2017-2018 Shenandoah River State Park Welcome Guide

Shenandoah River State Park FREE

2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide

Published by Friends of Shenandoah River State Park • Bentonville, VA • 540-622-6840 • riverparkfriends.org

Page 2 • 2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide

While You’re Here…

By Jennifer Saik Education Specialist II Spring and summer at the park offer great opportunity to observe nature at the height of its activity.

Beginning in late February, if you take a stroll down the Cottonwood Boardwalk in the early evening, you can hear the thundering chorus of Spring Peeper frogs announcing the coming season.

March and April are a wonderful time to observe the vernal pools alongside this trail, which are full of amphibian egg masses and

hatching tadpoles. You might even catch a glimpse of the large Spotted S a l a m a n d e r, who returns to the same pool year after year to mate and lay her eggs. Numerous wildflowers begin blooming here as well, including Spring B e a u t y, Tw i n Leaf, Bloodroot and Dutchmen’s Breeches. Be sure to stop by the visitor center and pick up an illustrated guide of these flowers to take along with you on your walk.

Depending on weather conditions, sometime between March and May you can observe the beautiful dark red flowers blooming on the Pawpaw trees along the Bluebell Trail. These flowers look similar to small, downward facing roses. Later on in the season you will see the bright green, edible fruit growing on the trees, which usually ripen enough to

Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

taste in early September. An easy way to spot this tree is to observe the colorful Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, which uses the trees as its host plant. Females lay their green eggs on the leaves, the caterpillars munch on them and the adults drink nectar from the flowers. Another not-to-miss event on this trail is the blooming of the magnificent Bluebells, which usually occurs mid to late April, again depending on the weather.

In June, the river becomes warm enough to enter and explore. The canal that empties out at the main canoe launch is a nice, shallow place for children to wade, as is the Fish Trap area behind shelter 3. Interesting things to see include crayfish, clams, minnows and turtles. Overturn a rock on the river bottom and you will find a variety of macroinvertebrates, including hellgrammites, water pennies and damselfly nymphs. Adult damselflies, often a brilliant green or blue in color, can be seen flying over the river and perching on rocks. They can be distinguished from the similar-looking dragonfly by their long,

thin bodies. Additionally, when damselflies sit, they keep their wings closed rather than open, unlike their dragonfly cousins.

Finally, a walk along the Culler’s or River trails in spring or summer offers you the opportunity to observe a variety of birds. Wooden bird boxes house Bluebirds, Chickadees and Tree Swallows. The gorgeous Redwinged blackbird is often heard before it is seen, nesting in trees alongside the river. Red-tailed hawks, Osprey and Bald Eagles are often sighted in this floodplain area as well. And if you venture down one of the paths to the river, you are likely to see Great Blue Heron and the smaller Green Heron, fishing for their breakfasts.

Of course, every season at the park has amazing things to view.

I would be negligent if I didn’t mention the famous fall colors that the Shenandoah Valley is known for. The brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of the maples, oaks and black gums are a mustsee. Wintertime offers wonderful views of the river on many trails, previously impossible due to the thick foliage. And if you are staying in the cabins this time of year, you just might hear the peep of the Northern Saw-whet owl in the evening, who migrates to the area from Canada for the winter. riverparkfriends.org

Shenandoah River State Park Junior Ranger Day Camp for children 7 - 12 The Monday to Thursday program will be held July 24 to 27 and repeats July 31 to August 3, 2017. Sessions run from 9AM to 12PM. Except in severe weather conditions, activities will be held outdoors and will move around the park. A tube trip down the South Fork, with a look at what is in the river, is always a highlight. There is a $10 State registration fee. The park Friends group covers all the other costs.

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For more detail about 2017 Camp and news about Camp for 2018, check the Friends of Shenandoah River State Park web site at riverparkfriends.org.

To register your child, call the park at 540-622-6840.

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Directions from Andy Guest:

• Walking: Follow the Bluebell Trail & the River Trail to Downriver Canoe Company, Located at South end of St. Park about three miles from the 1 hour to full day trips riverside picinic area.

Open every day Apr. 1 to Oct. 31 Reservations suggested, but not • Driving: Exit the park, turn right on route 340 South for required, be impulsive one mile, turn right on route Continual departure times 613 (Indian Hollow Road) for Minimum age for floating is five one mile. Welcome to Downriver Canoe Company.

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Page 4 • 2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide

Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

Vernal Pools at Shenandoah River State Park

Spring Peeper Spring is an exciting time to witness activity in the park’s vernal pools. It is difficult for visitors to observe natural vernal pools, as they are located well off the boardwalk on the Cottonwood Trail. However, thanks to the help of the a Youth Conservation Corps crew, guests can view newly created pools that were dug in several locations along the trail. These pools serve as a breeding ground for various salamanders and frogs, including the Spotted salamander, the

Jefferson salamander, Spring Peepers and Wood frogs. Vernal pools are fairly shallow land depressions that are filled with water for only a portion of the year, usually due to spring rains or melting winter snow and ice. These pools provide a vital habitat for amphibian egg masses, which are free from the threat of predator fish.

The conservation of vernal pools is extremely important. Many pools have been destroyed due to the clearing of wooded areas for land

Jefferson Salamander development. In addition, landowners often fill in these depressions, unaware of their importance to the ecosystem.

