Spring Nature Fling

 

A young girl gets up close to examine a wildflower.

NPS photo/Dave Bieri

All programs are FREE unless noted. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes for guided walks. Snacks, binoculars, a hand lens, field guides, a favorite smart device pre-loaded with nature apps, and a camera are also useful.

 

Event Schedule:

schedule last updated: March 19, 2024

Date and time	Program title and description	Site and meet location
March 16, Saturday, 10:00 am	Active Southern WV 2-in-1 Hike: Sandstone Falls Islands Tour Plus Big Branch Hike. See Sandstone Falls closeup and tour the island loop (0.5 miles), then continue with an optional, more challenging hike to see early spring along the Big Branch Trail (2.0 miles strenuous). People that want to participate in the Big Branch Hike will car caravan from Sandstone Falls to the trailhead at the Brooks Falls parking area. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P – Sandstone Falls boardwalk parking lot on River Road, 8.5 miles from Hinton
March 23, Saturday10:00 am – 2:30 pm	WV Vernal Pool Monitoring Workshop. Explore temporary wetlands that serve as breeding grounds for various amphibian species, frogs and salamanders. Join experts for this hands-on class to learn more about amphibian biology, wetland ecology, and the specific dynamics of vernal pools. Reservations required; space is limited. See link for program details and to sign up. https://dep.wv.gov/news/Pages/WVDEP-announces-2024-vernal-pool-monitoring-workshops.aspx	New River Gorge NP & P Glen Jean Bank Building (HQ) start > then Glade Creek trailhead near Glade Creek campground, Raleigh County
March 23, Saturday 3:00 – 4:30 pm	Early Spring Bloom Beauties, 1 mile easy to moderate walk. Discover some of spring’s earliest wildflowers around Glade Creek including one of the largest bluebell patches in the New River Gorge. Be prepared for some moderate off-trail walking.www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spring-nature-fling.htm	New River Gorge NP&P Glade Creek Trailhead at the end of Glade Creek Road near Glade Creek Campground, Raleigh County
March 27, Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm	Active SWV Bluebells at Glade Creek HikeHike. Est. 1.0 miles. Discover some of spring’s earliest wildflowers around Glade Creek including one of the largest bluebell patches in the New River Gorge. Be prepared for some moderate off-trail walking. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P Glade Creek Trailhead at the end of Glade Creek Road near Glade Creek Campground, Raleigh County
March 30 Saturday 11:00 am-12:00 pm	A Century of Grace: a National Parks Poetry Performance. Join Texas Poet Laureates Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach for this celebration of your national parks through poetry. Their words bring inspiration from national parks across the nation.	New River Gorge NP&P Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Lansing, Fayette County
April 4, Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm	Active SWV Glade Creek Wildflower Walk. Est. 1.0 miles. Discover some of spring’s earliest wildflowers around Glade Creek including one of the largest bluebell patches in the New River Gorge. Be prepared for some moderate off-trail walking. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P Glade Creek Trailhead at the end of Glade Creek Road near Glade Creek Campground, Raleigh County
April 5, Friday,10:00 am	Active SWV Long Point Trail Hike. Hike through spring on this easy to moderate trail with a spectacular view of the New River Gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P – Long Point Trailhead on Newton Rd. outside of Fayetteville
April 6, Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm	WV Master Naturalist certification class: Wildflowers. Learn about wildflowers in this WV MN core certification course. Program will start in the Glen Jean Bank Building then participants car caravan to the Stone Cliff Trail for an easy walk searching for wildflowers. Classroom plus field session.	NERI – Glen Jean Bank Building for classroom portion followed by field study at Stone Cliff Trail 1.5 miles from Thurmond
April 8, Monday, 1:30 – 4:30 pm (maximum totality 3:15 pm)	Be a Solar Eclipse Explorer. Come and go as you please to witness this amazing sky event, a 90% totality solar eclipse. Chat with rangers as we see this unique solar event. Eclipse safety glasses will be available. Kids can even earn a special Eclipse Explorer Junior Ranger Badge. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.	New River Gorge NP&P, Grandview Visitor Center, Grandview.
April 13, Saturday,12:00 – 2:00 pm	Southside Bloomers Hike, 3 miles. Explore early spring wildflowers along the New River on this leisurely hike with naturalists from the New River Gorge Chapter of WV Master Naturalist. Meet at the Southside Trailhead next to the Brooklyn primitive campground, one mile upstream from the Cunard River Access.	New River Gorge NP&P, Southside trailhead parking area next to Brooklyn campground
April 10, Wednesday,10:00 am – 1:00 pm	Active SWV Southside Bloomers Hike, 3 miles. Explore early spring wildflowers along the New River on this leisurely hike with naturalists from the New River Gorge Chapter of WV Master Naturalist. Meet at the Southside Trailhead next to the Brooklyn primitive campground, one mile upstream from the Cunard River Access. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P, Southside trailhead parking area next to Brooklyn campground
