2011 Great Outdoors

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
FROM FIELD TO TABLE
WORKSHOPS
DEMONSTRATIONS
LECTURES


2011 Field Trips

"Lawrence the Legend" Creeper Trail Ride
Saturday, July 23, Meet at the Abingdon Trailhead at 8:00 a.m.
Virginia Creeper Trail
Presented by Lawrence Dye

Have you heard the legend of the Virginia Creeper Trail? Lawrence Dye 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 160,000 miles. He's now over 79 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. Participants can shorten the mileage by joining/leaving the group at different locations along the trail. The pace will be moderate. 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 Station. We will arrive at Whitetop Station around noon, eat lunch, and head back down the trail at 12:30 p.m. For more information call 276-669-5892.

Mountaintop Stargazing and Starlore
Monday, August 1 at 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Meet to carpool at Route 19 Food Country parking lot
Presented by Gregory J. McConnell

Join Dr. Mike Duffy 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. Bring your own binoculars or telescope if you want to the look at the skies up-close. Meet to organize a carpool at Food Country parking lot on Route 19 by 8:15 p.m. For more information call 276-623-2308. Advance registration required by e-mailing to festivalstargazing@yahoo.com.

Salamander Field Trip
Sunday, August 7, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. p.m.
Meet at Damascus Town Park by the train
Presented by Gregory J. McConnell

The Southern Appalachians are home to the highest diversity of salamanders in the world. Join Professor Gregory McConell from Emory & Henry College's Biology Department for an opportunity to observe a variety of these animals in their natural habitat on Whitetop Mountain. The group will carpool from Damascus Town Park. For more information call 276-944-6767 or email: gjmcconn@ehc.edu.

Clinch River Guided Kayak Float
Saturday, July 30, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dungannon, Virginia, Clinch River
Presented by Bill Dingus, Clinch Valley Outfitters, LLC
Meet at Dungannon River Access

See the Clinch River up close and personal. Referred to as "America's Crown Jewel," "one of the last great places," and "the number one place worth protecting," by The Nature Conservancy, the Clinch River offers an excellent kayaking experience. CVO guides will lead your group down the river, making various stops to discuss ecological resources, environmental issues and historical facts about the Clinch Valley. While riding your CVO Kayak you will have the freedom to explore, float along and talk with friends, or just float along taking in the scenery. Various styles of sit-on-top Kayaks to choose from (while available). Floating from Miller Yard to Dungannon. Approximately 4 hours. Meeting at the Dungannon River Access. Number of participants: 15 Max. Special Highlands Festival Rate: $20 per person (normal rate $50); includes kayak, paddle, and life jacket rentals. To schedule your trip contact Bill Dingus at 276-479-3316 or email: adventure@clinchvalleyoutfitters.com. In case of poor river conditions an alternate kayaks tour event will be held at Hidden Valley Lake.

2011 Nature Walks

Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk
Saturday, August 6, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia in Atkins, Virginia
Presented by Carrie Sparks
Meet at the parking lot/picnic shelter for the museum on SR 615 at 11:00 a.m.

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 at the parking lot/picnic shelter for the museum on SR 615 at 11am. 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. To register in advance, email Carrie Sparks at jim2carrie@embarqmail.com, or call 276-783-2125 by August 4th.


Mountain Ash at Whitetop

Whitetop Mountain Wildflower Hike
Saturday, July 23, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Whitetop Mountain
Presented by Carrie Sparks and Nancy Hagen
Meet at Elk Garden, SR600, south of 603, to carpool to Whitetop

Join us on Saturday, July 23rd 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. For more information contact Carrie Sparks at 276-783-2125 or email: jim2carrie@embarqmail.com.

Forest Ecology Hike to the Channels
Wednesday, August 3, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meet at Hayters Gap Community Center at 9:00 a.m.
Presented by Zach Olinger
Pre-registration required by July 25

Event limited to the first 20 people to register. This is a popular event, so if you register, and then can not attend, please call so your spot can be filled. This is 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. For more information contact Zach Olinger at 276-236-2322, ext. 103, or email: zachary.olinger@dof.virginia.gov.

