Busy Saturday on the Smith River

Intermediate Class participants (L-R): Eric Juday of ACA, Gary Cody of Martinsville Leisure Services, Karen Giles, Linda Drage, Ruth Morgan, and Sam Morgan. Not pictured: Jennifer Doss of DRBA and Bonnie Martin.

There was a frenzy of activity today in Ridgeway, as two events converged on the Smith River.

First was an ACA Intermediate Kayak Class hosted by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), Henry County Parks & Recreation, and Martinsville Leisure Services. Under the direction of ACA instructor, Eric Juday, five paddlers learned various skills such as reading the river, ferrying, eddy turns, and river safety. Eric is shown at left demonstating how using knee and thigh braces gives the paddler more control of the kayak.

Soon after the kayaking class got on the river, additional boaters arrived- more than 30 of them for DRBA's 1st Saturday Outing. As the kayak class practiced their emergency throw-rope techniques they watched the parade of happy boaters float by.

There was plenty of room and water for everyone to enjoy their day on the Smith River! DRBA's first Saturday Outings are free and open to the public. To see details about the next outing visit http://www.danriver.org/.

Another round of Kayak Classes will be offered in June 2009. To register, contact 276-634-2545.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

9-Hole Disc Golf Course now open

Martinsville Leisure Services had a Grand Opening for the new 9-Hole Disc Golf Course at J. Frank Wilson Park on Tuesday, April 28th. There was a ribbon cutting to officially open the course for play. It is “free” for the public to play.

The Martinsville Leisure Services will supply score cards for free, scored like golf, lowest number of THROWS attempted “WINS.” Individual Frisbee Disc will be sold for $7/piece at our office while supplies last and at Southeastern Outdoor Supplies off 4250 Figsboro Rd. as well.

For further information, please call 403-5140.

Article contributed by Gary Cody

Edited/Posted by Vicky Thomas

MHC C&NN Earth Force Training

The Martinsville Henry County Children & Nature Network (MHC C&NN) is pleased to announce Earth Force Training for community members who work with local area youth.

June 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Virginia Museum of Natural History

Suzanne M. Lacy Education Center

This training is for community members that work with local youth such as teachers, scout leaders, youth ministers, master naturalists, and master gardeners.

The goal of Earth Force is to give educators a way to guide children in identifying environmental issues within their community using proper problem solving processes. Earth Force focuses on environmental issues; however, it mixes environment with civic and service learning. Earth Force also helps facilitate an active learning environment for students.

The registration deadline is May 15. To register, visit http://www.vmnh.net/ and download a registration form.

CONTACT INFO:

For more information about the program, please contact Tamara Poles, Nature and Outdoor Education Manager.

Tamara Poles

Nature and Outdoor Education Manager

276-634-4159

tamara.poles@vmnh.virginia.gov

Article contributed by Tamara Poles

Edited and posted by Vicky Thomas

DRBA Receives Thomas Jefferson Award

The Virginia Museum of Natural History recently honored non-profit groups, businesses, and individuals at the 22nd annual Thomas Jefferson Awards. The awards recognize those organizations and individuals for their contributions to and in support of the natural sciences. The Dan River Basin Association was the proud recipient of one of the awards. (All photos Courtesy of VMNH, Melody Cartwright - photographer)

Left to right: the Martinsville Bulletin, accepted by Editor Ginny Wray; Dr. Cleveland P. Hickman Jr., professor emeritus at Washington and Lee University; Dan River Basin Association, accepted by Brian Williams and Jennifer Doss; Boxley Materials Co., accepted by Charles Craddock, superintendent of Boxley’s Fieldale Quarry; Ward Littlefield, a 20-year volunteer at the museum; and Anne Boschen Wright, coordinator of life sciences outreach education at Virginia Commonwealth University

