Event Type : Family Fun

Andrea McGimsey from Sustainability matters will share how Making Trash Bloom is transforming landfill management by replacing turfgrass with thriving native meadows that support wildlife.  This pioneering initiative, currently active at four Virginia landfills, also engages students and volunteers in hands-on data collection and has inspired our newest effort to Make History Bloom at our nation’s historic landmarks.  She’ll also share how Daily EcoTalks on social media, reaching millions, are making sustainability fun, realistic, and accessible to all.

• Presentation held at Skyland in the registration building.
• Free to Park visitors.

Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges.  Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.

• $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
• Minimum age: 12 years.
• Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
• No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
• Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
• Meet Andy in front of the Skyland Dining Room Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
• Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
• 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met.  Deposit fully refunded. 
• No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• May 11 – “So, You Want To Be An Astrophotographer?”. This engaging presentation will teach the audience basics on how to photograph Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and the sky while visiting.
• May 18 – “The Sky IS Falling – Space Rocks and You“. Guests will learn about meteorites AND I will have real meteorites for them to see including from Mars, Chelyabinsk, Russia and the Moon.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the historic Conference Building located on the lower level at Skyland.

May 13, 17, 24 & 27 from Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive)

Easy to enjoy, these hikes feature the natural world as it settles into evening.  Hiking out into the “big meadow” at dusk through the dramatic changing colors of the mountain sky and, eventually, the incredible spread of the night sky with its multitude of stars … (at 3,500 ft., you are high above the haze and light pollution of the mid-Atlantic).  You’ll also be looking for all kinds of animal signs and seasonal plants as you explore the ecosystems of the meadows. This is truly an unforgettable experience.  Distance covered is less than one mile.  Led by Andy Nichols of Shenandoah Mountain Guides.

Meet at the grassy circle in front of the lodge at 6:30 p.m. (May thru July) and depart promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Meet at 6:00 p.m. (August) and depart promptly at 6:30 p.m.  You will be driving your personal vehicle to the meadows area. Return to the lodge between 9:30-10:00 p.m.

• $30 per person.
• No pets allowed on hike.
• Dress: long pants, sneakers (no open-toed shoes). A jacket is definitely recommended and a flashlight can also be helpful.
• Reservations required. Deposit taken at time of booking.
• Minimum of 11 paid participants required for program to run.
• 48-hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.  No refund if less than 48 hours’ notice received by participants.

May 14 & 29

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• May 14 – “So, You Want To Be An Astrophotographer?”. This engaging presentation will teach the audience basics on how to photograph Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and the sky while visiting.
• May 29 – “The Sky IS Falling – Space Rocks and You“. Guests will learn about meteorites AND I will have real meteorites for them to see including from Mars, Chelyabinsk, Russia and the Moon.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge.

Thursdays – May 15 & 29

Brie Austin – Bringing Creativity to Life, One Paint Party at a Time!  Brie is the owner and artist behind Austin Acres, a mobile paint party experience that makes creativity accessible and fun for everyone! With years of experience leading engaging, step-by-step painting events, Brie specializes in helping guests of all skill levels create their own masterpiece -no prior painting experience required.

Her events are more than just a class; they are a social, interactive, and stress-free experience where guests can Relax, have fun, and explore their creativity. Brie knows how to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable for all.

• $50 per person. Beginners or experienced artists.
• All materials provided to make your own 11” x 14” canvas painting.  Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.
• Grab a drink from the New Market Taproom and be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.
• Minimum of 3 paying for workshop to operate.
• 48-hour notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
• No refund if less than 48-hour cancellation notice received by participants.

Sydney Bernard, an environmental educator and researcher, enjoys sharing her love for conservation with others. Sydney first discovered her passion for aquatic ecology when teaching a limnology course at Nature Camp, and continued to pursue the subject in her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As a research intern and field technician, she assisted with reintroduction of freshwater mussels into the Nolichucky River, where she had the opportunity to use freshwater snorkeling as a research tool. Snorkeling is a wonderful way to identify and study aquatic species while staying active. Some species you may see while freshwater snorkeling are fish, mollusks, and insects. Using the angles of recreation, research, ecotourism, Sydney will communicate the value of freshwater snorkeling in conservation efforts.

