Apr 10, 2024
Pat Mitchell, co-founder and president of the Blue Ridge Mycological Society (which meets at the QGs monthly) will introduce the world of fungi with a presentation for the public in the Visitor Center, then lead a discovery walk along the trails on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pat’s talk will cover the importance of fungi to the ecosystems we count on, how to learn more about the fruiting bodies we call mushrooms, and—since what most people want to know about wild mushrooms is how to eat them and not die—how to forage and eat wild mushrooms safely. Space is limited.
You are invited to bring a bag lunch and enjoy it in our picnic pavilion following the walk.
Apr 3, 2024
Victory Hall Opera Company returns to nature’s amphitheater June 2, 4, 6 & 8 to stage a series of immersive, acoustic concerts in the Quarry Gardens at Schuyler. Bring a picnic, then follow the program around the trail as the birds and frogs chime in.
Tickets for Soundflight 3 go on sale Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at victoryhallopera.org.
Mar 27, 2024
Theodore Roosevelt was our conservation president. Among other achievements, he helped to establish the national parks system. He was a friend of birds who moved to outlaw harvesting them for their feathers. As an avid birder with poor eyesight, he relied on his hearing to identify and locate birds by sound.
On Saturday May 4 at 10 a.m., Kyle Simpson, Programs Manager of the Central Virginia Land Conservancy and long-time birder, will present the vocalizations of ten common birds of the southeast as well as some tips and tricks for beginners in bird song identification. Recognizing birds by their songs will open a new dimension for you in enjoying the wildlife in your own back yard—it’s a vital skill for anyone once the tree canopy becomes thick—and the good news is you probably already know more than you realize!
After the presentation, we’ll take a brief walk around. Although late morning is not the ideal time, you’re sure to hear (and see) many birds.
Consider bringing a lunch to enjoy in our picnic pavilion. Sign up at quarrygardensatschuyler.org/visit.
Mar 24, 2024
Cynthia Wood, seen here with an early spring group, will lead a wildflower walk at the Quarry Gardens on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m. A long-time native plant enthusiast, Cynthia has written many articles for publication. Her charming and authoritative Virginia Wildflowers blog had more 14,000 monthly readers on Facebook.
If our phenology is a guide, participants may expect to see in bloom—and learn from Cynthia about—Wood anemone, Pussytoes, Wild columbine, Wild geranium, Alumroot, Bluets, Dwarf crested iris, Golden ragwort, Moss phlox, Eastern shooting star, Mayapple, Solomon’s seal, Wild pink, Bladdernut, Spring beauty, Foamflower, Mountain and Perfoliated bellworts, Heartleaf, Golden Alexanders—and many others.
Consider bringing a lunch to enjoy in our picnic pavilion after the walk.
Reservations are $15 per person, payable online. Sign up at quarrygardensatschuyler.org/visit.
Mar 4, 2024
Two spring events at The Quarry Gardens promise to bring joy to lovers of birds.
Getting Into Birding
On Saturday, March 23 beginning at 10 a.m., Tracey Hopper and Joanna Vondracek, members of the Piedmont Virginia Bird Club, will guide beginners into birding. They will relate why, how, and where to go binding, show some of the many birds that may be found here including their behaviors and habitats, and introduce opportunities for birding in our area. (So far, 108 species have been identified at the QGs, including the featured yellow rumped warbler photographed by young Theo Staengl.)
Tracey and Joanna will also provide advice on essential equipment such as binoculars, and recommend digital tools, websites, and books.
You are invited to bring a bag lunch to enjoy in the picnic pavilion. If you wish to join a short walk afterward, dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Birding by Ear
Once spring leaves emerge, successful birding requires the ability to identify birds by their songs—as near-sighted Teddy Roosevelt did.
On Saturday, May 4, beginning at 10 a.m., Kyle Simpson, Programs Manager of the Central Virginia Land Conservancy and long-time avid birder, will get us started.
Kyle will present the vocalizations of ten common birds of the southeast as well as some tips and tricks for beginners in bird song identification, Recognizing birds by their songs will open a new dimension for you in enjoying the wildlife in your own back yard—and the good news is that you probably already know more than you realize!
Consider bringing a lunch to enjoy in our picnic pavilion after the presentation. Although midday is not the ideal time, you’re sure to hear (and see) birds.
