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.
FIELD TRIPS
NATURE WALKS
TOURS
FOOD EVENTS
DEMONSTRATIONS
LECTURES
Sponsored by:
Field Trips
Thursday, August 5 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meet at the Wal-Mart parking area in Lebanon, VA at 8:00 a.m.
Presented by Photographer & Naturalist Richard Kretz
Advanced registration required
Rose Pink wildflower at Pinnacle SNAP. Photo by Richard Kretz.
Photograph the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve Towering cliffs, sheer limestone ledges, and waterfalls are but a few of the spectacular features of this preserve. Located near the confluence of the Clinch River and Big Cedar Creek, the topography of Pinnacle NAP has been modified by the forces of weather, water and time to create this dramatic landscape. Towering above Big Cedar Creek is an impressive rock formation, the Pinnacle, from which the area derives its name. Cut from dolomite, the Pinnacle rises 400 feet above Big Cedar Creek. The Preserve's unique habitats support at least nine rare species and two rare natural communities. Richard Kretz is a dedicated Pinnacle NAP volunteer and amateur photographer who has photographed and documented many of the treasures found at PNAP. Come join us as Richard leads a photography expedition through the preserve. Visit Richard's website for photos and additional information about the Pinnacle NAP; www.pbase.com/diggitydogs/pinnaclenap.
Register in advance by calling Bill Dingus at 276-628-1586. Participants will meet at 8:00 a.m. on August 5 at the Wal-Mart parking area in Lebanon, VA. Limit 15 people. Rain gear recommended. Bring packed lunch.
Saturday August 7th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Carrie Sparks
Advance registration required.
Maybe there is a free lunch after all! Join us for an Edible/Medicinal plant walk at the Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia in Atkins, VA on SR 615, 2 miles off Hwy 11. Participants should meet in the parking lot/picnic shelter for the museum on SR 615 at 11 a.m. Come discover these plants, as we walk on the one-half mile birding trail. We are sure to find over 30 plants that can be used as food, tea or medicine. Several "wild" food items and drinks will be prepared for you to sample. Bring a snack and drink.
For registration e-mail Carrie Sparks jim2carrie@embarqmail.com or call 276-783-2125. Advance registration due by August 4.
Monday, August 2, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Backup date #1 (If cloudy) Tuesday, August 3, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Backup date #2 (If cloudy) Wednesday, August 4, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Lectured by Dr. Mike Duffy of EHC & Tom McMullen of VIC
E-registration required.
Handicapped accessible if own transportation to the mountain top is provided. Please note: the road up the mountain is VERY steep, and part paved, part graveled.
Have you ever looked up into the summertime evening sky and wondered what constellations are there? Join Dr. Mike Duffy of E&H College and Tom McMullen of Virginia Intermont College 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 top of a mountain will take us above the thick, moist, summer air and makes stargazing much clearer! Amateur astronomers with telescopes are certainly welcome to come along but are not scheduled, so bring your own binoculars or telescope if you want to look at the skies up-close. Meet Mike and Tom to organize a carpool in the Highway 19N Food Country parking lot by 8:15 p.m. on the day that the registration list overseer decides will be suitable for stargazing. An announcement will be electronically sent by 5:00 p.m. that day.
Advanced registration is required and EVERY participant MUST e-mail festivalstargazing@yahoo.com by Sunday, August 1, by 9:00 p.m. to request inclusion in an e-mail list that will announce the date/time/location of the event. This is a way to avoid cloudy evenings. If an evening (between Monday August 2 & August 4) is forecasting to be clear, an e-mail announcement will be sent at 5:00 p.m. that day to those who registered and are on the e-mail list.
Sunday, August 8, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Jerry Tygielski and Dan Manweiler
Driving directions will be provided
Advanced registration required
Come see how the sun can provide for our daily hot water and electricity needs. Both hot water and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are showcased at the homes of Dan and Lynn Manweiler of Abingdon and Rod Edins & Cassa Von Kundra of Damascus. Our tour begins at Dan & Lynn's home on the North Fork of the Holston River where a new thermal solar system has been installed. See the system and learn how it can virtually replace conventional electric or gas water heaters in your home or business. The tour should take about 45 minutes with plenty of time to wander down to the river too. Travel back through town and grab lunch (on your own) and then reconvene at 1:00 p.m. at Ron and Cassa's place in Damascus where you will meet Mr. Jerry Tygielski of ASDC Consulting, West Jefferson, NC. Jerry will explain the residential photovoltaic system he's installed there. Again, the tour should take about an hour.