April 13, Saturday1:00 – 4:00 pm	Hiking Event at Needleseye Park, 2 miles. Explore the beautiful rock formations and natural beauty of the forest on this guided, moderate hike through Needleseye Park. See the namesake Needleseye formation and the Lion’s Den rock corridor. https://visitoakhillwv.com/parks-and-recreation/	Needleseye Park, Oak Hill. GPS 37°59'00.6"N 81°06'57.8"W. Take Rt. 16 in Oak Hill; turn onto Gatewood Rd., then Needleseye Rd./Salem-Gatewood Ave.
April 19, Friday,10:00 am	Active SWV Endless Wall Trail Hike. Hike through spring on this easy to moderate trail with spectacular views of the New River Gorge. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P – Fern Creek Trailhead of the Endless Wall on Lansing-Edmond Rd., Lansing
April 19, Friday, 7:30 – 9:30 pm	Frogs Callin’ & Critters Wander. Stroll to a small pond at Grandview in search of the sights and sounds of amphibians and other creatures of the night. Be prepared for moderate terrain on this 1.5-mile walk. Bring a flashlight.	New River Gorge NP&P – Grandview Visitor Center, Grandview
April 20, Saturday 9:30 am – 2:00 pm	Earth Day’s Hike Into Spring! 2.5 miles (Active SWV option: 5 miles total). The big bloom hike is back! Join rangers and naturalists on a leisurely hike from Grandview top down to the New River, finding wildflowers and other natural wonders along the way. Over 60 blooming wildflower species are usually seen on this hike. Be prepared for some steep terrain as we travel down an old dirt road, the Little Laurel Trail. A free return shuttle will be provided back to the top of the gorge. Bring water, snack, and favorite nature ID tools. RESERVATIONS requested for shuttle bus by April 18; email e-mail us with name, number in your party, and phone number.	New River Gorge NP&P – Grandview Shelter # 4, Grandview
April 20, Saturday	RUN: Babcock Gristmill Grinder. $. Must register in advance. https://www.active.com/clifftop-wv/running/distance-running-races/babcock-gristmill-grinder-2024	Babcock SP, Clifftop
April 21, 12:00 – 3:00 pm	Spring in Hamlet and the Big Trees, 1.5 to 2 miles. Explore the forest at the river’s edge on this level but off-tail hike around the historic logging town site of Hamlet. See how nature has recovered in this area, plus see some of the largest sycamore and elm trees in the gorge.	New River Gorge NP&PGlade Creek Trailhead at the end of Glade Creek Road near Glade Creek Campground, Raleigh County
April 21, Sunday 2:00 – 3:00 pm	Seek iNaturalist Walk. Learn how to use the powerful tool of your phone camera to identify plants and animals in the field by using the Seek app by iNaturalist. Preload this free app onto your smart device prior to program time; wifi is available at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.	New River Gorge NP&P - Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Fayette Mine Rd., Lansing
April 23, Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30 pm	Active SWV McManus Full Moon Walk. 2 miles. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	Meet at 3rd. St. parking lot in Beckley, Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail
April 27, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm	WV Master Naturalist core certification class: Fish.	Hawks Nest SP, lodge conference room, Ansted
April 27, Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm	Celebrate Trails Day – White Oak Rail Trail, up to 2 miles. Join the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in celebration of the White Oak Rail Trail. Activities include Trash pick-up, 2-mile fun run for all ages, free bike maintenance station, group bike ride, and food trucks on site. https://visitoakhillwv.com/parks-and-recreation/	White Oak Rail Trail Depot, intersection of Virginia Ave. and Central Ave., Oak Hill
April 27, Saturday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm	WV Master Naturalist elective class: Trout	Hawks Nest SP, lodge conference room, Ansted
April 27, Saturday 1:00-4:00	Spring Fling Bike Ride on the Southside Trail, 6 – 10 miles. Experience the sights and sounds of spring on a leisurely mountain bike ride on the Southside Trail, stopping to see the signs of the season along the way. Join a park ranger and the National Parks Conservation Association for this family-friendly group ride on this mostly level rail trail. Bring your own bike and helmet.. Reservations required by 4/25/24; create a free membership at https://members.activeswv.org/member-application then log in to register for this activity at https://members.activeswv.org/ap/Events/Register/ZP11qmZP.	New River Gorge NP&P, Southside trailhead parking area next to Brooklyn campground, one mile upstream of the Cunard River Access.
April 27, Saturday 2:00-4:00	Arts in the Parks: Making Wildflower Bleach-washed Ts. Come and go as you please to try your hand at creating nature art on T-shirts, silhouette designs using bleach inspired by beautiful wildflowers of the New River Gorge. All skill levels welcome. Wear old clothes, as we will be working with bleach. Bring a dark colored, cotton T-shirt, plus some shirts will be available. Art tools will be provided.	New River Gorge NP&P – Canyon Rim Visitor Center (meet at patio to the left of the building), 162 Fayette Mine Rd., Lansing
