Weekday Wind-Down

"Hard to believe that this is only 10 minutes from our house. We got out on the river after work today for a 2 hour paddle. It's a great way to unwind. " -Barbara Parker, Martinsville

Weekday Wind-Down

"Hard to believe that this is only 10 minutes from our house. We got out on the river after work today for a 2 hour paddle. It's a great way to unwind. " -Barbara Parker, Martinsville

9/27 Workday at Fieldale Trail Canceled

Attention Volunteers:

Due to the steady rainfall that we have recieved so far and tomorrow's forecast, I have decided to cancel the 9/27 volunteer workday planned for Fieldale Trail Phase II in Henry County.

The next workday opportunity will be on Sunday October 19th from 2-5pm. If you would like to sign up for this volunteer workday, please let me know. Thanks and enjoy the rain this weekend!

Jennifer Doss, Rivers & Trails Project Manager
Dan River Basin Association
jdoss@danriver.org
(276)634-2545

9/27 Workday at Fieldale Trail Canceled

Attention Volunteers:

Due to the steady rainfall that we have recieved so far and tomorrow's forecast, I have decided to cancel the 9/27 volunteer workday planned for Fieldale Trail Phase II in Henry County.

The next workday opportunity will be on Sunday October 19th from 2-5pm. If you would like to sign up for this volunteer workday, please let me know. Thanks and enjoy the rain this weekend!

Jennifer Doss, Rivers & Trails Project Manager
Dan River Basin Association
jdoss@danriver.org
(276)634-2545

Fall Hike at Gravely Nature Preserve

Lynn and Ashby Pritchett of the Virginia Master Naturalists, recently enjoyed a fall hike through the Gravely Nature Preserve. The Pritchett's took some great photos to share with our readers.

Running Cedar along Jones Cliff Trail

The Smith River as viewed from Rhododendron Trail

Mushrooms found along the trails

Fall Hike at Gravely Nature Preserve

Lynn and Ashby Pritchett of the Virginia Master Naturalists, recently enjoyed a fall hike through the Gravely Nature Preserve. The Pritchett's took some great photos to share with our readers.

Running Cedar along Jones Cliff Trail

The Smith River as viewed from Rhododendron Trail

Mushrooms found along the trails

Smith River Clean-Up

Join Gateway Streetscapes
Friday & Saturday
OCTOBER 3rd-4th, 2008
FOR A FALL SMITH RIVER CLEAN-UP

Friday, October 3rd all day clean-up on roadways

Saturday, October 4th cleanup in & around Smith River
8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
MEET AT THE FIELDALE BALL PARK FOR KICKOFF
(Canoes, kayaks, and wading boots will be helpful for collecting litter on the river.)

Snacks, Drinks, and Gifts will be provided for all Volunteers.

TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
CONTACT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE FOUNDATION, INC.
(276) 634-4674 or 634-4622 (8:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.)

Smith River Clean-Up

Join Gateway Streetscapes
Friday & Saturday
OCTOBER 3rd-4th, 2008
FOR A FALL SMITH RIVER CLEAN-UP

Friday, October 3rd all day clean-up on roadways

Saturday, October 4th cleanup in & around Smith River
8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
MEET AT THE FIELDALE BALL PARK FOR KICKOFF
(Canoes, kayaks, and wading boots will be helpful for collecting litter on the river.)

Snacks, Drinks, and Gifts will be provided for all Volunteers.

TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
CONTACT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE FOUNDATION, INC.
(276) 634-4674 or 634-4622 (8:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.)

DRBA Announces New Job Opportunity

Position Title: Trails Planner/Project Manager
Location: Eden, North Carolina, field work in Caswell County, NC
Supervisor: Executive Director, Dan River Basin Association
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)
Program: Caswell Heritage Trails

Background and Purpose
The Dan River Basin Association preserves and promotes the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River watershed through stewardship, recreation and education. We work across a largely rural 3,300 square mile area of piedmont Virginia and North Carolina.

