Naturalist Week

Kick off your week with us as we explore the natural world from the stars above to the depths below! Join expert naturalists each day for a new theme packed with discovery and adventure; perfect for all ages. Come learn, explore, and connect with nature in new and exciting ways. Hands-on activities, expert talks, and outdoor adventures await! Here are the daily themes and experts:

Sunday: Astronomy & Night Sky Exploration with President of the Echo Ridge Astronomical Society, Mike Neal
Monday: Geology & Rock Formations with Program Director and State Geologist, Matthew Heller
Tuesday: Caving & Cave Ecosystems with Scientist, Penelope Vorster
Wednesday: Freshwater Mussels & Snorkeling with Aquatic Biologist, Tim Lane
Thursday: Wild Animals with Wildlife Specialist, Darin Handy
Friday: Local Plants & Ecology with Naturalist, Gary Lavallee
Saturday: Birding & Bird Behavior with Naturalist, Patty Elton

Full Schedule:

Sunday July 27th: Astronomy & Night Sky Exploration with President of the Echo Ridge Astronomical Society, Mike Neal (9:00 - 10:00 p.m.)
The Moon will be in the Waxing Crescent Phase. This phase is visible in the west after sunset and is a good time to observe the moon's surface features. Additionally, Saturn will be at its brightest and most visible point of the year, making it an excellent time to observe it.

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.

Monday July 28th: Geology & Rock Formations with Program Director and State Geologist, Matthew Heller (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Embark on an engaging hike around the Hoover Surface Mine, where every step uncovers the fascinating story of the New River’s ancient origins and the rich geology that shaped this unique landscape.

Prepare to walk on uneven terrain for 1.2 miles. Meeting location will be at the Hoover Mountain Access; Hoover Mountain- Julia Simpkins Road in Allisonia -1/2 mile North of boat ramp.

Tuesday, July 29th: Cave Ecosystems w/ Cave and Karst Technician - 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. 

Wednesday, July 30th: Snorkeling for Mussels w/ SWVA Mussel Recovery Coordinator Tim Lane (12:00 - 3:00 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) or swim clothes, towels, and water shoes (close-toe). We will provide gloves, snorkels, and mesh bags for collection. If you don't want to fully get in the water, we have nets and water viewfinders as well! Bring plenty of food, water, change of clothes, and sunscreen. All children must be supervised by adults. Meet at the Austinville Access (Austinville Access - 231 Store Hill Rd. Austinville, Va 24312). We will shuttle to the snorkeling location nearby. No registration required.  

Thursday, July 31st: Wild Animals with Wildlife Specialist, Darin Handy (10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Get an up-close experience with live animals! Darin Handy, a dedicated wildlife rehabilitator, will share stories about the animals he cares for and their natural history.

Learn how these wild neighbors survive, thrive, and why protecting their habitats is so important. Perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages!

Meet at the Outdoor Amphitheater in the Historic Village of Foster Falls, 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, VA 24362. No registration required. 

Friday, August 1st: 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 Ivanhoe Horse Show Grounds (Ivanhoe Horse Show Grounds And Camp Ground - 658 Trestle Rd, Ivanhoe, VA 24350). Please take Trestle Rd. from 94 to access the Horse Grounds at Ivanhoe. There you will find parking up near the facilities/bathrooms. Do not access from River Bluff Rd.​​​​​​​ Bring food, water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. No registration required. 

Saturday, August 2nd: Introduction to Birds of Prey: Nature's Echo Animal Encounter (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
Get a bird's eye view of some of nature's most fascinating and elusive predators in this one-hour program featuring live birds of prey. Learn about the raptors we share our world with, the adaptations that make them so successful, and how our actions impact their survival.

Nature's Echo is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to environmental efforts throughout the southeast. All birds of prey are non-releasable and presented with special permission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. An optional guided birding program will run from 9-10 a.m. at the birding trail. Participants will meet at the Ivanhoe Birding Trail at 10:00 a.m. for the Nature's Echo program. 

The Birding Trail is a 1.2-mile walk (~24 minutes one-way) from the Ivanhoe Access Parking Area (Ivanhoe Car Parking Lot - 356 Riverview Rd. Ivanhoe, Va 24350) to the Ivanhoe Bridge. Be prepared to arrive at 9:30 am if you're walking to the destination. A Virginia State Park van will also be available to shuttle.

​​​​​​​

Find a Job at
Virginia State Parks

Order your Virginia State Parks
license plate