Frozen Frogs: The Wood Frog's Unique Defense Against Winter Conditions
Arctic blast with its sub-freezing temperatures got you worried about all these critters in our lovely Blue Ridge mountains? You shouldn’t be! Many species have adaptations to help them survive winter conditions, but wood frogs have an especially incredible and effective method of surviving freezing temperatures—they freeze solid!
All it's Clocked Up to Be: Circadian Rhythms
Have you noticed that the days are getting shorter? You’re not the only one! We’re a little under two weeks away from the winter solstice, and subtle seasonal shifts like cooler temperatures and shorter days affect plants and animals (including humans!) in significant ways. Keep reading to learn about circadian rhythms and how animal and plant behavior changes throughout the year!
Mysteries Afoot: Identifying Appalachian Animal Tracks
Animal tracks are an interesting tool for anyone with a keen eye who wants to learn more about the habits and behaviors of our animal neighbors.
Plunging into the World of Freshwater Fishes
Last Saturday, 8 intrepid explorers joined BRDC staff on a snorkeling program at Straight Branch, a tributary of the South Fork of the Holston. Fortunately, we thought to bring an underwater camera this trip to share some of the experience.
The Great Monarch Migration
Monarch tagging at our latitude begins August 29! They are about to embark on an incredible journey
Happy Bee-lated World Bee Day
World Bee Day was May 20th, a day to appreciate bees for the enormous role they play as pollinators.
Recent Sightings of the Blue Ridge
Are you ready for the Naturalist Rally? Read about some of the recent finds during our programs around the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and beyond, and learn how to improve your chances of seeing some fascinating species before a weekend immersed in the Appalachian spring.
Fifteen Fun Native Fish Facts!
Summer Fly Fishing Camp is back! Join us August 6-10 for a week of tying, casting, and catching! To celebrate the return of this beloved BRDC camp, here’s fifteen fun fish facts.
Spring Salamander Migration
As February draws to a close, the first warm spring rains nurture a tiny, threatened ecosystem nestled in the forest floor: vernal pools!
Wildlife Preparing for Winter: Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, and turtles all call the Blue Ridge Mountains home, but these animals are rarely seen in the cold. So, where do reptiles go during winter?
Pre-Order Your Fall Naturalist Rally T-Shirt!
Our Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally is a little over a month away and we could not be more excited! We have opened pre-orders for the limited edition Fall Naturalist Rally t-shirt.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
This early bird has arrived in Southwest Virginia and searching your fields and lawns for worms.
Irruption of the Pine Siskin
If you have not been fortunate enough to see a Pine siskin, this is the year to look! This is one of the biggest irruption years in recorded history for these finches.
Goatsuckers
Inappropriately named, nighthawks are not as nocturnal as once thought nor are they related to hawks.
The Secret Life of Our American Treecreeper
The brown creeper (Certhia americana) is a bizarre bird. If you’re not looking for them, they are virtually invisible against the craggy bark of large trees.
Mountain Boomer
You may wonder why this small tree squirrel has caught my attention and is now being shared in writing
Color in the field!
As spring rains give way to warm, sunny days, the meadows of Mount Rogers come to life with the emergence of a plethora of insects. Among these creatures is a beetle with a striking iridescent blue body and a yellow-orange wash across its elytra (forewings).
