As leaves change colors and temperatures cool, native animals and plants are stirring with the change of the season. For the curious nature-observers, one Virginia state park has an event to explore the local ecosystem.
Sky Meadows State Park is hosting a Fall Habitat Detectives walk guided by two Virginia Master Naturalists (VMN) through the Sensory Explorers’ Trail on Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. The 0.3-mile walk invites families to use their senses to explore and discover native plants and animals throughout the trail.
The event is recommended for children ages seven to11 with accompanying parents. The walk lasts about an hour, and the trail is accessible for the blind and visually impaired. The $10 parking fee covers admission to the event. “Detectives” will meet at the picnic area on the Sensory Explorers’ Trail.
During the walk, visitors use their sensory detective skills to discover clues on how plants, animals, and other organisms work together to survive in the forest community. From listening to complex bird songs to discovering billion-year-old rocks and soil and keeping an eye out for local animal inhabitants, the walk is an immersive, educational experience.
VMN is an organization of volunteer educators who are part of a statewide program with 30 local chapters. The organization’s mission is educating local communities on the management and conservation of natural resources and public lands. The group often partners with parks for programs like Fall Habitat Detectives. While members are all volunteers, they are knowledgeable on the basics of ecology, geology, native flora and fauna, and more.
Fall Habitat Detectives is the third in a series of seasonal, guided walks led by VMN volunteers. Previous events included Vernal Pool Adventures and a Bird’s World. The former focused on discovering the frogs and salamanders that live in the seasonal pools throughout the park. The latter focused on how the birds in the park use the forest to nest and survive.
While VMN’s November Tree-mendous Hike is already sold out, the upcoming winter edition of the event on December 6 will allow guests to explore the history of native trees and learn tips on identification after the leaves have fallen.
After the walk, guests are free to explore the rest of the 1,860-acre park. The land is full of scenic views, pastures, woodlands, and a historic farm. The park provides a self-guided historic grounds walking tour, where guests can discover the rich history of farm structures, dating back to the 18th century.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
