DRBA Plans Fall Activities

Looking for something fun to do this fall?

Tuesday Morning Stolls

September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th

Join us for an easy-paced walking tour of the Gravely Nature Preserve. While on the 1-mile walk, you’ll learn the history of the Burgess Family Plantation that once stood on the land. All walks begin at 9 am. For more information, please contact Jennifer Doss, DRBA Rivers & Trails Project Manager, at 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org.

Smith River Float, Picnic, and Hike
September 6, 2008

Extend your summer of DRBA’s popular staycations with a Smith River Trails celebration on Saturday, September 6, a 3.5-mile float on the Smith River followed by a picnic and hike in the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve near Ridgeway, Virginia.

Meeting at 10:00 a. m. at the Gravely Nature Preserve on Eggleston Falls Road, we will launch our boats at nearby Marrowbone Creek Access to float the most popular section of the river, taking out at Mitchell Bridge. This section, rated Class 1, is suitable for novice paddlers.

For the first half mile of the trip, the river flows alongside the Gravely Nature Preserve’s high bluffs where paddlers can glimpse the new riverside Rhododendron Trail. About a mile farther on, Leatherwood Creek, on which Patrick Henry lived from 1779 to 1786, enters from river left. Paddlers often enter the wide mouth of the creek and take a leisurely side trip up the shaded stream to observe woodland wildflowers and birds.

After the float, we will return to the Gravely Nature Preserve to picnic in the Outdoor Classroom and then enjoy a hiking tour of the two miles of interpretive trails. Historic features include early twentieth-century tobacco barns and the Burgess Family cemetery, reminders of former owners of the property.

Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat, life jacket, hiking boots or shoes, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver.

DIRECTIONS:
To reach the Gravely Nature Preserve from U.S. 220 south of Martinsville, turn east at a traffic light onto Old Sand Road. Cross the U.S. 58 overpass and immediately turn left onto Eggleston Falls Road. Travel about two miles to the preserve, which is on the left, across from the foot of Old Mill Road.

FURTHER INFORMATION:Paul Johnson 434-579-7599 or kpauljohnson@yahoo.com

To arrange ride sharing for this event contact Forrest Altman at forrestaltman@mebtel.net

Be A Beaver
September 13, 2008

Calling all kids! Join us at the Gravely Nature Preserve to learn about Beavers and other creatures that live there. Enjoy a craft, games, and a hike. Program begins at 10 am. FREE! For ages 4-12. Pre-registration is required, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org.

Nature Crafts
October 15, 2008

Home school families and retirees are invitied to come enjoy Nature Crafts. Learn how to create your very own Native American Dream Catcher using objects found in nature and hear the legend of the Dream Catcher. The class begins at the pavilion at 10 am and will last approximately one hour. Fee: $3/person. For ages 12 and up; class is limited to the first 20 participants. Pre-registration is required, contact Jennifer Doss, at 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org.

Oh Deer!
November 8, 2008

Calling all kids! Join us at the Gravely Nature Preserve to learn about white-tail deer and other creatures that live there. Enjoy a craft, games, and a hike. Program begins at 10 am. FREE! For ages 4-12. Pre-registration is required, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org.