- In Wardensville, W. VA – Kacapon River Heights – Near Strasburg, VA. 90 min. D.C. area. 116 total acres. Prime development land. Level to rolling forest. Private. At road’s end. Alive with deer and wildlife. Ideal for hunting, private camp, cabins, homes, investment. Beautiful mountain views. Just 2 miles from Cacapon River to fish, canoe, swim. Two adjoining 58 parcels, each divided into 17 mini-forests of 2 to 5 acres, all platted and recorded for resale as individual lots. Adjacent lots selling for $25,000 – 30,000 each. Foreclosure property.

Accessible by private road. Half mile off of Rt. 259. Convenient to Winchester, VA. For sale “as is”.  Grab one or both sections for $2,750 per acre. Bank will finance this offer with 15 percent down. Make cash offer for all or both. Banks wants to close books.

- In Davis, W. VA – Blackwater Falls – Mt. Storm Lake – Canaan Valley ski area. Like Wyoming in W. VA. Bank foreclosure of prime development property in popular, scenic Potomac Highlands. 1,800 ft. on National  forest, offering tax-free use of a million-acre hunting, fishing wilderness region joining your land.  Approx. 450 ft. on native trout stream; 600 ft. on main highway – Rt. 32. All woods and clearings, overrun with deer. No steep land. Can be subdivided.

Ideal 4-season retreat near ski slopes and large mountain lake for sailing, motor boating, scuba diving. High elevation region with cool weather. Create your own ranch. Hold for investment. Lots in this development once priced up to $100K per acre. Look on your own, or call for directions. Appointments advised for those with serious interest. 80 percent financing possible. All cash offers considered.

*****

Whether for personal use or as an investment to provide for your family’s future, visit the B.K. Haynes web site to see all of the latest ranch and camp possibilities- outside the perimeter of the Washington DC area.  Or call B.K. Haynes, Accredited Land Consultant, at (540) 635-3169.

B.K. Haynes is located at 501 S.Royal Avenue, in Front Royal, VA 22630.

Land bargains since 1966 in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s Piedmont, the Blue Ridge, and the W.VA. Highlands

Email: bkhaynes ~at~ bkhaynes.com

P.S. And, don’t forget to check out B.K. Hayne’s new music CD and his Valley of the Stars radio information, on the web site (above), as well as the upcoming feature film that he wrote entitled, The Saddle Bum.

The Saddle Bum - a movie synopsis – based on the novel by Brad Haynes

Singer, author, song and screen writer, musical radio host, businessman, and movie producer, Brad Haynes, is a living legend in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Brad’s new movie is an adaptation of his romantic novel, The Saddle Bum — an intriguing story of lost love, set in the Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Two unlikely lovers find and lose each other, but never forget a torrid and soulful romance that will scorch their hearts and minds for 30 years, when they are finally reunited.

Shenandoah is one of 20 national parks kicking off “Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger.”  Led by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, the program provides tools and information to parents to make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and be active and healthy. It is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation.

“Young people inspire us; we want to help them be healthy and curious for
life. It starts with family fun. We want to help parents learn the skills
they need to enjoy the outdoors with their kids,” National Park Service
Director Jon Jarvis said.

Young people who complete at least one physical activity in pursuit of
their Junior Ranger badge receive a special sticker that designates them as
a Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger. The activities range from adventures
like hiking with a ranger to body surfing and canoeing.

“Shenandoah’s Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger program offers kids and
parents the chance to hike on park trails during a Ranger-led Junior Ranger
Program or on their own with one of three Ranger Explorer Guides. These
activities are not only great exercise, but also provide incredibly fun
ways to see and learn about the park,” Superintendent Martha Bogle said.

More than 1,600 visitors participated in Ranger-guided Junior Ranger
programs in 2009, which are enjoyed by children of all ages.  Ranger
Explorer guides, targeted for kids 13 and older, provide an opportunity to
experience hiking on Stony Man Mountain, in Shenandoah’s Wilderness and on the Appalachian Trail.

Information about Shenandoah’s Junior Ranger and Ranger Explorer programs can be found on this web page.

By summer’s end, 50 national parks will offer Let’s Move Outside Junior
Ranger programs. Before heading out, families can look at www.letsmove.gov/outside for more information about activities and participating parks. This website hub will link families to the great outdoors and give tips and ideas on how to best plan and enjoy an active adventure.

All total, The National Park Service provides 84 million acres to explore, so there are many places and ways to move outside.

Here’s an opportunity to get fit with your family this summer, and teach your kids hiking and camping skills at the same time.  Shenandoah National Park is hosting two “Hiking with Children” seminars scheduled for two Saturdays this summer, on June 19 and July 17 – from 10:00 a.m. to noon. These programs are designed for parents that want to get outdoors to hike with their children and have a worry-free experience.