Call Dan Manweiler 276-628-8642 or send an e-mail to bitcrate@hotmail.com to get your driving directions for this truly stellar showcase!
Nature Walks
Mountain Ash at Whitetop
Meet at Elk Garden (SR600, south of 603) to carpool to Whitetop Mountain
Presented by Carrie Sparks and Nancy Hagen
Advance registration required by Wednesday, July 21st.
Left: Mountain saxifrage at Whitetop. Right: Black-eyed Susan at Whitetop Mountain.
Join us on Saturday, July 24th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. to hike the second highest peak in Virginia with Master Naturalists Carrie Sparks and Nancy Hagen. Hikers should expect to see and identify over 40 summer-blooming plants, including three-toothed cinquefoil, ladies tresses and St. John's Wort. Participants will meet at Elk Garden (SR600, south of 603) to carpool to Whitetop. Bring your flower ID book and hand lens, if available. Wear weather-appropriate hiking clothes, sturdy footwear and bring a snack and plenty of water.
Advance registration requested by July 21st. Contact Carrie Sparks by email: jim2carrie@embarqmail.com or call 276-783-2125.
Saturday, July 24, Meet at the Abingdon Trailhead at 8:00 a.m.
Leave Damascus Town Park at 10:00 a.m. and leave Whitetop Station at 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Lawrence Dye
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. No, 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. His total mileage ridden on the trail is over 150,000 miles. That is equal to over 5 trips around the earth at the equator. Oh, did we mention that he's now over 78 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 to provide one. Participants can shorten the mileage by joining/leaving the group at different locations along the trail. The pace will be moderate. We'll take plenty of breaks so folks can talk to Lawrence and Virignia Creeper Trail Club members about the trail and surrounding area.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, food and additional support (e.g., tire repair kit), as needed. Weather permitting, the ride will begin at the Abingdon Trailhead at 8:00 a.m. We will proceed to Damascus and depart there at 10:00 a.m. for Whitetop. Will arrive at Whitetop around noon, eat lunch, and head back down the trail at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join or leave us at any of these locations. Questions should be directed to VirigniaCreeperTrailClub@gmail.com. More information about Lawrence the Legend is available at www.vacreepertrail.org/dye.html.
Sunday, August 1, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Judith Foster
A Stroll Through The Vineyard, a sip of wine, a salad lunch, a walk through the woods on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Meet at 10:00 a.m., Sunday August 1 at Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, 20308 Alvarado Rd., Abingdon, 24211. Our 1 1/2 mile stroll through the vineyard will acquaint us with some of the different grape varietals, and will be followed by wine tasting in the tasting room. A salad lunch (reservations at 276-623-1255) in the winery group room is $4.95. Dessert is $2.00. After lunch we will hike (approximately 6 miles) from the vineyard through Alvarado and on the Virginia Creeper Trail to Watauga Rd. parking lot. Along the way, summer flowers bloom, tree houses hide on a bluff, and South and Middle Forks of the Holston Rivers flow together to form South Holston Lake. Pasture land, trestle bridges, and the Watauga Chapel add to the hike variety on the gradual grade the Creeper trail takes as it heads towards Abingdon.
At the parking lot vehicles will shuttle us back to the vineyard. Please bring sun block, hat and water. Call Judith Foster at 276-623-2408 for more information.
Saturday August 7, 6:30 p.m. through Sunday, August 8, 8:00 a.m.
Advanced registration is required
Wake up on the Virginia Creeper Trail!!! Sponsored by the Virginia Creeper Trail Club, this event seeks to promote a fun overnight outing for children and adults, and to feature the trail as a destination for family and fun. Participants should provide their own tent and sleeping bags as well as a picnic supper (water will be provided). Children are encouraged to bring balls and sporting equipment, etc. to play with in the park. Bicycles are also encouraged in order to ride on trail. After dark, there will be a campfire program with s'mores provided!! "Quite hours" will begin at 10:00 p.m. All children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be responsible for their safety and care throughout the event. A port-a-potty will be on site.
