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.

Volunteers Enhance Area Trails

Thanks to a group of DRBA volunteers, our local trails just got a little better! On Tuesday of this week, the troupes rallied together to install three benches along the new Phase II extension of the Fieldale Trail. Each bench had to be moved down the trail individually so garden carts and teamwork were the key to this project.

Now that the task is complete, walkers have several places to rest and enjoy the scenic Smith River while out on the trail. Special thanks to the Magna Vista High School FFA Club, and their instructors: Mr. Holland, Ms. Stout, and Ms. Metz for assembling the benches.


On Wednesday the volunteers gathered at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway to spruce up Jones Cliff Trail. They removed rocks, stumps, and roots from the trail surface that had the potential to become tripping hazards. Now the trail is in much better condition and ready for joggers and walkers to enjoy it.

Special thanks to Brian Williams, Chad Hall, Paul May, Linda Drage, and Wayne Kirkpatrick for helping out with these two projects!

If you'd like to volunteer on a trail workday or participate in the Adopt-a-Trail program, please contact Jennifer Doss- Rivers & Trails Project Manager at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org.

Photos by: Jennifer Doss & Brian Williams

Article by: Jennifer Doss