Spend lazy mornings and afternoons exploring our misty Appalachian landscapes, the forrested hillsides and sweeping vistas, the pastures filled with cattle and old barns. Local experts will show you the geological faces of the area, and naturalists will guide you on leisurely walks looking for wild plants and animals. Whether by foot or by bike, get a close-up look at ecology, wildlife habitats, farms and cave environments.
LECTURES, WORKSHOPS & DEMONSTRATIONSMISCELLANEOUS
Field Trips
Creeper Trail Bird Walk, Saturday, July 26: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Noted local ornithologist Wallace Coffey leads this leisurely bird identification walk on the Virginia Creeper Trail. His expertise and sense of humor makes this a very popular event! Plan to walk 2-3 miles to see lots of birds. Bring binoculars. Meet at the locomotive at the Abingdon Trailhead.
Appalachian Trail Hike to Mt. Rogers and Thomas Knob Shelter, Saturday, July 26: 9 a.m. A member of the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club, the volunteer organization which maintains the trail in this area, will lead a moderately strenuous hike of about 10 miles to Mt. Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. We will make a stop at Thomas Knob Shelter. Bring water and lunch and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Hiking boots recommended. Meet at the caboose in the Damascus Town Park or join us at Elk Garden on Route 600 at 9:45 to start the hike (we expect to return to Elk Garden by 3 p.m. and Damascus by 3:45).
A Taste of Agriculture Organic Farm Tour, Sunday, July 27: 2-4:30 p.m. Appalachian Sustainable Development invites folks to our third annual "Flavor of Agriculture" gathering at Abingdon Organics, Anthony and Laurel Flaccavento’s innovative organic farm. With nearly 100 varieties of fruit and vegetables, including many heirlooms, the farm is one of the most diverse organic small farms in the region, featuring hoop houses and High Tunnel greenhouses, pest control through beneficial insect habitat, and organic weed control systems and techniques. This year, participants will have the opportunity for hands-on activities, from making compost and raised beds, to harvesting, planting and "pruning" tomato plants. The Flaccaventos will be joined by local "grass-based" livestock farmers, who will explain their systems for raising free range meats and eggs. There will be fresh vegetables and a wonderful sampling of farm products for everyone. Cost $5 (kids under 10 free). Pre-register by calling 276-623-1121.
Hike the Little Stony Creek Trail, Monday, July 28: 1-5 p.m. Festival Photographer Claude Kelly will lead this outing, beginning at Hanging Rock Recreation Area near Dungannon, Va. The trail follows the cascading creek for approximately 2 miles to the Lower and Upper Falls of Little Stony Creek. Cameras welcome. Meet in the commuter parking lot at US19/58A/Russell Rd. intersection to carpool. Limit 20 participants.
Mountaintop Stargazing & Starlore, Monday, July 28: 9-11 p.m.; rain dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29-30. Join Dr. Mike Duffy of Emory & Henry College and Tom McMullen atop a local mountain as they identify summer constellations. They will also answer astronomy questions and share some of the mythological lore behind the constellations. Being on a mountaintop takes you above the thick, moist, summer air and makes stargazing much clearer. Amateur astronomers with telescopes are welcome, but are not scheduled, so bring your own binoculars or telescope. To carpool, meet in the Highway 19N Food Country parking lot by 8:15 p.m. on the day the registrar decides will be suitable for stargazing; an announcement will be sent electronically by 5 p.m. that day. Registration required by 3 p.m. Monday, July 28: email festivalstargazing@yahoo.com (without this, you will not know which night the program will occur).
Creeper Trail Night Ride, Monday, July 28: 7-10:30 p.m. Enjoy the Virginia Creeper Trail in a whole new light. Not for the faint-of-heart or sensory challenged, and dependent on good weather. REQUIRED: Well-maintained bike, bright headlight, approved helmet, and adult guardians for minors. Limit 70 riders. $15 fee includes shuttle from Damascus Town Park to Whitetop Station and a Night Ride T-shirt. Advance registration by credit card required: (276 or 800)475-5095 OR (888)595-BIKE.