- Have you always wanted to hike with your family but were concerned about being safe?

- Do you wonder about keeping your little ones entertained and engaged?

- Are you making the right decisions about what to wear and what to take with you should unexpected situations arise?

Author Jeff Alt presents “Hiking with Children”

Guest speaker and expert hiker Jeff Alt, author of the celebrated A Walk for Sunshine, will share his expertise with you and your family. You will learn firsthand how to share nature with children for a fun and safe outdoor adventure.

Jeff is the father of two young children and regularly takes his family on overnight hiking trips. He has hiked the 2,160 mile length of the Appalachian Trail on his own. During the summer of 2007, with his wife and extended family, Jeff carried his 21-month-old daughter on a 50-mile hike across a swath of Ireland.

At the “Hiking with Children” seminars, Jeff will provide tips on how families with children can experience nature together on the trails in Shenandoah National Park. Both programs include a short hike with Jeff and park rangers on one of the park’s trails.

The “Hiking with Children” program is free but reservations are requested. There is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park, good for seven days. Saturday, June 19 is Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day and the park will waive entrance fees for those residents living in counties adjoining the park
including: Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Page, Rappahannock,
Rockingham, and Warren.

To register for a seminar, go to the Shenandoah National Park website.

“Hiking with Children” is one of the Shenandoah National Park Resource Seminars designed for those who want to get to know their national park a little more personally. Seminars provide a more in-depth experience to learn from scientists, researchers, educators, and other experts about resource issues and recreational opportunities in Shenandoah National Park.

Basics of Family Camping seminar will also be offered

Future seminars include The Basics of Family Camping, July 10 -11, and our science-based air quality seminar, What’s Up with the Air? on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

The complete Resource Seminar schedule can be found on the park’s website.  Members of the Shenandoah National Park Association receive a 20% discount on seminars. The Shenandoah National Park Resource Seminars are co-sponsored by the Shenandoah National Park Association and ARAMARK, the park’s official concessioner.

For more information, contact the park’s Education Office at (540) 999-3500, ext. 3489.

Strasburg, VA – Openings are still available for the “Cool Cloverbuds” 4-H Day Camp, which will be held at the Strasburg Park from June 28-30. The camp operates from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily and is open to all children who are 5-8 years old. Daily activities include crafts, games, singing, “learn by doing” programs, and swimming. Lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt are included.

Campers are supervised by adult staff members and trained 4-H volunteer teen counselors. Children do not have to be current 4-H members to enroll and a limited number of scholarships are available, based on financial need.

For more information, please contact the Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at (540) 459-6140.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Carol B. Nansel or Nicole L. Ross, Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, at (540) 459-6140 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations two weeks prior to the event.

Shenandoah National Park, USA – Why not celebrate National Trails Day with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) at Shenandoah
National Park on Saturday June 5?

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club invites new hikers and experienced backpackers to learn new trail skills at PATC Trail Patrol’s “Beyond the Trailhead” event at Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51 – on Skyline Drive).

Come participate in hikes, demonstrations, and presentations throughout the day, while taking advantage of the fee-free weekend at Shenandoah on June 5 and 6 in celebration of the America’s Great Outdoor initiative.

The event is designed to give novice hikers the information they need to leave their cars behind and venture beyond the trailhead to enjoy this area’s numerous hiking and nature trails. Even experienced backpackers can learn new skills at the information tables and discussion groups on “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics, hiking techniques, and equipment. Hands-on demonstrations of traditional tools, such as crosscut saws, used to maintain wilderness trails will be offered by Shenandoah National Park trail crew.

A variety of hikes guided by experienced Trail Patrol members will be offered for people of all ages and experience levels: hikes suitable for families with children; easy, moderate, and advanced hikes for adults. Hikers will need to meet at the registration table at Byrd Visitor Center 15 minutes before the hike time to sign in. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season, and bring food and plenty of water.

Hikes leaving Byrd Visitor Center include:

- Easy – Story of the Forest Nature Trail – 1.8 mi. – 10:00 a.m.
- Easy – Appalachian Trail Ramble 2.0 mi. – 10:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- Moderate – Dark Hollow Falls Hike 1.4 mi. – 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Moderate – Lewis Falls Hike – 2.0 mi. – 10:15 a.m.
- Advanced – Rapidan Camp National Historic – 4.0 mi. – 9:45 a.m.
- Landmark (Camp Hoover) by Mill Prong Trail

Pre-registration is encouraged but you may also register on June 5 at Byrd Visitor Center. To pre-register, send an email to TPNTD ~at~ patc.net by June 3, 2010. Please include your name and which hike you wish to join.

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail

A presentation about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Reflections, will be offered as part of the National Trails Day event. Maryland backpackers Georgia Harris and Randy Motz will share their 2006 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail by describing what trail life is like, relating what it takes to accomplish a thru-hike, and showing photos of their journey.

