Seniors Connecting with Nature

"Seniors Connecting with Nature" has launched for residents of senior living centers who have limited access to the great outdoors. BRFAL leader, Sue B., developed the series to help residents reconnect with nature and share the memories it brings back. 

At Riverstone Senior Living in Bedford, residents were introduced residents to birds found throughout Virginia. They discussed bird migration and tips for identifying birds. Residents listened to local bird songs, examined nests and feathers, and made bags of nesting materials to hang in a tree outside their building.

The most meaningful part of the visit came when residents shared their own memories of birds and time spent outdoors. 

Their stories made the natural world feel close, even from inside the center.

BRFAL Joins Explore Park’s Insect Fest

 

BRFAL members had a wonderful time participating in Explore Park’s annual Insect Fest on August 29, 2026. More than 500 people from across Southwest Virginia attended the family-friendly event to learn about our region’s insects.

The festival centered around six moving insect sculptures restored by Explore Park, with activities connected to each one. BRFAL member Julia “Moth” Toth helped children create painted-rock beetles, while other members shared information about Save Our Streams, spotted lanternflies, and native plants and pollinators.

We especially loved the collaboration between Virginia Master Naturalist chapters, with BRFAL members working alongside members of the Roanoke Valley chapter, Bedford Master Gardeners, Save Our Streams, the Izaak Walton League of America, and others.

A big thank-you to Explore Park Naturalist and founding BRFAL member Victoria Keenum for inviting us!

-submitted by Claire S.

A Very Happy BIRD-Day, Indeed

VMN volunteer Sue Beeler brought together her Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter, Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, park staff, and an outstanding group of conservation partners to create a fun, educational event for the community called “Happy Bird-Day”. Volunteers led the event on July 11, 2026 in recognition of the state park’s anniversary. Visitors enjoyed hands-on activities and exhibits, learning about birds, wildlife, habitat stewardship, citizen science, and Virginia’s many conservation organizations.

The Expo welcomed more than 300 attendees, including many children and families. Despite the  summer heat, the event was enthusiastically supported by volunteers and exhibitors. Sue’s advance preparation and positivity made a complex event look effortless.

The Nature Expo reflected the Virginia Master Naturalist mission by promoting education and stewardship. It highlighted opportunities for citizen science and strengthened collaboration among conservation organizations. Just as importantly, Sue built relationships that will continue well beyond this single event. And, she laid the groundwork for an even stronger Nature Expo in the years ahead. 

Sue’s vision and ability to bring volunteers together make the event outstanding. Congratulations, Sue, and to all of the BRFAL volunteers involved in the Happy Bird-day event!

-Jill Straight

Rare Flameflower Adventure

Six intrepid BRFAL-VMN members braved a hot and humid summer day in June at Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve to view the rare Piedmont fameflower in bloom.  Guided by Jordan Daniels and Grace Cecil, Mountain Region Assistant Stewards for Virginia’s D.C.R. - Natural Heritage Program, we also learned about the local flora and geology on the 1.3-mile hike through woodlands and grassland barrens.

Bald Knob is a monadnock, an isolated hill of metamorphic rock that weathers and erodes slower than the rocks of the surrounding lowlands.  The mafic rocks of Bald Knob are rich in minerals, which contribute to the fertile soil here.  

The Piedmont fameflower is known to exist at only five locations on Earth, all within the Piedmont of Virginia and North Carolina.  Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve protects the largest population of this rare wildflower.  Blooms open only in the early afternoon of sunny summer days and thrives in the shallow soil and southern aspect of Bald Knob N.A.P.   With succulent leaves to store water, this flower can survive the water-stressed soil and summer heat.

On the day of our chapter field trip, the Fameflower did not open up its bloom in all its glory, due to a cloudy day with a thunderstorm on the horizon.  But, it was still a treat to see this tiny plant with its pretty purplish-pink petals.  Other Virginia native plants that we saw in bloom at Bald Knob: Eastern Prickly Pear, Carolina Wild Petunia, Climbing Milkvine, Common Milkweed, Purple Passionflower, Common Yarrow, Black-eyed Susan, & Oxeye Daisy.  

It’s definitely worth returning to Bald Knob N.A.P. on a sunny summer day to catch the Piedmont fameflower open its bloom!

-by Sue B.

Mark your calendars!

 

Baby Bluebirds!

 

There is good news from our bluebird monitoring team! The first hatch of the season has arrived.

This week, Box 10 revealed 5 chicks and Box 11 has 6 healthy chicks. Another nest is close behind, with 6 eggs that will hopefully hatch soon. It is a strong and encouraging start for our local bluebird population.

Our monitors continue their weekly checks, tracking nest activity and supporting this important conservation effort. Shout out to all of our monitors, led by Dick and Calvin! 