High Meadows Hike
Saturday, July 30, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grayson Highlands State Park
Presented by Anne Maio
Meet at Damascus Town Park, next to caboose to carpool

Hike about 4 miles in Mt. Rogers high country for scenic views of mountains and wild ponies. Wear sturdy footwear. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, hat, light jacket. Meet at 9 a.m. at the red caboose in the Damascus Town Park to carpool to Grayson Highlands State Park. May be asked to pay $1 or $2 for parking fee. For more information contact Anne Maio of the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club at 276-475-3065, or email: trailsamkm@aol.com.

Appalachian Trail Hike
Sunday, July 24, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Meet at Damascus Town Park, next to caboose
Presented by Anne Maio

Enjoy a 4 mile section of the Appalachian Trail with mountain views at the high point. Meet at the red caboose in the Damascus Town Park at 1 p.m. We will leave cars at both ends of the hike and stop for ice cream afterwards. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. For more information contact Anne Maio of the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club at 276-475-3065, or email: trailsamkm@aol.com.

2011 Tours

Appalachian Farm to Family Co-Op Farm Tour
Saturday, July 23, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Templeton Family Farm and Sweet Grass Farm
$5.00, advance registration by Monday, July 18

The Appalachian Farm to Family Cooperative (AFFC) is a group of a dozen or so family farmers who practice grass-finished, pasture based and humane animal operations. Scattered throughout southwest Virginia, AFFC farmers sell their products at local Farmers Markets, to local colleges and through their monthly on-line marketplace, www.affc.locallygrown.net.

This tour will highlight two farms: The Templeton Family Farm which raises chickens both for meat and for eggs and cares for a small herd of Jersey cows. Michael Templeton also coordinates the activities of the AFFC. Sweet Grass Farm is the home to the Berry family. Shanna Berry operates a dairy farm, but raises grass-finished beef for the Cooperative and to sell at the Abingdon Farmers Market.

The tours will finish with a barbeque supper (with Sweet Grass beef and Templeton Family Farm chicken) at Sweet Grass Farm.

Plan to meet at 1:40 p.m. at the BP gas station off of exit 14 (I-81). You can get directions to the farms there or carpool out for the afternoon. Directions are also available at the Appalachian Sustainable Development office at 310 West Valley Street in Abingdon. There is a $5.00 per person charge to help cover the costs of the meal – please register in advance with ASD – 276-623-1121, if you want to eat! For more information contact Appalachian Sustainable Development, 276-623-1121 or by email, asd@asdevelop.org.

A Stroll Through the Vineyard
Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Abingdon Vineyard and Winery
Presented by Judith Foster

Join us for a stroll through the vineyard, a sip of wine, and purchase a bottle of vineyard wine to go with the picnic lunch you packed. Meet at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, July 31st, at Abingdon Vineyard and Winery, 20530 Alvarado Road, Abingdon. Our 1 1/2 mile stroll through the vineyard will acquaint you with some of the different grape varietals, and will be followed by a tour of the winery production facilities and wine sampling in the tasting room. Enjoy a bottle of wine and picnic lunches on picnic and patio tables with a view of the beautiful grounds and the South Holston River. Email Judith Foster at jf@netscape.com for more information. Insert wine tour in the subject line. There is no need to register for this event.

If You Build it They Will Come!
Saturday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sugar Hollow Park, Bristol, VA, Rain or Shine
Presented by Christine Hannen & Meg Short with the Holston River Soil & Water Conservation District
Pre-registration required by July 29

Join us for an educational stroll around Sugar Hollow Park! The City of Bristol has worked with the Holston River Soil & Water Conservation District to implement smart land use practices that elevate the health of our land and waterways. We are excited to showcase the many benefits that conservation can have for everyone... people and wildlife alike! The tour will focus on the values of rain gardens, stream restoration, no-mow zones, and other positive changes being made in your favorite public park! The HRSWCD staff will use simple hands-on lessons to demonstrate why these practices are so important for our community. This event is perfect for educators who are interested in teaching about watersheds/conservation and would like to expand their background using real-life examples. Teaching materials will be provided for all k-12, home school, and non-traditional educators. Everyone is welcome! Lunch is provided so please RSVP, 276-628-8187, ext. 3, or email: christine.smith@vaswcd.org.