DRBA works across the Dan River region to leverage the economic potential of the region’s natural resources. For the past two years, DRBA staff and volunteers have been working to assist the planning and development of heritage trails in rural Caswell County. With funding from the Danville Regional Foundation, DRBA and its partners will plan and promote a comprehensive system of trails, greenways and parks in Caswell County, NC. These activities will be linked to programs across the region to promote natural learning opportunities for children as well as bicycling, walking and active lifestyles people of all ages, including senior citizens. The end result for Caswell County will be an improved quality of life, a healthier community, and a more attractive place in which to live and do business.

Position Summary
The project manager is responsible for conducting a community needs assessment, an inventory of natural and heritage resources, and coordinating trails and heritage projects, including implementation of existing senior center area trails plans, greenways and interpretation of natural, heritage and cultural resources. The project manager works directly with the executive director, Caswell County Recreation Commission, Caswell Trail Committee, local government officials, consultants, stakeholder groups and the public to assist with and coordinate the planning and execution of projects and programs. For the right candidate, this position has the potential to grow to include a broad range of responsibilities and larger sphere of influence, including the development of new programs and new constituencies to make a real difference in the Dan River region.

Duties
• Develop a master heritage trails plan for Caswell County
• Assess community needs and Caswell’s natural, cultural and heritage resources
• Track and report on multiple projects and handle related administrative duties
• Assist with budget preparation, planning, and program evaluation
• Raise funds/write proposals for implementation of trails, including senior center
• Oversee planning, design and construction of trails.
• Nurture partnerships and maintain positive working relationships with other project and stakeholder groups, including local business development and tourism organizations
• Recruit and motivate volunteers and program participants
• Represent the Dan River Basin Association at public meetings
• Participate in the development and implementation of public outreach and education, including outdoor conservation activities.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years of trails planning and project management experience in natural resources, conservation, community development or related area; advanced degree a plus
• Knowledge of trail design and construction standards; familiarity with volunteer trail building programs and standards, such as IMBA.
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task, to coordinate and report on multiple projects
• Interest in and enjoyment of outdoor river and trail recreation (hiking, cycling, paddling); familiarity with related facilities development and user issues
• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking, writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, enthusiasm and ability to inspire others
• Resourceful self starter with ability to work independently
• Positive attitude and successful experience in working with people of all demographic groups
• Demonstrated team player, with commitment to the mission and values of the Dan River Basin Association
• Experience in Microsoft Office, internet and e-mail, Excel, Access and related programs. Experience with desktop publishing programs a plus
• Valid driver’s license, ability to travel and willingness to help with weekend events as needed
• Physical demands include ability to lift and move objects of moderate weight and to participate in field research, which may include hiking or paddling canoes or kayaks in inaccessible areas.

Salary and Benefits
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits include stipend for health insurance, 20 personal days, 12 holidays, flexible schedule, and compensatory time.

To Apply
Please e-mail cover letter, resume and salary history to drba.nc@danriver.org
Position open until filled.

DRBA Announces New Job Opportunity

Position Title: Trails Planner/Project Manager
Location: Eden, North Carolina, field work in Caswell County, NC
Supervisor: Executive Director, Dan River Basin Association
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)
Program: Caswell Heritage Trails

Background and Purpose
The Dan River Basin Association preserves and promotes the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River watershed through stewardship, recreation and education. We work across a largely rural 3,300 square mile area of piedmont Virginia and North Carolina.

DRBA works across the Dan River region to leverage the economic potential of the region’s natural resources. For the past two years, DRBA staff and volunteers have been working to assist the planning and development of heritage trails in rural Caswell County. With funding from the Danville Regional Foundation, DRBA and its partners will plan and promote a comprehensive system of trails, greenways and parks in Caswell County, NC. These activities will be linked to programs across the region to promote natural learning opportunities for children as well as bicycling, walking and active lifestyles people of all ages, including senior citizens. The end result for Caswell County will be an improved quality of life, a healthier community, and a more attractive place in which to live and do business.

Position Summary
The project manager is responsible for conducting a community needs assessment, an inventory of natural and heritage resources, and coordinating trails and heritage projects, including implementation of existing senior center area trails plans, greenways and interpretation of natural, heritage and cultural resources. The project manager works directly with the executive director, Caswell County Recreation Commission, Caswell Trail Committee, local government officials, consultants, stakeholder groups and the public to assist with and coordinate the planning and execution of projects and programs. For the right candidate, this position has the potential to grow to include a broad range of responsibilities and larger sphere of influence, including the development of new programs and new constituencies to make a real difference in the Dan River region.

