Bio Blitz and Plant Sale At Boxerwood Saturday October 4

Boxerwood BioBlitz - See FaceBook for updates as they unfold!

This description of the term is from Wikapedia: A BioBlitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers conduct an intensive field study over a continuous time period (e.g., usually 24 hours). There is a public component to many BioBlitzes, with the goal of getting the public interested in biodiversity. To encourage more public participation, these BioBlitzes are often held in urban parks or nature reserves close to cities. The term "BioBlitz" was first coined by U.S. National Park Service naturalist Susan Rudy while assisting with the first BioBlitz. The first BioBlitz was held at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington D.C. in 1996. Since the success of the first BiobBitz, many organizations around the world have repeated this concept. Since then, most BioBlitz contain a public component so that adults, kids, teens and anyone interested can join experts and scientists in the field. Participating in these hands-on field studies is a fun and exciting way for people to learn about biodiversity and better understand how to protect it.

There will also be an annual plant sale at Boxerwood on October 4 at 1pm to 4pm.

Fall Family Festival September 27th

The Boxerwood Fall Family Festival will be held on Saturday September 27th from 1pm to 4pm.

This years festivities include performances by the Halestone Dance Studio, music by the Rockbridge County High School Ukulele Club, and other fun.  There will also be the traditional apple cider pressing, fresh donuts, and vine head wreath making.

So set you sights on Boxerwood for September 27th.

Here some scenes from past Fall Family Festivals

Results of Monthly Bird Walk at Boxerwood

On September 6th the Rockbridge Bird Club held its first monthly bird walk at
the Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Gardens (www.boxerwood.org). The
joint event will take place in the future on the first Saturday of each
month. Today, a group of 10 birders saw a total of 31 species with the
highlight being a Blue Winged Warbler and a calling nearby Eastern Screech
Owl. Several feeding flocks provided additional warblers as migration
begins. The Gardens are open to the public daily. The detailed bird list is
below:

Blue Winged Warbler

 
Boxerwood Gardens - MRR03, Rockbridge, US-VA
Sep 6, 2014 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: Sunny Day '80s
31 species
 
Red-shouldered Hawk 3
Mourning Dove 10
Eastern Screech-Owl 1 heard
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2 heard
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 14
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 2
Carolina Wren 12
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 4
Brown Thrasher 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 1
Worm-eating Warbler 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
American Redstart 2
Magnolia Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 8
Indigo Bunting 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 8
 
Kieran Kilday, Lexington, Virginia

New Art At Boxerwood

Local artist John Auciello donated a piece of his statuary art made from re-used items.  It has been placed near the entrance to Boxerwood outside the gates of the Play Trail.

BOXERWOOD BIRD WALKS STARTING THIS SATURDAY!

Boxerwood is pleased to announce that the Rockbridge Bird Club will offer monthly bird walks at Boxerwood, starting this Saturday (September 6). The early morning walks will take place on the first Saturday of each month. Walkers will meet in the parking area at 7:30 a.m. The walks will generally run about 2 hours. The Bird Club will provide a leader with birding knowledge to share with beginners (of all ages) as well as those with more experience. In the event of heavy rain, the walk will be canceled. If you have any questions, feel free to call Kerry Kilday (561-389-9612).

This is another example of how Boxerwood is working to partner with other local groups to bring the outdoors and our environment alive.

Play Trail Use Increasing

The Play Trail at Boxerwood was designed for children aged 7 and younger to explore the outdoors and even get a little muddy.  The Play Trail has become one of the most popular destinations for young families visiting Boxerwood.

With this increase in use comes a proportionate amount of wear and tear on the infrastructure and maintenance workload for staff and volunteers to keep the Play Trail fun and safe.  We ask that users of  Boxerwood follow a few simple guidelines when using the Play Trail.

Boxerwood Play Trail Guidelines --

The Play Trail is designed for young children, ages 7 and under. Older children should explore other areas of Boxerwood.

THE PLAY TRAIL IS UNSUPERVISED. A parent or a designated caregiver who assumes full responsibility for their behavior and safety must accompany children. Use this area at your own risk.  Visitors who are playing in a way that is not safe or friendly may be asked to leave.

Organizational groups of more than 10 people must contact Boxerwood at least three weeks in advance to inquire if a group visit is possible without conflicting with other scheduled activities and to determine if a use fee is appropriate. Boxerwood staff will discuss with them if the Play Trail or other areas of Boxerwood are more appropriate for their groups needs.

Small family groups of young children (10 or fewer) are welcome without advance notice. Since school visits may be taking place at the same time, some sharing of space may be necessary.

Please do not allow children to wash off muddy pans in Dale’s Creek.  This is operated with an electric pump and mud will clog and damage this equipment.

Clean up – Unpaid volunteers are the main workforce at Boxerwood.  We appreciate your assistance in maintaining the Play Trail.  Each area should be ready for the visitor who follows in your footsteps. Help your child "tidy up" -- especially in the mud kitchen. 

A New Way To Support Boxerwood

You Can Now Support Boxerwood While Shopping at Amazon.com By using the Amazon Smiles program .5% of the cost of your purchases at Amazon will go to help support programs and the garden at Boxerwood.  All you need to do is sign up for the Amazon Smiles program on your personal Amazon account.  When signing up look for the Boxerwood Education Association and once selected on a quarterly basis .5% of the total purchases made will go directly to Boxerwood . Amazon Smiles Sign Up So please take advantage of this easy way to make an impact by helping Boxersood to keep making a difference in our community.  Boxerwood has been a non profit organization serving the Rockbridge area for 15 years.