Conference Field Trips
All field trips are Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Please select ONLY ONE field trip when it is time to register. Field trips are held at the same time, so you cannot attend multiple events.
A. Bike Tour of Fredericksburg Trails and Greenways
Description: This bike trip highlights some of the opportunities as well as current challenges in connecting historic assets, public open space, neighborhoods, the Rappahannock River and Fredericksburg’s historic downtown. The tour is appropriate for beginner riders and will be primarily on fairly level, off-road trails or low traffic streets, with a few short hills and road crossings.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-4 pm
Capacity: 20 people
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at Old Mill Park
Details: Bike Tour of Fredericksburg Trails and Greenways
B. Trash Clean Up on the Rappahannock
Description: This field trip will explore the Rappahannock River below the fall line, which means the river is calmer and is under the ebb and flow of the tides. We will launch kayaks from City Dock, which is just across the River from the historic Port of Falmouth. Attendees are encouraged to pick up any litter they may find while out on the water, as a part of the #RappRiverCleanup.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at City Dock Park
Details: Trash Clean Up on the Rappahannock
C. Fones Cliff Boating
Description: Participants will enjoy a trip on the Rappahannock River with USFWS staff to visit Fones Cliffs and hear about the years-long conservation effort that has preserved this remarkable 4-mile stretch of shoreline. Weather permitting, we’ll board the pontoon boat for a 45-minute tour of the cliffs from the water and then visit the top of the cliffs for an alternative view and to meet some of the partners who are working to steward these cliffs for the future.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 11 am-4 pm
Capacity: 15
Location: Details coming soon.
Details: Coming soon!
D. Hike Crow’s Nest Natural Area
Description: Participants will enjoy a three-mile hike along the Accokeek Loop Trail at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve. The trail is relatively easy with an elevation loss and gain of approximately 170 feet.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from UMW or Raven Road entrance to Crow’s Nest (labeled as the Crow’s Nest Entry Road in Google Maps)
Details: Hike Crow’s Nest Natural Area
E. Walk, Talk and Volunteer with Downtown Greens
Description: Join Downtown Greens for a walk through their newly acquired and conserved 56-acre parcel of wooded wetlands, agricultural fields and open space in an industrial park in the city limits of Fredericksburg. Help steward the land by pulling invasive Japanese stiltgrass, and learn about plans to build a trail system that connects with the NPS Battlefield trails, as well as an Argicultural Training Center to help train the next generation of farmers.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at Downtown Greens’ property
Details: Walk, Talk and Volunteer with Downtown Greens
F. Walk and Talk at Lake Caledon
Description: The Saving of Lake Caledon has been a 4 year effort to preserve this 455 acres farm from development. You will experience a beautiful, easy 2 mile walk along wetlands on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail to Lake Caledon.On the trail, there is also a Poetry Trail which you can enjoy using the QR code from your phone.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 15
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
Details: Walk and Talk at Lake Caledon
G. Tour of Crow’s Nest Research Center
Description: Join this trip to enjoy a guided walk along the trails led by the Center’s founder, as she showcases native flora and fauna and discusses the work that the Center does.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 15
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at Crow’s Nest Research Center
Details: Tour of Crow’s Nest Research Center
H. Visit and Volunteer Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center
Description: Join us for an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Patawomeck Tribe and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the center. During your visit, help with weeding, planting or prepping at the garden or on the trails.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 20
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at the museum
Details: Visit and Volunteer Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center
I. Walnut Hill Farm Walk and Talk
Description: The owners of Walnut Hill Farm raise a variety of livestock, including many heritage species. The property is part of the historic 1843 Blackburn farm, and contains the Blackburn family cemetery as well as a slave cemetery. Stafford County purchased a perpetual conservation easement over the entire property in 2014, through the Purchase of Development Rights Program.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-3 pm
Capacity: 15
Location: Carpool from UMW or meet at the farm
Details: Walnut Hill Farm Walk and Talk