Keynote speaker for the evening was Jay Gillian master trainer for Virginia Save Our Streams. Mr Gilliam spoke about the need for education and cooperation to protect our natural resources. Jay has worked in over 75 VA counties and 13 river basins training thousands of volunteers to monitor our rivers and streams. He pointed out that local people should not look solely to government to solve water quality issues; everyone should be at the table working together toward the common goal of clean and healthy water for all. The Martinsville Bulletin received the Noel T Boaz Director’s Award, selected by the VMNH executive director. It is presented to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions, through volunteer efforts or financial support, to enable the museum to be a more successful institution and to secure its future as a great museum benefiting all citizens of the commonwealth of Virginia. The award was accepted by Bulletin Editor - Ginny Wray.

Dr. Cleveland P. Hickman Jr., professor emeritus of Biology at Washington and Lee University, received the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science. This award is presented to an individual who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history. The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), which received the Matthew Fontaine Maury Distinguished Service Award, presented to an individual or corporation that has provided exemplary service in the development of VMNH. The award was accepted by Brian Williams and Jennifer Doss of DRBA.

Dr. David Jones, a VMNH board member and founder of the Trout in the Classroom project locally, described the extensive work done by DRBA since The Harvest Foundation approved a grant that led to its work here. Included are creating a new system of rivers and trails, taking over the Trout in the Classroom project, creating Smith River kayak access points, creating heritage projects and more. DRBA has “promoted the ideas of the Virginia Museum of Natural History,” Jones added.

Boxley Materials Co., received the William Barton Rogers Corporate Award, presented to a corporation that has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia, through contributions to research, science education or other relevant programs of the museum. It was accepted by Charles Craddock, superintendent of Boxley’s Fieldale Quarry.

Ward Littlefield, received the William Barton Rogers Individual Award, which is presented to an individual who has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia through contributions to research, science education or other relevant programs of the museum.

Anne Boschen Wright, coordinator of life sciences outreach education at Virginia Commonwealth University, received the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science Education. This award is presented to a Virginia educator who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history, environmental and science education in either the formal or non-formal sectors.

Dan River Basin was represented by 9 board members and volunteers at the awards ceremony.

Left to right: DRBA board members Ellen Jessee and Clay Gravely, DRBA staff Brian Williams, DRBA Vice President David Jones, DRBA staff Jennifer Doss, DRBA board members T and Lindley Butler, DRBA volunteers Patty and Paul May.



Brian Williams and Jennifer Doss with DRBA President, Wayne Kirkpatrick

Article contributed by Brian Williams

Edited and posted by Vicky Thomas

Join us for a Tuesday Morning Stroll

The next Tuesday Morning Stroll (TMS) is being held on May 5th at the Uptown Spur Trail in Martinsville. We will meet at the Gazebo near Lester Street at 9 a.m for a fun and informative 1.2 mile walk.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jennifer Doss, Rivers & Trails Project Manager at 276-634-2545 or email at jdoss@danriver.org.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Article/Posted by Vicky Thomas

Photo: DRBA Stock

Jamison Mill Boat Ramp Reopens

The boat ramp at Jamison Mill on Philpott Lake was reopened Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ramp, on the Franklin County side of the lake, has been closed for about 20 years and the park was slated to be closed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007.

The Friends of Philpott received a mini grant from Franklin County for dredging and matched it with fundraising efforts to get the ramp reopened, said Linda Drage of The Friends of Philpott. "This is a happy new beginning for an area forgotten due to federal government budget cuts where citizens came to the rescue," she said.

Forty-three people attended the ceremony. Speeches were given by Bobby Pruitt, Franklin County park system manager; Craig Rockwell, program manager for the U.S. Corps of Engineers; Bobby Thompson, Franklin County supervisor from the Blue Ridge District; and the former congressman Virgil Goode, who has worked in the past to help keep Jamison Mill Park open.

