Creature Feature: Spicebush Swallowtail
A stand of Spicebush along the creek results in an abundance of Spicebush Swallowtails Papilio troilus flying low and fluttering their wings while they feast on summer's abundant flowers.
Deciphering Nature's Signs
So much is happening in nature and in our human constructed world that we tend to ignore some of the most obvious events of the natural world. Plus there are literally thousands of sights and sounds vying for our attention and it takes a significant effort of will to focus and be observant. A certain training of the mind helps in watching even subconsciously for important clues and selecting them from the background "noise."
Explorers Adventure Camp II
Campers had a very hot week of outdoor fun! Saddle Creek conditioned the air and provided the kids with several creek related programs and the occasional and unscheduled full immersion.
New River Expedition- Summer Fun!
There is no grander journey than pushing off from shore in a boat on a one-way trip to wherever the current carries you! On July 14, intrepid explorers from throughout the region did just that. Launching our kayaks and canoes from the King's Creek access along the South Fork of the New River, we began a four day journey down the currents of the New. With the guides paddling the canoes full of gear, the kids were free to explore the river at their own pace.
Lepidopteras on Display
In late July on our VA farm, the predominant color of the landscape is GREEN! But our 10 year old pollinator field is now predominantly yellow with the blooms of oxeye sunflower. This is a table set for the multitude of mouths of the lepidopterans (butterflies and moths), which are a prime food for birds.
Young Explorers Club Hike to Linville Falls
The Young Explorers Club set out to see Linville Falls today! Not only did they make it there, they hiked EVERY trail in the park covering over 5 moderate to strenuous miles!
The Raven Soars On
Yesterday we lost one of the shining beacons and solid rocks of Blue Ridge Discovery Center. Board member William Roberts succumbed to a long battle with cancer, but only after one amazing journey.
Blue Ridge Explorers Club on the New
Stormy weather turned the July Blue Ridge Explorers Club "Full Moon Float" into a "Sunny Day Float" on a different section of river.
Pollinator Fields in Their Glory
In general I do not recommend trying to improve on nature beyond the boundaries of the yard since the beauty of natural scenes is often incomparable. However creation of a Pollinator Field from a portion of hay fields or pastures or even yards can provide habitat for pollinators such as butterflies and bees, while also providing enjoyment to the land owner.
Lab Girl
"Lab Girl is a book about work, love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It is told through Jahren’s remarkable stories: about her childhood in rural Minnesota with an uncompromising mother and a father who encouraged hours of play in his classroom’s labs; about how she found a sanctuary in science, and learned to perform lab work done “with both the heart and the hands”; and about the inevitable disappointments, but also the triumphs and exhilarating discoveries, of scientific work."
Seeking Scholarship Applicants for Camp
BRDC is seeking applicants for full scholarships ($450 value) to our Mount Rogers Wilderness Camp. The scholarships were provided by The Friends of Mount Rogers National Recreation in support of youth exploration of the Mount Rogers area.
How Mammals Make a Living
Dr. William Hylander, Duke University Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, dropped by the Grayson County Library on Friday July 8th to share his 'How Mammals Make a Living' program.
Summer Marches On
As July starts, the nature lover can continue to enjoy some breeding birds and observe an increasing number of interesting insects.
Mammals Program @ the Grayson County Library
Darin Handy recently joined BRDC for an event held at the Grayson County Library. His amazing mammals program captivated an audience of 50 people from infant to 80 and over.
The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humbolt's New World
The acclaimed author of Founding Gardeners reveals the forgotten life of Alexander von Humboldt, the visionary German naturalist whose ideas changed the way we see the natural world—and in the process created modern environmentalism.
Hyla Versicolor, the Grey Tree Frog
The June woods are alive at night with the call of Hyla versicolor, Grey Tree Frogs. They breed from April to August, with males gathering in trees near water and calling to the females.
A June Nature Ramble
Here on our Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain farm we are still having some cool nights in the 50's, but many days are sunny and warm and nature is in full growth and reproduction mode.
Blue Ridge Explorers Overnight Camp
Fourteen intrepid explorers joined BRDC for four days and three nights of adventure packed fun during the Blue Ridge Explorers Camp. We kayaked, hike Whitetop Mountain, and swam in the New River, but most importantly we learned what it means to be a Naturalist.
June is a Frenzy of Life
Here on our VA Blue Ridge Mountain farm, June is a time of rebirth and renewal in nature. Creatures seem to be in a rush to breed and of course must consume many resources to raise their young. It is a life and death struggle but an absolutely spectacular show for the nature lover.