Whitewater in Roanoke Virginia Region

Master Naturalists love all things outside, in case you didn't know our region also has some awesome whitewater, hey this is the mountains!

Visit Roanokeoutside.com to learn more about our exciting outdoor recreation.

Learn more about the Virginia Master Naturalist Program here.

Virginia's Largest Conservation Easement

Did you know that the Roanoke Region is home to Virginia's largest conservation easement?

The Western Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) was instrumental in making this happen, and since 1996 has helped save more than 86,000 acres of land in western Virginia from urban sprawl and development. Through conservation easements, WVLT works with private landowners to forever protect critical farmland, vital animal habitat, scenic view sheds, and nationally significant watersheds.

HUNTING SEASON HAS STARTED - WEAR ORANGE

BE SAFE - WEAR ORANGE, HIKE ON SUNDAYS!
It's hunting season here in Virginia and that means it's time to break out the orange vests (or brightly color

clothing) when you head out for your next hike, trail run, bike ride, or camping adventure. And don't forget to put a vest on your dog too.

Tips:

• A licensed hunter has every bit as much right to be in the woods as you.
• Sunday is the safest day to be outside (if you aren't a hunter). It is illegal to hunt on Sundays.
• Be visible. Wear bright colors and avoid earth tones. Don't wear white. A flash of white may be mistaken for the white of a deer's tail.
• Make yourself heard. Don't be obnoxious, but don't be silent. Just be heard. Talk with your partner, whistle, or wear a bell.
• Stick to the trail. Hunters are generally aware of where trails are located.

Seasons:

• Visit the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for an official listing of hunting seasons, regulations, and standards. This list is incomplete and only covers the more popular hunting seasons.
• Err on the safe side and assume it is hunting season anytime between October 1 and January 1.
• Deer firearms season is the most popular:  11/19 - 12/17 (depending on the county).
• Deer archery: 10/1-11/18 and 12/5-1/7 (depending on the county).
• Deer muzzleloader: 11/5-11/18 and 12/17-1/7 (depending on the county).
• Turkey firearms: 10/29-11/11, 11/24, and 12/5-12/31.

Information shared by RoanokeOutdside.com the website that is everything outside! Click here to learn why the Roanoke Region is outdoor area on the East Coast! 

Learn more about the Virginia Master Naturalist program here!  BRFAL Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalist wants you to get outside, explore and learn something new today. 

Get involved in something cool, our next basic training will be held at The Franklin Center in Downtown Rocky Mount beginning March 2012, feel free to email us for more details: contact@brfal.org

Doctors write ‘park prescriptions’ to get patients moving

Here is your RX - take one of these daily!

Get Outside!

Dr. Conrad Sichler prescribed something the other day that his patient couldn’t get at the local pharmacy.  He told the middle-aged man, stressed and long overdue for a vacation, to go for a walk in the woods.