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.

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

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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 to solely to government to solve water quality issues. Everyone should be at the table working together for 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

Marrowbone Creek_April 18

Marrowbone Creek near the confluence with the Smith River
Pictures taken by by Barbara Parker on a recent outing.
Thanks Barbara !

Marrowbone Creek Looking upstream from the canoe access ramp off Eggleston Falls road


Beautiful Virginia Bluebells are blooming,
get out and enjoy them while they last
Another good location to see these magnificent wildflowers
is on the new section of the Fieldale Trail downstream
from the trail head off River Road, Fieldale.
Watch for them along the creek banks and
especially near the huge Sycamore Tree !

Thank you Exhibitors

The Friends of Philpott hosted the 3rd Annual Environmental Education Expo on Saturday, April 18 at Philpott Lake Park Overlook. Friends of Philpott was one of several hundred organizations participating in EE Week, April 12-18th.

This year they were asking all 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. Because of their great efforts and turnout, President of FOP, Linda Drage, would like to say thank you.

Please see the slide show, click here.

Article contributed by Linda Drage
Edited 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, Dan River Basin Association, 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.

Article/Photos: Linda Drage