Paddling with the Parkers

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.



The 8 inches of snow we had a week ago melted, creating some decent rapids.


Drew & Jack "the canoe dog" tried out a new sit-on-top kayak.

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.


Thanks for the story and pictures guys! If you'd like to see YOUR outdoor adventure on the Rivers & Trails Blog, contact jdoss@danriver.org. Happy Paddling!

Article by: Jennifer Doss & Andy Parker
Photos by: Andy Parker
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Friends of Philpott's 3rd Annual Environmental Education Expo

Saturday, April 18, 2009
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Philpott Lake Park Overlook
1058 Philpott Dam Road, Bassett, VA.

Friends of Philpott is one of several hundred organizations participating in National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) April 12-18th. It is the largest organized environmental education event in the United States. It increases the educational impact of Earth Day by creating a week of educational preparation, learning, and activities. By participating in EE Week, you encourage youth and adults to make a difference in their schools, homes, communities and personal lives!

This year we are asking all our exhibitors to have some kind of activity at their booth along with the usual handouts to encourage active living by getting back in touch with nature in some way.
There will be demonstrations, educational displays, Fly Tying/Casting, food/beverages, Kayak information, Trail Building equipment on hand to show how we forage our trails. This is only a few of those attending and taking part in this national event: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DRBA, 4-H groups and Boy Scouts, Infinity Acres Petting Ranch, Gateway Streetscape Foundation, Bass Federations, Henry County Bike Club, Trout Unlimited, Health Care organizations, and many other local organizations, as well as government groups from Henry, Franklin, and Patrick County. Several local colleges will be there to give out information on courses involving our environment and nature as well.

Also, Master Falconer, Robb Herbst with his Birds of Prey will be at the expo.

The link where you can see more pictures from last year's show: http://www.btw21.com/Community/PhotoGalleries/tabid/384/AlbumID/1286-88/Page/1/Default.aspx

Groups have been signing up daily. If any group is interested in having a booth, or you would like more information please contact Linda Drage at (276) 681-6805 or email at ldrage@comcast.net.

Article information and photo contributed by: Linda Drage
Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

A Trail For Everyone

Today the first in a series of "Wednesday Trail Workdays" was hosted by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA). The new volunteer opportunity, held the second Wednesday of each month, is geared towards retirees and others who are free during the day.

For today's workday, the crew met at the Fieldale Trail on a new section (Phase II) that will officially open on March 28th. The 1.5-mile extension of the Fieldale Trail travels from the trailhead parking area (3521 South River Road) downstream towards Koehler.

The trail extension is made possible with a grant from the Dominion Foundation for development. Work has been underway on the trail since July when Henry County PSA officials helped to map and survey the trail and acquire easements from generous landowners. In October, when the leaves fell off the trees, volunteers began clearing the trail corridor and inmates from Patrick Henry Correctional Unit #28 completed the trail clearing process. Throughout the months of November and December, Frith Construction smoothed the surface of the trail and built an attractive foot bridge over a stream crossing.

Now that warmer weather has arrived, the volunteers are back at it, providing final touches such as trail marker signs, trimming stray limbs, and neatening up the trail. Benches, educational signs, and other amenities will be installed within the next few weeks.

The Fieldale Trail is part of the Smith River Trail System which will consist of 45 miles of trail along the Smith River in Virginia & North Carolina. It is also part of the Beaches to Bluegrass Trail System which will travel from the Eastern Shore of Virginia all the way to the Kentucky border following the Highway 58 Corridor. This trail system will not only promote conservation, fitness, and recreation in Henry County; but also, bring in tourism dollars as hikers pass through our area.

One of the unique features visitors will see along the trail is a giant sycamore tree that is 16 feet and 4 inches around and approximately 100 feet tall. The tree is known to be over 50 years old (if not much more) due to the fact that it was utilized as an anchor point when the Koehler Concrete Plant was in operation, dredging sand from the river bottom.

The crew of trusty volunteers consisted of Milton Hundley of Eden, Linda Drage and Susan Kanode both of Martinsville. They were led by DRBA staff members Jennifer Doss and Brian Williams. Many thanks to these volunteers for coming to help out!The beautiful weather brought many visitors to the trail today as our crew met a bicyclist, and six walkers; three of them with dogs (on leashes of course!). Dodie & Stuart (pictured below) are regulars on the trail. They try to get out to the Fieldale Trail as much as possible for fitness and enjoyment.

We also met Ray and Jane of Fieldale and their dog Champ (pictured below), who were checking out Phase II of the trail for the first time.


Whether on bike, on foot, or even four-legs, Phase II of the Fieldale Trail is a trail for everyone!

The public is invited to attend the grand opening of the Fieldale Trail: Phase II on March 28th at 12 noon.

The next Wednseday Trail Workday will be held on April 8th from 2-5 p.m. on the Jones Cliff Trail at the Gravely Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. Volunteers may register by calling 276-634-2545.

