Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

Hi Friends,

Just popping on to let you know that I’m on a 16-day, action-packed road trip across the Commonwealth where I’ll be touring new state parks, attending festivals, exploring Wildlife Management Areas, meeting new podcast guests, scouting local dining and lodging options, collaborating with park advocates, and even giving a keynote address at a tourism conference. And, of course, I’ll be hiking, biking, camping, and even caving around Virginia. 

If you want to follow my adventures and get a peek at behind-the-scenes podcast production, keep an eye on my Instagram and Facebook Stories. I’ll be sharing the highlights of my journey and even some exciting new content I’m developing for a brand-new episode series.

Virginia Outdoor Adventures will be back on Tuesday, April 4th so stay tuned. Until then, Adventure On!

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·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Visit Mecklenburg

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

“You get this intimate view of something that you don't get to see too often, and you kind of get to know the birds and what to expect from them. You get sucked in. It's like nature documentaries and I think it has the same appeal. You get that here in downtown Richmond, which is probably the last place people expect to see it.” - Meagan Thomas, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Imagine taking a peek at aquatic life below the surface of the James River or watching Peregrine Falcons hatch atop a Richmond skyscraper. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ live-streaming cameras offer a glimpse into the wonderful world of Virginia’s wildlife, from restored elk habitat in the mountains to the tidal marshes of the coast. Meagan Thomas, Watchable Wildlife Biologist, describes what makes these wildlife cams so popular, how you can contribute as a community scientist, and why you won’t want to miss a moment of eggs hatching, fish migrating, elk bugling, and so much more. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Visit Mecklenburg

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

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·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:

*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

DWR Wildlife Cams

DWR Wildlife Management Areas

Richmond Falcon Cam

Falcon Cam Blog

Submit Marsh Cam sightings on iNaturalist

DWR on Instagram I Facebook I Website I Notes from the Field Blog

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“As I stared at the cloud, I realized it wasn’t really a cloud. Those were all stars. It was very humbling for a 12-year-old to be looking up at the Milky Way. It really set me back on my feet to realize how small I was on this planet, and how little our planet was compared to all those stars up in the sky.” - Jayme Hanzak, Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society

When was the last time you looked up at the night sky? There are few experiences quite like stargazing that can help us realize our place in the vast and brilliant universe. Virginia is home to five officially designated dark sky parks where stargazing is exceptional, and the night sky is protected for generations to come. Jayme Hanzak, of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society, describes the important role dark skies play in human health and the health of our planet. Jayme also shares night sky viewing opportunities across Virginia, including the semiannual Star Party at Staunton River State Park that attracts stargazers from the entire east coast and beyond. Get ready to experience a state park after dark. Let’s Go!

*Cover Image by Larry W. Brown

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Visit Mecklenburg

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:

*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Staunton River State Park

Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks

Rappahannock County Park

International Dark Skies Association

Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society

Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, Sky Meadows State Park

Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society, Natural Bridge State Park

Crewe Astronomy Club, James River State Park

Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure

Astronomy Clubs in Virginia

Planetariums in Virginia

Observatories in Virginia

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“When the whales come up for a breath, they're not out at the surface very long, and you're intently searching for it. Then suddenly, there it is! I don't think it is possible to not get excited, especially the first time when you see a whale surface.” – Mike Mizell, Virginia Aquarium

Imagine the largest mammals on earth just mere miles from the most populated city in Virginia. Acrobatic humpback whales, enormous fin whales, endangered right whales, and playful bottlenose dolphins all spend the winter just offshore from Virginia Beach. Mike Mizell, Boat Programs Specialist at the Virginia Aquarium, shares some fascinating facts about these marine giants and how you can experience them in their natural habitat. Let’s Go!

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 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR 
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park
• Virginia Association for Parks
• Virginia State Parks

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• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:

*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Virginia Aquarium: Website I Instagram I Facebook

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

Email Mike Mizell [email protected]

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“One of my favorite parts about Virginia's outdoors is that a lot of places aren't that mainstream or heavily publicized, so they require some adventuring, which can make for great experiences, stories and memories.”  – Grant Price, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides

Ice climbing in Virginia? You may not think of the South as a destination for ice climbing, but when the conditions are right, the frozen crags in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains might be the best kept secret in Virginia. Grant Price, of Blue Ridge Mountain Guides, explains why ice climbing is more accessible than you might think. Grant describes the experience of ascending frozen formations, the type of gear required, and how to access ice climbing through guides and clubs, so you can add this winter adventure to your local bucket list. Let’s Go!

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 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR I Virginia Wildlife Grant Program
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park
• Virginia Association for Parks
• Virginia State Parks

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• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Visit Harrisonburg
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:

*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Grant Price and Blue Ridge Mountain Guides:

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Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Mountaineering Section

American Alpine Club I Washington DC Section I Richmond Chapter

Garmin In-Reach Mini 2

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“Moving on taught me to climb mountains not because they are easy, but because they are worth it. When I summit a mountain, that is when I feel most alive. I imagine that’s how you might feel too.”  - Jessica Chenard, Her Hike Collective

Those of us who love to hike, know the benefits it brings to our lives. Hiking reduces stress and anxiety, while allowing us to clear our minds and reconnect with ourselves and nature. Jessica Chenard, Founder of the Virginia-based hiking community, Her Hike Collective, shares her journey of hiking to heal after a personal tragedy. Believing that grief demands action, she utilized the outdoors as a lifeline and found comfort and connection on the trail. Her new memoir titled, Her Hike, is Jessica’s story of coping in the Blue Ridge and was written to help others begin their own journeys summiting mountains. Jessica’s passion has created a community of hikers who are turning to the outdoors, and each other, to find healing. Let’s Go!

