MOUNT ROGERS SPRING NATURALIST RALLY
50TH ANNIVERSARY

MAY 10-12, 2024

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

This year, Blue Ridge Discovery Center invites you to join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally! For 50 years, the rally has connected naturalists to this region through guided field trips and talks, led by experts in their fields. This year, we’re tipping our hats to the rich history of the rally as we continue to explore the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, together. Join us, as there’s something for the entire family with programs Saturday and Sunday, an expert speaker Saturday Night, youth programming, and nighttime explorations. Topics include salamanders, wildflowers, geology, birding, fishing, cultural history, mammals, medicinal plants, general natural history, and much, much more!

NOTE: The 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!

Meals will be available BY PRE-ORDER ONLY. Please be sure to order your meals before you arrive, as no meals will be sold at the door.

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!

Friday Night Music

Music by Ellie & Roald Kirby and Others

SATURDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS

Field trips depart at 8:00AM on Saturday morning.
+ VIEW DETAILS

Hike to Mount Rogers (All day program)

Phil Shelton, Emeritus Professor of Biology at UVA College at Wise, and Richard Davis, will lead this hardy nine mile round trip hike to Mount Rogers. Get a detailed look at the flora and fauna on your way to the highest peak in Virginia. Dr. Shelton has been leading this hike since 1985! Sturdy shoes, dress for high altitude weather, food, and water are necessary.

Geology Hike

Glaciers in the Blue Ridge. Arthur Merschat, PhD, USGS will lead a short walk along the Creeper Trail to examine evidence of glaciers during the Neoproterozoic and discuss whether this was related to possible global glaciations. We will also examine the Iron Mountain fault, and road cuts along US 58 and VA 600.

American Chestnut Farm Tour

Join Ciera Wilbur and Darrell Blankenship from The American Chestnut Foundation to take a guided tour through the American Chestnut farm in Meadowview. Along the way, they will discuss the history of the American Chestnut in its native range and efforts to restore this iconic tree.

Stream Ecology

Maddie Cogar is an Assistant Nongame Fisheries Biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). She completed a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources and then continued her education in Missouri studying aquatic insect and fish response to varying restoration and conservation efforts. Here in the nongame and endangered fishes section of DWR she and her coworkers focus on conservation, management, preservation, and restoration to benefit present and future generations. Come catch, observe, and identify macroinvertebrates and learn about what makes them feel at home in Big Laurel Creek.

Intro to Birding

Join bird enthusiast and Virginia Tech graduate, Joshua Ward for an introduction to birding on the BRDC Campus. We will make this a casual walk, welcome to both beginners and to those with more experience. We will of course be watching for any and all birds, but particularly good species we will be looking for include Black-billed Cuckoo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, and a living rainbow of colorful warblers, thrushes, and vireos.

Insects and Kin

Spring is the perfect time to find insects and their relatives emerging after the long, highland winter. Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center naturalist and biologist Cade Campbell to search for spring invertebrates, from millipedes to dragonflies. Cade has studied a variety of wildlife without backbones, from butterflies in the Northwoods to giant land snails in South America, but mostly the ten-thousand species (and counting) of insects and relatives that live around Southwest Virginia. Learn how to find, identify, photograph, and collect our very special mountain insects, and why they are important to the greater Mount Rogers ecosystem.

Small Mammals

Karen Powers, PhD, Radford University, will check several hundred pre-set live traps in the woods surrounding BRDC in hopes of examining a sample of the small mammal diversity of the MRNRA. Join her program to see what she and her crew trap!

Edible Plants

Edible and Medicinal plants and fungi are everywhere! Join this seasoned and ever so special person, Carrie Sparks on a walk around the BRDC campus to see the useful plants that can be found in our ecoregion.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Jordon Blevins with DCR will discuss the different trees, plants, animals, and spring ephemeral species of a high elevation spruce and northern hardwood forest. We will hike the Twin Pinnacle trail loop that is approximately two miles long.

FLy Tying

BRDC Staff will discuss the history and reasons why we “match the hatch” as we show you how to tie a fly that imitates aquatic invertebrates in order to catch the elusive trout species.

