Field Trips
Six field trips are available. You must enroll as a member to register for field trips.
August 1 - Mail date for Fall 2024 catalog
August 20 - Fall Preview. Missed the preview? You can find the recording here.
August 26 - Registration begins online at 10:00am
September 16 - Special events begin
September 23 - Classes begin
- Download the Fall 2024 catalog: Fall 2024 catalog
- Courses
- Special Events
- Webinars
- Archived Catalogs
43. Lake Life: Southwest Virginia’s Claytor Lake
- DATE/TIME: Monday, September 16, arrive by 9:30 – depart approximately 1:00
- Rain date Sept. 18
- TRIP LIMIT: 28
- FEE: $15
- LOCATION: Claytor Lake State Park 6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin
On this outing, you’ll enjoy a boat ride with guides and hear about the history of Claytor Lake and its hydroelectric dam. Then you’ll take a walk with the park naturalist to learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this preserve. Pack a picnic lunch to eat with LLI members before heading home.
Park your car and meet at Picnic Shelter #1 by 9:30; the fee has been waived. Carpooling is encouraged. Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for trail walking and weather. If you wish, download apps or bring books to help you identify birds, wildflowers, and trees.
EVENT HOTSTS AND GUIDES
Ralph Robertson, chief ranger, Claytor Lake State Park
Mary-Kate Easter, park naturalist
John Garrett, owner, Claytor Lake Water Sports
April Martin, director, Wilderness Road Museum
44. Catawba Sustainability Center
- DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 19, 12:15 – 2:15
- Rain date, Sept 23, 12:15 – 2:15
- TRIP LIMIT: 20
- FEE: $15
- LOCATION: Meet at the Catawba Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Road
Once a former dairy farm supplying the Catawba Hospital, this 377-acre property now serves as a living laboratory for Virginia Tech research and teaching. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch to eat at the picnic shelter at the Catawba Center before the 12:15 presentation. Manager Adam Taylor will talk about sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and land management, including Appalachian medicinal plants and regenerative grazing practices. We will then drive less than a mile for a walking tour of the farm.
EVENT GUIDE
Adam Taylor has been the manager of the Center for the past 8 years. He has a B.S. in Environmental Science and a Master of Agriculture.
45. The Story of Pandapas Pond and Its Namesake
- DATE/TIME: Monday, September 23, 1:00 – 2:30
- Rain date Nov 1 a.m.
- TRIP LIMIT: 20
- FEE: $15
- LOCATION: Pandapas Pond is located about 3 miles outside of Blacksburg off 460W
This is a field trip to a favorite nearby location in the Jefferson National Forest – Pandapas Pond in the Poverty Creek area. Our host from the New River Land Trust will share its history, including the story of James Pandapas, who developed the area for outdoor recreation and later sold it to the National Forest. Today, the area is one of our region’s most popular outdoor recreational areas with a wide range of activities including fishing, hunting, camping, birding, hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding.
What to expect: Hike about one mile. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
EVENT GUIDE
John Eustis is executive director for the New River Land Trust. He has spent 40 years enjoying the Pandapas Pond/ Poverty Creek area.
45. The Story of Pandapas Pond and Its Namesake
- DATE/TIME: Monday, September 30, 1:00 – 2:30
- Rain date Nov 1 a.m.
- TRIP LIMIT: 20
- FEE: $15
- LOCATION: Pandapas Pond is located about 3 miles outside of Blacksburg off 460W
This is a field trip to a favorite nearby location in the Jefferson National Forest – Pandapas Pond in the Poverty Creek area. Our host from the New River Land Trust will share its history, including the story of James Pandapas, who developed the area for outdoor recreation and later sold it to the National Forest. Today, the area is one of our region’s most popular outdoor recreational areas with a wide range of activities including fishing, hunting, camping, birding, hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding.
What to expect: Hike about one mile. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
EVENT GUIDE
John Eustis is executive director for the New River Land Trust. He has spent 40 years enjoying the Pandapas Pond/ Poverty Creek area.
47. Walk with a Trail Builder
- DATE/TIME: Friday, October 25, 10:00 – 2:00
- (travel time additional)
- EVENT LIMIT: 15
- FEE: $15
- LOCATION: Mill Creek Park, 900 Northview St, Narrows, VA
What to expect: Carpool for 40-minute ride from Blacksburg. About a 30-minute talk followed by 2-hour hike then group lunch. Wear sturdy shoes and bring walking poles if desired.
EVENT GUIDE
Ralph Robertson, is a 72-year-old local legend who built 13 miles of trail for his Narrows community. Hear how and why he created trails in the wilderness by hand and on his own.
This avid hiker and mountain biker will lead us on a walk up to the Mill Creek waterfall. The hike is 2.5 miles roundtrip and requires crossing a rock field. Bring a bag lunch.
48. Wreath Making Workshop at Hahn Horticulture Garden
- DATE/TIME: Wednesday, December 4, 1:00 – 4:00
- EVENT LIMIT: 12
- FEE: Fee payable to CPE: $0
- Fee payable to Hahn Garden: $75 for materials and parking pass
- LOCATION: VT Hahn Garden Pavilion, 200 Garden Lane (entrance off Washington St.)
Get in the holiday spirit early and create your own fresh greenery wreath! Have fun learning a skill that you can use year after year, under the guidance of an experienced horticulturist. All supplies, natural greenery, and crafting fun are included! Surprise a special friend or create a wreath for your own front door; then sit back and enjoy the oohs and ahs!
This workshop is provided by the Hahn Horticulture Garden. If your registration is confirmed by LLI, you will be sent payment instructions. Your participation is only guaranteed when you make payment to the Garden.