The one hour presentation will be given Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium. A book signing of the presenters’ book, “Solemates – Lessons on Life, Love and Marriage” from the Appalachian Trail, will follow each presentation.

PATC and Trail Patrol are charging no fees to attend or participate in any hike, workshop, or demonstration connected with the event. Byrd Visitor Center lies within the park at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive.

For more information about the event, email Trail Patrol at TPNTD ~at`patc.net, or visit the PATC website.

For more information on the park, visit the Shenandoah National Park’s website.

“Beyond the Trailhead” celebrates the annual National Trails Day organized and sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is the volunteer trails maintenance group headquartered in Vienna, Virginia that maintains 240 miles of mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail and 730 miles of other trails in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and eastern West Virginia.

PATC volunteers build and maintain trailside hiker shelters and rustic rental cabins; and publish detailed trails maps, hiking guidebooks, and books detailing the history of the Appalachian region.

Berryville, VA – Straight from the heart of Susi Bailey come these Clarke County happenings for the month of May 2010:

- Saturday, MAY 1 – Northern Shenandoah Valley Sacred Harp and Shape Note Singers – performing from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Berryville VA.

Directions: From the intersection of Rt 7 (business) and Rt 340 in Berryville, go one block east to left on Church St. Go north on Church St 1 1/2 blocks to “T” at Grace Episcopal Church, take a left to parking lot at the end. Limited kitchen use. Potluck dinner at 6 pm. For more information please call 540-955-2660. Email address: jdelre@visuallink.com

- Saturday, MAY 1 – “1,4,5s” Blues at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. 1162 Pine Grove Road, in Pine Grove.

For more information, call: 540-554-8291

- SUNDAY MAY 2 – “The 61st Annual Blue Ridge Hunt Point To Point” at Woodley Farm in Berryville. Post time is 12:00 noon. For more information or reserved parking, contact Doris Stimpson – 540-837-2077

- Tuesday MAY 4 – Berryville & Boyce Town Election Day

- Tuesday MAY 4 – “Trilliums of the Thompson Wildlife Management Area” - from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. (The trillium is a type of flower, as pictured in this article.)

At Northern Virginia Community College – FOSA members: $8; Nonmembers: $10.  Call Julie Chase (540-837-1758 Ext. 0) to register. Space is limited.  Or,visit this web site.

- Thursday MAY 6 through Saturday, MAY 8 – “Cook Macqueen Floral Weekend” – at the Long Branch Historic House and Farm in Millwood, Virginia. Enjoy the Sheila Macqueen Gardens, featuring Mr. Frederick Wilkinson and his English Floral Design Team.

Workshops – Demonstrations – Tours. For more information, call 540-837-1856 or visit their Website.

- Friday, MAY 7 – “Clarke County Young Farmers presents: Interstate Truck and Tractor Pull” at 7:00 PM.

At the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, located at 890 W Main Street in Berryville, VA.  Adults $10.00.  Under 13, free.

CLASSES include: 6000 Modified Classics; 6200 Street 4X4 Trucks; 6500 ProStreet 4X4 Trucks; 13500 Farm Stock Tractors (no points); Open Street Diesel Trucks (no points).

The CLARKE COUNTY YOUNG FARMERS, INC. (CCYF) is a nonprofit organization that promotes education, the continuation of agriculture and the betterment of the community through charitable giving and volunteerism. Monies raised go toward scholarships and other local charities. For information, call: 540-303-3336 or log on to Facebook under “Clarke County Young Farmers Inc”

- Friday, MAY 7 - “7th Son”- Two Teachers playing blues and Rock & Roll at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. At 1162 Pine Grove Road, in Pine Grove. For more information, call: 540-554-8291

- Saturday MAY 8 – “Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Veramar.” Looking for something more grown up this year for Cinco de Mayo? Got a hot date and want to try something more sophisticated then margarita and tequila shots? Why not choose wines that pair with a diversity of flavors for spicy south of the border flair?  Meet us at Veramar Vineyard for live entertainment, South of Border fare, and Wine-a-Rita’s available for purchase.

12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM. For more information, call: 540-955-5510 or visit the Veramar web site.

- Saturday, MAY 8 – “Lone Oak Tavern; NoDRAMA ” – Southern Rock/Blues and Funk music. At 8:30 PM at Lone Oak Tavern, located at 12696 Lord Fairfax Highway (at the intersection of Routes 50 and 340), in Boyce, VA. Enjoy the bar in their Tavern Room or their casual dining rooms. Call 540-837-1210 or visit them online.