Saturday Afternoon Field Trips

Field trips depart at 1:00PM on Saturday afternoon.
+ VIEW DETAILS

Salamanders

Kevin Hamed, Professor of Biology, Virginia Tech. Explore the incredible salamander diversity of Whitetop Mountain. Whitetop Mountain is home to 15 plethodontid salamanders and we will have a chance to view several species. 

Spring Ephemerals 

Join Nancy Adamson and Beth Umberger on a wildflower jaunt in Grindstone Campground. Expect an abundance of blooms. Bring a hand lens and a camera. 

Birds of Whitetop Mountain

Join Dr Steven Hopp of Emory and Henry College and The Blue Ridge Discovery Center for an afternoon of birding on one of the highest peaks in Virginia. We will drive up to the bald and watch for soaring birds such as hawks and ravens. We will also sample some of the forested areas for high elevation specialists including red-breasted nuthatches, hermit thrushes and magnolia warblers. Bring binoculars, lawn chairs, snacks and water. Limited to twelve participants.

Nature Journaling 

Artist and author Suzanne Stryk will demonstrate how to make quick sketches as well as more sustained studies. Learn to enhance your observational skills and record your experiences in the natural world. Bring your own sketchbook and pencils or pens. descriptions coming soon!

A History of Fairwood with Tom Blevins

On this exciting trip with Tom Blevins, retired USFS, we’ll step back in time to discover the cultural history of the “heart” of the MRNRA and how it is linked to the natural environment we share today. Stroll through a ghost town that was once a booming community and learn how to interpret the landscape as we travel the scenic Fairwood Valley. 

Caving 

A beginner-friendly wild cave trip with Jason Lachniet and Steve Ahn of Walker Mountain Grotto. Helmets with mounted lights and headlamps will be provided. Participants may use their own headlamps and/or caving or climbing helmets. Please bring (2) AAA batteries. Wear old, long-sleeved work clothes that can get muddy, and sturdy boots or shoes with good lugged soles. Bring a change of clothes and bag for muddy gear. Limit 10. 

Geology of Whitetop

Geology Walk: Volcanoes, Faults, and Mountains. Arthur Merschat, USGS, leads a geology walk that begins at the parking lot on Whitetop and hikes down to Buzzard Rock. We will discuss the geologic history of Whitetop and Mount Rogers, the Blue Ridge, and Appalachian Mountains. We will also stop at Elk Garden. Walk

Nature Photography (Birds)

Join USFS and past BRDC staff member, Jay Martin for a basic photography program. Bring a camera along to learn tips and techniques to capture better bird photographs. We will cover camera settings, composition, how to find birds and more!

Wildlife Rehabilitation 

Join Darin Handy for a  presentation that shares three significant principles each one of us can do in our everyday life to help ensure the splendor and wonder of the Appalachian mountains remains for future generations to love and appreciate. Plus, we will have a little fun laughing and checking out some of our surprise guests that will be joining us.

Trees, Shrubs & vines

The Appalachian Mountains contain the greatest biodiversity of woody plants in North America. Join Cade Campbell to experience the high-elevation trees and relatives that make our region’s forests unique, from ancient survivors of lightning wildfires and logging empires to pocket-sized berry bushes. 

Beginner FLy Casting

BRDC staff will discuss the gear needed to delve into the world of fly fishing. Basic casting techniques will be demonstrated and participants will be allowed to give it a try! Limited to 8 participants.

Featured Speaker

Join us Saturday, May 11th at 7:00PM for a presentation by special guest speaker Kevin Hamed, Associate Professor, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech.

My research focuses on the anthropogenic impacts on Southern Appalachian vertebrates, especially herpetofauna. I am particularly interested in how to mitigate adverse impacts on plethodontid salamanders. My research incorporates a wide range of progressive technologies to provide a solid scientific basis for management decisions.

**Please note, the date and time of the speaker has been moved from the traditional Friday night to Saturday night.

Sunday Morning Field Trips

Field trip departs at 8:00AM on Sunday morning.
+ VIEW DETAILS

Warblers & Various Neotropical Migrants

Avid local birder Bob Riggs will lead a search for the springtime Virginia birds. This will be an excursion through Grindstone and Homestead road. Warblers to look for: Canada, Hooded, and Magnolia.