Information on The Friends of Philpott can be obtained at http://www.friendsofphilpott.com/ or on http://www.facebook.com/

Article by Martinsville Bulletin on April 30, 2009

Posted and edited by: Vicky Thomas

May is "National Bike Month"

Many people around the world are joining in on the fun of biking! What could be more fun than rekindling an old pastime like bicycling, that most of us enjoyed as a child or young adult? Kick-off your May with biking activities as a part of “National Bike Month”. All you have to do is dust off those bikes and visit a local trail or park, like the Fieldale Trail, Uptown Rail Trail, Jack Dalton Park, and Frank J. Wilson Park or perhaps even go in your own neighborhood. Wherever you ride you will be sure to have a great time as you get back on your bike.

“National Bike Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the many benefits of bicycling. It also gives us the opportunity to promote bicycle safety and to encourage bike riding through organized activities including the physical education program Bike Smart Basics, city cycling confidence, ChainGanG “Earn-A-Bike” club, club rides, family rides and bike rodeos for children,” said Jeannie Frisco, Program Director for Activate Martinsville Henry County (Activate). In observance of “National Bike Month”, both Martinsville and Henry County have approved proclamations supporting the efforts of Activate and partnering organizations working together to promote biking.

Bicycling is a great activity that is enjoyed by kids, adults, seniors and families alike. It is a fantastic workout that goes a long way in ensuring your overall fitness. The best part about biking is that you will find riding a bike an enjoyable experience, without even realizing that it can have astonishing effects on your body. Bicycling proves to be one of the most effective exercises. Even a small amount of cycling can boost your metabolism. Bicycling also reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

Bikers should remember safety first by following the rules of the road; wearing safety helmets to protect their heads; using the proper hand signals when riding on roadways; obeying all traffic signs and signals; and making sure other motorists see them. The most important thing bikers should remember is to not put themselves in unsafe situations.

If you haven’t been on a bicycle in years or just want to brush up on your skills, Activate, Henry County Parks and Recreation and Martinsville Leisure Services offer a new recreational program, Bike Basics 101, which is a hands on biking class. “Bike Basics 101 is a great way to get re-introduced to biking. If someone is interested but does not have a bicycle or helmet we will provide them with one,” said Melissa Gravely, Education/Outreach Coordinator for Activate.

Whether you choose to ride alone, with a friend, in a group or with your family; whether you are a recreational rider or a biking enthusiast; everyone can enjoy safe bicycling experiences and there is no better time than the present to start.

Adopt-A-Trail Program Begins

Everyone loves walking and biking trails, but as more and more trails are being built throughout the area, this can put a strain on the time and resources of our county and city maintenance crews. Thanks to the Smith River Trail System's Adopt-a-Trail Program volunteers are helping to maintain trails and add enhancements to them for the community to enjoy. Tommy Wyatt (shown at left) is the team captain for a new Adopt-a-Trail group known as the "Friends of the Fieldale Trail". This group is working to enhance Phase I of the Fieldale Trail and is currently installing bluebird boxes along the trail. The public is invited to register for the Adopt-a-Trail Program and join in the fun of giving back to the community and environment.

What is it?
The Adopt-A-Trail Program is a volunteer program providing opportunities for walkers, bicyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to assist The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) in supporting Henry County Virginia Parks and Recreation and Eden North Carolina Parks & Recreation by monitoring, maintaining and enhancing trails and trailhead facilities along the Smith River Trail System.

Who can adopt a trail?
School and youth groups, scout troops, church, community and service organizations, businesses, families, individuals or groups of individuals can adopt a trail. Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve our land and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors.

What can volunteers do?
Activities include keeping the trail surface free of sticks, rocks and other debris, pruning small limbs from the trail corridor, cleaning waterbars and drainage ditches, and clearing debris from bridges and stairs. Other responsibilities include litter clean-up, maintaining the trailhead, and reporting vandalism, trail hazards or safety issues.

