Rally Information

Thank you for your interest in the annual Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally. Every year the Naturalist Rally Committee assembles a wide variety of excellent field trips with leaders who are experts in their field. Their goal is to make the Mount Rogers area ecology understandable and interesting for everyone, from inquisitive amateurs to accomplished naturalists.

The 2011 Rally will be May 6 & 7. This year's Friday night speaker will be Doug Ogle.

_____________________________________

The 2011 rally wants to make you aware of an honor that has been bestowed on Dr. Jim Organ, our local salamander expert. Dr. Jim and Della have researched salamanders in the Mount Rogers area since the 1950s. Reffered to by other researchers as the Salamaster, Dr. Organ has had the pygmy salamander found here and north of the French Broad River renamed in his honor. Originally, the species was referred to as Desmongnathus wrighti. Scientists have declared that the Northern Pygmy Salamander, now Desmognathus organi, officially as a new species.

Directions:

From I-81, take exit 35 (Chilhowie), go south on Rt 762, passing Hardee's. Follow this for 3.6 miles to the flashing light at intersection. Keeping straight the road becomes Rt 600, crosses Iron Mountain (disregard "Old 600" signs)and in 7.6 miles turn left at intersection, staying on Rt 600. From here go 2/10 miles and the Konnarock community center is on the left.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, May 6

Saturday, May 7

Below are the scheduled field trips for the 2011 rally. Other trips may be added by rally time.

Friday Evening - Saturday (demonstration)

Saturday Morning (Starting at 8:00 a.m.):

Saturday Afternoon (Starting at 1:00 p.m.):

***All of our field trip leaders volunteer their time for the Naturalist Rally, so let them know you appreciate their sharing their time and knowledge with us.***

_____________________________________

The Friends of Mount Rogers will be offering some items for sale that you would find in the visitor centers in the Mount Rogers NRA: T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, maps, identification books, nature books. Be sure to bring extra money if you'd like to purchase any of these items.

_____________________________________

Dinner & Registration

Dinner is by pre-paid reservation ONLY. There will be no dinners sold at the door. Registration for the rally events and dinner is due by May 1, 2011. You can register/pay online here or download and print the registration form and send it to:

Carrie Sparks
301 Look Avenue
Marion, VA 24354

Please make all checks payable to:

Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally

_____________________________________

How to Take a Field Trip

All field trips leave from the parking lot of the Konnarock Community Center unless otherwise indicated or announced on Friday evening. All times listed are actual departure times. Please allow extra time if you still need to register and to sign up with the field trip leader. (Some leaders take sign-ups on Friday evening and some trips fill quickly.) All trips will go out regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared with good boots or shoes, a sweater or jacket, raincoat or poncho.

Lodging

Two Forest Service campgrounds - Grindstone (VA Route 603) and Beartree (US Route 58) are within 10 miles of Konnarock. To reserve a site, call 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.ReserveUSA.com. There are numerous bed and breakfast inns and rental cabins in the area.  Try www.virginiablueridge.org for information. Motels are available in Abingdon, Chilhowie, Glade Spring, Marion,  all with places to eat.