Smith River Trout Unlimited (SRTU) is hosting a fly tying class on April 11. The cost of the class is $15. If interested in participating in this event, pleast contact Linda Drage by April 1. See contact information below.
On April 25, DRBA is seeking volunteers for "Rock the River" at Staunton River State Park. This day-long event is a Girl Scout recruiting event (open to the public!) and will have canoe lessons, craft stations, river bank clean up, s'mores, and—best of all—end with everyone participating in an African drum circle. Professional djembe drummers from Danville, VA and Wilmington, NC will lead everyone in the closing ceremony that sends a rousing Earth Day "thank you" to the river for all it gives to us. No prior drumming experience necessary.
After coming from the brink of being closed forever, Jamison Mill will open once again. Friends of Philpott, a non-profit organizatrion whose mission is to promote environmentally responsible use, development, and protection of the natural and recreational resources at Philpott Lake through community involvement and education, has spent the past year working to restore the park, construct trails, and refurbish the boat ramp so that they may all be used again. Thanks to their work under the direction of President, Linda Drage, the group is pleased to announce that the park will be officially open for race weekend on March 26th.
Have you ever wanted to paddle a kayak but weren’t quite sure where to start? Now is the time to learn! Kayaking is a fun form of exercise and is very safe when practiced properly. This spring the Dan River Basin Association, Henry County Parks & Recreation, and Martinsville Leisure Services are partnering together to bring classes on kayaking to the Martinsville & Henry County area. Two classes will be held in May and taught by Eric Juday, an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor.
overhanging the river to seek his dinner. I have thrilled at the shrill of the kingfisher, gloried in the many glints of gold as the goldfinches returned in the spring, and the myriad of painted glass black swallow-tail butterflies that gather pollen from blossom to blossom. I have witnessed cardinals, Indigo buntings, and Ruby-breasted grosbeaks sharing the feeder seed simultaneously. I snapped pictures like a proud grandmother of the infant ducklings this spring, and silently cursed sneaky paw prints of the raccoon on my grill. I have giggled at the lumbering ground hogs in their quest for my garden bulbs, and gingerly stepped over wee salamanders that flash iridescent turquoise as they dart in and out of the downed leaves. Moreover, I delighted in the twin fawns that took advantage of the very first warm day of spring to gambol in the river water so typical of children everywhere. I have thought there is so much nature and beauty to be enjoyed here!
appreciation. The local Rivers and Trails organization has spearheaded a drive to establish a new canoe access to the Smith River. Created by the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department and adjacent to the park, the first passage down the river is directly through the newly Certified Wildlife Habitat.
On April 25, DRBA is seeking volunteers for "Rock the River" at Staunton River State Park. This day-long event is a Girl Scout recruiting event (open to the public!) and will have canoe lessons, craft stations, river bank clean up, s'mores, and—best of all—end with everyone participating in an African drum circle. Professional djembe drummers from Danville, VA and Wilmington, NC will lead everyone in the closing ceremony that sends a rousing Earth Day "thank you" to the river for all it gives to us. No prior drumming experience necessary.
Association has planted in his memory. Many of you remember Ben Lackey, who died in a tragic accident in October, 2007. A business leader and ardent conservationist, Ben and his wife Josephine were frequent participants and sometime hosts for Rockingham County Naturalist Club events. Ben served on the Board of Directors for the Dan River Basin Association for nearly two years before his death. We remember his lively interest in the natural world, his work to preserve the rare plants on his Stokes County farm, and his enthusiastic participation in our organization. We hope you can join us for a brief ceremony to honor Ben Lackey's memory. If you'd like to share a story or memory of Ben, there will be an opportunity for you to do so.
At the Dan River Basin Association, we love to hear about your paddling adventures! The following are some photos provided by DRBA members Andy Parker and his family. They recently enjoyed a paddle trip from Marrowbone Creek to Mitchell Road Bridge on the Smith River during the warm weather we had last week.
All was cool until.....
Oops -- the dog does not like water.
Jack would not get back in the kayak -- he rock hopped back to the canoe.