• Presentation will take place in the registration building at Skyland.
• Free to park visitors.

May 16 @ 8:30 p.m. | May 30 @ 9:00 p.m.

National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution.  Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.

Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).  

• • • Free to all park visitors.
    • Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
    • A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
    • Presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. 
    • Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.

Photo by Larry Brown

June 3, 10, 24 & 28 from Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive)

Easy to enjoy, these hikes feature the natural world as it settles into evening.  Hiking out into the “big meadow” at dusk through the dramatic changing colors of the mountain sky and, eventually, the incredible spread of the night sky with its multitude of stars … (at 3,500 ft., you are high above the haze and light pollution of the mid-Atlantic).  You’ll also be looking for all kinds of animal signs and seasonal plants as you explore the ecosystems of the meadows. This is truly an unforgettable experience.  Distance covered is less than one mile.  Led by Andy Nichols of Shenandoah Mountain Guides.

Meet at the grassy circle in front of the lodge at 6:30 p.m. (May thru July) and depart promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Meet at 6:00 p.m. (August) and depart promptly at 6:30 p.m.  You will be driving your personal vehicle to the meadows area. Return to the lodge between 9:30-10:00 p.m.

• $30 per person.
• No pets allowed on hike.
• Dress: long pants, sneakers (no open-toed shoes). A jacket is definitely recommended and a flashlight can also be helpful.
• Reservations required. Deposit taken at time of booking.
• Minimum of 11 paid participants required for program to run.
• 48-hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.  No refund if less than 48 hours’ notice received by participants.

June 5 & 26

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• June 5 – “The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater – the Inside Story of Virginia’s Largest Impact Crater“. The world’s 7th largest known impact crater is under the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA; hear the inside story. Extremely rare geological samples from within CBIC will be available for viewing by our guests.
• June 26 – “The Future of US Crewed Spaceflight” Learn where NASA is headed, literally, with new manned spacecraft and rockets to launch the next generation of American astronauts.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge.

Thursdays – June 5 thru 26

Local basket artisan, Clyde Jenkins, returns to Shenandoah to share his talent of basket making.  Clyde teaches participants how to make a white-oak basket with techniques handed down through the generations.  All materials provided to make one basket. Structured for beginners to intermediate.

• $80.00 per person.
• Minimum of 3 paid participants required for workshop to operate.
• 48-hour cancellation notice given if minimum is not met. Deposit fully refunded.
• 48-hour individual cancellation notice required for refund. No refund if less than 48-hours’ notice received.

Thursdays – June 12 & 26

Brie Austin – Bringing Creativity to Life, One Paint Party at a Time!  Brie is the owner and artist behind Austin Acres, a mobile paint party experience that makes creativity accessible and fun for everyone! With years of experience leading engaging, step-by-step painting events, Brie specializes in helping guests of all skill levels create their own masterpiece -no prior painting experience required.

Her events are more than just a class; they are a social, interactive, and stress-free experience where guests can Relax, have fun, and explore their creativity. Brie knows how to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable for all.

• $50 per person. Beginners or experienced artists.
• All materials provided to make your own 11” x 14” canvas painting.  Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.
• Grab a drink from the New Market Taproom and be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.
• Minimum of 3 paying for workshop to operate.
• 48-hour notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
• No refund if less than 48-hour cancellation notice received by participants.

Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges.  Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.

• $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
• Minimum age: 12 years.
• Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
• No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
• Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
• Meet Andy in front of the Skyland Dining Room Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
• Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
• 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met.  Deposit fully refunded. 
• No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.

June 13 & 27 @ 9:00 p.m.

National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution.  Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.

Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).  

• • • Free to all park visitors.
    • Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
    • A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
    • Presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. 
    • Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.