- Saturday MAY 8 – “Sinner’s Trail” – young Rock and Rollers will perform at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant, 1162 Pine Grove Road, in Pine Grove, Virginia. For more information, call: 540-554-8291

- Saturday MAY 8 and Sunday MAY 9 – “21st Annual Garden Fair Plant Sale on Mother’s Day Weekend” – from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Held rain or shine. Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with a trip to the State Arboretum for a Garden Fair, a huge plant and garden supply sale.

The Garden Fair will include more than 70 vendors, offering an incredible selection of native plants, berry bushes, small trees, and perennials. Many fine items for home and garden, and plenty of free children’s activities (kids’ activities.)  Held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and from noon to 4:00 PM on Sunday. Admission: $10 per car.

For more information, call 540-837-1758 Ext. 0 or visit them on the web.

(Note: The Garden Fair is underwritten by BB&T with support from Bartlett Tree Experts, Panera Bread, and Parthemos & Bryant.

- Sunday MAY 9 – “Mothers Day Dinner at L’Auberge Provencale” – from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM. 3-Course Menu is $62 per person. 5 Course Menu is $88 per person. 6 Course Menu is $105 per person.

For more information or reservations, call 800-638-1702 or visit web site.

- Sunday, MAY 9 – “Mother’s Day Event at Veramar”

Moms taste wine free! Mom deserves more than a card and a 5-minute phone call. This year, how about doing something really special? Why not take her to Veramar Vineyard?

In honor of mothers around the world, Veramar is offering complimentary tasting for Mothers only. They have gourmet picnics available. Must be ordered four days in advance. Time: 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM.

For more information, call: 540-955-5510 or Email: info at veramar.com.

- Wednesday,  MAY 12 –“Announcement of the 2010 selection for “One Book, One Community” – at 3:30 PM at the Josephine School Community Museum, located at 303 Josephine Street in Berryville, Va.

For more information, contact 540-662-9041 – ext. 28

- Thursday, MAY 13 - “Dave Pepper and Chuck Tellechea” – The Englishman and the Cuban will be making music together at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. 1162 Pine Grove Road, in Pine Grove. For more information, call: 540-554-8291

- Friday, MAY 14 – “Derobe the Globe” Rock – also at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. (See above.)

- Saturday, MAY 15 – “The Picker’s Jubilee” at noon. The Picker’s Jubilee will be held at Watermelon Park in Berryville.

This is a Bluegrass & “Old-Time’ style Pickin’ Contest and Campout. The two guest bands will be The Whiskey Rebellion and Lonesome Highway.

There will be a Band Showcase where bands can sign up to play a tune or two for a host of promoters and venue owners. One band will be selected for a $500 paid slot at the Annual Watermelon Park Fest in September.  (All musicians and pickers are encouraged to bring their instruments and compete for Cash and Prizes or just sit around the campfires and play along with the your fellow campers.)

Cost is just $20 bucks and includes camping for one night. For tickets and more information, visit the official Pickers Jubilee web site.

- Saturday, MAY 15 – “10th Anniversary Celebration at Veramar.”

The award-winning Virginia winery, Veramar has been going strong for 10 years. Cake cutting at 1:00 PM. Come out and get a slice of our birthday cake at 1 p.m.  In honor of our 10th Anniversary, they are offering 10 percent off any bottle of wine. (Event runs noon until 4 p.m.)  See contact information above.

- Saturday. MAY 15 – The Concerned Citizens for Clarke County Education invites you to “Celebrate Our Music”

8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Dance the night away to the gypsy Django jazz tunes of Hot Club of Millwood – while enjoying dessert and drinks in the “greenest” barn in Clarke County.

Tickets $25.00 per person, or $40.00 couple (Limited to the first 150 guests.) This event will benefit the students of Clarke County High School.

Location: The Barn at Camden, Sunny Canyon Lane, Boyce, Va. (George & Manci Ohrstrom) For information, contact: Lisa Bell at (540) 974-5472

- Saturday. MAY 15 – “Lone Oak Tavern and Gary Smallwood  – Classic Rock. At 8:00 PM at the Lone Oak Tavern, 12696 Lord Fairfax Highway (at the intersection of Routes 50 and 340), Boyce, VA. Phone: 540-837-1210.

- Saturday. MAY 15 – “Diamondback – ”Rock & Roll Variety – at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant,located at 1162 Pine Grove Road, in Pine Grove. VA. Call: 540-554-8291

- Sunday. MAY 16 – “Community Museum Book Club” – from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Book is “Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady” by Barbara A. Seals Nevergold (Peggy Brooks-Bertram).  Josephine School Community Museum, located at 303 Josephine St, in Berryville, VA.  For more information, visit their web site.

- Friday, MAY 21 – “Shortness of Breath” – High Energy Rock and Roll at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. (See above.)

- Saturday, MAY 22 – “The 5th Annual Rich Rau Memorial Bike Tour and Pancake Breakfast” – Three routes (15, 30 or 50 miles).

Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 AM at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church located at 210 East Main Street in downtown Berryville, VA.  The proceeds are now benefiting Rich’s Safety Fund, as well as the Laurel Center in Winchester.

For registration information, contact Christy at (540) 955-4081 or go online.

Afton, Va – Here’s something a little different. So many kids today, and for that matter so many adults, can tell you just about everything about technology, but when it comes to living in the wild, or building a camp fire, or good old fashioned survival, they would readily admit that they are clueless.

The time is ripe for the Return to Nature

In our push to have – and be – the latest PC’s, has our connection with Nature slowly dissolved from our lives? Have basic outdoor skills evaporated in thin air? Here’s one chance to drag your kids away from their smart (???) phones and gadgets, and go back to the Source, and re-connect yourself, as well. It’s “Scouting” taken to a new level.

May 7 to 9, 2010, The Living Earth School, at 101 Rocky Bottom Lane in Afton, Virginia, is hosting Family Survival Weekend. It begins Friday evening and lasts through Sunday  at 4 p.m.

Join the Living Earth School for a relaxing, adventurous weekend in the woods with your family. No cell phone. No laptops. No interruptions – except for  the calls from the wild. This workshop will teach the four essential elements of surviving in the woods, so your family can go on in confidence, and will change your relationship with the natural world. This class will lay the foundation for survival and give you the practical tools needed to live closely with the land.

The workshop will discuss: 1) shelter, 2) water, 3) fire and 4) food. Participants will make a debris shelter that will keep you dry and warm without a sleeping bag. Also, carve your own friction fire set, and learn the many crucial skills of survival like wild edible plants, safe water collection, awareness and more.

This class is a fun, hands-on way to learn to live more closely with the Earth and to walk with greater awareness of the beauty the world of nature holds. Participants will also cook over the open fire, tell stories and roam the beautiful forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

About The Living Earth School

The Living Earth School is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, outside of Charlottesville. Kate and Hub Knott are co-founders and owners of the The Living Earth School.

Their web site explains: “We are in the Chesapeake Bay, James River, and Rockfish River watershed. The Blue Ridge are some of the oldest mountains in the world, once as tall as the Himalayans, and now the rounded tops and ridgelines around us rise about 4000’ above sea level.

The mountains are rich with medicinal plants, wildlife (including bobcat, bear, coyote, deer, owls, etc) and some of the highest diversity of amphibians in the world. There are rock outcrops to explore, creeks to follow, and mysteries that keep pulling ones curiosity further. We use two sites, a camp facility in Sugar Hollow for our summer camp programs and our base camp in Afton.”

Down time is so important these days. Henry David Thoreau would be proud.

Details: Admission for the weekend is $225 (1 adult, 1 child) +$75 for each additional person.

For more information on the Family Survival Weekend, call (540) 456-7339, or visit the Living Earth School website, which illuminates their unique “coyote mentoring” philosophy.

*****

Here are some of the other meaningful, “connective” programs that they offer:

- Father/Son Weekend of Fire -  May 15 – 16

Come spend this special weekend together, diving into the world of fire. Learn the ancient art of fire making, carve your own bowdrill fire set, tell stories, wander the mountains and cook on an open fire under a star lit sky.  Besides a great weekend of fun, leave with new skills you can utilize together into the future.  Sat 9 am- Sun 11am $175 (includes father and son age 6+, each additional child, $65. (Instructors: Hub Knott and Kyle Scaggs)

- Hide Tanning- The Brain Tan Method – May 21 – 23

Learn to tan in a completely non-toxic traditional way. In this class, you will transform a deer hide into a soft, supple, wearable buckskin. Learn to scrape the hair, grain and membrane, brain, wring, soften and smoke the hide. Walk away with a finished braintan buckskin, and an 8 page handout to review when you tan in the future. Hides and materials provided. $200 – Friday- Sunday (majority of 3 days will be necessary, as well as some down time between.) Some camping options possible.

- Mother/Daughter Weekend – May 22 – 23

Come spend a magical weekend with your daughter immersed in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! We will connect with the natural world, cook over the fire, make wild edible teas, weave stories of mother-hood, daughter-hood throughout our day and weave our tales into a basket.  Mothers and daughters will make their own basket to go home with together.  For participants that attended last year we have advanced basket options to weave into the weekend. Sat 9 am – Sun 11am. $175 – includes mother and daughter age 6+, each additional child, $65. (Instructor: Kate Knott)

Washington, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that all 392 national parks, including Shenandoah National Park,  will have free admission during National Park Week, April 17 – April 25. Parks will also offer additional family friendly activities and special offers on tours, lodging, food, and souvenirs. A listing of parks and promotions is available on the National Parks web site.

“We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to visit a
national park and help celebrate National Park Week,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days.”

