Shenandoah National Park Trust

Connecting for Prosperity

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:05:54 +0000

Shenandoah National Park’s 75^thanniversary in 2011 celebrated the past, present and future of our park and its relationship with its neighboring communities. You are invited to help chart the future for our park at a conference at James Madison University on Thursday, May 24.

Connecting for Prosperity: Charting the Future Together will include panel discussions, case studies and facilitated workshops to help identify the region’s shared goals and to build awareness of the economic potential for the area. The keynote speaker is Catharine Gilliam, founder of Community Collaboration, LLC. The conference is free and open to the public. Register by May 18 here or for more information call (540) 999-3500.

Membership Benefits and Next Hike

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:08:03 +0000

Spring is Membership Season, and your initial membership gift or membership renewal brings great perks, including a 20% discount card for food and lodging in Shenandoah National Park and automatic membership in our Hundred Mile Club—which grants you access to monthly guided hikes and perks when you log 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles in Shenandoah National Park.

Our next Club hike is Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 am. Steve Wagner will be our guide to the summit of Cat Knob. This 3.5 mile round-trip hike starts at Bootens Gap on the Appalachian Trail in the Central District of the park and features mountain laurel groves, old chestnut oaks and views of the Conway River Valley. Moderately difficult. Space is limited and RSVP is required at info@snptrust.org (type “hike” in the subject line) or (434) 293-2728.

Become a member or renew your Shenandoah National Park Trust membership here.

June Hike

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:32:27 +0000

Join us Sunday, June 3 for a North to South Traverse of the Parks highest peak- Hawksbill. We will use the Appalachian Trail across occasional talus slopes, affording unique vegetation and views west and up the mountain. Near the summit, we will take the Salamander Trail to the stone shelter and summit ledges, with some of the best extensive views in Shenandoah. After a break on the summit (and maybe some special birds) we will continue south on the A.T., passing Rock Springs cabin (and going down to it on a side trail) and ending our hike along a grassy old road that ends on Skyline Drive. Our guide is a Virginia Master Naturalist that has hiked hundreds of trails all across North America and has visited most of our National Parks. This hike is suitable for all ages, will have a nature orientation, and we will take the time to look at the treasures of Shenandoah. Total distance about 3 miles, elevation gain 750 feet. Meeting time 8:45 am. at Hawksbill Gap Parking, Milepost 45.6 in the Central Section of the Park. Expect a 3 to 4 hour hike .

Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Let us know you’ll be there by contacting us at info@snptrust.org or (434) 293-2728.

Want to hike with us but not yet a member of Shenandoah National Park Trust? Become a member here.

Hundred Mile Club- Featured Hike: Cat Knob Trail

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:02:01 +0000

This lesser known, but beautiful 3.5 mile round trip hike starts at Bootens Gap on the AT in the central section of the Park and features wildflowers and nice views of the Conway river valley, as the route to the summit is hiked on the side of the mountain. At the summit of Cat Knob Trail are Mountain Laurel groves, old Chestnut Oaks and views to both the east and west. This is one of the higher elevated summits in the park and offers a good challenge. Park in the Bootens Gap parking lot between mile marker 55 and 56 on Skyline Drive.

Shenandoah Scramble – Sept 22, 2012

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:15:33 +0000

Join over 100 hikers in this one-day hike-a-palooza to support Shenandoah National Park Trust! Pledge or raise $100 or more and choose from one of 6 great hikes in the park. We’ll feed you breakfast and present your one-of-a-kind Shenandoah Scramble hiking shirt. Then you, your group and your trail guide will head to the park for your day of fun. Hike with your family. Hike with your friends. Just hike! We’ll award prizes for most money raised…awesome gear from REI, The North Face and other outdoor outfitters. Space is limited and reservations are required. Find out more by contacting Shenandoah National Park Trust at (434) 293-2728 or info@snptrust.org.

National Park Week is April 21-29

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:47:43 +0000

Kick off National Park Week at Shenandoah with National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 21. Great activities for the whole family. And park entrance fees are waived for the entire week.

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Touch Table – Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers
Get a feel for nature’s diversity.

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Uniform Try-On Station for Kids – Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers
Suit up and imagine being a national park ranger!

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Indoor Scavenger Hunt – Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers
Look for clues to answer fun questions about the park.

