Training class for new Master Naturalists

Volunteers learn about and help to maintain the Quarry Gardens' galleries of native plant communities with guidance from Emma Stephens most Friday mornings from February through November. Hours this week will be 9-1; volunteers may work for all or part of the morning. dress for the weather, bring gloves and personal hand tools. Restrooms, water […]

Geology department field trip and picnic.

Field trip

Genial botanist and noted wildflower blogger Cynthia Wood will lead a walk along the QGs main trial around the two quarry pools through galleries of native plant communities. Plants we may expect to find include Rue anemone, Shooting star, Pussytoes, Wild columbine, Dwarf larkspur, Wild geranium, Alumroot, Bluets, Dwarf crested iris, Golden ragwort, Native phlox, […]

Membership meeting with presentation by Pat Mitchell, founder and president of the Blue Ridge Mycological Society.

Membership meeting and foray.

Dorothy Carney will lead members of the Jefferson Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society and  the Rivanna Master Naturalists on a walk along the main trail around the quarries.

Field trip for Master Naturalists training class led by Bernice Thieblot.

Field trip for Master Naturalists training class led by Bernice Thieblot.

Private foray for morels.

Rachel Floyd will lead a group from Luck Stone company on a walk around the quarries with an emphasis on geological points of interest.

In his role as a biological surveyor for Charlottesville's Center for Urban Habitats, Drew Cheney draws upon a broad and deep fund of knowledge about the flora, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies of the Piedmont. As leader of this tour, Drew  will share his  knowledge of all that spring brings to the many ecosystems of […]

Master Naturalist—and interpretive naturalist—Dorothy Carney invites inquisitive companions of all ages to join her on a walk among the mid-spring flowers on Friday May 3 from 10 .m. until noon. The Quarry Gardens offer a remarkable collection of naive plant communities easily accessible along a scenic path around the two quarry pools. Dorothy promises a […]

Once spring leaves emerge on the trees and shrubs, successful birding required the ability to identify birds by their songs. Programs manager of the Central Virginia Land Conservancy and long-time avid birder, Kyle Simpson will get us started. Kyle will present the vocalizations of ten common birds of the southeast as well as some tips […]

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. Pat’s talk will cover the importance of fungi  to the ecosystems we count on, […]

In response to many requests, this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Quarry Gardens will be available to ticketed visitors who would like to walk the trails independently. Consider bringing a lunch to enjoy in the picnic pavilion. For personal safety and protection of the site, visitors are advised: Pets, swimming, alcohol, fires, […]

Membership meeting and foray

Nobody knows The Quarry Gardens' flora and fauna better than Rachel Floyd. Beginning in 2015, Rachel partnered in the QGs' initial biological assessment and subsequent native ecosystem restoration, which included planning and installing the galleries of native plant communities. She currently serves as Executive Director of The Quarry Gardens, in which role she directs all […]