The Commonwealth's conservation collaboration

Virginia Land Conservation & Greenways Conference

April 28-30, 2025
The Virginian
Lynchburg

2025 Conference Field Trips

All field trips are Monday, April 28, 2025. 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.

We strive to provide accessible field trip options to conference attendees. If you are interested in joining a trip but need accommodations, please reach out to the trip coordinator via their email in the trip descriptions at least three weeks before the conference and we will try to make adjustments.

Natural Bridge State Park Hike
Photo credit: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

A. Natural Bridge State Park Hike

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 12:00-3:30 pm
Participant spots available: 15

Come explore the trails and natural wonder of Natural Bridge State Park! Participants will meet at the Visitor Center before embarking on a ranger-led tour of the 1 mile Cedar Creek Trail, including discussions about the geologic features of the 200-foot tall Natural Bridge and ongoing habitat research along the Cedar Creek. Participants will then be led on a 1.3 mile hike along the Skyline Trail, including excellent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a Ranger talk on the unique management and visitor use components of the Children’s Discovery Area. This is a great trip for those traveling along the I-81 corridor on the way to Lynchburg.

Distance from Virginian: 50 minutes / 36 miles

Parking: There is plenty of parking available at the Natural Bridge Visitor Center. Participants are encouraged to carpool from the Visitor Center to the Skyline Trailhead parking area.

Meeting time: 11:00am for carpooling from The Virginian, 12:00 pm at Natural Bridge Visitor Center (6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578)

Duration: 3.5 hours

Accessibility: A shuttle is available for participants unable to navigate a significant number of steps necessary to reach Cedar Creek Trail and the Natural Bridge. The Cedar Creek Trail and Skyline Trail are both rated as moderate.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, & Snacks

Leader: Kenny Horowitz, Chief Ranger – Visitor Experience

Contact for questions: Lora Callahan, Department of Conservation and Recreation –  lora.callahan@dcr.virginia.gov and Lynda Frost, The Trust for Public Land – lynda.frost@tpl.org

Cole Mountain Loop Hike
Photo credit: Peter Williams, Hoppy Hikers

B. Cole Mountain Loop Hike

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Participant spots available: 15

The Cole Mountain loop hike is rated on AllTrails as moderate difficulty, with a 6 mile loop length and 1,309 feet of elevation gain. Participants will hike this loop clockwise, finishing the hike with spectacular views of Cole Mountain. The hike takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete, so expect to spend up to 5 hours on this trip, including breaks for lunch, water, and talks. Members of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club will lead the hike, alongside local experts. This trip is recommended for those who are very physically fit.

Distance from Virginian: one hour drive / 40 miles

Parking: there is sufficient parking on site, but carpooling from The Virginian hotel is encouraged

Meeting time: 10:00 AM for carpooling from The Virginian, 11:00 AM at Cole Mountain trailhead loop parking (Cole Mountain trailhead loop parking, Vesuvius, VA 24483)

Duration: 5 hours

Accessibility: This trip is not accessible for anyone with mobility impairments and will require strenuous physical activity.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, & Snacks/lunch

Leader: Carl Boggess, Natural Bridge AT Club President

Contact for questions: Amelia Wilt, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust – awilt@nvct.org

Blackwater Creek Bike Trip
Photo credit: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

C. Blackwater Creek Bike Trip

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Participant spots available: 15

Bike trip on paved multi-use path from Linkhorne Middle School entrance all the way to Percival’s Island in the James River and back; estimated round trip is 13 miles (6.5 miles each way). Opportunities to observe wildlife and historic areas in a protected natural conservation area, with rest stops along the way. You must provide your own bike and helmet in order to participate. If you would like to rent a bike, we can recommend vendors in Lynchburg.

Distance from Virginian: 10 minute drive / 3.5 miles

Parking: Available at Middle School in trail user-designated spaces; carpooling from The Virginian hotel

Meeting time: 12:30 PM for carpooling from The Virginian, 1:00 PM at Linkhorne Elementary School (2501 Linkhorne Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24503)

Duration:  3.5 hours

Accessibility: This trip is not accessible for anyone with mobility impairments and will require the ability to ride a bicycle for 13 miles.