Duties
• Develop a master heritage trails plan for Caswell County
• Assess community needs and Caswell’s natural, cultural and heritage resources
• Track and report on multiple projects and handle related administrative duties
• Assist with budget preparation, planning, and program evaluation
• Raise funds/write proposals for implementation of trails, including senior center
• Oversee planning, design and construction of trails.
• Nurture partnerships and maintain positive working relationships with other project and stakeholder groups, including local business development and tourism organizations
• Recruit and motivate volunteers and program participants
• Represent the Dan River Basin Association at public meetings
• Participate in the development and implementation of public outreach and education, including outdoor conservation activities.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years of trails planning and project management experience in natural resources, conservation, community development or related area; advanced degree a plus
• Knowledge of trail design and construction standards; familiarity with volunteer trail building programs and standards, such as IMBA.
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task, to coordinate and report on multiple projects
• Interest in and enjoyment of outdoor river and trail recreation (hiking, cycling, paddling); familiarity with related facilities development and user issues
• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking, writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, enthusiasm and ability to inspire others
• Resourceful self starter with ability to work independently
• Positive attitude and successful experience in working with people of all demographic groups
• Demonstrated team player, with commitment to the mission and values of the Dan River Basin Association
• Experience in Microsoft Office, internet and e-mail, Excel, Access and related programs. Experience with desktop publishing programs a plus
• Valid driver’s license, ability to travel and willingness to help with weekend events as needed
• Physical demands include ability to lift and move objects of moderate weight and to participate in field research, which may include hiking or paddling canoes or kayaks in inaccessible areas.

Salary and Benefits
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits include stipend for health insurance, 20 personal days, 12 holidays, flexible schedule, and compensatory time.

To Apply
Please e-mail cover letter, resume and salary history to drba.nc@danriver.org
Position open until filled.

River Access Points

Thanks to Brian Williams, a new Google Map has been created to point out the locations of all the River Access points on the Smith River. View the map and share it with all your friends!

Click HERE!

River Access Points

Thanks to Brian Williams, a new Google Map has been created to point out the locations of all the River Access points on the Smith River. View the map and share it with all your friends!

Click HERE!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

September 27th will be a very busy day in the Dan River Basin. It's National Public Lands Day and no matter where you live there will be something to do. So get off the couch, and get outside!

Franklin County, VA
Friends of Philpott needs your help to plant trees along the shores of Philpott Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took the time to pre-dig all the holes, so you'll get to enjoy the fun part of helping enhance the shoreline! Contact 276-629-2703 or ldrage@comcast.net for more information.

Henry County, VA
DRBA and the Henry County Bike Club are partnering to kick-off develeopment of Phase II of the Fieldale Trail on S. River Road in Fieldale. Volunteers will be needed to help clear limbs, rocks, and other debris from the new trail corridor. Contact 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org for more information.

Rockingham County, NC
DRBA, the Rockingham County Naturalist Club, and the Rockingham County Girl Scouts are partnering for a clean-up at the NC Mayo River State Park. Volunteers will be needed to help pick up trash and debris that has been dumped. Contact 336-349-5727 or members@danriver.org for more information.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

September 27th will be a very busy day in the Dan River Basin. It's National Public Lands Day and no matter where you live there will be something to do. So get off the couch, and get outside!

Franklin County, VA
Friends of Philpott needs your help to plant trees along the shores of Philpott Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took the time to pre-dig all the holes, so you'll get to enjoy the fun part of helping enhance the shoreline! Contact 276-629-2703 or ldrage@comcast.net for more information.

Henry County, VA
DRBA and the Henry County Bike Club are partnering to kick-off develeopment of Phase II of the Fieldale Trail on S. River Road in Fieldale. Volunteers will be needed to help clear limbs, rocks, and other debris from the new trail corridor. Contact 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org for more information.

