Naturalist Week

At Naturalist Week, you will witness nature’s wonders up close and enhance your outdoor skills, no matter your experience level. Whether you are new to spending time outdoors or have been on your naturalist journey for decades, you will find yourself deeply connected to the natural world. The topics being covered and content is best suited for teens to adults. From August 5-11 a different natural history topic will be explored.

Full Schedule: 

August 5th: Tree ID Masterclass w/ local naturalist Gary Lavallee
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

One of the best ways to enhance your experience in nature is to be able to understand natures signs or identify things around you. Tree identification is fun and easy once you know some basic principles. Join naturalist Gary on an easy three-mile round-trip hike using hand lenses and guides to examine various native tree species (and summer blooms) in SWVA. Meet at the Cliffview Campground at Dannelly Park. 1159 Creekview Dr. Galax VA 24333. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. No registration required. 

August 6th: Snorkeling for Mussels w/ SWVA Mussel Recovery Coordinator Tim Lane
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Nowhere else in the world do you have the chance to see so many rare and imperiled species in a single place as you do in SWVA rivers. Mussel spotters will wear snorkels and position themselves across the riverbed to seek out mussels on the river bottom. DWR Mussel Recovery Coordinator, Tim Lane, will talk about these incredible species, his important work, and how we can help. Participants will need to provide their own wetsuits (optional), towels, water shoes and swim gear. If you don't want to fully get in the water, we have nets and water viewfinders as well! Bring plenty of food, water and sunscreen. Meet at the Discovery Center at Foster Falls, 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, VA 24362. No registration required.  

August 7th: Cave Ecosystems w/ Cave and Karst Technician with the DCR Natural Heritage Program, Penelope Vorster
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Caves have long captivated the human imagination with their mysterious depths and hidden wonders. Learn about cave biology and ecology by visiting one of our local caves right along New River Trail. Cave and Karst Technician, Penelope Vorster, will give an overview of the biodiversity found within cave ecosystems, her research, and how we can responsibly recreate in karst settings. The regular $20 caving fee for this program is waived. Participation for Naturalist week is free, however space is limited to the first 12. Must be at least 10 years old. This is not a walking tour. Participants must be in good health and can crouch, crawl, bend, stoop, and squat. Meet at the Boat and Bike Livery at Foster Falls, 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, VA 24362. Registration IS REQUIRED. Participation is limited to 12. Call the office at 276-699-6778 to register. 

August 8th: TBD

August 9th: Birding with Patty Elton
​​​7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join local naturalist and birding enthusiast Patty Elton on the newly developed Ivanhoe Birding Trail and eBird hotspot. We welcome birders of all skill levels. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, wear closed-toe shoes, and carry some food and water. 

Participants will meet at the Ivanhoe Access parking lot, 356 Riverview Rd. Ivanhoe VA 24350 at 7:00 a.m. Please DO NOT park at the horse trailer parking area under the trestle. A Virginia State Park van will be available to shuttle participants from the parking area to the birding trail from 7:00-7:30 a.m. If you miss the 7:30 a.m. shuttle, the birding trail is a 1.2-mile walk (24 minutes) from the Ivanhoe Access Parking Area to the birding trailhead. You can meet-up with the group there.

Why are we birding so early? Have you ever heard the saying "the early bird gets the worm?" Many birds are most active in the early morning, taking advantage of the abundance of insects at that hour.

August 11th: Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing w/ Local Astronomy Club
​​​​9:30 - 11:00 p.m.

Join the local Astronomy Club and view the Perseid meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.

Be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on, warm clothes/blankets, snacks and drinks, and a red-light flashlight if you have one; it will help preserve your night vision as opposed to a standard white light flashlight. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature's best shows!

The program is open to all and will be on the grass lawn outside of Shelter #1 near the playground at Foster Falls, 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, VA 24362.

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