Come out and enjoy good music and lots of entertainent for the Whole Family!!!
July 24th 5-10pm
Hooker Field $5 - entry fee
5 Live Bands!!!
Moon Bounce - Climbing Wall Water Games for Children on the Field
Full Concession - Much more....
Call Martinsville Parks & Recreation for more info on event - 403-5140
All proceeds going toward Future Skate Park in Martinsville - Henry Co. to be located in J. Frank Wilson Park
http://www.goingbig.org/
Rain Date!!! Sunday, July 25th 4-9pm
Sponsored by : Martinsville Mustangs
Submitted by Gary Cody
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Bug Hunt on the Smith with MHC After 3
The newest canoe access ramp on the Smith River at Great Road was descended upon by 28 kids from the Martinsville / Henry County "After 3 Program". They were here on a hot July morning to learn about water quality and the creatures that live in the Smith River, in particular the macro-invertebrates.
Robin Jensen of the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Brian Williams of DRBA had teamed up to teach the kids about the aquatic environment in the Smith River and how water quality and the health of the river can be monitored by the number and variety of macro invertebrates found there.
But first, they had to learn how to catch the "bugs" from the river and learn to identify them. Some were hesitant to enter the water but as the temps climbed, they came to the conclusion that on a hot day the 56 degree water temps were a welcome relief from the heat.
Upon arriving at the site the famous Smith River mist was hanging over the river but was quickly burned away as the temperatures climbed toward the 90's.
The students learned how to use the seine nets to catch the stoneflys, mayflys, crayfish and helgramites that live under the rocks on the bottom of the stream.
Soon they were even using thier smaller nets and working together in teams to catch crayfish and other benthic macro invertebrates that call the Smith home.
Then students then got a chance to view all they had captured up close and using field guides they learned how to identify the variety of aquatic insects and crustaceans..
Some were still searching for macros as others explored upstream in the deeper waters.
Robin Jensen of the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Brian Williams of DRBA had teamed up to teach the kids about the aquatic environment in the Smith River and how water quality and the health of the river can be monitored by the number and variety of macro invertebrates found there.
But first, they had to learn how to catch the "bugs" from the river and learn to identify them. Some were hesitant to enter the water but as the temps climbed, they came to the conclusion that on a hot day the 56 degree water temps were a welcome relief from the heat.
Upon arriving at the site the famous Smith River mist was hanging over the river but was quickly burned away as the temperatures climbed toward the 90's.
The students learned how to use the seine nets to catch the stoneflys, mayflys, crayfish and helgramites that live under the rocks on the bottom of the stream.
Soon they were even using thier smaller nets and working together in teams to catch crayfish and other benthic macro invertebrates that call the Smith home.
Then students then got a chance to view all they had captured up close and using field guides they learned how to identify the variety of aquatic insects and crustaceans..
Quite a few crayfish were discovered and the observant students noticed a large
female caring her eggs under her tail
After returning all the critters to the river, they all had a chance to get out and cool off in the refreshing waters of the Smith before returning to the MuseumSome were still searching for macros as others explored upstream in the deeper waters.
The best learning experiences are when you don't even realize you are learning. Its always fun and amazing to watch a group experiencing the river and gaining an appreciation for the natural resources that everyone must work together to protect. They come away with a better understanding of a delicate ecosystem and the interactions of water quality and aquatic life.... but to them its just fun day on the beating the heat on the river !
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Dan River Sojourn 2011
Good friends, great stories, fantastic history and 22 miles
of the Beautiful Dan River!
of the Beautiful Dan River!
Be part of the journey, the inaugural
Dan River Sojourn 2011
Join us for two days of paddling, two nights of camping -- the first of an annual event journeying down the Dan River!
Come for a day, come for a weekend. . . Great food and music each night
If you can't paddle, sign up to join us on the river for dinner!
May 20 -- 22, 2011
Additional information available online at
Don't delay! Do it today!
This 22-mile trip takes you through a Triassic basin where history is written in and on the landscape. From the days of the dinosaurs to Native Americans to our own imprint shown in nineteenth century commercial navigation, you will see and touch it all during this two-day adventure.
Assemble at Lindsay Bridge in Madison, NC by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 16, to unload camping and paddling gear. Shuttle to Settles Bridge and/or Eden is at 6:00 pm. Anticipated return to the Lindsey Bridge campsite is 7:00 pm. Each day's paddle adventure will begin at 9:00 am and conclude by 5:00 pm. Enjoy special programs highlighting the history of the Dan River region and related topics.
Limited to 100 participants, so reserve your spot early!
The Sojourn's trail includes of the nation's best-preserved nineteenth-century batteau navigation systems used to channel commercial traffic into backcountry North Carolina. Click on maps 57 through 47 of the Dan River Guide, Key Map 2 to see the trail. Each map highlights important navigation tips and details of that section of the river along with photos, history, interesting facts and more.