Rockingham County, NC
DRBA, the Rockingham County Naturalist Club, and the Rockingham County Girl Scouts are partnering for a clean-up at the NC Mayo River State Park. Volunteers will be needed to help pick up trash and debris that has been dumped. Contact 336-349-5727 or members@danriver.org for more information.

After The Fall

Part 1
Articles & Photos by: Brian Williams
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

The days are growing shorter and dusk now brings a hint of cooler air each evening. Its late summer on the Smith and a good time to experience a final showy display of color before the wildflowers return to dormancy and the forest is speckled with falls parade. It's also a good time to get out on the river and enjoy some afternoon wading and fly-fishing, hoping for a possible "showy" display of color from the local trout population.


At this time of year the bright yellows petals of the Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) are standouts along the banks of the Smith.

The deep purples of the Closed Gentian (Gentianaceae Gentiana andrewsii) ....

.....compete for attention with the brilliant reds of the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Sunday morning arrived warm with still summertime temps, perfect for cooling off in the river. The cool water evaporating into blankets of mist keeps you comfortable, even during the hottest part of the day. I headed out to the special regulation trout section around noon, even though I knew the trout probably would not be hitting till latter in the day, I enjoy just walking up the river and spotting trout as they slink back into the shadows or dart under a rock.


A smaller brown "camoflauged" against a backdrop of DIDYMO algae.

Heading quietly upstream I began to make a few cast and soon encountered perhaps the smallest brown trout I had ever caught on a fly rod. It had to be from the wild population on the Smith because it was even smaller than most of the ones we released from the Trout in the Classroom Program during June. He took a # 18 bead head nymph.

A few more small browns fell to my nymph and I convinced them to hang around just long enough for a few quick photos before I released them, perhaps a little wiser.

Continuing my trek upstream, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant contrast of the black and yellow hanging out in the greens and orange of a stand of Jewelweed (Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis). A silky trap, beautifully crafted by a writing spider (Argiope aurantia) was attracting its share of the afternoon hatch.

As evening approached, the larger trout were coming out to feed and it wasn't long before I had hooked up with several more "Smith River beauties."

Each one was a little larger than the previous.

DRBA Offers Two Paddle Trips in October

As part of its two-day observance of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Dan River Basin Association will offer two paddles in October on the Dan River.

Dan River Float, Moratock Park to Snow Creek
Saturday, October 4

An easy, leisurely four-mile float on a scenic, less-traveled section of the Dan River will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Moratock Park in Danbury on Saturday, October 4. The Dan River Basin Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this regular First Saturday Outing, rated as Class 1 in difficulty.

High forested bluffs make this section of the Dan particularly beautiful and Native American fish weirs are found in the river bed. The trip begins near the historic Moratock Iron Furnace and ends at the new Snow Creek Access just below the site of the 1918 Pitzer Steel Truss Bridge. In addition to early fall foliage, one can expect to see animal trails, herons, geese, and songbirds.
Participants should supply boat, paddles, life jackets, 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.
To reach Moratock Park traveling on NC 8/89, turn onto Shephard Mill Road, crossing the bridge over the Dan. At the end of the bridge, an unpaved drive on the right leads to the boat launch near the old iron furnace.


Dan River Float, Snow Creek to Hemlock Golf Course
Sunday, October 5, 2008

A five-mile float on the Dan River will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, from Snow Creek Access to Hemlock Golf Course in Stokes County.
The Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this special outing.
History and legend abound on this section of the river, which is characterized by high bluffs forested with hardwoods and stands of stately hemlock trees. Branches of the Great Wagon Road forded the river; caves are said to have been used by Confederate draft dodgers; and Davis Bluff, the scene of a fatal fall, is also known as Mount Horrible.
This section of the Dan River is rated mostly as Class 1, but the remains of a former Duke Power dam, dynamited in 1975, create a sometimes challenging Class 2 rapid. Fortunately, the dam/rapid is within sight of watchers at the take-out ramp, which the Association is using with special permission from the landowner.
Participants are asked to meet at Moratock Park, in the town of Danbury, NC at 10:00 in the parking lot downstream of the bridge over the Dan River, on Shephard Mill Road. From there they will set a shuttle and then begin the paddle at Snow Creek.
Participants should supply boat, paddles, life jackets, 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.