April 28, Sunday, 9:00 – 11:00 am	Beginning Birding at Sandstone Falls, 0.5 miles. Learn the basics of birdwatching on this easy stroll around the island at Sandstone Falls. See birds that make the rivers edge their home, the specialized habitat of the Appalachian Flatrock Community. See the beauty of Sandstone Falls too. Bring binoculars or some will be available.	New River Gorge NP&P – Sandstone Falls boardwalk parking lot on River Road, 8.5 miles from Hinton
April 28, Sunday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm	Spring Foraging Hike with Mitchell Dech, 2 miles. Spring is the perfect time to learn skills to forage wild foods like roots, greens, and flowers. Join “Berry Man” Mitchell Dech as he leads these hands-on edible plants hike. Wear comfortable walking shoes for this moderate walk. Group size and parking is limited. Reservations requested; call 304-574-1500 or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-foraging-hike-with-mitchell-dech-tickets-837705508727?aff=oddtdtcreator.	Wolf Creek Park is located between Oak Hill and Fayetteville, WV, near the intersection of Appalachian Drive and SR-16, just off of US-19. Enter Wolf Creek Park via Nick Rahall Greenway; pass Bridge Brew Works, (steel building on left); Pull into Wolf Creek Trail Parking lot on left passed Bridge Brew Works (Parking Lot off Guy Dooley Trail). We meet in this first parking lot. Hike will turn left down the graveled road to the Wetlands Boardwalk and Nature Trails. GPS coordinates: 38.017170 -81.111438
May 3 – 5	Become an Outdoor Woman Spring Workshop. Participants can register for over 20 unique courses, including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, target shooting, outdoor recreation, and more! $ Registration opens March 2, https://wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/becoming-an-outdoor-woman/	Twin Falls Resort State Park, Mullens
May 4, Saturday (must preregister for race)	RUN: New River Gorge Rim to Rim Race. Enjoy the beauty of the season and breathtaking views on this running road race in the New River Gorge. Run Fayette Station Road from the top of the gorge to the bottom and back up the other side. Racers will enjoy a wonderful post-race brunch provided by host location, Adventures on the Gorge. $. Must preregister for this event. See race details and register at https://activeswv.org/new-river-gorge-rim-to-rim/	New River Gorge NP&P, Fayetteville to Lansing
May 4, Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm	Free Public Tour Day at Three Rivers Avian Center. Three Rivers Avian Center’s (TRAC) May Open House. Take a free tour of the TRAC facility, meet live raptor ambassadors including hawks, owls, falcons, and a bald eagle, plus learn more about hawk migration from Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory team. Also tour the nearby gourmet maple syrup making facility and enjoy a free tasting of this delicious treat. Donations are welcome. https://tracwv.org	Three Rivers Avian Center in Brooks
May 4, Saturday, 2:00 – 3:00 pm	Seek iNaturalist Walk. Learn how to use the powerful tool of your phone camera to identify plants and animals in the field by using the Seek app by iNaturalist. Preload this free app onto your smart device prior to program time; wifi is available at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.	New River Gorge NP&P - Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Fayette Mine Rd., Lansing
May 4, Saturday, 7:30 – 8:30 pm	Bat Watch! Join a ranger for a short walk to a bat condominium, a house for mama bats and their babies. Learn more about bats as you see these creatures leave their house in search of an evening meal.	New River Gorge NP&P – Grandview Visitor Center, Grandview
May 5, Sunday 3:30-6:00 PM	Turkey Spur Orchid Trek. Hike the Grandview Rim Trail in search of orchids and other wildflowers then continue to the scenic overlooks at Turkey Spur. Be prepared for moderate terrain on this 3-mile walk.	New River Gorge NP&P – Grandview Shelter #1 parking area
May 5, Sunday 8:00 – 9:30 pm	Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower and Star Stories. See the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower by the dark of night, chucks of space debris from Halley’s Comet. Explore nearby constellations and hear stories of the stars. Bring a camp chair or blanket.	New River Gorge NP&P – Burnwood Day Use Area across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing (meet at the shelter on the right next to the Burnwood Trail)
May 11, Saturday, 3:00 – 4:00 pm	Macro-invertebrates Sandstone Falls Stream Discovery. Discover life of the New River in this hands-on river critter study. Join a ranger to take a closer look at macro-invertebrates like water insects, crayfish, and more as you learn about the import role these creatures play in river ecology.	New River Gorge NP & P – Sandstone Falls boardwalk parking lot on River Road, 8.5 miles from Hinton
May 11, Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm	Migration Celebration. Come out and enjoy a free, family friendly festival focusing on West Virginia’s wild birds and the ecosystem they live in. Kids activities, birding and nature walks, and live birds of prey on display. This free event will be at Little Beaver State Park in Beaver. Donations are welcome. https://tracwv.org	Little Beaver State Park in Beaver