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 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park
• Virginia Association for Parks
• Virginia State Parks

 Advertisers:

• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Visit Harrisonburg
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:

 *Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Jessica and Her Hike Collective: 

Website I Her Hike Collective on Instagram I Jessica Chenard on Instagram

Buy the book, Her Hike: Violet Fox Bookshop, Country Bookshelf

Humpback Rocks Hike

Rose River Falls Hike

Apple Orchard Falls Hike

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“Our mission is to get people outdoors. It's to offer individuals of all abilities, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience the outdoors with the surrounding community. We empower people's abilities through outdoor adventure.” - Shep Roeper, Beyond Boundaries

Adventure is for Everyone. The Richmond-based non-profit, Beyond Boundaries, specializes in guiding outdoor adventures for participants with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, and recovery programs. Co-founder and Director, Shep Roeper, describes opportunities for individuals of all ability levels to experience the outdoors through kayaking, fishing, climbing, whitewater rafting, boating, hiking, and more. Shep also shares some of his most memorable moments, the positive impact on the local community, the connection that comes from volunteering, and how you can play a part in providing adventure for others. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Support the show: Buy Me A Coffee

 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park
• Virginia Association for Parks

 Advertisers:

• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Beyond Boundaries: Website I Facebook I Instagram

Virginia Wildlife Grant Program

Episode 32. Exploring the Wild at Wildlife Management Areas with Lisa Ghidotti

Sportable 

Peak Experiences

Triangle Rock Club

James River Park System, Richmond

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Väsen Brewing

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“Caves are otherworldly. You have the experience of exploration where you don't know what's around the next corner. One of the prime draws to caving is that you get to explore places that nobody's ever been before.” – Dave Socky, Blue Ridge Grotto

Imagine a hidden, underground world of stunning geologic wonders that few others have experienced before. Stalagmites and stalactites, streams and waterfalls, and beautiful stone and crystal formations are beneath our feet. Dave Socky, an experienced caver with the Blue Ridge Grotto, describes the otherworldly experience of caving, safety precautions to take in the subterranean landscape, important conservation considerations, and how to appropriately gain access to some of Virginia’s 4,000 wild caves. Dave also shares an incredible recent discovery of an ice age-era Cheetah skeleton from a cave in Southwest Virginia. Let’s Go!

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 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Association for Parks
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park

 Advertisers:

• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
Connect with Dave Socky: YouTube I Blue Ridge Grotto I Facebook I Website

Find Your Local Caving Community

Guide to Responsible Caving

The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail

Virginia Natural Heritage Karst Program

Ten Questions About Caves and the Virginia Cave Board

Cave Conservancy of the Virginias

Recovery of Petra – Video by Dave Socky

Caving team discovers, retrieves rare ice age-era cat skeleton from Southwest Virginia cave, Cardinal News

Petra - Virginia Museum of Natural History 

Commercial Caverns in Virginia

Butler Cave Conservation Society

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

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“I've never experienced anything in my life that gets me so connected to nature and earth. You're feeling the way that the water is pushing you, you are going with it, you are looking for it, and it's such an amazing feeling of connection and presence.” -Berkley Nestler, James River Women

Nicknamed “River City,” Richmond is situated on the mighty James where the hard bedrock of the Piedmont Region gives way to the sandy sediments of the Coastal Plain. This geographic feature, known as the Fall Line, drops 100 feet in 7 miles, creating rushing rapids that attract whitewater adventure seekers to the capital city. Jen Jimenez and Berkley Nestler of James River Women are on a mission to make whitewater paddling sports accessible by providing a safe community for beginners to learn and grow. Jen and Berkely describe the experience of whitewater paddling, tips on safety and gear, why Richmond is an ideal location for paddlers of any ability level, and how to get your adrenaline rush without leaving the big city. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Support the show: Buy Me A Coffee

 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park

 Advertisers:

• Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with James River Women: Instagram I Facebook I Email: [email protected]
Episode 14. Empowering the 'Wiser Female Adventurer' with Linda and Mandi, She Opts Out
Riverside Outfitters
Virginia DWR Grant Program

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Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

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“We all have ancestors who lived really close to nature, who found their food in the wild. This is our birthright and I get really excited when I can lead people back to that heritage.” -Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival Training

Once used by our ancestors as a means of survival, foraging for wild edible plants is surging in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s to collect food, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn about native plants, or just spend more time outside, foraging is a way to connect with the landscape and carry on a tradition that dates to the beginning of human existence. Tim MacWelch, owner of Advanced Survival Training, covers the basics of foraging, including how to safely identify plants, examples of common wild edibles, where and when to forage, conservation techniques, and precautions to take before consuming your finds. You’ll want to have your notepad ready because this episode is chock-full of information to get you started in the world of foraging. Let’s Go!

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 VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park

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• Hennessy Hammock

Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Tim MacWelch: Website I Instagram 

Advanced Survival Training

Seasonal Wild Edible Plants Course Description

Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants

Article by Virginia DWR: Storing Up for Winter with Forageables

Morakniv

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Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

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