National Park Week, a program of the National Park Service, is an
opportunity to engage families and communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.

“National parks preserve our heritage, promote recreational experiences, and provide places of quiet refuge,” said National Park Service DirectorJon Jarvis. “Most people live within a short drive of a national park so I encourage everyone to spend some time enjoying America’s Great Outdoors during National Park Week.”

There will be hundreds of family friendly events on Saturday, April 24, for National Junior Ranger Day. Each child participating in Junior Ranger activities will receive a certificate, patch, or pin.

Other National Park Week highlights include the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 75th anniversary of the nation’s most visited national park – the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

Shenandoah National Park – SPRING HIKING – From the Park’s latest press release: “Shenandoah Superintendent Martha Bogle announced that the 12-space “upper lot” on the park boundary at the Ridge Trailhead access for Old Rag Mountain will be permanently closed to public vehicle access and parking.

Temporary signing in the upper and lower lots and at Rt. #600 to advise visitors of the impending upper lot closure has been posted. Park staff will accomplish the closure with the installation of a temporary gate and other barriers by mid-April 2010.

The closure is a result of an Environmental Assessment (EA) entitled “Old Rag Parking Lot,” which included extensive public involvement over a two-year period. The Finding of “No Significant Impact” for that project was approved in June 2009.

The Old Rag Mountain area trails are some of the most popular day and overnight use trail areas in park. Visitation on weekends each day can frequently exceed 500 people completing the 8.8 mile Old Rag circuit hike. Public vehicle parking has been provided at the 12-space National Park Service (NPS) upper parking lot and the leased 250-space lower lot.

Parking space at the upper lot is frequently overwhelmed, resulting in extensive roadside parking which extends on to the road pavement and on private land. Access to the trailhead by emergency vehicles for response to incidents on Old Rag Mountain is hindered by improperly parked visitor vehicles.

It is anticipated that the closure of the NPS upper lot will substantially reduce the conflict and congestion of shared visitor vehicle traffic an pedestrian use on Rt. #600, will minimize road shoulder parking trespass on adjacent private land, and should potentially reduce crowding and resource impacts at the Ridge and Nicholson Hollow Trailheads.

Upon closure of the upper lot to public, vehicle access the site will continue to serve as work trip parking access for PATC and Old Rag Mountain Steward volunteers, and for emergency vehicle and other official park administrative access. For the near future, at least one portable toilet will be maintained on site and most trash receptacles will be kept available.

A new parking lot in the area of Nethers Rt. #600 for Old Rag trail access is planned for future construction.”

Hot Site

Hiking Upward is a great web site that includes details about the Old Rag Mountain hike, including first-hand hiking accounts as well as beautiful photos of the area and trail. It is a strenuous, popular hike.

Or, check out the National Park Service’s web site.

Shenandoah National Park, USA – Enjoy nature – Get ready for camping and enjoying the great outdoors with your family! Today, Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Martha Bogle announced that facilities closed during the winter season will begin opening in March, and will continue to open through the Spring. Even though Spring is just around the corner, Shenandoah National Park staff members are continuing the hard work of clearing snow from the unprecedented 2010 winter season.

The March opening dates shown below are tentative – based on Mother Nature and successful snow clearing operations:

Visitor Centers: Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center will open March 26; Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will open on April 1; Loft Mountain Information Center will open on May 14, operating weekends and holidays only.

Campgrounds: Big Meadows Campgrounds
will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Campground will open on April 9; Mathews Arm Campgrounds will open on May 14; Loft Mountain will open on May 21, pending completion of a construction project to rehabilitate roads in the area.

Picnic Grounds: Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River and Dundo Picnic Grounds are currently open. The remaining picnic grounds will operate as follows: Big Meadows Picnic Grounds will open March 26; Dickey Ridge will open on April 1; and Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds will open April 9. Loft Mountain Picnic
Ground remains closed.

Concession-operated Restaurants, Lodges and Associated Facilities: Big Meadows Wayside will open March 19; Skyland Resort will open on April 1; Big Meadows Shower/Laundry will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Cabins and Lewis Mountain Campstore will open on April 9; Elkwallow Wayside will open on April 16; Loft Mountain Wayside will open on April 30; Big Meadows Lodge will open on May 20; Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Shower and Laundry will open on May 21.

For more information about planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park, call the park at (540) 999-3500, or visit their web site.

Strasburg, VA – Just announced! EarthKorps is proud to present the “Shenandoah Riverside Festival,” a low-cost family weekend camping trip that supports taking care of the Shenandoah River and cleaning up our environment.

Mark your calendars for April 30, May 1 and May 2 – for three days of music and camping in Strasburg, Virginia, right along the beautiful, historic Shenandoah River. (The River is a tributary of the Potomac River, approximately 150 miles (241 km) long, in the U.S. states of Virginia and West Virginia.)

