Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Jim Northup is inviting community neighbors to enjoy a day in the park as a part of Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day.  On Saturday, June 15^th the park will waive entrance fees for residents living in the counties bordering the park: Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Nelson, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham and Warren. Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day is an annual event held on the third Saturday of June.

DNC, the park’s official concessioner, will provide a 10% discount on select items in their retail stores and a 10% discount on food and some beverage items at all their restaurants that day. The Shenandoah National Park Association, which supports the interpretive and educational activities of Shenandoah National Park, will offer a 20% discount on all items in their bookstores located in the Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers.

Visitors wishing to take advantage of these discounts will be required to verify proof of residency by showing their Virginia driver’s license.

Many thanks to the volunteers who worked with us this spring to build wire cages to protect native red oak saplings being planted at Loft Mountain. Our hearty band of builders constructed over 250 cages!

These outings are part of the Trust’s initiative to help the park to control invasive, non-native plants and re-establish native species in high-priority areas. These exotic plants grow quickly, out-competing native plants for sunlight, water and soil nutrients. As they take over an area, they alter wildlife habitat and food sources, decrease the park’s biodiversity and weaken its ecosystems.

We’ve joined forces—and funding—with multiple partners to get this critical work done: the National Park Service, Shenandoah National Park Trust, The Nature Conservancy and the BAND Foundation will invest $700,000 in this project over the next five years. This funding includes a $50,000 matching grant from the BAND Foundation. Can you help us match it? Donate here.

The Pinnacles Research Lab (mile post 37) provides lab space and lodging for researchers, volunteers and others who are undertaking work to benefit the park. Demand for the seven-bedroom facility—which the CCC built in 1935—is fierce.  Overflow parties must camp on the lawn without access to the bathroom or kitchen, prompting the park to rent chemical toilets and set up tarps for outdoor cooking areas—a less than ideal scenario.

The nearly 80 year-old building needs structural repairs, new appliances and furniture, as well as expanded kitchen and bathroom facilities. This historic building is the only lab-residence in Shenandoah National Park. Because the Park is committed to supporting research and preserving its historic assets, it ranks restoration of the facility amongst its highest priorities.  Shenandoah National Park Trust has committed to undertake the restoration project.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

The students of Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock, Virginia, have adopted this Winston Churchill quote as their mantra. Earlier this month, students participated in their school’s fourth annual Big Give—which challenges them to give back to their community through volunteering or other methods.  An avid hiker in Shenandoah National Park, eighth grader Zachary Stewart designed a custom t-shirt (front: “Run, Forest, Run! Too Bad They Can’t”; back: “Save Our Forests”), which he sold to students, faculty, family and friends. This budding entrepreneur sold 45 shirts and directed his profits—which his family matched—to the Trust.

Zack’s favorite things about Shenandoah? “The views are spectacular, the camp sites and trails are great, and the forest is teeming with wildlife. I can’t think of a better way to exercise, and it also gives you a great chance to get away from it all and see things you can’t see anywhere else.”

In our effort to provide multiple opportunities for you to hike in Shenandoah, the Trust occasionally partners with other groups that take regular outings in the park. We are pleased to inform you of an upcoming hike on Saturday, June 22, led by Wild Virginia.

Master Naturalist, Chip Morgan, will guide the group along an easy 3 ½ mile circuit hike around Stony Man Mountain, identifying species of ferns and their natural histories. You will learn how the area’s geology has provided the rich soils in which these ferns thrive. You will also see the columnar jointing on Stony Man as we stand just a few yards south of the fault contact with one billion year old granite that was shoved over younger greenstone. Impressive views will also provide opportunity to explain the big picture of Blue Ridge geology.

The group will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Stony Man Nature Trail parking area on Skyline Drive just south of MP 41 at the northern entrance of Skyland Resort. Plan to spend four hours. The rain date for this outing is Sunday, June 23. Bring water, snacks and lunch. You may also want to bring your camera, binoculars and magnifying glass.

