Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally

Feburary 21, 2026

The core of the mountains come to life far earlier than most realize. Attend this “dead of winter” rally to see how life persists through harsh conditions, study snowflakes and ice phenomenon, the region’s earliest flower blooms, night skies and exposed geology.

Tickets

Meal Tickets

Keynote Speaker

Human-Wildlife Conflict with Kathleen Black

Human activities can change the landscape, creating challenges and opportunities for wildlife that sometimes result in conflict. Learn about how VDWR prevents and addresses human-wildlife conflicts across the state, as well as recommendations for encouraging wildlife around your home while discouraging unwanted visitors.

Kathleen Black is a district wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR). She fell in love with the mountains of southwest Virginia as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech, then spent several years moving around the country for seasonal work and graduate school before returning to the area to put down some roots. She is passionate about helping people and wildlife coexist through her work with VDWR. Outside of work, she can often be found working in the garden, poking around in the woods, or curled up with a good book.

Saturday morning Programs

Arthur Merschat, PhD, USGS, will lead a short excursion to examine landslides from Hurricane Helene, as well as Quaternary and Neoproterozoic geology in Konnarock valley.
Tiffany Leach with the Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), located in Marion, Virginia, works to restore freshwater mussels in Virginia. It was established by the Virginia DWR and has successfully produced 40 species of freshwater mussels. These animals play an important role in improving water quality for our rivers. During the visit, you will see mussels at various ages and the aquaculture systems that serve as their temporary homes.
Ever wanted to make your own rope with materials you can find outside? Then this program is for you! Join Doug Meyer, who has spent his life working with primitive technologies, as he walks you through the process of making cordage!

Saturday afternoon Programs

Trees are the largest, oldest, and by some metrics the most complex living organisms on Earth. Join naturalist Mark Archibald for a gentle walk around the BRDC campus to learn about trees, winter tree identification using tree shape, bark, twigs, buds and leaf scars, and some of the many current threats to trees.
Vernal pools are some of Virginia's most unassuming wetlands, yet they provide critical habitats for native wildlife. Join Wally Smith, a biologist with The University of Virginia's College at Wise, for a discussion of these unique habitats and the wildlife species that call them home. This session will also visit BRDC's seasonal wetlands to discuss how constructed habitats can mimic naturally-occurring pools.
Are you interested in learning how to use trail cameras or want a few more tips? Join Brandon Bernhardt, district wildlife biologist with Virginia DWR, to learn the basics of camera trapping out in the field. Topics and demonstrations will include camera set-up and settings, placement, and photo ID.
Join naturalist Cade Campbell to search for animal tracks and signs, learn how to identify them, and piece together ecological stories about survival in the harsh Blue Ridge winter.

Winter Rally Schedule

Saturday

8:00am: Registration - Trip Selection Breakfast (Pre-registration Required)
9:00am - 10:00 am: Guest Speaker and Youth Programs
10:00am - 12:00pm: Morning Hikes and Youth Programs
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch (Pre-registration Required)
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Afternoon Field Trips and Youth Programs
3:00pm - 5:00pm: Afternoon Field Trips and Youth Programs