Cherishing the Bull Run Mountains
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By Marcia Woolman
he Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC) is not only facilitating the conservation of some of that beloved mountain region, but also adding to the love of this special land for generations to come. Children are the next generation of protectors, for you only protect what you learn to love. Love of nature, and in Helping children learn to love and preserve the land is part of particular these mountains, is the heart the Bull Run Mountain and soul of the BRMC’s mission. Its Conservancy’s main mission. programs and activities are open to the public, young and old, including their nature focused summer naturalist camps. Michael Kieffer has been the conservancy’s director for 23 years, and his depth of knowledge, understanding and appreciation for this land is evident from the first moment you meet him. He has the same quiet, gentle nature as these hills, and his passion for preserving them is contagious. BRMC is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1994 to protect the Bull Run Mountains Region through education, research, and stewardship. According to its web site, its mission is to “promote and facilitate the preservation of land on and around the Bull Run Mountains from their southern ridges in New Baltimore to their northern end in Aldie, Virginia and the surrounding landscape 5-10 miles north, east, south, and west.”
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BRMC offers educational programs to adults and children that focus on the area’s ecological, historical, and cultural features. Research underpins its education program. For 28 years, BRMC also has sponsored, assisted, and facilitated numerous baseline studies that add important data to our understanding of the landscape. It’s easy to engage at the BRMC, with a number of adult, family, and youth activities. Occasionally, guest speakers make presentations at the Mountain House Office location as well. This summer there’s even a workshop for teachers. The goal is all about spreading the word, and these mountains have a tendency to scoop you up in your first adventure there, then beg your soul to come back for more. “Our youth naturalist camps are focused on tomorrow’s protectors of nature,” Kieffer said. “While our teacher workshop is to reenergize those that positively influence our children every day.” The programs offer something for everyone of any age or outdoor urge to just get away from it all. It is a great thrill to walk to these woods and fields and immerse oneself in this magnificent region of Virginia.
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This can be achieved by following the game trails in the woods, and maybe even sighting some of the wildlife that calls the region home. There are many deer, and probably a few coyotes, which are very elusive. You’re more likely to see many squirrels that treasure acorns from the great old oak trees. Or maybe hear the loud ratta-tat-tat of a feeding or drilling Pileated Woodpecker. You will learn about all different types of trees and plants, and what wildlife is attracted to them. One of the main features is “Leopold’s Preserve,” where there are monthly naturalist walks throughout the Preserve. There are regularly scheduled bird walks, and there are several creeks in the area where amphibian activities are planned. “Make a plan, pick an activity, and join us for an adventure” Kieffer said.
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For more information go to www. BRMConservancy.org.
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