This habitat loss has played a significant role in declining amphibian populations nationwide. Shenandoah River State Park is doing its part to educate visitors and preserve these important habitats.

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Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide • Page 5

ZIP the PARK

By Brian Bennett Friends of Shenandoah River State Park

When you visit Shenandoah River State Park you will likely enjoy one or more of our hiking trails - 26 miles of beautiful easy walks to moderately difficult hikes. You will spend the time looking for plants and wildlife, especially the many birds.

Have you ever wondered what the birds see when they watch you hiking their park? You now have a chance to find out. You can get a view of the park and surrounding mountains from up in the trees. You can just about fly from tree to tree.

Virginia Canopy Tours ™ will take you to the top of Allen Mountain and, except for two short nature hikes, return you to the bottom without your feet touching the ground. I had a chance to do the

treetop tour in late April. It was a blast! Our two guides, Tabby and Ben, outfitted us, gave us safety instruction and an idea what to expect, and then it was a ride up the mountain.

Coming down was pure pleasure.

There are eight zip lines - including one 1035 feet long with speed estimated up to 40 mph - two rope bridges and a final rappel. Tabby and Ben handled all the technical stuff and we all felt completely safe.

This is a chance to do something most people never get a chance to try - and what could be better than having lots of fun while you are doing it?

For more information visit Virginia Canopy Tours at ZIPthePARK.com, or if you are already in the park, come to the Zip the Park office and talk to any of the guides.

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Page 6 • 2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide

Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

This Park Has Friends Friends of Shenandoah River State Park was formed in 2009 to assist the park in achieving its goals of serving park visitors and protecting park resources. The Friends usually meet monthly with a speaker or program about the Warren County/Shenandoah Valley area or with a stewardship project in the park. Many Friends also work individually on projects, such as trail maintenance or working the park entry station.

Programs are kept updated on the Friends blog at riverparkfriends.org.

A highlight of our year is the river clean-up held in mid-September. Each year Friends and community members float the park South Branch of the Shenandoah boundary in canoes supplied

by Front Royal and Downriver canoe companies and remove trash - all while having a great time.

Another annual favorite is our Junior Ranger Day Camp. Campers, age 7 to 12, will spend four mornings

exploring nature and the environment. As campers are limited to 15 each week, they get close attention from park staff, Friends, and contributing members of the community.

Check the programs at our blog, riverparkfriends.org.

No matter what your interest in the outdoors, there is something in the Friends program that will appeal to you. Talk to a ranger at the Visitor’s Center or check us out by attending a meeting. If you to our work, there is a sign-up visit to Shenandoah River would like to join or contribute sheet in this paper. Enjoy your State Park!

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Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide • Page 7

Be A Be A Junior at the entrance booth age Junior 7-12 to get close to Ranger! and the visitor’s center, nature and to have fun. A Ranger! or check online at virgin- tubing trip down the South

Learning is Fun in the Park Many interpretive programs are available throughout the year. River State Park Junior Andy Guest/Shenandoah Ranger Day Camp children 7 - 12 Whether it’s a spring wild- foriaoutdoors.com/parks/ The Monday - Thursday program will be held July 28 - 31, 2014 flower walk or a study details/shenandoah-rivand repeat August 4 - 7. Sessions run from 9am to 12pm.

Except in severe activities will be outdoors and will of the skulls ofweather, animals er-state-park. move around the Park. This year campers will study birds and found park, Thewith Friends runs a make in birdthe houses, learnyouth outdoor ethics “Leavegroup No Trace,” tube the South Fork and look at what’s down there, and and adults can learn Junior Ranger Day learn archery basics.

There is a $10 registration fee. Camp To register your child, call the Park at 540-622-6840 while enjoying the out- for two weeks each sumThis program is run by the of-doors. Schedules for mer. is an exciting Friends of Shenandoah River This State Park riverparkfriends.org programs are available opportunity for children

Help support Shenandoah River State Park and reach thousands of visitors by advertising in next year’s Welcome Guide. Visit our web site for more information.

www.riverparkfriends.org

Fork, with a look at what is down there, is always a highlight. See the ad in this welcome guide for the dates of this year’s Andy Guest/Shenandoah camp.

Information will River State Park alsoJr. be available on the Ranger Day Camp Friends web site riverfor children 7 --12 The Monday - Thursday parkfriends.org. program will be held July There is 2014 also aandself-guid28 - 31, repeat August 4 - 7. Sessions run ed Junior Ranger program from 9am to 12pm. in severeand weather, forExcept pre-teens their activities will be outdoors families. who and willChildren move around theare Park. This year campers will visiting or staying study birds and make in birdthe houses, outdoor park canlearn earn the ethics Junior with “Leave No Trace,” tube the South Fork and Ranger patch in look just a at what’s down there, and few hours while learning learn archery basics.

There is a $10 registration fee. To about the park’s diverse register your child, call the Park at 540-622-6840 environment.

Check at the This program is run by the visitor’s for a Junior Friends center of Shenandoah River State Park Ranger Adventure Guide.

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Page 8 • 2017 - 2018 Welcome Guide

Friends of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA • riverparkfriends.org

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