Whitetop to Elk Garden Hike 

If you want to add a nice walk to your nature study, join Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club members Carol Broderson and Sharon Trumbley on an easy 2.5 mile hike from Whitetop to Elk Garden. Explore natural history and trail tales on one of the most beautiful trail sections in our area. This hike will mainly focus on the native wildflowers of the Blue Ridge. Sturdy shoes, rain coats, and water bottles are highly recommended.  descriptions coming soon!

Weather Balloon Launch

Join Doug Miller for our second weather balloon Launch! Observations collected by instruments attached to weather balloons provide invaluable information for weather forecasters that allow insights on the form of precipitation expected during winter storms. The morning session will focus on the process of preparing and launching an actual weather balloon. Information collected during the balloon flight will be plotted on a thermodynamic diagram and its interpretation discussed with participants. (TBD) Interested in some more background information? Check out this article before this program: https://www.wyff4.com/article/using-weather-balloons-forecast-data-1670242287/42150344

Youth 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 programming.
+ VIEW DETAILS

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.
+ VIEW DETAILS

FRIDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

Nocturnal Nature at Beartree 

Cade Campbell, biologist and naturalist guide will lead a group in search of cryptic wildlife that lurks beneath the Blue Ridge temperate rainforest after the sun sets. If we have a cool, rainy night, expect lots of salamanders, giant millipedes, snails and other friends! We might encounter some endemic species only found in the Southern Appalachians, that reach their northernmost distribution in these lower elevations to the southwest.

Bats of BRDC 

Ever wanted to listen in on bats’ high-pitched vocalizations and echolocation? BRDC Naturalist educator, Brendan, will bring an ultrasonic microphone for a night hike in search of native bats on our campus. The EchoMeter will allow us to play back bat calls in the range of human hearing, and identify the species we come across by their unique frequency.

Astro-photography

Join Jay Martin for a lesson in the techniques of nighttime photography and capturing stars, constellations and the moon.

SATURDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

Owling 

We will adventure around BRDC to listen for the various owl species that call this area home. Our top targets are Barred, Great Horned, and Eastern Screech owls. Bring a flashlight/headlamp, good shoes for walking in the woods, and an extra layer or two for the cool weather up on the mountain at night.

Star Gazing 

Join Tom McMullen of Tumbling Creek Cider for an exploration of the stars. Study visible planets through binoculars and learn about the depths of the universe through the constellations. Weather permitting.

Frog Calls

Join Master Naturalist and FrogWatch USA volunteer Melanie Smith to learn how to survey frog calls to help scientists all over the United States monitor frog and toad populations. Sometimes the only way you know a frog or a toad is around is by listening. And this time of year the males are really singing!  We will survey two sites--BRDC Wetlands and Lewis Fork in the Fairwood area.

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, May 10, 2024

• 2:00pm: Lodging Guest Check-In

• 4:00pm: Rally Registration

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

• 6:45pm: Rally Welcome & Announcements

• 7:00pm: Music by Ellie and Roald Kirby, youth programming

• 8:30pm: Night Programs

Saturday, May 11, 2024

• 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

• 5:00pm: Raffle Drawing

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

• 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Featured Speaker, youth programming

• 8:30pm: Night Programs

Sunday, May 12, 2024

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

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

• 11:00am: Lodging Guest Check-Out

Raffle Drawing

1 Ticket for $5; 5 for $20; 20 for $40
Support our YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS!! Raffle Prizes will be drawn Saturday at 5:00pm. Must be present to win.

• Guided Fly Fishing Trip with Matt Reilly

• American Chestnut Saplings

• Hand turned bowl by Tom Graham

• Vortex Binoculars

• DWR swag

• Handmade Leather bag by Tom Blevins

• Pottery from Grim Pottery

• and much more!

  Stay tuned for updates on raffle prizes!

PRE-ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION 50th Annual MRNR TEE

This year we will be featuring a retro Forest Service poster style design to go along with the 50th annual MRNR! This shirt is pre-order only and MUST be ordered before April 12th. CLOSED

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

While 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