Upcoming Hikes
Ferns and Geology along the Blue Ridge
Sat, 22 June 2013
Wild Virginia is again partnering with Shenandoah National Park Trust on this delightful educational outing in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District to learn about ferns and geology along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Master Naturalist, Chip Morgan, will guide us along an easy 3 ½ mile circuit hike around Stony Man Mountain identifying about a dozen species of ferns, some rare, while explaining some of their natural history.
You will learn how the area’s geology has provided the rich soils in which these ferns thrive. You will also see the columnar jointing on Stony Man as we stand just a few yards south of the fault contact with one billion year old granite that was shoved over younger greenstone. Impressive views will also provide opportunity to explain the big picture of Blue Ridge geology. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Stony Man Nature Trail parking area on Skyline Drive just south of MP 41 at the northern entrance of Skyland Resort. Due to its’ educational theme, this hike will be about 4 hours in duration. The rain date for this outing is Sunday, June 23rd.
Dress appropriately for the 2nd day of summer. Bring water, snacks and lunch. You may also want to bring your camera, binoculars and magnifying glass. Additional details will be provided about a week prior. This outing is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required by June 15th.
**PLEASE TRY OUR NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM** Click Here
Contact us if you have any trouble/comments on our new registration system - we are still testing it out.
Paddy Run/Wood Turtle Weekend Research Outing
Sat, 29 June 2013
Join Wild Virginia for a weekend/overnight research and education outing to Paddy Run on Saturday/Sunday, June 29-30. We will be joining Steve Krichbaum, who is getting his Phd. at Ohio University in Ecology and Population Biology, and botanist, Robert Hunsucker, as they compile research data in the southernmost range of the endangered wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta).
Because of its remote location in Fredrick County near the WV border in the northernmost part of the Lee Ranger District, this outing will be a primitive camping overnight. Participants must bring their own food, water, gear, accouterments and sleeping equipment and are responsible for dealing with all personal waste. No facilities will be available and no food or water provided. Although this is not a backpacking trip and we will be camping near our vehicles, all participants must bring everything they need to be self sufficient for the weekend. Consider bringing field guides, cameras and magnifier to deepen your knowledge and connections with the areas we will be exploring. Considerable information is sure to be shared. We will be doing relatively little hiking and will be spending much of our time in the backcountry.
There is a $25 cost for the trip, which includes some gas reimbursement for drivers and a contribution that goes towards the ongoing wood turtle research at Paddy Run. Group is limited to 12 participants. When registering online, please note your ability to supply your own transportation and have additional room for other carpoolers. Coming with a friend and sharing a vehicle or tent or food with them may be a good idea.
Additional information will be provided to all attendees. For more information, contact outing leader, Ernie Reed at 434-971-1647.
**PLEASE TRY OUR NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM** Click Here
Contact us if you have any trouble/comments on our new registration system - we are still testing it out.
