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Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115
Glen Jean, West Virginia, June 4, 2013— Take a close-up look at historic and natural sites on an adventure with the National Park Service, bringing this rich heritage into focus. Ranger-guided walks and a photo workshop in New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and at the New River Festival provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surround us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs: Saturday, June 8, 2013: Grand Birding 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. 1.0 mile walk.Stroll through the park looking and listening for birds of the New River Gorge. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide or some will be provided. New River Nature Festival: Hike Historic Nuttallburg 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. 1.5 mile walk.See one of the most intact examples of a coal mining complex in West Virginia and one of the most complete coal related industrial sites in the United States on a walk through Nuttallburg. Carpool to the site and step back in history to see a coal conveyor and tipple, coke ovens, and foundations of schools, churches, and homes that were part of this once thriving community. This program is FREE. Advance sign-up is required for this program. Visit www.newriverfestival.com. Bluestone Walk 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.00 for the return tram ride. Historic Thurmond Tour 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by. New River Nature Festival: Stream Exploration and Photography for Kids 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing.Explore the water resources of the gorge through photography and water quality monitoring tests on Wolf Creek, along Fayette Station Road. Catch critters in the stream to determine water quality, study these samples, and take photos of the gorge as part of this field trip. Participants and their parents will carpool to the water quality monitoring location. FREE program. Materials for stream study and photography will be provided. Advance sign-up is required for this program. Visit www.newriverfestival.com. New River Festival: The Wonders of Nature Booth 4:00 pm. Meet at the Old Rivers Campground/ACE Gear Shop on Fayette Station Road in Fayetteville. Come and go as you please as you explore the natural wonders of the New River watershed at this festival booth. This station will feature arts activities and fun nature games. Some art created at this station will end up on summer display at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Tickets available at www.newriverfestival.com. Sunday, June 9, 2013: Historic Thurmond Tour 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by. For more information about New River Gorge National River and upcoming ranger activities, visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ About the National Park Service EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit https://www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: February 26, 2015