Grayson Highlands State Park View from Overlook - Photo by Lee Bell
Thumbnail Photo - Chestnut-sided Warbler by Lee Bell
Plan to join us June 7-9, 2024, for the VSO field trip to southwest Virginia, where we’ll explore two very special state parks, Grayson-Highlands and Hungry Mother, along with other hot spots in this beautiful part of the Commonwealth. Field trips will be offered all day Friday, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning.
VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2024 or have not joined yet, you’ll need to do that before participating in the trip. You can take care of that HERE.
We expect to find many species that nest only in higher elevations, such as Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Blue-headed Vireo. Warblers we’re likely to encounter include Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Canada, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, and Hooded.
Huge thanks to local residents Rebecca Currin and Bob Riggs for assistance with scouting out locations and organizing and leading the field trips!
TRIP REGISTRATION
Please register online HERE.
Provide the names of participants in your party with each person’s telephone number and email address so we can contact you as needed. If you have any questions, contact Meredith Bell, trip coordinator, at merandlee@gmail.com or 804-824-4958.
HEADQUARTERS
The Comfort Inn Atkins-Marion is the host hotel (5558 Lee Hwy, Atkins, VA 24311) Room rate for the VSO block of rooms on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights is $137.45/night (plus tax, King) or $128.95/night (plus tax, 2 Doubles). Your stay includes a free hot breakfast. There are microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and coffeemakers in all rooms. The Comfort Inn also has electric vehicle charging stations on site. Register by Monday, MAY 6, to get the special rate and be sure to state you’re with VSO when you call: 276-783-9715
There are a few other hotels/motels in Marion, and if you’re up for camping or staying in a cabin at nearby Hungry Mother State Park, you can call 1-800-933-PARK or make reservations online:
https://reservevaparks.com/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx
MEALS
A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is included for those staying at the host hotel. You’ll need to bring lunch for Friday’s trip. Dinners are on your own. There are a variety of restaurants in the area, and we’ll provide you with a list closer to the date.
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, JUNE 4
We’ll hold a Zoom video call at 7:30pm to overview the weekend. We’ll record the call and send a link for the recording to all registrants afterwards.
FRIDAY all day, JUNE 7 – Grayson Highlands State Park (50-min drive)
This scenic park offers views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains. There are several trails, and we’ll cover a number of them during the day. Bring snacks, lunch and beverages because we’ll spend all day here.
Info about the park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
SATURDAY AM, JUNE 8 – Saltville (30-min drive)
The Saltville Well Fields offer a unique habitat for the mountain region of Virginia. The waters of these wetlands are brackish, providing the only inland saline marshes in Virginia. The trails are paved and easy to walk.
Info about the Wellfields of Saltville: https://exploresaltville.com/things-to-do/the-wellfields/
Lunch is on your own. There are several restaurants in Saltville. You can also return to Marion for lunch.
SATURDAY PM, JUNE 8 – Hungry Mother State Park (15-min drive from Marion or 30 min from Saltville)
Hungry Mother is one of the original six Virginia State Parks, with beautiful woodlands and a large lake. We’ll explore various trails during the afternoon and tentatively plan to have a tally of species seen for the weekend at one of the picnic shelters in the park.
Info about the park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother
SUNDAY AM, JUNE 9 – Grindstone Campground (30-min drive)
This large campsite is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreational Area. While it’s currently closed to campers, it’s open for enthusiastic birders to explore! It has easy walking trails and an abundance of singing woodland birds in early June. Elevation is 3702 feet.
Info about Grindstone: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/grindstone-campground/
If you have any questions, contact field trip coordinator Meredith Bell at (804) 824-4958 or merandlee@gmail.com.