People find adventure in parks in many ways. Take a close-up look at the wonders of nature and history on a leisurely adventure in National Park Service sites this week. All ranger programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera, and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this week’s featured ranger programs in area national parks.
Friday, August 28, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting today.
Ranger on the Rock
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Saturday, August 29, 2015:
Brookside Island Bird Walk
9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at Camp Brookside site in Brooks (Follow Route 20 from Hinton or Sandstone to Brooks. Turn onto North Mullens Road that crosses the railroad tracks; this is the only RR crossing in Brooks. After crossing the RR tracks, immediately turn left and follow the gravel road over two bridges and through a gate to the Camp Brookside site.). 0.5 mile walk. Explore this special riverside habitat to look and birds living along the New River. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide or some will be provided.
Bluestone Walk
10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk. Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting today.
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Ranger on the Rock
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Sunday, August 30, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting today.
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Ranger’s Choice
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Come and go as you please for this informal talk with a ranger. Topic will focus on an amazing aspect of recreation, natural history, or cultural heritage of the New River Gorge.
For more information about participating sites visit:
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/neri, http://www.facebook.com/
About the National Park Service
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.
Date and Time
Friday Aug 28, 2015 Sunday Aug 30, 2015
