MOUNT ROGERS SUMMER NATURALIST RALLY

AUGUST 18-20, 2023

$25 Non-members; $18.75 Members; Youth FREE!

Join us at Blue Ridge Discovery Center for our annual Summer Naturalist Rally. Each year we assemble a wide variety of field trips with leaders who are experts in their field and who are able to make it understandable and interesting for everyone from inquisitive amateurs to accomplished naturalists. There is something for the entire family with field trips Saturday and Sunday, an expert speaker Friday Night, and nighttime programs at the BRDC. Topics include salamanders, wildflowers, geology, birding, fishing, cultural history, mammals, medicinal plants, general natural history and much much more!

NOTE: Opportunity to choose your field trips will begin Friday at 4pm. All field trips have a limited number of participants and will be first-come-first-serve basis. All times listed are actual departure times. Please allow extra time if you still need to register. All trips will go out regardless of weather conditions! Come prepared!

Friday Night Dinner

All meals offered at our Mount Rogers Summer Naturalist Rally will consist of locally sourced ingredients that allow us to support our local farmers. These meals will be for PRE-ORDER ONLY, so get your meal tickets today before they sell out!

Featured Speaker

Join us Friday, August 18th at 7:00PM for a presentation by special guest speaker Dr. William Hopkins

“THE RACE TO SAVE APPALACHIA’S GIANT SALAMANDER, THE EASTERN HELLBENDER”

Dr. William A. Hopkins is a Professor of Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech. He is also the Director of the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech and the Associate Executive Director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Dr. Hopkins’ research focuses on understanding the ways that human activities disrupt the physiology and reproduction of wildlife, in hopes of developing cost effective conservation solutions. Dr. Hopkins is an award winning researcher and teacher, and a dedicated public servant. He has published more than 200 scientific articles and frequently provides input on important environmental issues to the media (e.g., 60 minutes, NPR, New York Times, etc.) and to decision makers in Richmond, VA and Washington D.C. on subjects pertaining to environmental stressors, pollution, and the conservation of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and bats. He has been a key scientific contributor to five of the U.S. Department of Interior’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration cases, including those surrounding the B.P. oil spill and the T.V.A. ash spill. He has also proudly served on six committees of the National Academies of Sciences, which provide scientific guidance to the nation on the most pressing societal issues of our time.

SATURDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS

Field trips depart at 8:00AM on Saturday morning.
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Geology Hike: Join Fred Newcomb, former geologist and retired high school teacher, for a very easy, leisurely one-mile hike on the Virginia Creeper Trail just below the Green Cove Station. We’ll walk and talk through 500 million years of Earth’s geologic history, in a time before our Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic Ocean existed, and see detritus left by glaciers, volcanoes, rivers, and the ocean.

Edible/Medicinal Plants: Edible and Medicinal plants and fungi are everywhere! Join this seasoned Horticulturist, forager, and self-proclaimed plant nerd (Ben Casteel) on a walk around the ground of BRDC to see what useful plants can be found in our ecoregion.

Dendrology Hike: Walk around the BRDC campus with naturalist Mark Archibald to learn about trees, tree identification, and tree phenology. We will look at leaves and discuss leaf forms and characteristics. Even in summer, tree identification often involves more than leaves, so we will look at tree form, habitat, and bark. We will also look for flowers and fruit, and discuss the timing of leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Land Snails: The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a beautiful, bizarre and biodiverse array of terrestrial snails. Join naturalist Cade Campbell to learn about land snail identification and natural history.

Ferns: Join Dr. Phil Shelton, Professor Emeritus at University of Virginia’s College at Wise, for an introduction to the morphology and life history of Ferns and other Pteridophytes and their relationships to other plant groups. Particular emphasis for this program will be on eastern North American species of the Genus Dryopteris found near BRDC, Elk Garden Gap and Whitetop.

Birding: Join 57 year avid birder, Bobby Riggs, for bird migration strategies and use of the Appalachian mountains and rivers as a major migration route. Leave no trace as you enjoy the environment.