A bonus activity each day will be participation in North Carolina Big Sweep, the statewide watershed cleanup event held each fall. Trash bags and data cards will be provided to all boaters.
To reach Moratock Park, take Highway 8/89 to Danbury, turn onto Shepherd Mill Road, cross the Dan River, and immediately turn right into the Moratock Park parking lot.

For questions about the outings, contact Will Truslow, Trip Coordinator, 336-547-1903, willtruslow@hotmail.com.

DRBA Offers Two Paddle Trips in October

As part of its two-day observance of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Dan River Basin Association will offer two paddles in October on the Dan River.

Dan River Float, Moratock Park to Snow Creek
Saturday, October 4

An easy, leisurely four-mile float on a scenic, less-traveled section of the Dan River will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Moratock Park in Danbury on Saturday, October 4. The Dan River Basin Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this regular First Saturday Outing, rated as Class 1 in difficulty.

High forested bluffs make this section of the Dan particularly beautiful and Native American fish weirs are found in the river bed. The trip begins near the historic Moratock Iron Furnace and ends at the new Snow Creek Access just below the site of the 1918 Pitzer Steel Truss Bridge. In addition to early fall foliage, one can expect to see animal trails, herons, geese, and songbirds.
Participants should supply boat, paddles, life jackets, 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.
To reach Moratock Park traveling on NC 8/89, turn onto Shephard Mill Road, crossing the bridge over the Dan. At the end of the bridge, an unpaved drive on the right leads to the boat launch near the old iron furnace.


Dan River Float, Snow Creek to Hemlock Golf Course
Sunday, October 5, 2008

A five-mile float on the Dan River will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, from Snow Creek Access to Hemlock Golf Course in Stokes County.
The Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this special outing.
History and legend abound on this section of the river, which is characterized by high bluffs forested with hardwoods and stands of stately hemlock trees. Branches of the Great Wagon Road forded the river; caves are said to have been used by Confederate draft dodgers; and Davis Bluff, the scene of a fatal fall, is also known as Mount Horrible.
This section of the Dan River is rated mostly as Class 1, but the remains of a former Duke Power dam, dynamited in 1975, create a sometimes challenging Class 2 rapid. Fortunately, the dam/rapid is within sight of watchers at the take-out ramp, which the Association is using with special permission from the landowner.
Participants are asked to meet at Moratock Park, in the town of Danbury, NC at 10:00 in the parking lot downstream of the bridge over the Dan River, on Shephard Mill Road. From there they will set a shuttle and then begin the paddle at Snow Creek.
Participants should supply boat, paddles, life jackets, 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.

A bonus activity each day will be participation in North Carolina Big Sweep, the statewide watershed cleanup event held each fall. Trash bags and data cards will be provided to all boaters.
To reach Moratock Park, take Highway 8/89 to Danbury, turn onto Shepherd Mill Road, cross the Dan River, and immediately turn right into the Moratock Park parking lot.

For questions about the outings, contact Will Truslow, Trip Coordinator, 336-547-1903, willtruslow@hotmail.com.

Paddlers Brave Hurricane to Ride the Smith!

Actually, it wasn't that bad at all! In true DRBA tradition, we don't make the decision to cancel river trips until we're at the boat launch. That policy worked to our advantage on Saturday since what we thought might turn out to be a yucky rainy day actually ended up as a wonderful sunny day to paddle the Smith River.

Thirteen boaters braved the ominous forecast to come out and see if the trip would happen. Those boaters were treated to a great paddle trip from Marrowbone Creek to Mitchell's Bridge with plenty of water flow. Following the paddle, the group ate picnic lunches at the Gravely Nature Preserve and were given guided tours of the trails by DRBA trip coordinator Paul Johnson.



Join us on Saturday, October 4th as we paddle the Dan River!

Paddlers Brave Hurricane to Ride the Smith!

Actually, it wasn't that bad at all! In true DRBA tradition, we don't make the decision to cancel river trips until we're at the boat launch. That policy worked to our advantage on Saturday since what we thought might turn out to be a yucky rainy day actually ended up as a wonderful sunny day to paddle the Smith River.

