See Swallows of Summer and More in Parks

Have you ever seen the iridescent blue color of a tree swallow? Well now is your chance to see these amazing birds and others in flight on a guided bird walk at Grandview. Explore the edge of forest, field, and pond and see why many birds make this area their summer home, an adventure for beginner and advanced bird watchers alike.  This is one of several ranger programs in National Park Service sites this weekend. 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 weekend’s featured ranger programs in area national parks.
Friday, August 7, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
Saturday, August 8, 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. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
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 9, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
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.
Be a Junior Artist
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Meet at Grandview Visitor Center. Kids! Join a ranger and learn about nature and the importance of recycling while you make your own nature inspired work of art from recycled materials.
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.