Wildflower Walk on White Top Mountain, Thursdays, July 31 and Aug. 7: 9:30 a.m. This walk is recommended for anyone who has never been to the second highest mountain in Virginia, and for those who would like to visit every week. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lunch, water, camera, walking sticks, and extra layers of clothing and rain gear in your day pack. Meet at Elk Garden (SR 600 south of SR 603) to carpool to Whitetop Mountain. Limit 10 participants each day. Register in advance: 276-475-3709 or email emdg@embarqmail.com
Herpetofauna Hike on Creeper Trail, Friday, Aug. 1: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Justin Harris, a biology graduate from Emory & Henry College, will lead this hike on the Virginia Creeper Trail in search of the area's common herp species including snakes, frogs, and salamanders. He will discuss the ecology of these animals and their environments -- a great opportunity for hands-on field biology. Comfortable shoes, water, and cameras are recommended. Meet at Damascus Town Park to carpool to Creeper Trail.
Tomato Fest, Saturday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-Noon; rain date: Saturday, Aug. 9. What better way to spend a hot summer day than by celebrating the tomato? Wander on down to the Abingdon Farmers Market for a morning filled with old-time music, heirloom tomato tastings, fun activities for the kids and, of course, the fabulous local foods and produce of Southwest Virginia’s finest farmers. This will be a true celebration of summer with something for everyone to enjoy — we may even crank up a batch or two of tomato ice cream for the adventurous to enjoy! Stop by to check the schedule of events or stick around for the whole morning — anyway around it, we aim to have a great time celebrating the wonderful tomato!
"Lawrence the Legend" Creeper Trail Ride, Saturday, Aug. 2: 8 a.m. Have you heard the legend of the Virginia Creeper Trail? No, it's not a fairy tale or a ghost story and has nothing to do with the rail line that used to run through these mountains. The real "legend" of the trail is Lawrence Dye, who has made it his near-daily habit to ride the length of the trail (and back), from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, some 66 miles -- for a total of more than 130,000 miles! That is equal to more than five trips around the world at the equator. Oh, did we mention that he's now 76 years old and has been doing this since 1990?
The Legend and other members of The Virginia Creeper Trail Club will lead a bike ride from Abingdon to Whitetop Station and back. Bring your own bike or make arrangements with one of the many rental businesses in Abingdon and Damascus. The pace will be moderate, and there will be plenty of breaks so folks can talk to Lawrence about his experiences and Virginia Creeper Trail Club members about the trail and surrounding area.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Bring plenty of water, food, and additional support (e.g., tire repair kit). Weather permitting, the ride will begin at the Abingdon Trailhead at 8 a.m., proceeding to Damascus, and depart there at 10 a.m., eating at Whitetop Station around 12 noon, then heading back down the trail at 12:30 p.m. Shorten your mileage by joining/leaving the group at any of these locations. For more information, email VirginiaCreeperTrailClub@gmail.com or visit http://www.vacreepertrail.org/dye.html
Salamanders and Climate Change, Saturday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Many species of salamander are only found at high elevations in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. As earth’s climate warms, these salamanders could be forced to retreat higher and higher on the mountains, until there is no more suitable habitat. This hike will take you to four study areas, where you can help collect data for this National Science Foundation-funded project. This is a great way to see salamanders up close and introduce children of all ages to science and our region's amazing salamander diversity. Be prepared to get slightly muddy. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and a snack. Meet at the Elk Garden Parking area to carpool to Whitetop Mountain.
Hike at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Tuesday, Aug. 4: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This preserve in Russell County is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and contains an abundance of scenery and significant biological resources. In addition to several state and globally-rare species, the Preserve also boasts waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and an abundance of wildflowers. Claiborne Woodall, with DCR’s Natural Heritage Program, will lead a six-mile hike to Big Falls, Copper Ridge, and the Clinch River. Many portions of the hike are strenuous. Bring lunch, drinking water, and sturdy hiking boots (optional: a camera, field guides, or binoculars). Limit 20 participants. To register, call 276-676-5673 by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1.
Flycasting Techniques and Demonstration, Tuesday, Aug. 4: 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. At a nearby trout stream, Bruce Wankel, a local fly fishing guide and owner of the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop, will demonstrate how to get the fly to where the fish are by demonstrating different fly casts, as well as fishing knots used. He will also lead a streamside sample and discussion on aquatic entomology and how this knowledge is helpful in choosing fly patterns to fish. Meet at the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop to carpool to the stream. Register by calling 276-628-5905.