Saturday Afternoon Field Trips

Field trips depart at 1:00PM on Saturday afternoon.
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Mushroom Hike: If you're curious about the strange world of Fungi, join Virginia Master Naturalist and experienced wild mushroom forager Lee Diggs on a gentle walking tour of the BRDC campus. We'll talk about the mushrooms that we collectively find, learn about their life cycles, their unique characteristics and relationships with the forest residents, and what their roles are in our mountain ecosystems.

Butterflies of Southwest Virginia: Bruce Grimes will lead a group to look for butterflies around BRDC campus and then head to Elk Garden. Expected butterflies include silver-spotted skipper, pearl crescent, American copper, and a variety of fritillaries and swallowtails.

Raptor ID at Whitetop: Hone your skills at visual and auditory raptor identification as we explore clues for discerning resident and migratory diurnal and nocturnal raptors. Jay Martin will share tips for identifying hawks and owls while perched and in flight. A Whitetop Mountain hike will end the program, so bring your binoculars for hopeful species examples.

Freshwater Snorkeling: Join Mike Pinder, Wildlife Diversity Biologist for Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, to investigate the aquatic life of a stream with wetsuit and snorkel mask. Ever wonder what lurks beneath the water’s surface? You will be amazed at what you see! Expect an array of colorful native fish from darters to dance, and search for Hellbenders.

The North American Beaver: Some of Virginia’s rarest mountain habitats are dependent on the work of one giant, semiaquatic rodent. Join naturalist Cade Campbell on an expedition to beaver ponds and learn about their role in the greater Blue Ridge ecosystem.

Landscapes in Watercolor: Dennis Walters has been painting with watercolors for about three years, primarily landscape subjects. As  a beginner, the challenges of learning a new medium are fresh in his mind. About a year ago he began beginner classes with the intention of helping people get over the initial struggles of learning something new. 

Wildflowers: Butch Kelly is a Virginia Master Naturalist, member of the Native Plant Society and retired educator of 26 years. Join him for a hike near Elk Garden to explore the grassy areas for summer wildflowers. Hiking boots and long pants advised.

Sunday Morning Field Trips

Field trip departs at 8:00AM on Sunday morning.
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Early Migrant Birds at Saltville Well Ponds: Allen Boynton will lead a field trip to Saltville Wells Ponds to look for early migrants, primarily shorebirds like Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper. There are many other interesting birds present there in August including swallows, orioles, and several species of warbler.

Salamander Hike: Join Wally Smith, associate professor of biology at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, to explore the slopes of Whitetop Mountain above Elk Garden for some of the Mount Rogers area’s salamander residents. With some of the highest diversity of lungless salamanders on Earth, local streams and forests are home to a kaleidoscope of salamander species, including some high-elevation species found nowhere else but southern Appalachia. Participants will have a chance to see some of these salamander species up-close, discuss the critical role of amphibians in Appalachian ecosystems, and learn about the threats facing salamanders and ways that participants can help conserve this unique and fascinating group of organisms.

Wildflowers & Pollinators of BRDC: Join the mastermind behind the BRDC Rain Garden, Wetland, and overall campus landscape, Program Coordinator, Ali Reilly on an interactive walk through the BRDC gardens. Explore the native plants and pollinators of the Blue Ridge.

Kids Programs

From critters to crafts to hands-on hikes, your young naturalist(s) will have a variety of opportunities to explore, discover, and share the wonders of the Blue Ridge. All kids programs will be led by BRDC staff. The minimum age limit is 6 years old. Children under 6 need to be supervised by their guardian during the kids programing.
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FRIDAY NIGHT

Campfire Building: Learn different ways to build a fire and then use that knowledge to start a campfire to make s’mores!

Intro to astronomy: (weather permitting)

SATURDAY MORNING

Nature Walk: Take a nature walk around BRDC’s campus and complete a scavenger hunt!

Build-Your-Own-Binoculars: Make your own binoculars using household items and take them out for a test run around the BRDC campus!