Advanced registration is required by August 5 by calling Sherri at 276-676-2209 to register. Park at the Abingdon Trailhead and walk or bike approximately 1/4 mile down the trail to the "Y" park (site of the Brillhart picnic pavilion behind Elderspirit.) Note: there is NO parking at the Elderspirit for this event as their lot is reserved for residents only. In the event of bad weather, please check the website of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club www.vacreepertrail.org to determine if this event has been cancelled.
Saturday, July, 24 or Wednesday, July 28, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented by Claiborne Woodall, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program
Advanced registration required by July 23
The Great Channels. Photo by Gary Fleming.
We will meet at the Hayter's Gap Community Center at 9:00 a.m. and carpool to the mountain. Advanced phone registration is required, and spots fill quickly. Claiborne Woodall, with DCR's Natural Heritage Program, will lead this 5-mile roundtrip hike. Participants must bring lunch, drinking water, and sturdy hiking boots. You may also want to bring a camera, rain gear, field glasses, or binoculars.
To reserve your place on this trip, please contact Claiborne Woodall at 276-676-5673 by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2010. Please specify July 24 or July 28 hike preference. Limit 20 participants.
Saturday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Presented by Anne Maio, Judith Foster, & Susan Erdeky
Thursday, August 5, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented by Zach Olinger, Virginia Department of Forestry
Pre-registration is required by e-mail to zachary.olinger@dof.virginia.gov.
Join Zach Olinger of the Virginia Department of Forestry, for a moderately strenuous hike over steep and rocky terrain to visit the Great Channels, a fascinating geologic formation atop Clinch Mountain. Pack a lunch, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The hike will include discussion about the ecology and management of the Channels State Forest.
Pre-registration is required by e-mail to zachary.olinger@dof.virginia.gov or call 276-236-2322. Event limited to the first 20 people to register. This is a popular event, if you register, and then you cannot attend, please call so your spot can be filled.
Tours
Virginia Higher Ed Center
Thursday, July 29, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The principal architect and facilities manager will guide the tour with detailed descriptions of all the green building and sustainable design features of the HEC's 5,600 sq. ft. addition registered LEED for New Construction. For more information contact Eddie Sproles at 276-619-4347 or esproles@swcenter.edu.
Saturday, July 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Experience the Estonoa Wetlands. Tour the wetlands, edible gardens, rain gardens and future mussel nursery at the Vencil Learning Center in St. Paul, VA. Students from St. Paul High School, along with teacher Terry Vencill, will lead the tour and discuss wetland function and importance. Visitors will also learn how a class project evolved into an international-recognized education initiative, Team Estonoa. Register in advance for this free event, by calling Lou Wallace at 276- 762-2303 or 276-608-0642. The group will meet at Abingdon Food Lion Parking Lot to carpool to St. Paul, or meet at the learning center.
Advanced registration required. Call Lou Wallace at 276-762-2303 or 276-608-0642. Event is free but donations will be accepted on behalf of Team Estonoa through St. Paul Tomorrow, Inc.
Saturday, July 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Rain date August 7)
Presented by Mike Maiden, Dan Callahan & Sarita Moore
Advance Registration required
Town of Abingdon's Wolf Creek Water Reclamation Facility Recognized for Environmental Excellence
The Town of Abingdon continues to make improvements to its Wolf Creek Water Reclamation Facility and has been recognized for environmental excellence. If you would like to tour an award winning, state of the art wastewater treatment facility and see Green Energy at work, this is the event for you. See your Stimulus Money at work as renewable energy is utilized to treat wastewater at the Wolf Creek Water Reclamation Facility. A multifaceted energy recovery project, utilizing biogas and solar to generate electricity and geothermal to heat buildings, is reducing the facilities electrical consumption and its carbon footprint.
To register call by July 21, 276-628-4321 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 29, 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 noon (Rain date July 31)
Presented by Dr. Fred Hebbard
Price Research Farm
For more information contact Joneen Sargent at 423-878-6768 or joneens@charter.net.
Food Events
Saturday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Presented by Abingdon Farmer's Market
Everyone loves a good tomato! Well, we've got them by the bushel at the Abingdon Farmers Market! In fact, we've set aside a whole day to celebrate the juicy goodness of this humble fruit!
