New Hiking Guide Available

A special thank you to Barbara Winn and Aileen Bourne of the Martinsville-Henry County Master Gardeners for volunteering their time to create hiking guides for the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve! The first guide in the series is now complete and aids in the identification of ferns. There are ten species of ferns that can be found on the property.

The guide titled "Ferns of the Gravely Preserve" will be available as a downloadable PDF on the DRBA website soon. In the meantime interested parties can pick up copies of the guide from the Henry County Office, or request a copy of the guide via e-mail. Call 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org. A second guide in the series, to be released later, will focus on fall tree identification.

Enjoy an early fall walk and take the challenge...can YOU find all ten ferns?

Calling All Volunteers!

Members of the Henry County Bike Club
enjoying the Fieldale Trail earlier this year.

The Dan River Basin Association is partnering with the Henry County Bike Club to host a volunteer workday on Saturday, September 27th to begin work on Phase II of the Fieldale Trail on River Road in Fieldale, Virginia. We need YOUR help!

Background Info: The Fieldale Trail is a project sponsored by the Dan River Basin Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation. The project is funded by The Dominion Foundation. One mile of shared-use trail currently exists and an additional mile of trail will be added on to it going downstream along the Smith River. This trail addition will enhance the recreational opportunities available in Henry County and also be part of DCR's mountains to sea trail system which will pass through Henry County bringing in tourists.

Details: Volunteers are needed to help prep the area before machinery comes in to construct the trail. Tasks include: cutting fallen logs/limbs and removing them from the trail, removing rocks from the trail, and cutting small saplings that cannot be avoided. After the trail surface is cleared, a walk-behind bush hog (use of bush hog donated by Frith Construction) will be used to mow down the tall grasses where needed. We will begin work at 10 am and try to clear as far as we can get down the trail by 1pm.

Supplies Needed: Chainsaws, loppers, machetes, and any other tools that might be useful for removing debris from the trail. Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for working outdoors. Bug spray is highly recommended. Please also bring a bottle of water.

Extra Fun: The Henry County Bike Club is hosting a Beginner's Bike Ride on the Fieldale Trail at 9am before the workday begins. Bike riders of all experience levels are invited to attend. Feel free to bring your bike, helmet, and join in the fun!

Directions: From the Hwy 220 bypass take the exit for Fieldale, Dillon's Fork Road. Travel east and the name will change to Patrick Avenue as you enter the town of Fieldale. You will come to a stop sign with an Iron Bridge across from you and a ball field to the right. Turn right onto S. River Road. As you drive down the road you will see the trail to your left. Keep going until you pass a water treatment plant and the trailhead parking lot will be on your left.

Other Dates: If you cannot attend on Sept. 27 and would still like to help with this project, please contact Jennifer. Additional workdays will be held throughout the fall and we are signing up volunteers for the later dates as well.

Questions: Please contact Jennifer Doss, Project Manager, with any questions at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org