LANCASTER—Belle Isle State Park will hold its first Walk on the Wild Side for 2024 at 9 a.m. February 8.
These two-hour monthly walks are led by Virginia Master Naturalists and park staff. The walks are held the second Thursday of each month and are open to the public; preregistration is desired. Each walk will have a theme focused on nature and natural history.
A February walk is refreshing and a wonderful time to enjoy the calm beauty of the trails and forest at the park, said Kevin Howe, retired ecologist and Virginia Master Naturalist. This walk, entitled “ Naked Tree Walk,” will focus on the natural history and identification of trees in winter, many of which, but not all, have lost their leaves and are “naked.”
The volunteer naturalists will share a variety of historical and natural history topics, point out aspects of the park’s many habitats and offer participants nature-photography tips. The themes for each month in 2024 are listed at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/belle-isle.
The walks will be conducted at a leisurely pace to allow stops along the way to observe and discuss seasonal aspects of what is happening at the park. Be sure to bundle up, dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes appropriate for walking and bring a water bottle. To preregister, call 462-5030. The group will meet at the Camp Store at 9 a.m. There is a $5 parking fee.
The park’s 892 acres are comprised of several distinct habitats including river shoreline, streams, wetlands, meadow, and forests that are home to a myriad of flora and fauna from hackberry trees to goldenrods and beavers to bald eagles.
“Winter to spring is a fabulous time to see swans, bald eagles, and waterfowl of all types, many of which have migrated from the north to enjoy the winter in Virginia with our fabulous forests, rivers and the bay,” said Howe. “This biodiversity makes winter in the park an excellent outdoor laboratory for all ages as well as a great place to ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ with nature while enjoying an off-season stroll.”
Upcoming walks include:
- March 14, “Frogs, Salamanders, Turtles – The Importance of the Park’s Wetlands”
- April 11, “Spring Unfolding – Orchids, Blueberries & More”
- May 9, “Bird Migration”
- June 13, “Life in/along the Rappahannock – Signs, Scats & Tracks”
- July 11, “The Summer Pollinators & Native Plants”
- August 8, “Nature Photo Walk – Tips & Tricks”
- September 12, “Fall Migration – Birds, Butterflies & Dragonflies”
- October 10, “Fall Flowers & Butterflies”
- November 14, “The Decomposers – Fungi & Lichens”
- December 12, “Nature In Winter – More Alive Than You Think”