2011 From Field to Table

From Field to Table; A Summer Harvest Celebration
Monday, July 25, 5:00 to 6:45 and 7:00 to 8:45 p.m.
Harvest Table Restaurant; Downtown Meadowview
$25, Advance Registration Required, Limit 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 Philip Newton and Richard Houser have agreed to host this special meal that features meats and 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.

Taste of Abingdon Sunday Supper
Sunday, August 7, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
House on Main Restaurant, 231 West Main Street
$30.00, Advance Registration required, Limited 80

What better way to wrap up the Virginia Highlands Festival than with a hearty meal, handcrafted by one of our area's premier chefs from fresh foods grown and raised just minutes from Abingdon! Chef Jassen Campbell is no stranger to local foods. The House on Main Restaurant in Abingdon is a showcase of the fine meats, eggs and produce that can be found each week at the Abingdon Farmers Market.

This meal will highlight the fresh foods that are so abundant in southwest Virginia this time of year -- freshly smoked barbeque, heirloom tomatoes, beans right off the vine and sweet fruits picked at the peak of ripeness. Local musicians will entertain while we enjoy Chef Jassen's creations. Freshly brewed tea and water are included with the meal, but beer and wine from Abingdon's own Wolf Hills Brewery and Abingdon Vineyards will be available by the glass as well for those wanting the full "taste of Abingdon!"

The Taste of Abingdon Sunday Supper will be open to the first 80 people who register in advance by calling Appalachian Sustainable Development at 276-623-1121. The cost for the meal is $30.00 per person. Don’t delay, this one is sure to fill up fast! For more information contact Appalachian Sustainable Development, 276-623-1121 or by email, asd@asdevelop.org.

Abingdon Farmers Market
Abingdon Farmers Market, Remsburg Drive
Saturdays, July 23, 30 and August 6, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Just 26 and August 2, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Visit Southwest Virginia's finest farmers' market and enjoy a wonderful array of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, honey, baked goods, eggs, meats, certified organic produce, handcrafted items, cut flowers and delicious prepared foods to enjoy right on the spot! Additionally, there may be music, chef demonstrations or kids' activities going on as well. Check their website for more information, www.abingdonfarmersmarket.net. The Abingdon Farmers' Market is open every Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon throughout the season on Remsburg Drive -- right in the heart of Town!

For more information contact Sara Cardinale at 276-698-1434 or by email, abingdonmarket@gmail.com.

2011 Workshops

Stream Pollution Workshop
Tuesday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. White's Mill
Rain date Friday, August 5
Presented by Tony Pane, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Advance registration required by Friday, July 29, Limit 20

Kids, parents, teachers are encouraged to attend a stream pollution workshop, Tuesday, August 2nd, at White's Mill. The upper Tennessee River Roundtable is planning this workshop in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Pre-registration is required by July 29 to participate in the workshop since there is a limit of 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.Environmental Educator April Grace, Upper Tennessee River Roundtable assistant, will involve kids in a fun, hands-on educational activitiy 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 Friday, August 5, at the same time and location. To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Carol Doss, Roundtable coordinator, at 276- 628-1600, by July 29. For more information about the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable visit the organization's website at www.uppertnriver.org.

Planting for Wildlife: Using Native Trees and Shrubs to Create Habitat
Saturday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Abingdon Senior Center
Presented by Laura Polant

Join Laura Polant, a Floyd, Virginia forester, for a fun and informative lecture on planting trees and shrubs for wildlife. laura will share with attendees what kind of trees and shrubs to plant that will provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Whether you have 1/10 of an acre or 100 acres, are a hunter or bird-wathcer, you will learn useful information about appropriate plant selection and placement. the first portion of this informal lecture will be held outdoors (weather permitting) at the Abingdon Senior Center. Afterwards, workshop attendees will go indoors to sketch out a plan for their own properties with Laura's assistance. This workshop is sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Development. For more information contact the Appalachian Sustainable Developmetn at 276-623-1121 or email: asd@asdevelop.org.