Join us on Saturday, July 31 for our third annual Tomato Fest! We'll have old-time music alongside samples of old time heirloom tomatoes; we'll have local chefs creating wonderful delights (free for the sampling) using fresh local tomatoes; we'll have activities for the kids and perhaps even a sampling of Abingdon's famous Tomato Ice Cream! All this and, of course, the fabulous local foods and crafts of the Abingdon Farmers Market community.
Check in to see the schedule of events, or just plan to spend the morning with us. Either way, we'll be there to give the humble tomato its due -- come join us, won't you? The fun starts at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 4, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Presented by Appalachian Sustainable Development
Admission $20.00 Limited to 85
Advanced registration required
It is time to celebrate the bounty of the summer's harvest, and what better way to celebrate than with a creative meal made with locally raised meats, fruits and vegetables! Appalachian Sustainable Development's annual Local Foods Celebration Supper is always a big hit! We invite talented local chefs to work with the fine foods raised by the vendors at the Abingdon Farmer's Market to create a once-in-a-season dining delight that will tickle your tastebuds!
This year the meal will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon. We have space for 85 diners, so call early to make your reservation, space will fill up fast! The cost of the meal is $20.00 ($15.00 for folks over 55 or under 12 years of age) and includes salad, several entrees and sides (buffet style), dessert, tea and water (you are welcome to BYOB, if you wish). Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet the chefs and several of the farmers who raised the food. Come celebrate the harvest with us!
Register in advance by calling Appalachian Sustainable Development at 276-623-1121.
Sunday, July 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented by Anthony and Laurel Flaccavento
Admission $5.00
Come spend a summer's afternoon seeing our local food system in action! Anthony and Laurel Flaccavento have been operating Abingdon Organics, one of our region's premier organic vegetable farms, for over 10 years. You will find their quality produce at the Abingdon Farmer's Market, on the shelves of grocery stores throughout the southeast and on the plates of many restaurants in southwest Virginia and East Tennessee.
Anthony's work, through Appalachian Sustainable Development and other regional projects, has been instrumental in making this part of Virginia one of the strongest local food hubs in the southeast.
Come see firsthand what it takes to run a successful organic farm and taste what makes fresh, local, organic produce so special! Abingdon Organics is known for their heirloom tomatoes and sweet cantaloupes, as well as their innovative use of high tunnels, beneficial insect habitat and creative weed control techniques.
The Flaccavento's will be joined by local Grass-Finished livestock farmers who will explain their systems for raising free-range, healthy meats and eggs. A wonderful sampling of all these local farm products will be provided to all participants. Cost is $5.00 per person (children under 10 are free) and pre-registration is requested by calling 276-623-1121.
Monday, July 26, 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Presented by Chefs Phillip Newton and Richard Houser
Admission $20.00
Advanced registration required, seating limited to 50.
We all know that fresh, local food tastes best, so it just goes to follow that a restaurant that uses primarily fresh, local ingredients on its menu will "Wow" the senses. This is precisely the thinking behind the Harvest Table Restaurant -- an innovative (and delicious) dining experience in nearby Meadowview, Virginia.
Chefs Phillip Newton and Richard Houser have agreed to host this special meal that features meats, vegetables and fruits from nearby farms (many of them organic) and a few words from the mouths of several of the farmers themselves about what it means to be a part of a locally based food system. As always, at the Harvest Table, the food will speak for itself!
This is always a popular event, so call and make your reservation early -- space will fill up fast! There will be two seatings, one at 5:00 p.m. and another at 7:00 p.m. and room for 50 diners at each seating. Call Appalachian Sustainable Development at 276-623-1121 to reserve a spot, and be sure to specify which seating and how many folks are in your party.
Workshops
Monday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
(Rain date Tuesday, August 3)
Presented by Tony Pane, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Shelley Williams with the Virginia Department of Enviornmental Quality
Advance registration required by July 30, Limit 20
Tony Pane of DCR will show participants how to catch and identify micro and macro invertebrates, or the tiny bugs, that live in streams. Aquatic invertebrates are pollution sensitive and are indicators of healthy streams. Water quality is of great concern to the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, since its mission is to achieve clean water throughout the Upper Tennessee River basin in Virginia, which spreads from Lee County toward Wytheville.
