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Blogs on Wildlife in Nelson County & Wintergreen Resort
Kim Chappell is a graduate from
the Realtor Institute and is an agent with Wintergreen
Resort Premier Properties, the official real estate
office of Wintergreen Resort. Kim also lists and sells
property in beautiful Nelson County. Contact Kim
Chappell at
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com or 434-238-2430. The
Free Daily Blog is posted on both
www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and
www.ExperienceWintergreen.com
Wildlife in Nelson County and
Wintergreen Resort
When visiting Wintergreen Resort
and Nelson County you could have the opportunity to see
deer, black bear, bobcats, snakes and turkeys. If you
act responsibly in our mountains, both you and the
animals will remain safe. I am posting this now because
the weather is warming and our animals usually come out
of hiding this time of year.
Give these animals plenty of space
and please do NOT feed any of our animals—this goes for
squirrels and chipmunks too. “People food” is not
healthy for our wild animals and feeding them only
teaches dangerous habits to the animals. This
includes throwing your trash away in dumpsters and
locking those dumpsters. Our animals have very long
memories. They will travel for miles to a well-known
trash can and they will remember your house for months
or years. Please don’t leave food on your decks or even
your screened porches. (or sliding doors open to your
kitchen) Don’t give them a reason to remember your
house as a buffet stop.
I often get questions or concerns
about the Black Bears in Wintergreen Resort. It is not
uncommon to see one of our bears while in the resort.
With care, everyone will remain safe and enjoy the
mountains together. Below are some tips from a brochure
that I picked up at The Nature Foundation in Wintergreen
Resort.
How to Avoid a Bear Encounter
while Hiking
Yes, we do have Black Bears in both
Wintergreen Resort and Nelson County. Living in the
county and working in the resort, I see them a few times
a year.
Hike in a group; most bears will
leave an area once aware of your presence.
Stay on the established hiking
trails and hike during daylight hours.
Keep children close and within
sight. Please don’t encourage your kids to follow a
bear through the woods.
If a bear hears or smells you
coming, they will leave the area. Be extra careful
hiking in the rain, near rushing water or into the wind
as the bears may not be able to hear or smell your
approach.
Be alert—Watch for signs that a
bear is nearby. (tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up
logs and scratched trees. I can personally say that I
had a bear encounter last week and it was because I did
not stay aware of my surroundings.
Bear foods—Be careful when you are
around their natural foods. They love blueberries,
fruit trees and dead animals. I have also seen them in
corn fields.
Always keep your dog on a leash
while in the resort or hiking in Nelson County—no matter
the size of the dog. Not only is an unleashed dog a
danger to itself and animals, but they often get lost.
Bear cubs—Yes, they are very cute.
But their moms are never far away and will be very
aggressive if they feel that their young are
threatened. Never get between a mother and her cubs. A
few of our mothers have more than one cub. So, if you
see one cub, be on the lookout for another.
If you Encounter a Bear When
Hiking
Stay Calm: Think ahead and plan how
to respond if you do encounter a bear. Our plan is to
start singing the “Happy Birthday” song. I have had the
opportunity to use this plan once, and it did work.
Don’t run: A black bear can easily
outrun you. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
Leave: Leave the area and make a
wide detour: If you can not move, make sure that the
bear has an escape route. The bear wants to escape just
as much as you do.
The bear may approach or rear up on
its hind legs. This is not necessarily a sign of
aggression. The bear is likely trying to catch your
scent. Back away slowly. Aggressive behavior includes
swinging his head back and forth, making vocalizations
such as huffs, snorts, etc, display teeth or claws or
swatting at the ground. They also will lay their ears
back, much like a dog when they are stressed. The bear
is asking for more space. Back away slowly and make
sure that the bear does have an escape route.
Fishing in Nelson County
Fishing in Nelson County is such a
wide topic, that I will have to spread the information
over several blogs throughout the Spring and Summer
months. Nelson County has hundreds of miles of streams
and rivers plus many ponds and lakes.
Remember, everyone needs a license
to fish in Nelson County. If not joining one of the
below classes, you can obtain a Virginia Fishing License
on line at:
www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses
It is this time of year that I
start to see fishers on the Rockfish River, near our
home. My family has been fishing in Nelson County’s
streams and rivers for generations. My dad still fishes
often and my brother-n-law is known for his fly
fishing. So, if you have any questions, send them to me
at
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com. If I can’t answer
them, someone in the family will have the answer.
Orvis has even designated Nelson
County as an official fly-fishing location on the east
coast.
Wintergreen Resort’s Fly
Fishing Program
Wintergreen Resort has partnered
with Orvis for fly-fishing instruction and guided
tours. Wintergreen’s own Lake Monocan provides the
perfect environment for beginner fly-fishing classes.