Monarch Monitoring Takes Flight

Spring is underway, and BRFAL volunteers have begun monitoring milkweed for monarch life stages at Booker T. Washington National Monument as part of the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.

This North America–wide effort, led by Monarch Joint Venture, tracks monarch eggs, caterpillars, and milkweed growth to support conservation. In our area, BRFAL participates through both at-home efforts and registered public sites.

At BTWNM, two sites are being monitored this year: a common milkweed patch in the Heritage Garden and an unmowed area beyond the historic grounds. Milkweed emerged in early April, and weekly surveys began right away.

As of April 21, volunteers have recorded 41 milkweed plants and 3 monarch eggs in the garden patch, and 16 plants with no eggs yet in the unmowed area. It is still early in the season, and more activity is expected in the weeks ahead.

Monitoring involves collecting data on milkweed density, noting the presence of monarchs across all life stages, and tracking weekly rainfall. Each observation helps us understand monarch populations across the North America.

The local team includes Sue B., Calvin M., Jennifer H., Posie M., Sandy W., Lynn F., and Lorraine A.- shout out to them!

Those interested in participating can complete training through the Monarch Joint Venture, and contact Sue B for more information.

Wildflowers!

Sunshine and a warm breezes set the scene for the 2026 BRFAL-VMN trainees during their Wildflower ID field trip on April 4 along the trails of Booker T. Washington National Monument . The group spent the morning immersed in early spring blooms while building practical field identification skills.

Using Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, trainees worked through the guide’s key system, learning how to observe plant structure and narrow down species step by step. While the process can be challenging, it offered a hands-on way to deepen familiarity with native plants.

The trail rewarded their efforts with a lovely display of seasonal wildflowers, including Virginia bluebells, foamflower, spring beauty, rue anemone, golden ragwort, bluets, chickweed, and a variety of violets. Each stop along the way became an opportunity to practice identification and share observations.

Field experiences like this continue to build confidence and equip trainees with the skills they need to become certified Virginia Master Naturalists.

photo credits to Sue B.

Bluebirds at Booker T!

 

A group of BRFAL members and trainees recently gathered at Booker T. Washington National Monument for a Bluebird Monitoring training led by project lead Dick.

Dick provided step-by-step instruction on how to monitor the site’s 16 bluebird houses. Participants took turns opening boxes, checking for nests, and observing activity while learning proper monitoring techniques.

Several boxes contained active nests, and one revealed five eggs. The group took a moment to appreciate the find and the role of ongoing monitoring in supporting bluebird populations.

The chapter has also strengthened its partnership with park staff, who have welcomed the research and expressed appreciation for the role BRFAL plays in supporting bluebird conservation.

Members are encouraged to learn the monitoring process and sign up for shifts during the spring monitoring season.

Virginia’s CCC Parks

At a recent chapter meeting, Ethan Seaver, Assistant Park Manager of Fairy Stone State Park, shared a fascinating look at the history of Virginia’s early state parks. Ethan highlighted the six original parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and how they helped shape the foundation of our state park system. He also brought out some vintage tools, including a family heirloom axe.

The CCC was an important program that put young men to work building parks, restoring forests, and improving public lands. Virginia was an early leader in this effort, and the parks developed during that time still reflect the thoughtful design and craftsmanship of CCC crews today.

Today, Virginia Master Naturalists, including our chapter, are proud to partner with state parks to support conservation and education, continuing the work that began nearly a century ago.

Thank you, Ethan, for coming out to inspire us!

TRAINING STARTS FEB 2026

 

Back to Bald Knob!

 Ten hardy BRFAL members returned to work at Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve in Rocky Mount on two beautiful days in late October. They removed 5 bags of trash, 250 yards of barbed wire fencing, lots of intermingled trees and shrubs, and various invasive plants consisting mostly of Chinese Privet.

Bald Knob is a 1350 foot knob in an area of lower elevation land that has unique thin mafic barren soil (formed from 500 million year old exposed ferromagnesium rock).  That soil is home to some very unusual and endangered plants that are found only in a few spots in Virginia and North Carolina – including the Piedmont Fame Flower and Keever’s Bristle Moss.  The preserve now encompasses about 120 acres.

Since 2017, BRFAL has worked with DCR employees Ryan Klopf and James Francis to improve the site by removing many decades of old cattle fencing, invasive plants, tires, discarded appliances, and other trash.  We have done some work to improve the creek bed and buffer, as well as remove some of the invasive plants that have decided to call Bald Knob home.  Someday, more stream restoration will be done and many of the non-native plants may also be removed, but that is perhaps far in the future.

DCR plans to install a parking area and begin some trails this winter.  Perhaps we will be able to help with some of that effort. 

Enjoy these pictures of the awesome crew that came out to volunteer and the pile we were left with at the end of the day!

