Explore the Night on a Hike in the Park

Many things go bump in the outdoors at night, things that can be discovered by using all your senses. Explore nature with the coming of darkness on this special hike at Grandview. This is one of several ranger programs in National Park Service sites over this next week. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera, and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this week’s featured ranger programs in area national parks.
Friday, August 21, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting today.
Saturday, August 22, 2015:
Grand Birding
9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. 0.5 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.
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 $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting today.
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.
Sunday, August 23, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nature and history serve as a source of inspiration for many artists, including park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions. Meet Runions as he explores the park and creates works of art, specializing in plein air painting (paintings created outside using natural light). Call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to find out where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting.
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.
Ranger’s Choice
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Come and go as you please for this informal talk with a ranger. Topic will focus on an amazing aspect of recreation, natural history, or cultural heritage of the New River Gorge.
Monday, August 24, 2015:
Grand Night Hike
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Meet at Grandview Visitor Center. Experience the sights and sounds of nature at night on this leisurely walk after dark. Find out what really does go bump in the night. Red-filtered flashlights will be available for use during this program.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015:
Bluestone Stream Stomp
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Meet at the base of the Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. Explore the river ecosystem as you help a ranger to determine the water quality of the Bluestone River. Be prepared to get your hands and feet wet as you look at the aquatic insects and creatures that live in the river. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
For more information about participating sites visit:
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/neri, http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center.
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 http://www.nps.gov.
PHOTO CAPTION: Big brown bat at Grandview. National Park Service photo.