This outing is limited to 20 participants. RSVP is required by June 15. Please contact Ron Fandetti of Wild Virginia at fanjet50@gmail.com or (401) 529-8025 to reserve your spot(s).

In honor of National Park Week, Shenandoah National Park, and National Parks all over the country, are throwing open the gates and waiving entrance fees to encourage the public to celebrate our nation’s natural heritage.  This is a great time to pass the word and encourage friends and family who may not be regular visitors to come out and experience their National Park.

Free admission runs April 22 to 26.  Big Meadows Wayside and Skyland Resort are both open for your enjoyment, along with hundreds of miles of hiking trails and the spectacular views of Skyline Drive.  So phone a friend, and come on out yourself.  Take advantage of free admission, and take part in your Park.

Spend a weekend experiencing the profusion of wildflowers that grace the Blue Ridge.  Many  mountain wildflowers are opportunists, blooming in early spring when the sun is warming but the shade of the forest canopy isn’t yet fully established.  Saturday and Sunday, May 4^th-5^th, the Park is offering a full program of guided hikes and talks to take advantage of this special time of year.

Events take place throughout the entire length of the Park. The program includes a featured talk and discovery walk on violets at the Byrd Visitor Center, guided hikes of some favorite trails (including the Appalachian Trail and Limberlost), and hikes designed especially for children (“Bugs and Blooms”).

The hikes are free with park admission, and no pre-registration is necessary (although parking is limited at some locations).  Find the full schedule of events here.

When:       Sunday May 12, 10 am – 1 pm
Where:      Hightop Mountain (milepost 66.7)

Our featured hike for May is a family-friendly affair celebrating Mother’s Day with the gift of wildflowers.  Join Shenandoah National Park Trust for a hike to Hightop Mountain on Sunday, May 12.  This round-trip hike of 3 miles will bring us to the highest peak in the South district of the park. We’ll gain 900 feet in elevation and get a decent workout—and we’ll be treated to beautiful views of the mountains to the West as well as spring wildflowers! Our guide, Barb Stewart, is a retired Shenandoah National Park Ranger. We welcome families young and not-so-young. We’ll play Nature Bingo with the kids as we hike.

Meet at the Hightop Mountain Parking Area (milepost 66.7 on the west side of Skyline Drive) at 10:00 a.m. Plan for a 2-3 hour hike. Dress for the weather, bring water and snacks and lunch, if you’d like. You might also want to bring your camera, binoculars and magnifying glass. Space is limited and RSVP is required.  Contact us at (434) 293-2728 or info@snptrust.org.

Shenandoah National Park’s new concessioner, Delaware North Companies (DNC), is kicking off its first season in the Park with special lodging packages and some regularly scheduled culinary treats.

The Spring Getaway package offers reduced rates for a mid-week stay, including room, breakfast, and gratuities.  The Shenandoah Spectacular package offers a third night free with purchase of a two night stay and a $50 meal voucher.

DNC also offers regular mid-week culinary events throughout the season.  Tastings of award-winning regional wines are held every Thursday at 3:00 pm.  Wine tastings are currently being held at Skyland, but will alternate weekly between Skyland and Big Meadows after Big Meadows opens on May 15^th.  Cooking Demos, featuring some of the new Executive Chef’s favorite recipes, take place every Tuesday at 3:00 pm at Skyland. After May 15^th, Big Meadows will also have Cooking Demos every Wednesday at 3:00 pm.

To book lodging or restaurant reservations, or for more information about DNC’s Shenandoah events and activities, visit the DNC website at goshenandoah.com.

Spring is here! Head to the hills!

Big Meadows Wayside:              March 22
Skyland Resort:                          March 28
Byrd Visitor Center:                    April 6 – May 3 (weekends only); open daily starting May 4
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center:      April 6 – May 3 (weekends only); open daily starting May 4
Elkwallow Wayside:                    April 19
Loft Mountain Wayside:              April 26
Big Meadows Lodge:                  May 15

For a full listing of facility, campground and picnic ground openings, click here. Dates are subject to change.