Checker's Mutt Strutt and Bike Race

Checker's Mutt Strut and Charity Bike Ride will be at the Martinsville Speedway on April 4, 2009!

• Check-in will begin at 8 a.m.
• Charity Ride will begin at 10 a.m.
• A Strut with your Mutt will begin at 11 a.m.
• Enjoy a Picnic With Your Pet at noon!
  

Registration is $15, which includes refreshements, entertainment, and (if you register by March 15) you will receive a long-sleeved event T-shirt!!!

Contact the SPCA at 276-638-PAWS for more information, or register and create a team online at www.firstgiving.com/spca. Feel free to walk/ride as an individual or as part of a pack (two or more participants).

Photo and article information obtained at http://www.spcamhc.org/calendar.cfm?ID=280

Exploration - Paddle & Hike on April 4

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing on April 4 will explore both water and land trails at Mayo Lake near Roxboro in Person County, NC. Meeting at 10:00, we will first paddle a 2-mile canoe/kayak loop trail on the lake, following markers in the water that tell about the lake, fish and wildlife. The 85-mile wooded shoreline provides ample habitat for wildlife.

After lunch at lakeside picnic tables, we have the option of hiking just over a mile on the Wood Duck Trail and Wild Turkey Trail. Those who want more time on the water or on the park’s trails may continue on their own afterward.

Coordinator Paul Johnson said, "Ever since DRBA's first event at Mayo Park in January 2008, we have looked forward to returning in warm weather to take advantage of the canoe/kayak trail, and to again enjoy the beauty of the trails through the woods along the beautiful lake."

Participants are asked to meet at 10:00 at the Amphitheater Parking Lot. They should supply boat, paddles, life jackets, hiking boots or walking shoes, drinks and lunch; wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton, and certainly not blue jeans); and provide a back-up change of clothing. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.

DIRECTIONS: Mayo Lake, located at 599 Neals Store Road, Roxboro, NC, is 10 miles from Roxboro and 3 miles from the Virginia line.

• From South Boston, VA, take US 501 South to Mayo, Virginia. Turn left on VA 96 to Virgilina and right on NC 49 South. From NC 49 South pass Dixon’s Store and turn right on Neal’s Store Road (SR 1515).
• From Roxboro, take NC 49 North 8 miles to Neal’s Store Road (SR 1515).
• The Amphitheater Parking Lot is the last left turn before the large parking area at the Boat Launch (operated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission).

For more information, contact Paul Johnson at 434-476-7599 or kpauljohnson@yahoo.com.

Article and photo contributed by: T Butler

Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Wednesday Workdays

Calling all volunteers! Join the Dan River Basin Association on the second Wednesday of each month to help spruce up a local trail. You’ll get a good workout and make a positive impact at the same time!

March 11th from 2-5 PM:
Meet at the parking lot of the Fieldale Trail at 3521 S. River Road- Fieldale, VA.

Tasks:
Attaching trail marker signs (please bring a hammer if you have one)
Sprucing up the trail (please bring loppers, work gloves, and a rake if available)
Picking up litter (please bring work gloves; bags will be provided)

To register, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org.

Other Upcoming Dates:
4/8 Jones Cliff Trail (Gravely Nature Preserve) 2-5 p.m.
5/13 Rhododendron Trail (Gravely Nature Preserve) 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
6/10 Lauren Mountain Preserve (Bassett) 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
7/8 Marrowbone Creek 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
8/12 Fieldale Trail 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
9/9 Gravely Nature Preserve 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
10/14 Lauren Mountain Preserve (Bassett) 2-5 p.m.
11/11 Doe Run Trail 2-5 p.m.
12/9 Fieldale Trail 2-5 p.m.

"The Shootout" Mountain Bike Race Planned

The Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association (SVMBA)is planning a mountain bike race in Danville, Virginia and needs your help.

They will need VOLUNTEERS on trail work days prior to the event. This year's event will have the largest draw that they have ever seen. Volunteer support is important to ensure that the trail is safe and to make the best possible impression on out of town visitors.

Please plan to attend the following trailwork days ...
The "third" Saturday in March --- March 21st - Puddle Fixin' and Root Bustin'
The "third" Saturday in April --- April 18th - Signage/Barriers/New Growth trimming
The "third" Saturday in May --- May 16th - ALL OF THE ABOVE !!!

There will also be a "RACE VOLUNTEER" Meeting on Saturday May 16th AFTER trail work at 1:00 pm until 4:00pm --- PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The RACE will be Sunday May 31st --- REGISTRATION opens at 8:00 am.

To volunteer, contact SVMBAinfo@comcast.net

More information on the race can be found here: http://www.svmba.org/races_info.htm

Information submitted by: Chris Tompkins
Edited & Posted by: Jennifer Doss