For more information on Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve, visit:

Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve (virginia.gov)

For more information on the damaging effects of privet on natural areas, visit:

fslisi.pdf (virginia.gov)

Thanks for coming!

 

Nature Expo 2024!

 

Creek Week!

Ten years ago, the Western Virginia Water Authority developed Creek Week, a program that conducts activities in schools to create awareness about the importance of water resources. However, only a few schools have a creek on their property, but Franklin County Middle School does and has been a wonderful place for hands-on activities. The Water Authority provides all the necessary equipment and sets up the program, and their programs have won multiple awards.

The Creek Station is the heart of the program, and BRFAL Volunteers staff it. The station is divided into two simultaneous groups, and the goal is to have at least two experienced SOS volunteers who have worked the program before and one person with less experience. Chekka, Geoff, Connie Jean, Lee, Martha Kuon, and Carolyn Briggs worked this year. Chekka's college students also provided excellent assistance, with two of them being from Franklin Co. and remembering their Creek Week years ago. On Monday, two of Chekka's students helped, five helped on Wednesday and Thursday, and three on Friday.

Several organizations participate in Creek Week. The Water Authority brings two people, while The Blue Ridge Soil And Water District runs a station. The Clean Valley Council provides one or two volunteers to assist.

This program is unique and offers experiential education to children, leading them to care about their environment. The BRFAL team has six years of interpretive training and additional NPS training to achieve the program's goal, which is to make attendees care about the resource, which is the Earth.

-report submitted by Shearer

Training Starts in MARCH!

 

Tree Exploration at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park

Exciting news for Master Naturalists and Smith Mountain Lake Community Park! The DCR Tree Identification Signage project has extended its roots to the North Shore segment of the scenic loop trail.  Volunteers Eric and Paul have labeled 23 tree species, featuring a diverse range, including seven types of oak. For two species, hemlock and white pine, 6x6 posts display the ID tags since only small examples exist.

 

Special thanks to Parks Manager Ben Newbill and Franklin County for their enthusiastic support, including purchasing the ID tags, and ensuring this project thrives.

 

To see the tagged trees, take the entrance road past the beach to the far parking lot. Follow the path toward the fishing pier, and just before reaching it, turn left at the North Shore Trail sign.  This segment spans approximately 3/4 mile, treating you to stunning lake views and a midway bench for relaxation. The entire park loop, spanning 1.75 miles along the shoreline, promises a nature-filled adventure. 

 

Don't miss the chance to learn about the beautiful trees gracing this picturesque trail! 

Better at Bald Knob

Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes (BRFAL) members and Jimmy Francis of DCR won a small victory against privet at Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve in Rocky Mount this week.  

BRFAL members spent a cold morning removing the invasive plant from East Court Street's northern side using loppers and saws. To prevent regrowth, they painted the stumps with herbicide. They also cleared trash from the roadside and removed barbed wire fencing. 

Despite the chilly start, the day turned sunny and rewarding. Their efforts saved native plants like redbuds, black cherries, and hackberries smothered by privet thickets. Upcoming tasks involve further privet removal, as privet disrupts native ecosystems, choking native flora and fauna. 

Thanks to these members, things are looking better at Bald Knob!

For more information on Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve, visit 

Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve (virginia.gov)

For more information on the damaging effects of privet on natural areas, visit: 

fslisi.pdf (virginia.gov)

Leaf Catching, Lunch & Learn

 

Members of the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes chapter met at Ferrum College for a hike led by Dr. Bob Pohlad and Dr. Todd Fredericksen.  It was a sunny but windy fall morning.  Sourwood, maple, and hickory trees had turned brilliant yellow and red.  Fallen leaves were blowing around in big bunches and despite multiple attempts, several members and Todd, in particular, were unable to catch them.

Bob and Todd walked us along Ferrum’s Nature Writers Trail near Chapman Pond.  According to a 2022 article that appeared in “The Iron Blade” (Ferrum’s student newspaper), students from the Recreation Leadership program designed and built the trail over a period of eight years.  The development also involved faculty from the English, Biology, Environmental Science and Art Departments.  As we walked, Bob explained that the trail is marked with signs featuring quotes from 12 nature authors who were inspirational to the faculty.  The signs also contain a QR code that directs hikers to a library resource page with more information about the trail and the authors.  This ‘lib guide page’ can be found by clicking on:  https://libguides.ferrum.edu/NatureTrailHome. 

In addition to telling us about the trail, Bob and Todd showed us and talked about all manner of fungi, moss, lichen, lycopodium, ferns, and changing tree leaf color.  We also spotted a resident Great Blue Heron near the pond and Todd found a barn spider which he explained is the title character in E. B. White’s Charlottes’s Web—circling back nicely to the subject of literature!

Thank you Bob and Todd for a very pleasant and interesting hike.  And thanks to all who brought food for our delicious picnic afterward.

Submitted by Beth P.

Thanks for Coming!