May 14, Tuesday, 8:00 – 9:30 pm	Salamander Stroll, est. 0.2 mile walk with uneven, rocky terrain. Search for a glimpse of salamanders and other creatures of the night after dark, species that prefer the rock walls and crevices of the New River Gorge. Bring a flashlight. Be prepared for rocky, steep terrain on the short walk. Meet at the Bridge Buttress parking area below the New River Gorge Bridge on Fayette Station Road.	New River Gorge NP&P – Bridge Buttress climbing area on Fayette Station Road, Lansing
May 15, Wednesday, (time to be determined)	Active SWV Waterfall Wednesday Hike, 1 mile. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	Piney Creek Preserve, Beckley (check website for specific start location)
May 17 – 18	Nature Ranger Day Camp: Twin Falls. Twelve youth ages 9 – 12 will become Nature Rangers by attending this camp, a blend of wildlife/plant identification, survival skills, hikes, nature crafting, and appreciation. Preregistration required, $99. Call 304-294-4000 (ask for Robin) to make reservations. https://wvstateparks.com/parks/twin-falls-resort-state-park/	Twin Falls Resort SP, Mullens
May 18, Saturday	2024 Birds of Prey Spring Photography Workshop. Learn and practice the art of bird photography with instructor Steven Rotsch at Three Rivers Avian Center. All skill levels welcome. $. Sign up for full or half day sessions. www.stevenrotsch.com	Three Rivers Avian Center in Brooks
May 18, Saturday, 8:00 – 10:00 am	Babcock Birds, 2 miles easy hike.Stroll the habitat along Glade Creek to discover the variety birds found living in the forest and near this forested mountain stream. Hear and catch a glimpse of songsters like black-throated blue warblers, wood thrush, swainson’s warblers, and more. Meet at the Glade Creek Gristmill. www.wvstateparks.com/parks/babcock-state-park/	Babcock State Park, Glade Creek Gristmill, Clifftop
May 18, Saturday 2:30 – 4:00 pm	Forest Fungi Hike, 1.5 miles. Join a ranger on the Burnwood Trail to learn more about our forest's fungi. On this walk we will discuss the basic lifecycle of mushrooms and use field guides to identify different fungi species.	New River Gorge NP&P – Burnwood Day Use Area across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing (meet at the shelter on the right next to the Burnwood Trail)
May 19, Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm	Old Growth Nature Trek, 2.0 miles. Trek to an old-growth hemlock-oak forest along Pierson-Hollow and other habitats in the park to discover warblers, other wildlife, and plants on this moderate hike. Binoculars are recommended.	Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park – Patterson House Museum in Summersville
May 19, Sunday, 1:00 – 2:00 pm	Nature in Watercolor. Try your hand at watercolor painting with a ranger inspired by the beautiful nature of Grandview. See the blooming rhododendron and hear more about the rich stories of this site. All skill levels welcome. Painting tools will be provided.	New River Gorge NP&P, Grandview Visitor Center in Grandview
May 19, Sunday 2:30 – 3:00 pm 3:00 – 3:30 pm	Rhodo Wander. Take a leisurely stroll around the site to see and photograph the beautiful blooms of Catawba Rhododendron. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. Find out more about the Rhododendron Festival in the Beckley area at https://visitwv.com/events/	New River Gorge NP&P, Grandview Visitor Center in Grandview
May 23, Tuesday, 7:30 – 9:00 pm	Active SWV McManus Full Moon Walk. 2 miles. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	Meet at 3rd. St. parking lot in Beckley, Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail
May 24, Wednesday, 7:30 – 9:00 pm	Active SWV Grandview Full Moon Walk. 2 miles. Walk a bit of the Grandview Rim Trail into the night with a stop at the North Overlook to see the rise of the full moon. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. https://members.activeswv.org/calendar	New River Gorge NP&P Grandview Visitor Center.
May 26, Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 am	Castle Rock Adventure Hike, 1 mile. Explore life on and around the rock cliffs at Grandview, its geology, lichens, rhododendron, wildlife, and more. Join aranger on this rocky, rugged trail below the cliff line, then see panoramic views of the gorge from the top of the cliffs.	New River Gorge NP&P, Grandview Visitor Center in Grandview
May 29, Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM	WV Master Naturalist certification class: Ferns, 0.5 miles moderate hike. Learn about ferns in this WV MN elective certification class. Program will start at the Mann’s Creek Picnic Shelter then participants will hike and car caravan around the park in search of ferns. Bring a hand lens.	Babcock State Park, Mann’s Creek shelter near the tennis courts and Mann’s Creek overlook, Clifftop
May 31, Friday 9:00 – 11:00 pm	Moth Watch. Learn about and see moths of the New River Gorge as we search for these night insects attracted by artificial light. Bring a flashlight and camera with a flash if desired. Field observation session end time will be determined by the moths.	New River Gorge NP&P – Canyon Rim Visitor Center (meet at patio to the left of the building), 162 Fayette Mine Rd., Lansing