Why should you participate?
Adopting a trail provides an opportunity for you to be actively involved in conservation. Helping to maintain and enhance existing trails improves the resource for all to enjoy. The effort brings trail and nature enthusiasts closer to the environment and their community. Enjoy the time outdoors and personal satisfaction gained through volunteering on a local trail.

How to get started:
Contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org to register, choose a trail, and learn about exciting volunteer opportunities. Once adopted, the section of trail will recieve a sign with your team's name and each team member will recieve a volunteer t-shirt to wear while working on the trails.

Smith River Trail System:
Lauren Mountain Preserve- Bassett, VA (Coming Soon)
Fieldale Trail- Fieldale, VA
-Phase I (0.9 mile) - Adopted by Friends of the Fieldale Trail
-Phase II (1.3 miles)
Uptown Spur Trail- Martinsville, VA (0.6 mile)
Dick & Willie Passage- Martinsville, VA (Coming Soon)
Doe Run Park- Martinsville, VA
-Doe Run Wildlife Trail (0.5 mile)
-Laurel Wildlife Trail (0.5 mile)
Gravely Nature Preserve- Ridgeway, VA
-Jones Cliff Trail (1 mile)
-Burgess Loop (0.4 mile)
-River View Trail (0.1 mile)
-Rhododendron Trail (0.5 mile) - Adopted by the Gardner Family
Smith River Greenway- Eden, NC (1.7 miles)

Mayo River Trail System:
Spencer-Penn Trails (Coming Soon)

Other Area Trails:
Beaver Creek Reservoir Trails (Coming Soon)
Wilson Park Trails (Coming Soon)

New Trails at Spencer-Penn Centre

Shown above are (L-R) Nelda Purcell, grant writer for Spencer-Penn Centre (SPC); April Haynes of Martinsville Area Community Foundation; Jim Purcell, President of SPC and Mary Jordan, Executive Director of SPC.

Seniors and families will soon have a new place to walk in the Spencer Area of Henry County.

Spencer-Penn Centre, located in the Southwest corner of Henry County has been diligently working on developing mulit-use trails along their property. Thanks to a $3,500 grant from the Martinsville Area Community Foundation (MACF), phase I of the project is underway. Phase I consists of a gravel lined walking track around the ball field. Phase II will be a series of natural surface trails in the woods and connect to the gravel track. Jimmie and Cevera Stone have graciously made a $4000 donation for the Spencer Penn Trails to match MACFs investment.

If you would like to donate to this project or volunteer, please contact Mary Jordan at 276-957-5757.

Once completed this network of trails will be the first leg of the Mayo River Trail System in partnership with the Dan River Basin Association. For more information on the Smith River Trail System, Mayo River Trail System, and our new Adopt-a-Trail Program, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545.

VMNH & DRBA host 2nd Annual Geocache Day

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve (04.26.09), the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) hosted Geocaching Day.

Below, instructor, Robin Jenson explains the sport of Geocaching to an eager treasure hunter.

Martha Smith of Martinsville (below) trys her hand at the sport of Geocaching while exploring the trails of the Gravely Nature Preserve. Three caches are located throughout the property. For more information on the sport of Geocaching, visit http://www.geocaching.com/.

Clay Gravely and his sidekick Buster, of Martinsville take a moment to admire the interesting grave markers of the Burgess Cemetery located within the Gravely Nature Preserve.

When taking a break from walking and geocaching visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Smith River from Rhododendron Trail.

Want to be in a film?

Activate is creating an Active Living DVD to showcase our residents, parks, trails and activities in Martinsville and Henry County.

The next filming will occur on Tuesday, May 5th at the Uptown Spur Trail at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Gazebo on Lester Street. This is being held in conjunction with Dan River Basin Association’s Tuesday Morning Stroll.

Bring your friends, your family, and/or your pets. Enjoy the gardens and artwork that adorn the .6 mile paved trail while helping us highlight how active our residents are!

