Join Mike Pinder, Wildlife Diversity Biologist for Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, to investigate the aquatic life of a stream with a 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 dace, and search for Hellbenders.

Jim Goldsmith lives south of Old Fort, NC, about 20 miles east of Asheville, NC. and has been interested in the identification of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, the non-vascular plants) for many years.  He has instructed bryophyte classes at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC for several years in the past and has, and continues, to lead bryophyte walks at the Spring and Fall Roan Mountain Naturalist Rally.  He has attended many courses at the Highlands Biological Station and continues to attend bryological forays and workshops.  His walks start with the examination of several fresh mosses and liverworts, a discussion of the differences, and a walk to see various species in the field.   Participates should bring a hand lens if they have one and anyone is welcome to bring a few species from their homes to discuss and possibly identify.

If you're curious about the strange world of Fungi, join Virginia Master Naturalist and experienced wild mushroom forager Lee Borg 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.

Ed Morgan will present an overview of the history of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.  He will discuss the struggles that were encountered in the creation and development of the NRA and our evolving understanding of Southwest Virginia's natural and economic resources.  He will discuss the history of the forest—the individuals who profited from the forest's wealth and those who are striving to protect it.