You will need to bring: Your own bike (we can recommend places to rent but will not be providing bikes), Your own helmet (required for the ride), Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, Snacks/lunch

Leader: TBD

Contact for questions: Susannah Smith, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation – Susannah.Smith@lynchburgva.gov

James River Boating and Trash Clean Up
Photo credit: Kendall Juell, Lynchburg Water Resources

D. James River Boating and Trash Clean Up

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Participant spots available: 15

Join the James River Association on the water with their fleet of boats! Participants can take turns going for a ride in the traditional bateau, learning about the history of the James and the JRA’s work in the region. Others will get to paddle along the river in kayaks and canoes, exploring and picking up trash to help give back to the environment that is being visited. This is a great trip for those who are itching to get out and explore Lynchburg via the water.

Distance from Virginian: 6 minute drive / 2 miles

Parking: Parking is available on site, and carpooling from The Virginian hotel will be coordinated after registration closes

Meeting time: 12:45 PM for carpooling from The Virginian, 1:00 PM at Riverside Park (2238 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503)

Duration: 2 hours

Accessibility: The bateau may be accessible for some mobility impairments, whereas kayaks will likely not be. Please reach out to the trip coordinator if you need accommodations or have questions about this specific trip.

You will need to bring: Comfortable closed-toed shoes (old sneakers or muck boots that can get wet and/or dirty, must be able to be secured to the foot with laces, cords, etc.); Quick-dry clothing (no swimsuits); Sufficient water; Rain and sun protection; Snacks/lunch

Leader: Charles Johnson, James River Association

Contact for questions: Amelia Wilt, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust – awilt@nvct.org

Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center
Photo credit: Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center

E. Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Participant spots available: 20

This forested nature center offers outdoor enrichment and education for children, including a locally loved and long-established summer camp. It received three grants from VLCF in the Parks and Open Space category in 2019, 2020, and 2021 for a partial purchase of an open-space easement held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Join Camp KBY staff to tour the nature center and learn about their successful programming and recent capital campaign to revitalize and expand amenities. VOF staff will also be on hand to discuss the VLCF grants and easement development process for this urban, public-access project. After the tour, there will be time to explore the 1.25-mile walking trail through the property on your own or participate in a service activity. Limited slots may even be available to try out the zipline. The Camp is hosting a stop on Lynchburg’s annual Garden Tour the following day, so expect to see some lovely flowers!

Distance from Virginian: 6 minute drive / 2 miles

Parking: Please drive all the way into the camp property (you will pass buildings on the adjacent property owned by the Church of the Covenant first) until you reach the bus drop-off loop in front of the camp office. There are parking spots around the loop. If you would like a ride from The Virginian hotel, please email the trip leaders in advance and we can coordinate a carpool.

Meeting time: 1:00 PM at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center (4415 Boonsboro Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503); 12:45 for carpooling from The Virginian.

Duration: 3 hours. The first hour will include a tour and talk with the Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center staff. Afterward, there will be time to walk more of the trails through the property and/or assist with a service project for the Camp.

Accessibility: The Camp office building is ADA accessible. The walking trails are in good condition but there is some elevation change and uneven terrain.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, Snacks

Leaders: Amy Bonnette, Executive Director of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center 

Contact for questions: Martha Beard, Virginia Outdoors Foundation – mbeard@vof.org and Ruth Babylon, Virginia Outdoors Foundation – rbabylon@vof.org

Lynchburg Water Resources Tour
Photo credit: Lynchburg Water Resources

F. Lynchburg Water Resources Tour

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Participant spots available: 15

Guests participating in the College Hill Water Treatment Plant tour will explore the history of Lynchburg’s water infrastructure, water filtration and treatment, water quality, and water chemistry. Lynchburg Water Resources is the largest environmental service in the region, managing water, stormwater, and wastewater for Lynchburg and surrounding counties. The City’s largest capital improvement project to date is currently underway – LYH Beyond: Blackwater CSO Tunnel Project, a large underground tunnel that will be able to store 4.7 million gallons of excess combined sewage and stormwater during rain events. This project will help to greatly improve the water quality of Lynchburg’s streams and the James River.