Nature Crafts: Make some crafts that support our native wildlife, such as native wildflower seed bombs, nature sun-catchers, bee motels, and homemade bird feeders.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Stream Ecology: Step into waders and explore the Big Laurel Creek down by the Field Station! We’ll be catching, observing, and identifying creek critters and talking about why they love to live here.

Nature Walk: Take a nature walk around BRDC’s campus and complete a scavenger hunt!

SATURDAY NIGHT

Movie: Kids only! View a wonderful movie about nature on the big screen. We will have the popcorn popping!

Nighttime Activity

Field trip departs at 8:30PM on Friday and Saturday evening.
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FRIDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

Join BRDC staff for an exploration through the nighttime wonders of the Blue Ridge! Each night we will host hikes around BRDC campus to identify owls, salamanders, snails, and much more.

SATURDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

Astrophotography: Join Jay Martin, wildlife biologist, for an introduction to photographing the night sky. Bring a head lamp, adjustable camera, and sturdy tripod.

BRDC staff will also be hosting a variety of night hikes as well!

Lodging

Since the restoration of our building, we have opened our doors to rally attendees in need of lodging. Staying on our campus allows you to have a more immerse outdoor experience while being at the rally. Get your room before they fill up!

There are a number of other options available in the area including overnight lodging in "Downtown Konnarock" through Airbnb. Beartree Campground is also located within 10 miles of Konnarock. Other local options include Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and rental cabins. Try www.virginiablueridge.org for more lodging information.

Directions

Blue Ridge Discovery Center: 6402 Whitetop Rd, Troutdale, VA 24378. From I-81, take exit 35 (Chilhowie). Turn south (toward Hardee’s) and continue for 11.2 miles. RT 762 will become RT 600 and will cross over Iron Mountain. When you reach the intersection of Whitetop Rd (RT 600) and RT 603, the BRDC Campus and parking will be on the left.

Consider Supporting the Rally

The Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally is a grand tradition that dates back to 1974. Over the years it has gone through many changes but the root goal has stayed the same: to connect our community to one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. If you would like to see this tradition continue for the next generation, please consider making a donation to support the Rally. 

All of our field trip leaders volunteer their time for the Naturalist Rally, so let them know you appreciate them sharing their time and knowledge with us!!

RALLY SCHEDULE

Friday, August 18, 2023

• 2:00pm: Guest Check-In

• 4:00pm: Rally Registration

• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Dinner (Pre-registration Required)

• 6:45pm: Rally Welcome & Announcements

• 7:00pm: Featured Speaker & Children’s Program

• 8:30pm: Night Programs

Saturday, August 19, 2023

• 7:00am: Registration & trip selection; Breakfast (Pre-registration Required) & Coffee

• 8:00am - 11:30am: Morning Field Trips & Kids Programs

• 11:30am - 1:00pm: Lunch (Pre-registration Required)

• 1:00pm - 4:30pm: Afternoon Field Trips & Kids Programs

• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Dinner (Pre-registration Required)

• 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Kids Programs

• 8:30pm: Night Programs

Sunday, August 20, 2023

• 7:00am - 8:00am: Breakfast (Pre-registration Required)

• 8:00am - 11:00am: Morning Field Trips

• 11:00am: Guest Check-Out

The Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally has a long history, all the way back to 1974! Check out these historical brochures!

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BRDC MEMBER?

Blue Ridge Discovery Members get 25% off at all Naturalist Rallies! If you are interested in becoming a member, click here and learn more!

Leave No Trace

The Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally has adopted the Leave No Trace Principles as a guiding reference for participant and guide etiquette. Please refer to their 7 Principles for more information.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

White attending any part of the MRNR you must take full responsibility for your own health and wellbeing, and decide if participating in a planned activity will be safe for you. Parents/guardians take full responsibility for their children at all times. The Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally Volunteers and Blue Ridge Discovery Center will not be responsible for accident, injury, or damage to personal property.

Partners