For questions contact:
Jeannie Frisco
276-638-2523 Ext 331

Toolkit Participants Meet Milestones

Please join us in congratulating the following Toolkit Participants for reaching their 100 miles milestone during their first quarter of the program:

W. Jack Waters............533 miles

G.W. Fisher...................418 miles

Gladys Gravely........... 378 miles
Melissa Hall................ 370 miles
Kenneth Hairston...... 203 miles
Madaline Wells........... 115 miles
Lillian Perkins........... 109 miles

Way to go!!

Keep stepping your way to better health.

Kirkpatrick Honored For Service

In Martinsville and Henry County, a major project is presently underway: the development of the Smith River Trail System. This series of trails will follow the Smith River 45 miles from the base of Philpott Dam to it’s confluence with the Dan River in Eden, NC. In the past two years, five miles of the system have been completed and development on another two miles of trail will begin later this spring. The construction of these trails takes time, effort, and good volunteers. DRBA is very fortunate to have members that understand the importance of trails and wish to help bring them to fruition. One of those members is Wayne Kirkpatrick.

In the past year, Wayne has participated in every volunteer trail building event held by DRBA on the Smith River Trail System. Being the hard worker that he is, Wayne is usually the first volunteer to arrive at the worksite and the last one to leave. He has a can-do attitude and is always eager to try new things. When the Project Manager says “I have a crazy idea, but it just might work!” Wayne makes it happen- the next thing you know he has built an earthen staircase into the side of a steep hill with just a chainsaw and shovel. On another occasion, Wayne built an amazing six-foot-tall debris fence to deter motorized traffic from entering a trail. In fact, he enjoyed that project so much he built the fence twice- but that’s another story!

The bottom line is that Wayne is a person you can always count on to help at trail workdays and you know that he will do a good job, whether he’s installing signs, cutting trees, or simply picking up litter. That’s why we chose Wayne Kirkpatrick, as the recipient of DRBA’s first ever Golden Shovel Award for Trail Building Excellence. Thank you Wayne!

Participants Enjoy a "Tuesday Morning Stroll"

Shown above are (L-R) Regenia Manns, Jessee Shumate, Jeannie Frisco, and Bill Mitchell.

On a brisk morning this past month, walkers gathered to enjoy a "Tuesday Morning Stroll" with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Activate Martinsville-Henry County. While on a 2.6 mile walk at the Fieldale Trail, the participants learned fun facts about Easter eggs and competed for prizes with trivia questions.

Try your hand at this one: The first Easter Egg egg roll was held at the White House by what U.S. President? Do you know? Jessee knew the answer, it was Rutherford B. Hayes!

Also while on the walk, the participants learned about the history of Koehler. Below they are shown looking at sand dredges from the historic Koehler Concrete Plant.

Tuesday Morning Strolls are held the 1st Tuesday of each month. Join us on May 5th, as we visit the Uptown Spur Trail on Franklin Street in Martinsville. We'll meet at 9 am at the Gazebo. For more information, contact 634-2545.

Attention Drivers!

Who has the right of way?

The conflict between pedestrians and drivers is pervasive. Neither knows exactly who has the right-of-way and each think they do.

The current law of the Virginia Code specifies that drivers must “yield” to pedestrians.

Please respect walkers’ rights
Allow walkers to cross the roads safely.

Earth Day 5K Huge Success

More than 90 runners get off to a fast start at the Earth Day 5k on Saturday morning near the former Druid Hills Elementary School.

Erica Wingo was the top female finisher while Martinsville High School student Teryn Martin was the fastest in the men's competition.

The race was sponsored by Activate Martinsville-Henry County and hosted by Henry County Parks and Recreation, Martinsville Leisure Services, the YMCA and the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Photo by Martinsville Bulletin

Most Important Steps You Will Ever Learn

Attention Walkers!

Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Seen.

Walk facing traffic.

Look left, look right and look left again before crossing.

Wear white or reflective clothing when walking at night.

Make sure drivers see you before crossing.

Cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.