Photo credit: Lynchburg Water Resources

Distance from Virginian: 4 minute drive / 1 mile

Parking: if limited parking, put here; carpooling from The Virginian hotel

Meeting time: 1:45 PM for carpooling  from The Virginian, 2:00 PM at College Hill Water Treatment Plant (525 Taylor St., Lynchburg, VA 24504)

Duration: 2 hours

Accessibility: Most of the tour is accessible. There is an accessible sidewalk at the administration building, and the tour includes accessible sidewalks and elevators. However, the catwalk from the Water Filtration Plant to the outdoor coagulation tanks may not be suitable for those with impaired mobility or wheelchairs.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Snacks

Leader: Kendall Juell, Lynchburg Water Resources

Contact for questions: Amelia Wilt, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust – awilt@nvct.org

Monacan Indian National Ancestral Museum Visit
Photo credit: Klint Ericson

G. Monacan Indian National Ancestral Museum Visit

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Participant spots available: 15

The Monacan Ancestral Museum is located in Amherst County, north of Lynchburg, on the site of a mission dating to 1868. The property was returned to the Monacans by the Episcopal Church in 1995 and the mission school building was added to the Virginia Register of Historic Places. The Monacan Nation numbers over 2,000 people and is headquartered in Amherst County. The museum houses artifacts including: pottery, pipes, games, beads, tools, and much more.

Distance from Virginian: 23 minute drive / 12.5 miles

Parking: there is a fair amount of parking, but carpooling from The Virginian hotel is encouraged

Meeting time: 1:00 PM for carpooling from The Virginian, 1:30 PM at Ancestral Museum (2009 Kenmore Rd, Amherst, VA 24521)

Duration: 2.5 hours including travel

Accessibility: The museum includes several historic structures which are not wheelchair accessible.  Trip will be mostly indoors with extended periods of standing, but no lengthy hikes.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Snacks

Leader: Chief Diane Shields, Monacan Indian Nation

Contact for questions: Kyle Simpson, Central Virginia Land Conservancy – ksimpson@cvalc.org

Lynchburg Grows Farm Tour
Photo credit: Care Farming Network

H. Lynchburg Grows Farm Tour

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Participant spots available: 15

Come take a tour of Lynchburg Grows, a seven-acre urban farm dedicated to providing access to fresh, local, produce for Lynchburg residents, restaurants, and organizations, while also providing purposeful jobs for individuals with disabilities. The story of Lynchburg Grows is deeply rooted in a sense of community and help and its mission reflects those roots. The farm tour will take one hour, followed by one hour of weeding in the greenhouses to help give back to this great community organization.

Distance from Virginian: 7 minute drive / 3 miles

Parking: there is a fair amount of parking, but carpooling from The Virginian hotel is encouraged

Meeting time: 12:15 PM for carpooling from The Virginian, 12:30 PM at Lynchburg Grows (1339 Englewood Street, Lynchburg, VA, 24501)

Duration: 2 hours

Accessibility: There are uneven pathways with wood chips and not every greenhouse is wheelchair accessible. There is a lot of bending and kneeling and everyone should be able to lift about 20 lbs comfortably.

You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, Snacks, Your own garden gloves if you’d like (there will be some available to borrow if needed)

Leader: Whittney Chauta, Lynchburg Grows

Contact for questions: Amelia Wilt, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust – awilt@nvct.org

Nature Foundation at Wintergreen Lecture and Accessible Van Tour
Photo credit: The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen

I. Nature Foundation at Wintergreen Lecture and Accessible Van Tour

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Participant spots available: 15

Participants will begin with a lecture on forest management at the Wintergreen Nature Foundation’s Main Building, led by Douglas A. Coleman, Executive Director of the Foundation. The Foundation manages or provides management recommendations for approximately 11,000 acres of forest, a unique and vital sliver of undisturbed woodland in the narrow portion of the Blue Ridge. During the lecture, Doug will discuss the Foundation’s research-driven approach to forest management and encourage participants to explore additional resources on their website: www.tnfw.org. Following the lecture, attendees will embark on a scenic van tour with stops at overlooks to explore the unique ecological features of Wintergreen’s preserved lands.

Distance from Virginian: 1 hour / 49 miles

Parking: On-site at the Main Building

Meeting time: 11:00 AM for carpooling from The Virginian. 12:00 PM at the Main Building (3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA 22967)

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Accessibility: The van tour will provide scenic views in an accessible manner. Please reach out to the trip coordinator with specific accessibility needs before registration to ensure that we can accommodate them.

You will need to bring: Sufficient water, Snacks

Leader: Douglas Coleman, The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen

Contact for questions: Amanda DuBour, Virginia Department of Forestry – amanda.dubour@dof.virginia.gov

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