Grapevine
5-7-2009 Birding in Albemarle County, Our Precious Water, WILDFLOWERS and WINTERGREEN...
The Spring Migration Count will be held in Albemarle County this coming Saturday, May 9th. This is no accidental approach to scheduling...there are more birds in the County now than at any time of year: participants sign up in advance, usually in teams covering certain areas, and scour the County for birds, recording how many species and # of individuals they encounter. Again, there are more birds in the County now than at any time of year so you can see permanent residents, lingering winter birds, migrants moving through, and migrants coming to nest. Last year 124 different species were recorded. Lots of fun, lots of cool bird songs and sightings, and lots of camaraderie at the end of the day when everyone meets for a potluck tally dinner.
Spring Wildflower Symposium
May 15 - 17 - WinterGreen Resort
You can now view the complete schedule by going to The WinterGreen Nature Foundation's website, registration is available online.
The Blue Ridge has been a biological highway for thousands of years, and as these peaks reach their narrowest point you find unsurpassed beauty and ecological diversity. In this spectacular location the Spring Wildflower Symposium takes place to celebrate the natural history and the prehistoric cultural heritage of the area.
Join other wildflower enthusiasts, as well as just a whole bunch of neat, intelligent individuals who are curious, caring, good hearted people, at this super dandy weekend retreat (available also in one day increments) at the beautiful WinterGreen Resort for one of the highlights of the spring season. Workshops, walks, birders galore and, so much to learn about and become engaged in...the best ever!
Behold the results of years of research as authors, ecologists and botanists share new insights about local ecosystems. Melissa McCormick from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center will show participants the secret life of Virginia 's native orchids and explain the symbiotic relationships makes reproducing their habitat so difficult. Journey to the botanical hotspots in Virginia with Chris Ludwig, co-author of The Flora of Virginia Project, as he showcase beautiful natural wildflower gardens and explains why their ecosystems are so unique. Dr. Carole Nash, James Madison University , has researched numerous mountain archeological sites in the Blue Ridge and is redefining how Native American migrated through and inhabited these mountains.
Throughout the weekend you will cross breathtaking wildflower gardens, walk in Native Americans' footprints and leave with a greater appreciation of the intrinsic beauty of the season. Come to celebrate spring, come to experience unique mountain ecosystems and come to discover the stories of the land.
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation would like to thank the sponsor of this year's Symposium The Wintergreen Mountain Garden Club.
This year's Wildflower Symposium is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Kenneth Lawless, whose fascination with the Commonwealth’s wildflowers, birds and photography over 60 years resulted in a permanent record in the unsurpassed imagery of his photographs.