Learn the art of fly-fishing from the pros of Orvis and
then head out on a guided tour of Nelson’s streams and
rivers, including the James River.
Wintergreen offers half and full day fly fishing
classes under the watchful eye of an Orvis-Endorsed
instructor. (note that you need to make a class
reservation at least 48 hours in advance) Fly-casting
instruction is based on The Orvis Progressive Method to
Fly Casting and inexperienced to expert casters are
welcome. All instruction includes the use of Orvis fly
rods and equipment, and all classes are held at the
facilities at Lake Monocan and on the private ponds
surrounding Stoney Creek.
Wintergreen also offers both half and full day guided
trout fishing trips. Take a guided trout fishing tour
either within Wintergreen Resort or to many of the
county streams and rivers. Or, arrange for a special
float trip down the James River in eastern Nelson
County. All need a reservation 48 hours in advance.
For information, call 434-325-8181.
Fishing Outside of Wintergreen Resort
If you are interested in fishing on the Tye River,
there is a great rental cabin directly beside the
river. For a virtual tour and rental information, click
here:
http://www.ubuildtours.com/tour.php?id=520
Favorite Fishing with Kids
Both the fish hatchery and the Montebello Camping and
Fishing Resort are located on Rt. 56 in Nelson County.
Rt 56 can be reached either from Rt. 151 or from the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Be alert on this winding mountain
road. The drive is worth the fun that your whole family
can have in the Montebello area. This blog is about
fishing, but I will be posting about other attractions
to Montebello through all of the seasons. Montebello
means “Beautiful Mountain”. This area is one of
my favorites in the entire county and worth a visit
during any season.
The Montebello State Fish Hatchery
I will admit that this is one of my favorites because
my grandfather used to take me to the Montebello fish
hatchery when I was a kid. It is a memory that sticks
with me, and I often stop by the hatchery when in
Montebello. It is fun (even for adults) to see the fish
at each stage of their growth. The fish hatchery is
managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fishery. Additional information can be found at
www.stateparks.com/montebello. Although it is the
smallest hatchery managed by this department, it gets
the most public visitors. (remember…”Beautiful
Mountain”)
Trout are reared in 33 outdoor raceways with water
from on-site springs and also nearby Mill Creek. Trout
raised are brook, rainbow and brown trout.
Parking is free and there is a picnic shelter with
tables. Although the hatchery does not have a full time
“visitor’s center” staff are always available to answer
questions. The hatchery is open daily from
8:30AM-3:30PM. For information, call 540-377-2418.
Fishing with Kids in Montebello, VA
After you stop by and tour the hatchery, go by the
fishing pond at the Montebello Camping and Fishing
Resort. (www.montebellova.com)
I am going to blog on camping in Nelson County later in
the Spring, but check out the Montebello Camping web
site. This resort has fee fishing—or you keep
everything that you catch and then pay for the fish by
the pound. All of their ponds are stocked with rainbow
trout between 12-15 inches long. This is a great way
for a beginner to start with fishing. All of the
fishing gear that you will need can be purchased across
the street at the Montebello country store. (The
country store is also well worth a visit) The ponds are
open the same hours as the country store. (Since this
is private property, no state license is required)
The Allen Creek Nature
Preserve.
The Allen Creek Nature Preserve is
located at the corner of Stoney Creek East and Towhee
Court in Stoney Creek at Wintergreen. (For a map of
Stoney Creek, stop by the Wintergreen Resort Premier
Properties office in the Mountain Inn) From the
entrance of Stoney Creek, turn left onto Monocan Drive
from Rt. 151 North. Turn right on Stoney Creek East.
Turn left on Towhee Ct and there is parking on the
left.
The nature walk is 0.7 miles, over
relatively flat terrain that is suitable for the entire
family and many ability levels. (you may bring your dog,
but please keep them on their leash) The trail is well
marked with blue blazes with well-maintained bridges and
boardwalks. The preserve was designed and created by
the Wintergreen Nature Foundation. The preserve is open
year-round, but makes for a perfect Spring walk in the
Rockfish Valley.
Much wildlife is known to be in the
area, and this also adds to the experience. The
presence of wildlife can be discovered by their tracks
in the mud by the stream or in the swamp. This quiet
area makes a perfect walk-through for bear, bobcat and
raccoon at night. As a matter of fact, once you leave
the parking lot and begin the hike, it is hard to
believe that this nature preserve is in the midst of the
Stoney Creek community. We heard many birds during our
walk. I suggest carrying a field guide.
The forest floor has awakened for
Spring. For April, there is a pink blooms from Virginia
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) and a white violet.
