Service Project Opportunity - VBWT Sweet Mountain Laurel loop

Hello Master Naturalists,

Are you interested in a service project opportunity for April?

I am Ed Coleman, the coordinator for the Adopt-A-Trail project for the Sweet Mountain Laurel

loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail (VBWT).  The 10 sites within the Sweet Mountain

Laurel loop are a nice amalgam of private and public lands, and outdoor recreation that includes historic Mabry Mill, Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, and the DeHart    Memorial Park wetland bog, among others.  Located on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick and Floyd counties, the Sweet Mountain Laurel loop  has a site for every interest - from the rugged Lower Rock Castle Creek trail to the easily accessible majestic overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the simple elegance of Chateau Morrisette.   Check the loop out at https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/mountain-trail/msl/

April is the next upcoming quarterly cycle for recording wildlife observations on the Sweet Mountain Laurel loop and I could really use your help.         

  

What do Master Naturalists need to do to obtain service hours for this project?

1. Sweet Mountain Laurel loop and I could really use your help.   

2.Visit your adopted site anytime during the month of April

    · Note any public access issues (road closures, gates, etc.)

    · Record bird sightings on eBird

    · Take photos of wildlife (insects, reptiles, birds, amphibians, mammals) and upload the                photos to the Virginia Wildlife Mapping Project on iNaturalist

3.Complete a form upon your return

If you are interested in volunteering by adopting a site(s) within the loop, please let me know.

Wildlife observing at a site is an activity that can be done at a social distance, with a fellow

Master Naturalist or with family or friends.