Nature Inspired Art Exhibits, VCs, and Art Classes

Glass Art Demonstrations and Classes:

See or Work with the Nature of Glass.
DEMONSTRATIONS: See how resident glass blowing expert John DesMeules makes glass art often inspired by nature. Artist’s demonstration schedule may vary.
GLASSMAKING SESSIONS: You can even try your hand at this art form by appointment; see cost details and set up appointment at www.glassmakeandtake.com. Appointments recommended but walk-in sessions available: 304-586-0067 or [e-mail]

• WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace’s Studio C near the glass art in Beckley, WV.
• WHEN: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (9:00 am – 4:30 pm) Classes by appointment

Friends of New River Gorge National Park Photo Contest.

Find out how to enter this photos contest inspired by the three National Park Service sites of Southern West Virginia, New River Gorge, Bluestone, and Gauley. Entry details will be updated soon. Contest proceeds benefit Friends of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. www.friendsofnewriver.org

• WHERE: Online at www.firendsofnewriver.org
• WHEN: Contest entry deadline March 17

Pipestem Nature Center.

Discover more about the nature of the Bluestone River gorge in exhibits, watch birds, and chat with a naturalist. History exhibits and structures also on site. https://wvstateparks.com/park/pipestem-resort-state-park/

• WHERE: Pipestem Nature Center, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
• WHEN: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (check for spring hours updates)

Sandstone Visitor Center

Explore the visitor center and exhibits about the national park and the diversity of the entire New River Gorge watershed.

• WHERE: New River Gorge NP & P, Sandstone Visitor Center, 330 Meadow Creek Rd., Sandstone
• WHEN: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

Explore the visitor center and newly renovated exhibits about the national park and the New River Gorge, including highlights of the area’s rich natural diversity.

