Glen Jean, West Virginia, July 10, 2014 - Do you know what lies beneath the waterline? Discover about life on the river in a stream stomp with a ranger. This hands-on activity and other ranger-guided programs in the park provide a fun way to experience the park and learn more about the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage. All ranger programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this week’s featured ranger programs:
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014:
Bluestone Stream Stomp
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. Explore the river ecosystem as you help a ranger to determine the water quality of the Bluestone River. Be prepared to get your hands and feet wet as you look at the aquatic insects and creatures that live in the river. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014:
Walk in the Moccasins: West Virginia’s Native People
9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at Fern Creek trailhead of the Endless Wall Trail in Lansing. 3 mile walk. Hike the Endless Wall Trail in a new light, exploring the life and challenges faced by the Native American Indians who have traveled these lands for centuries. Be prepared for some moderate terrain on this walk.
Bluestone Walk
10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk. Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
5-minute Photography
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Learn the basics of photo composition and other hot photography tips, then take a few photos on site. Print out your favorite image to take home for free. Cameras will be available for use.
Ranger on the Rock
6:30 pm - 7:45 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014:
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Monday, Aug. 18, 2014:
Adventure of the Night Hike
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Meet at Grandview Visitor Center. 1 mile walk. Experience the sights and sounds of nature at night on this leisurely walk after dark. Find out what really does go bump in the night.
For more information about area National Park Service sites visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, or stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