Thirteen boaters braved the ominous forecast to come out and see if the trip would happen. Those boaters were treated to a great paddle trip from Marrowbone Creek to Mitchell's Bridge with plenty of water flow. Following the paddle, the group ate picnic lunches at the Gravely Nature Preserve and were given guided tours of the trails by DRBA trip coordinator Paul Johnson.



Join us on Saturday, October 4th as we paddle the Dan River!

Safety tips for paddling on the Smith River

Martinsville Bulletin Managing Editor Amanda Buck
canoes on the Smith River with Brian Williams of the
Dan River Basin Association.

Sunday, September 7, 2008
Article by Amanda Buck; Photo by Darrin Doss

Brian Williams and Jennifer Doss of the Dan River Basin Association stress the following safety tips for anyone interested in paddling down the Smith River:

• Before you set out, call 629-2432 for a power generation schedule.

• If you haven’t paddled before, go with experienced paddlers before going alone. DRBA and other local groups are happy to teach beginners, Williams said. When you are learning, stick to nongeneration times to avoid the fast-moving water, which is up to 12 feet deep in some places.
As Doss put it, “You’re not gonna do the double black diamond ski slope unless you do the bunny slope first.”

• Always wear a life jacket. “We see a lot of people on the river without life jackets,” Doss said. That is dangerous even for good swimmers, Williams said, given the chance of hitting rocks and the temperature of the water. It comes out of the dam at about 40 degrees. “You don’t want to go in the water if you can help it,” Williams said. “Even in the summer, it’s very easy to get hypothermic regardless of how hot the air is.”

• Watch out for strainers, which are fallen trees, limbs, bridge pilings or rocks. Water can get around strainers, but they often tip people’s boats and “strain you right out,” Williams said.
“It’s always so important to pay attention to the river because even with an experienced paddler” unexpected things occur, Doss said, such as a tree falling overnight.

• Stay in the middle of the river to avoid being caught up in vegetation hanging from the bank. That vegetation can act as a strainer.

• If you are an inexperienced paddler, stay away from rocks. Some experienced paddlers enjoy playing around rocks, but that is dangerous for beginners, Williams said.

• If you fall out of your boat, point your feet downstream and try to get to a calm area as quickly as possible.

• Take an extra paddle along in case you lose one to the river.

• Don’t go alone. “We paddle in groups so we can help each other,” Doss said.

For more information on the Dan River Basin Association, call 634-2545 or visit www.danriver.org.

New Hiking Guide Available

A special thank you to Barbara Winn and Aileen Bourne of the Martinsville-Henry County Master Gardeners for volunteering their time to create hiking guides for the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve! The first guide in the series is now complete and aids in the identification of ferns. There are ten species of ferns that can be found on the property.

The guide titled "Ferns of the Gravely Preserve" will be available as a downloadable PDF on the DRBA website soon. In the meantime interested parties can pick up copies of the guide from the Henry County Office, or request a copy of the guide via e-mail. Call 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org. A second guide in the series, to be released later, will focus on fall tree identification.

Enjoy an early fall walk and take the challenge...can YOU find all ten ferns?

New Hiking Guide Available

A special thank you to Barbara Winn and Aileen Bourne of the Martinsville-Henry County Master Gardeners for volunteering their time to create hiking guides for the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve! The first guide in the series is now complete and aids in the identification of ferns. There are ten species of ferns that can be found on the property.

The guide titled "Ferns of the Gravely Preserve" will be available as a downloadable PDF on the DRBA website soon. In the meantime interested parties can pick up copies of the guide from the Henry County Office, or request a copy of the guide via e-mail. Call 276-634-2545 or e-mail jdoss@danriver.org. A second guide in the series, to be released later, will focus on fall tree identification.

Enjoy an early fall walk and take the challenge...can YOU find all ten ferns?

Calling All Volunteers!

Members of the Henry County Bike Club
enjoying the Fieldale Trail earlier this year.

The Dan River Basin Association is partnering with the Henry County Bike Club to host a volunteer workday on Saturday, September 27th to begin work on Phase II of the Fieldale Trail on River Road in Fieldale, Virginia. We need YOUR help!