• WHERE: New River Gorge NP &P, Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Fayette Mine Rd., Lansing
• WHEN: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Reopens in early March - check website for exact date of reopening)

EXHIBIT: Bringing in the Green – Member Exhibit.

Enjoy this now art exhibit including some creations inspired by nature. www.beckleyartcenter.com

• WHERE: Beckley Art Center (BAC), 600 Johnstown Rd., Beckley
• WHEN: March 15 – 29,Open Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturday by appointment

PHOTO CONTEST: Friends of New River Gorge National Park Photo Contest.

See and vote on photos inspired by the three national park service sites of Southern West Virginia, New River Gorge, Bluestone, and Gauley. Proceeds benefit Friends of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Become a Friend of NRG today! www.friendsofnewriver.org

• WHERE:The McCreery Conference and Event Center, 320 Second Ave., Hinton
• WHEN:March 24, Sunday, 3:00 – 6:00 pm

EXHIBIT: Raleigh County Youth Show.

Enjoy this now art exhibit including some creations inspired by nature. www.beckleyartcenter.com

• WHERE:Beckley Art Center (BAC), 600 Johnstown Rd., Beckley
• WHEN: April 4 – 13,Open Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturday by appointment

EXHIBIT: Love Hope Gallery

Enjoy the new art exhibit including some creations inspired by nature.

Carl Thompson – stained glass
Kenney Isom – “Welcome to My World” solo exhibit featuring acrylic and mixed media art.
www.lovehopearts.org

• WHERE: Love Hope Gallery (LHG), 100 Rotan St. in Fayetteville
• WHEN: March 29 – April 28, Open Thurs. – Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

EXHIBIT: Youth Arts in the Park 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit.

See wildflower and wildlife art exhibit created by K – 12 grade students of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers Counties in the theater lobby of the Hulett C. Smith Theater. #NRGYAP www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spring-nature-fling.htm

• WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace (TM) in Beckley, lobby of the Hulett C. Smith Theater, Raleigh County
• WHEN: April 7 – May 6, Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, CLOSED Tuesdays

EXHIBIT online: Youth Arts in the Park 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit.

See wildflower and wildlife art exhibit online created by K – 12 grade students of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers Counties at www.nps.gov/neri/youth-arts-in-the-parks.htm All past Youth Arts in the Parks exhibit art is also available for viewing at this site. #NRGYAP www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spring-nature-fling.htm

• WHERE: Online at Youth Arts in the Parks - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
• WHEN: Online exhibit opens April 7

ART CLASS: Love Hope Bird Glass Class.

Join Love Hope Gallery’s resident-stained glass artist Carl Thompson to see how nature inspires art. Learn the basics of stained-glass techniques and create bird art. Tools and materials will be provided. $. Advanced sign up required at www.lovehopearts.org; spaces limited. Meet in the classroom area on the lower floor of Love Hope Gallery in Fayetteville. ART CLASS: Love Hope Bird Glass Class. Join Love Hope Gallery’s resident-stained glass artist Carl Thompson to see how nature inspires art. Learn the basics of stained-glass techniques and create bird art. Tools and materials will be provided. $. Advanced sign up required at www.lovehopearts.org; spaces limited. Meet in the classroom area on the lower floor of Love Hope Gallery in Fayetteville.

• WHERE: Love Hope Gallery, 100 Rotan St. in Fayetteville, classroom area on the lower floor of the gallery
• WHEN: April 16 and 18

EXHIBIT: The Life Art_quatic: Aquatic & Marine Life:

See the latest amazing art inspired by the water realm, the wondrous world beneath the waves. From the motion of the currents to aquatic beings, this exhibit art will take on this theme through a myriad of colors, shapes, sizes, and mediums. This art exhibition includes the five Best in Show artists’ pieces from the Youth Arts in the Parks 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit. www.tamarackwv.com #NRGYAP

• WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace - David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery in Beckley
• WHEN: May 1 – June 8, Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, CLOSED Tuesdays

Volunteer Opportunities:

Citizen Scientist Volunteer Opportunity: Grandview Bat Condo Survey

Help the scientists of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve learn more about local bat populations by monitoring Grandview’s bat condominium, a place where female bats raise their young. Volunteer for just a few hours just before sunset to count how many bats come out of the condo. No experience needed. If interested in volunteering for this special wildlife survey, email e-mail us and e-mail us to be added to the bat condo monitoring schedule.