We will post information about all our field trips in February. Check back then when registration is live!
A. Hike North River Gorge on Shenandoah Mountain
Moderate Hike: This out-and-back 3 mile hike sponsored by Friends of Shenandoah Mountain will explore the North River Gorge in the 90,000-acre Proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area in the George Washington National Forest.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11am-3pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from Hotel Madison leaving at 11 am.
Details: Hike North River Gorge on Shenandoah Mountain
B. Making Land Public – A Hike in Shenandoah National Park
Moderate hike: Join staff from Shenandoah National Park and other public lands managers for a moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park. We’ll be visiting the recent 1,000 acre transfer to Shenandoah National Park, Tanner’s Ridge – the largest transfer of private land to Shenandoah National Park in decades. During our hike, we will discuss the reasons and processes for making land public.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 12-4pm
Capacity: 25
Location: Carpool from Hotel Madison.
Details: Making Land Public- A Hike in Shenandoah National Park
C. Tour of the Friendly City Trail
Walking Tour: The Friendly City trail connects three schools (Harrisonburg High School, Bluestone Elementary School, and Thomas Harrison Middle School), two parks (Hillandale and Westover Parks), and several residential neighborhoods on the west side of Harrisonburg. During our tour of the trail, we will learn about the success and learning experiences required to bring this trail to fruition over many years.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 12-3pm
Capacity: 25
Location: 1 pm at 801 Hillandale Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (Or BYOB and leave from the Hotel Madison)
Details: Friendly City Trail Tour
D. Black’s Run Stream Restoration Tour
In 2008, Valley Conservation Council, The Nature Conservancy, and the City of Harrisonburg embarked on a collaboration to restore the banks of Black’s Run to a more natural state. Passing through Purcell Park in downtown Harrisonburg, this stretch of river has seen impressive improvement since the project began, and active management of the restoration project continues to this day.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 2:30-4pm
Capacity: 25
Location: Leave from the Hotel Madison.
Details: Black’s Run Walking Tour
E. Walking Tour of Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade
Walking tour: Since 1922, Shenandoah Caverns has been a premier tourist destination in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Visitors from around the world marvel at its breathtaking natural wonders, incredible geology and extraordinary crystalline formations found 200 feet below ground level. American Celebration on Parade is one of America’s most unique museums and offers an up-close experience with parade floats from famous national celebrations, including Presidential Inaugural Parades, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and much more.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Meet at the Caverns at 12:50, 261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847.
Details: Shenandoah Caverns Trip
F. Combining Conservation and Education: Smith Creek Farm Tour
Farm Tour: Enjoy lunch and a guided tour of a conserved Shenandoah Valley Farm and Education Center. This tour will focus on agricultural education and best management practices.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 12-3pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from the Hotel or meet at the Ruritan Center.
Details: Smith Creek
G. Stewarding Working Farms: A farm tour with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation
Farm Tour: Drive with VOF stewardship staff to take in some scenic and productive landscapes in Rockingham and Augusta counties, two of the top five agricultural counties in Virginia by acres in farmland. We will visit a farm in open-space easement, discuss easements and stewardship with a focus on experiences with working farms and forests in the western region of the state, and stop for local ice cream!
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 1-4 pm
Capacity: 15
Location: Leave from Hotel Madison at 1 pm.
Details: VOF Easement Trip
H. Tour the Underground Classroom
“Walking” Tour: Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District is bringing the Underground Classroom to VaULT 2023! Spend some time exploring the handicap-accessible 22-foot cargo trailer that serves as a mobile learning unit bringing soils and conservation education to our local schools and community throughout Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro, and surrounding areas.
When: Tuesday April 25th, 2023 12:00-3:00PM
Where: Hotel Madison Conference Center Parking Lot (Grace Street N5 parking lot)
**No sign up necessary for this. Stop by as you check in.