2011 Demonstrations

Fly Fishing Opportunities – SW VA & NE TN Essential equipment & tackle, Fly tying patterns
Monday, August 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Washington County Public Library
Presented by Bruce Wankel, Virginia Creeper Fly Shop

Slide presentation and lecture, review of essential equipment & tackle and demonstrations in knot tying and fly pattern selection and fly tying. Washington County Public Library, Abingdon. Bruce Wankel, a local fly 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. Advance registration required by Monday, Aug. 1st. Register by calling Jim Cowan at 276-628-5905.

Fly Fishing - Aquatic Entomology - Fly casting Methods Demo
Tuesday, August 2, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Local trout stream. Meet at: Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
Presented by Bruce Wankel, Virginia Creeper Fly Shop

Participants will meet at the Virginia Creeper Fly Shop at 8:30 a.m. From there we will 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 Route 58 East, 1/2 mile on the left. 16501 JEB Stuart Hwy., 276-628-3826. Advance registration required by Monday, August 1st. Register by calling Jim Cowan at 276-628-5905.

2011 Lectures

Beyond the Solar System
Friday, August 5th, 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Creed–Fulton Observatory at Emory & Henry College
Advanced registration required

Deep space viewing will be on tap at the Creed-Fulton Observatory at Emory & Henry College. Dr. James Warden of the Physics Department will guide you on a tour of the vast spaces beyond our atmosphere. The Meade 16-inch telescope provides a sharp view of planets and deep sky objects from this historic observatory. If skies are cloudy an indoor planetarium lecture will be held. To register call Dr. Warden's office at 276-944-6201 and register with the secretary.

A Septuagenarian Hikes the Inca
Thursday, July 28, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Abingdon United Methodist Church
Presented by Judith Foster

A vicarious hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a 70 something woman, entices or discourages you from trying your hand at such a venture. The Inca Gods conspired to steal her breath, but the guides, perhaps Inca descendants, encouraged and exhorted her to complete the journey. Join Judith Foster at Abingdon United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall for pictures and the story about the journey that proved worth the struggle. For more information email Judith Foster at jf@netscape.com.

Southwest Virginia: Throughfare of Nation Building
Sunday, August 7, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Museum of the Middle Appalachians, Museum Conference Room, Saltville, VA
Presented by Jim Glanville, PhD

Jim Glanville will present a program entitled "Southwest Virginia: Thoroughfare of National Building." He will tell the story of America's westward expansion which funneled through Southwest Virginia. The expansion began symbolically in 1716 when a party of Virginia aristocrats labeled the "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe" explored beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. By 1770, the rutted wagon road traversing the region was the most heavily traveled route in all America. In the decades following Independence, hundreds of thousands of Virginians moved west, carrying with them their culture and political institutions to newly created states. The expansion ended symbolically in 1869 with the driving of the Golden Spike in Utah to unite America by a transcontinental railroad.

Jim Glanville lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is a former Virginia Tech chemistry professor who has published over twenty articles in history and archeology journals since he retired seven years ago. The photo shows him at the Craig Mound, Spiro Indian site, Oklahoma. For more information contact Museum of the Middle Appalachians, Janice Orr or Harry Haynes at 276-469-3633, email: museumoma@embarqmail.com. Museum hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Costa Rica: A Living Classroom
Thursday, August 4, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
United Methodist Church, Main Street
Presented by Gregory J. McConnell

Gregory McConnell has been a member of the Emory & Henry College Biology Faculty since 1993. In addition to his own research in the Central American country of Costa Rica, he has taken over 150 E&H students there as part of his Tropical Biology course. He has also served as a Professor of Rainforest Ecology and Tropical Herpetalogy at La Suerte Biological Station in Sarapigui, Costa Rica. Professor McConnell recently completed a field guide to the snakes of Costa Rica which should be published in 2011. For more information call 276-944-6767 or email: gjmcconn@ehc.edu.


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