Shelley Williams of DEQ will discuss how the aquatic invertebrates help to guide developing good water quality standards for the stream. Environmental Educator Spencer Moss, an Office of Surface Mining Volunteers In Service To America member with the Roundtable, will involve kids in a fun, hand-on education activity about water pollution.
The workshop will take place at Toole's Creek at Historic White's Mill, which is located on White's Mill Road. Rain date will be the following day, august 4, at the same time and location.
To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Carol Doss, Roundtable coordinator, at 276- 628-1600, by July 30. For more information about the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable visit the organization's website at www.uppertnriver.org.
Thursday, August 5, 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Presented by Dr. James Warden of E&H College
Advanced registration required by Monday, August 2
Deep space viewing will be on tap 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 new state-of-the-art aluminum dome. Limited to 15 participants. To register call Dr. Jim Warden's office at 276-944-6201 and register with the secretary.
Demostrations
Tuesday, August 3, 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Presented by Bruce Wankel, Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
Advanced registration required by August 2
Participants will meet at the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop at 8:30 a.m. and from there carpool to a nearby trout stream to learn about aquatic entomology, the natural live insects that are on the trout's menu. We will collect samples of aquatic insects and compare them to some of our favorite artificial fly patterns. The program will conclude with a demonstration of some of the more useful fly casting methods used in a trout stream. Meet at 8:30 a.m., Virginia Creeper Fly Shop, I-81 exit 19, onto Rt. 58 East, 1/2 mile on the left. 16501 JEB Stuart Hwy (276-628-3826). Advanced registration required by Monday, August 2. Register by calling Jim Cowan: 276-628-5905.
Saturday, July 31, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presented by Bill Miller and Randy Short
Advanced registration required by July 29
This chainsaw training is not designed to make firewood cutters into professional loggers. It emphasizes safety, planning and caution. By incorporating these principles into your cutting routine, you will become a more active manager of your woodlot. Participants will meet at the Hayter's Gap Community Center and Library and then travel to the Channels State Forest. Registration is required by July 29, and the course is limited to 25 participants. Please call Bill Miller, Virginia Department of Foprestry, Abingdon Office at 276-676-5488 or email william.miller@dof.virginia.gov for additional information or to register for the training. Rain date Saturday, August 7.
Lectures
Washington County Public Library, Abingdon
Monday, August 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Presented by Bruce Wankel, Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
Advanced registration required by Monday, August 2
A slide show presentation and lecture will be presented reviewing essential equipment and tackle. Demonstrations in knot tying and fly pattern selection and fly tying will also be presented at the Washington County Public Library, Valley Street and Oak Hill in Abingdon. Bruce Wankel, a local fishing guide and owner of the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop, will begin the program with a short slide presentation outlining the excellent year-around fly fishing opportunities in our region. He will review and discuss the essential equipment, fishing lines and knots used in fly fishing and appropriate outerwear. Attendees will learn to identify some of our area's common aquatic and terrestrial insects in the trout's diet and to recognize look alike imitation trout flies; attendees may assist with tying a fly pattern. The program will conclude with a brief casting demonstration.
Advanced registration required by Monday, August 2. Register by calling Jim Cowan at 276-628-5905.
Sunday, August 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented by Eugene W. Branham
Eugene Branham
First discovered by European settlers over 250 years ago, the pictographs have been the subject of multiple studies by both amateurs and professionals. With a background in geography and surveying technology, Branham became active in avocational archaeology with Wolf Hills Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia. He has participated in numerous site surveys and excavations covering historic and prehistoric time periods. He is currently employed as a senior designer with a civil engineering firm.
For more information contact Museum of the Middle Appalachians, Janice Orr or Harry Haynes at 276-469-3633, museumoma@embarqmail.com. Museum hours: M-S 10-4, Sun 1-4.
Wednesday, August, 4 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Presented by Chad Quesenberry and Jimmy Wingfield
Chad Quesenberry of the Abingdon office of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Jimmy Wingfield of Wingfield Environmental Services will pair up to cover for you the many interesting components which come to bear when USTs LEAK! Join them at the Pioneer Chevrolet used car lot (across from the dealership) on US 11 W just west of the Old Jonesboro Road intersection for an hour of show and tell about the science and industry of groundwater cleanups. For a bit more fun, stay and have a look at all the fine cars once we're through.
For more information contact Dan Manweiler at 276-676-4837 or bitcrate@gmail.com.
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