Forest Bathing Walk
Join yoga teacher and health psychologist Lisa Hynes for a gentle group walk and meditation event at the Garden. Forest bathing is a Japanese practice which has become an influential strategy for maintaining or building wellbeing since the 1980's. A growing evidence base of international research suggests Forest Bathing is an effective approach to stress management. Combining gentle walking, mindfulness meditation practices, insights into the natural treasures of the gardens, and group discussion, we will unwind and refresh together, and see the forest like you've never seen it before. All ages. Free for WVBG members, $15 for non-members. Space is limited, register today! Please pre-register for ALL activities 48 hours in advance at www.wvbg.org. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Park in the lower parking area. Programs will last approximately 1.5-2 hours unless otherwise noted. Donations are appreciated and can be made online, or at the kiosk by the lower lot. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Winter Birds of Monongalia County
LeJay Graffious, local birder, will present a two-part program on identifying our avian friends found in the winter months. The first part will be an indoor interactive presentation about birds found in the area during the winter months. The second part will be an outdoor bird walk in the WVBG with an option to travel to Cheat Lake to look for waterfowl. All ages. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members. Please register by Thursday, November 9. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Contact us at 304-322-2093 or info@wvbg.org if you have any questions.
Tree ID Walk
WVU Society of American Foresters club members will help us identify and teach us about some of the trees found at the WVBG. Bring a tree ID guide if you have one. All ages. Free. * Please register by September 21. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Mushroom Walk
WVU Professor of Mycology Dan Panaccione will lead us in search of forest fungi. He will show us how to identify the native mushrooms at the garden by their unique characteristics. Emphasis will be on general biology, not edibility. All ages. Free. * Please register by September 14. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Wildflower Walk
With local naturalist Ellen Hrabovsky, we will explore the plethora of summer wildflowers found around the reservoir basin. A wildflower book is helpful. All ages. Free. * Please register by August 24. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Ogden Newspapers 5K Run & 5K Walk for Health
8:15 a.m. The 5K Run and 5K Walk For Health prizes will be given in the Open division. Race towels, bottled water and fresh fruit will be available to participants. Participants will receive one food voucher, and pre-registered participants are guaranteed a Dri-Fit shirt. Also in 2017, the Race Committee has determined that all 5K participants will receive a race medal.
Ohio Valley Light the Night Walk
Mark your calendars for our 2017 Ohio Valley Light The Night Walk Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Wheeling Heritage Port in Wheeling, WV!
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 9:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Ramp Dinner/Wildflower Walk/Earth Day Celebration
Join us for the Mason Dixon Historical Park's annual buffet-style Ramp Dinner! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., we'll be serving up the finest ramp dinner the Appalachian Mountains have to offer. At 1:15, we will begin our wildflower walk. Suitable for all ages! Come celebrate Earth Day with us! Ramp Dinner At the Red Barn at The Mason-Dixon Historical Park features Ramps, Fried Potatoes, Soup Beans, Ham, Salad, Chicken 'n Noodles, Sausage gravy, Biscuits, Applesauce, Corn Bread, Deviled Eggs, Pickled Eggs, Cakes. Deep fried Beer Batter Ramps for $5. Cost - $10 Adult meal; $5 Age 12 & under; Free Age 5 & under with adult. Wildflower Walk - Enjoy the beauty of springtime and follow in the footsteps of history during the Wildflower Walk. The free walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot next to the red barn, the park's main building. •Please, no picking the wildflowers or any of the plants. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. In case of inclement weather, the wildflower walk will be canceled. Kids fishing Rodeo www.facebook.com/events/226277717779998/ Park Hours: 10 a.m. until Dusk Office Hours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
YWCA Race to End Racism
Join the YWCA, local leaders and local businesses, and individuals at the inaugural Race to end Racism. The 5K run / 1 mile walk starts at Magic Island. Admission:$25 run/$15 walk thru 4/15; $30 run/$20 walk after 4/15
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 6:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended, head wear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Wetland/Amphibian Walk
West Virginia University (WVU) Professor Jim Anderson will lead us to and acquaint us with the frogs, toads, and other amphibians found in a variety of wetland habitats. Be prepared to get your shoes muddy. Free for all ages. Register online at www.wvbg.org. * Registration for free programs is required by the Friday prior to the program. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Contact us at 304-322-2093 or info@wvbg.org if you have any questions.