Photo by Larry Brown

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• June 15 – “The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater – the Inside Story of Virginia’s Largest Impact Crater“. The world’s 7th largest known impact crater is under the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA; hear the inside story. Extremely rare geological samples from within CBIC will be available for viewing by our guests.
• June 29 – “The Future of US Crewed Spaceflight” Learn where NASA is headed, literally, with new manned spacecraft and rockets to launch the next generation of American astronauts.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the historic Conference Building located on the lower level at Skyland.

Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides, and personal narration. Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on Discovery Channel.com and many more. Alt’s books, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, are inspiring families to literally, take a hike.

Thursdays – July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Local basket artisan, Clyde Jenkins, returns to Shenandoah to share his talent of basket making.  Clyde teaches participants how to make a white-oak basket with techniques handed down through the generations.  All materials provided to make one basket. Structured for beginners to intermediate.

• $80.00 per person.
• Minimum of 3 paid participants required for workshop to operate.
• 48-hour cancellation notice given if minimum is not met. Deposit fully refunded.
• 48-hour individual cancellation notice required for refund. No refund if less than 48-hours’ notice received.

July 5, 8, 12 & 19, and 22 from Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive)

Easy to enjoy, these hikes feature the natural world as it settles into evening.  Hiking out into the “big meadow” at dusk through the dramatic changing colors of the mountain sky and, eventually, the incredible spread of the night sky with its multitude of stars … (at 3,500 ft., you are high above the haze and light pollution of the mid-Atlantic).  You’ll also be looking for all kinds of animal signs and seasonal plants as you explore the ecosystems of the meadows. This is truly an unforgettable experience.  Distance covered is less than one mile.  Led by Andy Nichols of Shenandoah Mountain Guides.

Meet at the grassy circle in front of the lodge at 6:30 p.m. (May thru July) and depart promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Meet at 6:00 p.m. (August) and depart promptly at 6:30 p.m.  You will be driving your personal vehicle to the meadows area. Return to the lodge between 9:30-10:00 p.m.

• $30 per person.
• No pets allowed on hike.
• Dress: long pants, sneakers (no open-toed shoes). A jacket is definitely recommended and a flashlight can also be helpful.
• Reservations required. Deposit taken at time of booking.
• Minimum of 11 paid participants required for program to run.
• 48-hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.  No refund if less than 48 hours’ notice received by participants.

Thursdays – July 10 & 24

Brie Austin – Bringing Creativity to Life, One Paint Party at a Time!  Brie is the owner and artist behind Austin Acres, a mobile paint party experience that makes creativity accessible and fun for everyone! With years of experience leading engaging, step-by-step painting events, Brie specializes in helping guests of all skill levels create their own masterpiece -no prior painting experience required.

Her events are more than just a class; they are a social, interactive, and stress-free experience where guests can Relax, have fun, and explore their creativity. Brie knows how to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable for all.

• $50 per person. Beginners or experienced artists.
• All materials provided to make your own 11” x 14” canvas painting.  Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.
• Grab a drink from the New Market Taproom and be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.
• Minimum of 3 paying for workshop to operate.
• 48-hour notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
• No refund if less than 48-hour cancellation notice received by participants.

Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges.  Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.

• $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
• Minimum age: 12 years.
• Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
• No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
• Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
• Meet Andy in front of the Skyland Dining Room Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
• Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
• 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met.  Deposit fully refunded. 
• No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.

Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides, and personal narration. Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on Discovery Channel.com and many more. Alt’s books, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, are inspiring families to literally, take a hike.

National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution.  Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.

Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).  

• Free to all park visitors.
• Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
• A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
• Presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. 
• Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.

Photo by Larry Brown

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• July 20 – “This Isn’t Your Grandaddy’s Moon” Guests will learn the latest about the missions sent to the Moon by NASA, China and India plus manned efforts. Guests will also learn about the Moon’s origin and evolution.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the historic Conference Building located on the lower level at Skyland.

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern at Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51 on Skyline Drive) for an engaging presentation about outer space!

• “This Isn’t Your Grandaddy’s Moon” Guests will learn the latest about the missions sent to the Moon by NASA, China and India plus manned efforts. Guests will also learn about the Moon’s origin and evolution.

“Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Free to all park visitors. Held in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge.