program designed specifically for preschool aged children.