Background Info: The Fieldale Trail is a project sponsored by the Dan River Basin Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation. The project is funded by The Dominion Foundation. One mile of shared-use trail currently exists and an additional mile of trail will be added on to it going downstream along the Smith River. This trail addition will enhance the recreational opportunities available in Henry County and also be part of DCR's mountains to sea trail system which will pass through Henry County bringing in tourists.

Details: Volunteers are needed to help prep the area before machinery comes in to construct the trail. Tasks include: cutting fallen logs/limbs and removing them from the trail, removing rocks from the trail, and cutting small saplings that cannot be avoided. After the trail surface is cleared, a walk-behind bush hog (use of bush hog donated by Frith Construction) will be used to mow down the tall grasses where needed. We will begin work at 10 am and try to clear as far as we can get down the trail by 1pm.

Supplies Needed: Chainsaws, loppers, machetes, and any other tools that might be useful for removing debris from the trail. Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for working outdoors. Bug spray is highly recommended. Please also bring a bottle of water.

Extra Fun: The Henry County Bike Club is hosting a Beginner's Bike Ride on the Fieldale Trail at 9am before the workday begins. Bike riders of all experience levels are invited to attend. Feel free to bring your bike, helmet, and join in the fun!

Directions: From the Hwy 220 bypass take the exit for Fieldale, Dillon's Fork Road. Travel east and the name will change to Patrick Avenue as you enter the town of Fieldale. You will come to a stop sign with an Iron Bridge across from you and a ball field to the right. Turn right onto S. River Road. As you drive down the road you will see the trail to your left. Keep going until you pass a water treatment plant and the trailhead parking lot will be on your left.

Other Dates: If you cannot attend on Sept. 27 and would still like to help with this project, please contact Jennifer. Additional workdays will be held throughout the fall and we are signing up volunteers for the later dates as well.

Questions: Please contact Jennifer Doss, Project Manager, with any questions at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org

Calling All Volunteers!

Members of the Henry County Bike Club
enjoying the Fieldale Trail earlier this year.

The Dan River Basin Association is partnering with the Henry County Bike Club to host a volunteer workday on Saturday, September 27th to begin work on Phase II of the Fieldale Trail on River Road in Fieldale, Virginia. We need YOUR help!

Background Info: The Fieldale Trail is a project sponsored by the Dan River Basin Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation. The project is funded by The Dominion Foundation. One mile of shared-use trail currently exists and an additional mile of trail will be added on to it going downstream along the Smith River. This trail addition will enhance the recreational opportunities available in Henry County and also be part of DCR's mountains to sea trail system which will pass through Henry County bringing in tourists.

Details: Volunteers are needed to help prep the area before machinery comes in to construct the trail. Tasks include: cutting fallen logs/limbs and removing them from the trail, removing rocks from the trail, and cutting small saplings that cannot be avoided. After the trail surface is cleared, a walk-behind bush hog (use of bush hog donated by Frith Construction) will be used to mow down the tall grasses where needed. We will begin work at 10 am and try to clear as far as we can get down the trail by 1pm.

Supplies Needed: Chainsaws, loppers, machetes, and any other tools that might be useful for removing debris from the trail. Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for working outdoors. Bug spray is highly recommended. Please also bring a bottle of water.

Extra Fun: The Henry County Bike Club is hosting a Beginner's Bike Ride on the Fieldale Trail at 9am before the workday begins. Bike riders of all experience levels are invited to attend. Feel free to bring your bike, helmet, and join in the fun!

Directions: From the Hwy 220 bypass take the exit for Fieldale, Dillon's Fork Road. Travel east and the name will change to Patrick Avenue as you enter the town of Fieldale. You will come to a stop sign with an Iron Bridge across from you and a ball field to the right. Turn right onto S. River Road. As you drive down the road you will see the trail to your left. Keep going until you pass a water treatment plant and the trailhead parking lot will be on your left.

Other Dates: If you cannot attend on Sept. 27 and would still like to help with this project, please contact Jennifer. Additional workdays will be held throughout the fall and we are signing up volunteers for the later dates as well.

Questions: Please contact Jennifer Doss, Project Manager, with any questions at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org