Strasburg is in the Shenandoah Valley – at the crossroads of Route 66 into Washington D.C., and Interstate 81. Like many of the small towns that dot the Valley, Strasburg sits on Old Valley Pike (Route 11), and the river runs alongside the road in many places. Skyline Drive is only about 10 miles away.

Music groups performing during the River camp-out include these bands:

- On The Bus
- Lagerhead
- George Wesley & Small Axe Orchestra
- Joe Herbert & Indoe Loop
- David Frye
- Steal The Prize
- GAC Bluegrass Band
- Jake and Burtones
- Scott Murray – Ambrose Dilemma
- Rick Harris Jr. – Mark Barreres
- Friends ‘O The Shenandacky

One low price ($35) covers the entire weekend of camping for your group, or pay $20 for a one-day pass (Saturday night). There is limited vending available for this event. There is plenty of hiking nearby.

100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the continued clean up of the Shenandoah River.

Earth Korps – the sponsor of the weekend – is being formed as a non-profit organization in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley by a river enthusiast that goes by the name of “Captain” Beau Morgan. The purpose of the project is to clean up the physical pollution that is desecrating the Shenandoah’s natural beauty.

This week, Earth Korps organizers spoke briefly about the background and the need for the clean up event, remarking:

“Since 2005, the Shenandoah River has experienced a series of fish kills every spring that have affected several of its native fish species. In the spring of 2005, redbreast sunfish and small mouth bass along a 100-mile (160 km) stretch of the South Fork Shenandoah River began dying of lesions caused by bacteria and fungi.

Basically there’s a problem, not only in chemical pollution destroying the quality of the water, but also hugely in part by physical pollution. The river is absolutely, quite literally, littered with everything from tires, cans, and plastic, to shopping carts, lawnmowers, and vehicles. There needs to be a change. The river needs help, and that’s where we all come in.”

Spread the news!

If you’d like more information about the Shenandoah Riverside Festival, or if you’d like to contribute your time and energy to this worthy event, email: lazarus_11 at hotmail.com;  for more information on Capt. Morgan and his vision for the future of the Shenandoah visit the Earth Korps web site.

Shenandoah National Park, VA – The staff of Shenandoah National Park has begun planning for a year long celebration of the park’s 75th Anniversary – during 2011. Over 30 people from local county governments, partner organizations and tourism professionals have volunteered their time to work with park staff to engage local communities and ensure a terrific celebration of one of the nation’s most treasured places.

The mission of the anniversary celebration is to inspire the public to value the park resources in Shenandoah’s Blue Ridge Mountains and infuse surrounding communities in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Piedmont with a sense of ownership and pride in the park and region.

Generous donations by the Shenandoah National Park Association and the Shenandoah National Park Trust will assist in getting planning off the ground.

Shenandoah National Park Association hires Bedwell as 75th Anniversary Coordinator

As coordinator, Bedwell will provide essential liaison functions between the National Park Service and the members of the Shenandoah National Park 75th Anniversary Committee in the planning and coordination of 75th Anniversary events and commercial activies related to the 75th Anniversary.

Bedwell’s previous professional experiences as Product Manager for Plow & Hearth, Marketing Director for Montpelier, and Orange County Director of Tourism will benefit the planning of the anniversary events for the Park and the surrounding communities.

Bedwell said, “As a native of the mountains of Virginia, I have a deep personal respect for Shenandoah National Park and look forward to sharing that sense of heritage and preservation through the celebration activities.” She lives in Locust Grove, Virginia with her husband, Michael.

One of the first tasks facing Bedwell and the Anniversary committee will be to establish a website, which will showcase “all things 75th”, including events and merchandise. Website design has been made possible through a grant by the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

To view an online version of Shenandoah Overlook, the Park’s Visitor Guide, click here. To make reservations to stay in Shenandoah National Park this year, click here.

Did You Know?
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails. Over 30 percent of the trails are in designated wilderness. 101 miles are part of the Appalachian Trail.

Winchester, VA – February 7 – the first Sunday of this month – many area churches, especially those that charter Scouting units, will be recognizing Scout Sunday and will be including Scouts in their services.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (which is Scouting Anniversary Day) as “Scout Sunday.” This is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults in Scouting.

BSA is a century old
The event takes on even greater significance this year as the Boy Scouts of America will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on February 8, 2010. “A Scout is Reverent” is the overall theme of the celebration.

As you notice your young men and Scout leaders wearing their uniforms this Sunday, it’s an appropriate time to remember all the good that Scouting has done to help produce many of our nation’s finest leaders, as well as instilled important values in youth all over the world.

The Shenandoah Area Council of the BSA is especially appreciative for the support of local business and churches in helping meet the funding needs of local BSA programs. The Council encourages people to contact BSA Alumni to invite them to participate in the 100th Anniversary activities throughout 2010.