Deep Space Viewing, Tuesday, Aug. 5: 8:30-10 p.m.; rain date: Wednesday, Aug. 6. At the Creed-Fulton Observatory at Emory & Henry College, Dr. James Warden, chair of the Physics Department, will guide you on a tour of the vast spaces beyond our atmosphere. A new Meade 16-inch telescope provides a sharp view of planets and stars from this historic observatory, which has a state-of-the-art aluminum dome. Limit 15. Register by Friday, Aug. 1: 276-944-6201.
Stream & Wetland Restoration Site, Wednesday, Aug. 6: 1-3 p.m. Join the Nature Conservancy for a tour of a working cattle farm, protected by a conservation easement. This site recently underwent a stream relocation and cattle fencing project, with the goal of wetland creation and water quality improvement. The project designer and other guests will be on hand to walk you through the project, discuss the benefits of stream and wetland restoration, and answer questions. Meet at Park-and-Ride at the corner of Russell Road and Route 19 to carpool to the site.
Photographing Whitetop Mountain & Grayson Highlands State Park, Thursday, Aug. 7: 1-5 p.m. Festival Photographer Claude Kelly will lead this outing near Damascus to photograph one of the most picturesque areas in Virginia. Kelly will discuss photographic techniques to best capture various scenes as participants view vistas from mountain meadows. The group will hike a small section of the Appalachian Trail on Whitetop and the Wilbur Ridge Trail at Grayson Highlands. Meet in the parking lot at Christ the King Catholic Church to carpool. Limit 20.
Virginia Creeper Trail Stream Life Hike, Sunday, Aug. 10: 6-8 p.m. Meet in the Straight Branch Parking Lot three miles southeast of Damascus on U.S. 58E for an evening of exploration along and in Whitetop Laurel Creek. Trout, beaver, turtles, salamander, frogs and who know what else may be experienced.
Lectures, Workshops & Demonstrations
Your Ecological Footprint, Monday, July 28: 10 a.m.-12 noon. How much "nature" does your lifestyle use? Did you know that the average U.S. Ecological Footprint is 24 acres? If everyone lived like the average American, we would need five planets to support the human population. This workshop will allow participants to calculate a quick, ecological footprint for a family. They will receive a disc with spreadsheets and a detailed footprint calculator to use at home. Learn how many acres and planets your lifestyle requires and how to reduce your impact.
"Wildflowers of Southwest Virginia", Tuesday, July 29: 7 p.m. Going on the Wildflower Hike (July 31), but don’t know your flowers? Join C.W. Greever, a teacher and wildflower enthusiast, as he talks about some of the wildflower species found in Southwest Virginia. Who knows? You may see them again on July 31 as you walk along Whitetop Mountain.
Project Underground, Wednesday, July 30: 12-4 p.m. This environmental education workshop is designed to promote better understanding of caves and karst lands. It is a supplemental program for use by educators of K-12 students as well as environmental educators and active parents. Participants will receive the Project Underground Natural Resource Education Guide and be involved in hands-on activities throughout the event. Register by July 23: 276-628-8187, ext. 3 or email christine.smith@vsawcd.org
"Outdoor Leadership", Wednesday, July 30: 6:30 p.m. Prof. Jim Harrison from Emory & Henry College will make a case for the value of outdoor experiences in providing leadership skills. This presentation takes place at Abingdon United Methodist Church.
"Sustaining and Protecting the Diversity of Life", Wednesday, July 30: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Amateur botanists, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, or anyone who appreciates landscape and nature photography will enjoy views of the mountains during two exciting presentations about Southwest Virginia’s globally significant biodiversity in the Sullivan Commons room at the Jubilee House Retreat Center in Abingdon. Learn how Appalachian forests, rivers, and caves harbor one of the richest concentrations of unique ecosystems and biodiversity outside of the tropics. Although considerably threatened by human development, poor land management, invasive pests, and climate change, the Appalachians still offer one of the greatest opportunities globally to establish a regional scale network of large and connected conservation areas.