You can also order your own waterproof, travel-size copy of An Insiders Guide to the Dan River Basin in North Carolina and Viginia.
Two Payment Options
* Mail a check along with your completed registration form or
* Pay online (buttons below link to Pay Pal interface-SEE NOTE BELOW!)
NOTE: To make sure we understand WHO the participant(s) is/are, please click on the Message to Merchant option in Pay Pal and include ALL the name(s) of your PARTICPANT/paddlers, since they may be different than the name of the payer on Pay Pal.
Pricing (per person) (If you are paying for more than one person please make sure you adjust the shopping cart quantities.)
$25.00 – Friday: Evening meal and overnight camping only; does not include any meals/activities on next day.
$60.00 – Saturday: Three meals, programs, gear handling, overnight camping, T-shirt & shuttle
$60.00 – Sunday: Two meals, program, gear handling, T-shirt & shuttle
Package deal $130 – Full trip, camping two nights, six meals, programs, gear handling, T-shirt & shuttle
$65.00 paddle through for children 8 - 12 attending with a full fee adult guardian
Guest meals are $10.00 each for breakfast & lunch; $20.00 dinner
(Don't forget to adjust the shopping cart quantities to equal all meals requested)
Breakfast Guest Meal $10.00
Lunch Guest Meal $10.00
Dinner Guest Meal $20.00
Dan River Sojourn 2010 T-shirts featuring the colorful design shown at top of page are provided as part of the Saturday, Sunday and Package deals. Others may buy the T-shirts at the event.
Read the Sojourn 2010 liability waiver.
Call Wayne Kirkpatrick at 276.694.4449 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 276.694.4449 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
or email
danriversojourn@gmail.com
for more information.
Reserve your place on this first-time adventure TODAY!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Paddle Lake Talbott on Saturday
DRBA to Paddle Lake Talbott near Meadows of Dan
Out-and-back paddle on Lake Talbott near Meadows of Dan, VA Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Poor Farmers Market, 2616 Jeb Stuart Highway, Meadows of Dan, VA. GPS: 36.73541, -80.40978. Dress in layers of synthetic fabric, and bring boat, paddles, life jackets,lunch and water. Free and open to the public.
Contact: Charlie Williams
Phone: 336-337-8843
Email: chawilliams59@yahoo.com
Need a boat ? Contact one of our local outfitters:

(336)627-6215
(276)252-0701
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Kids Fun Day 2010
Jamison Mill Park - More than 85 kids attended and enjoyed games; like corn hole and water blooms toss, painted butterfly crafts, rode on a miniature train cars pulled by a lawn tracker, learned bike safety from Philpott Park Rangers (adults & kids), and got up close with Tactfully Teamed Horses. The kids got to pet Lenny the Barn Owl and Robb Herbst's new Falcon, Stif. As a grand finally; they played in the creek. They had fake tattoos on arms and faces; even on a few grandmas. The adults enjoyed their selves too. Overall there were around 285 attending including the kids.
A member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsville picked up a bike like new at her church’s yard sale and gave it to the Rangers to give to Travis to show him that his good deed would not go unrewarded. The Rangers fixed it up as best they could and presented it to Travis at the Kids Fun Day.
It was a good day for all watching Travis ride back and forward on his bike (by the way, Travis didn’t have a bike of his own).
Pictured above are: Ranger Richard Wigley, Travis Pagans and Ranger Curtis Brooks
All the smiles on all the faces of the kids, the parents and all that worked that day, and the new friends we made; old friends who came together to share a Very Special Day in the Sun was great. Sponsored by Friends of Philpott, Inc. www.FriendsOfPhilpott.com.
Contributed by: Linda Drage
Paving begins on the D&W
News flash - a portion of the Dick & Willie is being paved! They have started at the eastern most end of trail and have reached Church Street. They will be paving the parking lot at Prillaman Chemical tomorrow.
Sammy and Steven of J.C. Joyce Paving doing a little late afternoon rolling after it cools down a bit.
story and photos submitted by:
Ellen J. Jessee
Sammy and Steven of J.C. Joyce Paving doing a little late afternoon rolling after it cools down a bit.
story and photos submitted by:
Ellen J. Jessee
Friday, June 4, 2010
Celebrate Activate!
Meet your fellow community members and friends on the Uptown Spur Trail at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 17th . Later that day, there will be a community celebration held at Spencer Penn Centre from 5 to 7p.m. Located in the center of historic UpTown Martinsville, the Uptown Spur Trail is a lovely paved trail--perfect for biking, walking or running. At 0.6 mile in length, the trail will eventually serve as an access point to the 4.5 Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail. Everyone is encouraged to attend these free events. Need more info? Call 276-403-5087.
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