10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Bear Necessities Talk – Skyland Amphitheater
Learn about the lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammal.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Birds of Prey Program – Big Meadows Amphitheater, picnic area
Here’s your chance to meet live raptors, face to beak!

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Bells and Whistles! – Byrd Visitor Center
Check out our fire truck!

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. More Bells and Whistles! – Byrd Visitor Center
Meet a law enforcement park ranger.

11:00 a.m. – 11:20 p.m. Wild About Bears Talk – Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Learn about the lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammal.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Bells and Whistles! – Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Check out our fire truck!

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. More Bells and Whistles! – Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Meet a law enforcement park ranger.

2:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Where the Wild Things Are – Byrd Visitor Center
Discover something wild that depends on Shenandoah’s protection.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Discovery Walk – Meet at Skyland Amphitheater
See what’s blooming, crawling, singing, or hiding nearby.

3:00 p.m. -4:30 p.m. Junior Ranger Program – Meet in front of Byrd Visitor Center
Ages 7-12. Explore nature through fun, hands-on activities.Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Summer Safari 2012

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:38:01 +0000

You won’t want to miss Summer Safari 2012: Celebrating Virginia’s Living Landscapes on Saturday, June 2^nd. This gala is co-hosted by Shenandoah National Park Trust, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Piedmont Environmental Council. Proceeds from the event are shared among the three organizations.

The event takes place at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Starting at 4:00 pm, you will enjoy guided tours showcasing rare wildlife from around the world. You will have ample opportunities to learn from Smithsonian scientists, national park rangers and other land conservationists about the landscape protection work underway in our region.
We’ll then proceed to Race Track Hill for cocktails and dinner overlooking Shenandoah National Park and adjoining properties.

Tickets are $250 each. Click here to purchase tickets.

Hundred Mile Club

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:55:58 +0000

Love to hike? Join the Club!

When you become a member or renew your membership with Shenandoah National Park Trust, we’ll make you an automatic member of our Hundred Mile Club. All you have to do is hike in the park—and let us know when you’ve logged 25 miles. We’ll send you a token to mark your achievement. Check in with us again at 50, 75 and 100 miles for more great incentives. That’s all there is to it!

We’ll give you ample opportunities to hike with us. We’ll list monthly Members Only hikes on our Events Calendar so check back often to see when we’re walking.

Our first Members Only hike is May 2 at Little Devils Stairs at 10:00 am. Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Let us know you’ll be there by contacting us at info@snptrust.org or (434) 293-2728. (The trailhead is in the North District of the park in Rappahannock County. Please let us know if you are interested in carpooling.)

Want to hike with us but not yet a member of Shenandoah National Park Trust? Sign up or renew here.

The only other thing you need to do is mark your calendar for The Shenandoah Scramble on Saturday, September 22. This fundraising event will bring together over 100 hikers for a day of food and fun in Shenandoah National Park. Details to come!

Spring Events

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:42:46 +0000

Our spring calendar is bursting with good things.

April 21 – National Junior Ranger Day

Shenandoah National Park will host a full day of activities for the whole family. National Junior Ranger Day kicks off National Park Week (April 21-29.) Park entrance fees are waived for the week.

April 24 – Spirit Night

Shenandoah National Park Trust will host Spirit Night at Sticks Kebob Shops in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia, between 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Mention Shenandoah National Park Trust to the cashier and 10% of your bill will be donated to our organization.

May 2– Shenandoah National Park Trust’s Spring “Friends” Hike

Shenandoah National Park Trust hike guide Melanie Perl will lead SNP Trust members on a trek at Little Devils Stairs.

May 5– 6 – Shenandoah National Park’s Wildflower Weekend

Shenandoah National Park hosts a two-day celebration of wildflowers. Enjoy walks and talks with experts who love to share their knowledge and passion.

Check out our Events Calendar for details and more great opportunities.

Little Devils Stairs

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:36:51 +0000

Little Devils Stairs is a strenuous 5.5 mile loop. Most of the hard work comes early as you ascend a steep rocky incline, gaining 1500 feet in elevation in about 2 miles. The exertion is well worth it: the views are spectacular. Expect to see wild flowers and waterfalls, depending on water levels. After reaching the summit, the rest of the hike is an easy stroll down a fire road, which includes an old cemetery that is well-worth exploring. Expect to spend about 4 hours on this hike. The trailhead is in the north district of the park, at the end of VA 670/ Keyser Run Road in Rappahannock County.