Special screening of “Follow Me, Boys” at Alamo Drafthouse
On February 8th, 2010, the local Shenandoah Area Council (SAC) Boy Scout units will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts in a somewhat unusual way – at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The celebration will include both a special 100th Birthday Program followed by the showing of the all-time great, 1960’s Walt Disney movie on Scouting, “Follow, Me, Boys!”

This film, starting Fred MacMurray as a small Midwestern town Scoutmaster, captures the spirit and adventure experienced by young men through the Scouting program.

Scouts and their Scoutmasters from Scout troops from all over the local area will be participating in uniform and every seat in the two Alamo theatres hosting the event have been sold out in advance.

Stuart Williams, SAC Scout Executive recently stated, “We are thrilled with the response for our 100th Birthday celebration and hope this event will instill even more deeply in the hearts and minds of those participating the tremendous significance of the Scouting
program over these many years.”

This kick-off event is one of many 100th Anniversary events that will be occurring over the coming year. It is hoped that many Scouting Alumni will join in the celebrations. If you would like more information about the schedule of local 100th Anniversary BSA events, please contact the Scout office at (540) 662-2551, or visit their website.

(NOTE TO THE MEDIA: Key leaders of the Shenandoah Area Council, including Stuart Williams, Scout Executive, Paige Manuel, President of the Executive Board, Ben Mathis, Chairman of the 100th Anniversary Committee, and several Eagle Scouts and Scout leader are planning to meet with the Press at 5:45 pm in the Lobby of the Alamo Theatre on Feb. 8.

They will be making some brief comments about the 100th celebration and then provide time for the Press to conduct interviews with several Eagle Scouts and Scout leaders. Reporters are welcome to come into the theatre to further talk with scouts about what the 100th means to them and also observe the special 100th Birthday Ceremony.

Shenandoah National Park, Va – Beginning March 1, 2010, Shenandoah National Park will institute an Outside Firewood Ban in an attempt to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive invasive exotic beetle that feeds on ash trees. As of 2009, the EAB is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest and in some eastern states. Currently, the closest documented EAB infestation is in Fairfax County, Virginia, only 55 miles east of Shenandoah’s northern boundary.

Foresters across the state are working to control the spread of this
devastating insect through quarantines, bans, and public education.
The EAB is often spread by the movement of infested firewood. Over the last several years, EAB infested firewood has been found at campgrounds, hunting camps, NASCAR events, rest stops, and picnic areas throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S. The park’s campgrounds and picnic areas are the most likely areas for EAB introduction into Shenandoah National Park.

Because of the seriousness of a potential infestation, park managers are implementing the firewood ban effective March 1, 2010. The regulation will require that visitors not bring any firewood (or wood scraps) into the park. Visitors may gather dead and downed firewood in the park or purchase wood at Park Camp Stores. The park’s vendor’s sources have been approved and are being monitored for EAB. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to use charcoal
for cooking fires.

White ash trees, comprising approximately 4 percent of the park’s overall forest, are found in 16 forest communities that together cover 65% of the park’s acreage. Given what is known about EAB infestations, an outbreak in Shenandoah National Park could lead to a total loss of white ash in the park and surrounding areas. Shenandoah’s managers want to avoid the same widespread devastation to the ash population that the woolly adelgid has wrought on the Eastern Hemlock.

Creekside Campground is nestled right on the water in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Located at 108 Palmyra Road in Edinburg, the campground promotes a quiet, relaxed family atmosphere – featuring activities at the campground and in the surrounding area – for children and adults alike. Near Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park), Shenandoah Caverns, and New Market Battlefield.

The campground serves many repeat customers who make it a point to stop by and stay at the campground year after year. For more information, call (540) 984-4299 or (540) 984-8471 or e-mail: cscamp@shentel.net.

* Full Hookups (30 and 50 Amp) and Cable TV
* Big Rig Friendly! – RV sites can easily accommodate fifth-wheels, slideouts and coaches to 40+ feet
* All RV and tent sites have picnic tables and fire rings
* very clean, modern restrooms & shower facilities
* Nestled along the Stoney Creek
* Beautiful landscaping and evening lights throughout the campground
* Within walking distance into the historic town of Edinburg with antique and novelty shops
* Family atmosphere
* RV Clubs welcomed
* Disposal sanitary dump station
* Pavilion for use by clubs and groups
* Pets permitted on leash only
* Family-owned and operated

Directions: When coming off of Interstate 81 at the Edinburg or Woodstock exits, follow the Campground signs, not your GPS directions. Your GPS unit will try to take you down a winding street with a one-lane bridge with a 10-ton weight limit, whereas the campground signs bring you around the back on a more sturdy road.