Brad Kreps, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Clinch Valley Program, will discuss the global importance of the Appalachians and how they are center stage in The Nature Conservancy’s recently launched "Campaign for a Sustainable Planet." Claiborne Woodall will present a statewide overview of the Natural Area Preserve System, its history and management, focusing on some of the Natural Area Preserves located in Southwest Virginia. Learn how Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program manages 45,000 acres in a system of 53 Natural Area Preserves dedicated to protecting Virginia’s biodiversity.
The Virginia Natural Area Preserves System was established in the late 1980s to protect some of the most significant natural areas in the Commonwealth and now includes examples of some of the rarest natural communities and rare species habitats in Virginia.
Stream Pollution, Thursday, July 31: 10-11:45 a.m.; rain date: Friday, Aug. 1. The Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District encourage kids, parents and teachers to attend this fun workshop on Toole's Creek at Historic White's Mill. Participants will catch and identify micro and macro invertebrates (tiny bugs) that live in streams. Aquatic invertebrates are pollution sensitive and are indicators of healthy streams. Limit 20. Register by Friday, July 25: 276-628-1600 or email uppertnriver@yahoo.com
Sustainable Timber Harvesting & Sales, Thursday, July 31: 6-8 p.m. The Nature Conservancy, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and Virginia Cooperative Extension will present this workshop at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Room 222. Forestland owners will learn how to sustain timber harvests while maximizing revenue. Topics include understanding your objectives, where to get professional help, basic silviculture terminology, the sale process, and laws/regulations that affect landowners. Register by July 30: 276-676-5488 or 276-676-6309.
Fly Fishing Opportunities: Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee, Monday, Aug. 4: 6:30-8 p.m. This presentation will take place at the Washington County Public Library, Abingdon. Bruce Wankel, a local fly fishing guide and owner of the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop, will provide a 60-minute slide show outlining the excellent year-around fly fishing opportunities in our region. Afterwards, he will give a brief casting demonstration and discuss related topics including selecting a fishing location based on season and weather, equipment, accessories, clothing, and safety. Register by calling 276-628-5905.
"Costa Rica: A Living Classroom", Wednesday, Aug. 6: 6:30-7:30 p.m. At Abingdon United Methodist Church, Gregory J. McConnell will lead you on a photographic tour of this Latin American country, showing why it is a unique environment for studying field biology. McConnell, professor of biology at Emory & Henry College, is also professor of tropical biology at La Suerte Biological Field Station in the Caribbean lowlands.
Rain Barrel Workshop, Friday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m.-12 noon. Carol Doss, coordinator for the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, and Roundtable volunteers will show participants how to make rain barrels they may take home. Barrels are placed under downspouts to catch rain runoff from a roof. Rainwater has no added chemicals; it is usually soft and free of dissolved minerals. This untreated water is great for indoor plants, your garden and lawn, washing your car, and birdbaths. A 1,200 square foot roof can generate 700 gallons from just one inch of rainfall. By capturing rainwater, you are conserving water and also saving money by not using tap water. $10 fee covers cost of materials.
Green Building Expo, Saturday, Aug. 9: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. As the industry experiences more and more demand for Green Building, how can you, as a consumer, make a difference? Millions of people have already chosen to construct or remodel buildings that are more energy efficient. Not only are they saving money by decreasing energy and water consumption, they’re reducing their impact on the environment. In the U.S., buildings account for 65% of electricity consumption! The Green Building Expo at the Jubilee House Retreat Center will have booths featuring local businesses that offer green and sustainable products and services. Presentation topics will include environmentally friendly wood products, sustainable landscape architecture, passive solar design, photovoltaics, and a showing of the movie "Kilowatt Ours" (which will be followed by a question and answer session with a panel of professionals). Cost $5. Pre-registration required. Call 276-623-1121.
Miscellaneous
Local Foods Celebration Suppers, Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, Aug. 6. When it comes to food, fresh is best! Join farmers and chefs for a meal made from fresh meats, vegetables and fruits raised right here in Southwest Virginia and an informal discussion about the benefits and importance of supporting local agriculture. Everyone will leave with a full belly and some simple ways to get fresh local foods into their own kitchens. This will be a meal "fit for a king," but available to all. The event will be held at the Harvest Table Restaurant in Meadowview, Va. Cost $20 (includes a full meal). There will be two seatings -- one at 5 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. (make sure you specify when pre-registering: 276-623-1121).
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