Walking & Yoga: A Rejuvenating Journey in the Gardens
As the holiday season gets rolling, it’s time for you to get strolling and flowing! Treat yourself to time in nature and rejuvenate your mind and body with Heidi Sherwin, E-RYT. The workshop will include a mindfulness walk around the Gardens, followed by a gentle flowing yoga sequence and meditation in the Botanic Garden’s new Welcome Center. Yoga and walking make a perfect combination for connecting with the rhythms of nature, enhancing one’s energy, shifting the mood, and quieting mind chatter. Now that’s holiday joy! Please bring warm clothes, walking shoes, water, a journal and pen, and a yoga mat. Hot water and tea will be provided. The cost is $20 for WVBG members and $30 for non-members. Register online at www.wvbg.org by November 28.
9th Annual Turkey Trot
This is an informally timed, non-competitive, family-oriented trail walk/run on the rolling hills of Grand Vue Park. The course covers 3.1 miles of mostly natural multi-use trails throughout the park. Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash at all times. The event will start and finish at the Banquet Hall / Main Office. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. and the event starts at 9:00 a.m. Non-Refundable Entry Fee: $15 for Adults, $12 for Children (12 and under). *Includes a tee-shirt!*
Shanghai Parade
Bundle up the family and come enjoy Lewisburg’s annual New Year’s Day parade of unknown origins which features the wackiest
Cass Scenic Railroad SP – FIRST DAY HIKE
First day hikes are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy state parks year round and to promote good health and exercise. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 1:00 p.m. Monica Fleming First Day Hike leader. Walk on the Greenbrier River Trail from the Terminus at mile mark 80.8 (end of Front Street) South to first trail side camping area at 78.5 then back again. Mileage: approx. 4 miles round trip approximate time to complete this First Day Hike is around 2+ hours. Trail is crushed gravel flat downhill in south direction uphill north direction no more than a 2% grade. Join us outdoors for your First Day in 2017.
Great Backyard Bird Count – Kanawha State Forest
Take part with over 100,000 birders from over 130 countries to observe and count bird species, contributing to a massive amout of data used to track "the health of bird populations on a global scale." gbbc.birdcount.org/2016-gbbc-summary/ - It's a nationwide community of birders! Meet at the Kanawha State Forest Nature Center at 2 p.m. We plan to have a feeder count followed by a bird hike. Data collected from the day will be submitted to eBird. Free to the public. Three pairs of binoculars are available for borrow. Join us!
Kanawha State Forest – FIRST DAY HIKE
Start the New Year right with a hike at your local State Forest! Meet in the Pool Parking area at 2 p.m. Bring your hiking shoes. All are welcome. Free to the public. Bundle up for whatever nature brings today! Enjoy the outdoors.
White Oak Rail Trail Expo
White Oak Rail Trail is lined with vendors, organizations, services, fundraisers, concessions, flea markets, yard sales, etc. Each year in
West Virginia Botanic Garden Family Walks
West Virginia Botanic Gardens hosts monthly Family Walks, which will now be on the first Friday of the month beginning at 10:00 am. These walks are a fun way for parents and kids to get out and enjoy the Garden. The walk is easy and about a mile in length. They typically last about an hour. “Off-road” strollers are welcome. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Come out and join us this spring/summer! Meet at the information kiosk near the lower parking area (which will be open for these events). Contact Erin Smaldone at Erin@wvbg.org or 304-216-8704 with questions.
Beech Fork State Park – June 4 – National Trails Day
It's a pleasant hike/walk on the Nature Trail to celebrate National Trails Day. Meet Naturalist Brian Tabor at 9:45 a.m. behind park headquarters to set out for a walk. For those that want to set foot and hike, there is opportunity. Following the hike, Tabor will be a the boat dock and welcomes your questions as well as renting paddle-boats, etc., for afternoon fun on the water.