The ferns are starting to show. By summer this area
will be covered by a full canopy of shade and will
provide a cool retreat for preserve visitors. There is
a picnic table next to Allen Creek that makes for a nice
stop.
As the season progresses towards
Summer, be sure to bring insect repellant.
Shamokin Springs Nature
Preserve
With Spring, I have received many
requests for information on hiking either in Wintergreen
Resort or near the resort. Over the coming weeks, I am
going to be posting on many hiking options.
First, go by The Wintergreen Nature
Foundation (www.TWNF.org)
and pick up a map/brochure about the Shamokin Springs
Nature Preserve. TWNF is located in Wintergreen Resort
on Wintergreen Drive. (Across the street from the
WinterGarden Spa and Fitness Center) It is also a good
idea to stop into the WTG Nature Foundation to learn
about the wildlife that you may encounter on this walk.
You will see many birds, deer and sometimes a black
bear.
The Shamokin Springs Nature
Preserve is a thirteen acre area in the heart of
Wintergreen Resort, on Wintergreen mountain. The
parking area for this preserve is on the corner of Blue
Ridge Drive and Shamokin Springs Trail. The trail is a
loop, and you will finish back at your car.
This is one of my favorite parts of
the resort because cool air settles into this low area
and it is a wetland habitat. In the summer, the colors
seem richer and the temperatures are cooler than
anyplace else in the resort. This is also the area
where I have seen the most wildlife in the resort. Be
sure to bring your camera, but also be sure to remain
wise when encountering any of our wildlife. (there is
also a brochure at the WTG Nature Foundation that is
educational about the wildlife in Wintergreen Resort.
In an April blog, I will be discussing our black bears)
The area near bridge #2 is my
favorite in the walk. There is a water garden created
from the mountain stream. Many springs flow through the
Nature Preserve and this has created a network of
waterways. Near these waterways, you will see many
species of ferns, especially near bridge #11. It is
these waterways that also bring the wildlife to the
Nature Preserve. I was just in the Nature Preserve a
few days ago, and our wet Spring has the water flowing.
April is a great time to walk this trail with the whole
family.
Here are just a few of the wildflowers, plants and
trees that you can expect to see in April. Spicebush,
toothwort, common blue violet, bloodroot, marsh violet,
round-leaf yellow violet, common serviceberry, trillium
and early watercress
Fishing in Nelson County
By my Dad, John.
Fishing in Nelson County offers a
variety of action. There is the beautiful native Brook
Trout which can be found on the headwaters of the Tye
River and in the many small mountain streams that flow
into the Tye, Rockfish and Piney River. Plus, there is
the great small mouth Bass fishing on the Eastern
sections of the Tye and Rockfish Rivers.
Small Mouth Bass fishing is
outstanding on the James River which forms the Eastern
boundary of Nelson County from Bent Creek to
Howardsville. This section of the James River is noted
nationwide for its Small Mouth fishing and is rapidly
getting a like reputation for its Flathead Catfishing.
This section of the James River is easily traveled by
canoe with several free canoe launching sites between
Bent Creek and Howardsville. A map of these launching
sites can be obtained from the VA Game & Fish Department
on line at www.dgif.virginia.gov
The VA Department of Game Inland
Fisheries publishes a monthly magazine, Virginia
Wildlife, which contains excellent articles on hunting
and fishing in Virginia. This is a great resource
magazine for those interested in hunting and fishing in
Virginia. Call 1-800-710-9369 to subscribe.
Nelson County also offers excellent
stocked trout fishing on the Tye River. This river is
stocked in the Spring and Fall. Complete stocking
information can be obtained from the web site at
www.dgif.virginia.gov as well as information on
licensee requirements and other rules and regulations.
The Department of Game & Inland
Fisheries operates a trout fish hatchery at Montebello
on Rt. 56 in Nelson County. A visit here will allow you
to see the trout that are being stocked in the Tye River
and other trout streams in neighboring counties. Just
west of the fish hatchery, on Rt 56, is a small trout
fishing lake which is excellent for teaching kids the
thrill of catching a trout. (A fee fishing lake)
In addition to stream fishing in
Nelson County, there is lake fishing at Lake Nelson
located just east of the small village of Arrington.
There is a boat ramp at this lake but only electric
motors may be used. The lake is well stocked with large
mouth Bass, Crappie and Catfish.
A Fishing Cabin Rental
If you are interested in renting a
fishing cabin on the Tye River, click on the below link
for a photo slide show of the cabin. Send at email to
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com for more
information.
Creating a Wildlife Habitat
Creating a wildlife habitat is
interesting and educational for both kids and adults.
Watching wildlife can be fun and relaxing for the entire
family. Your habitat will attract butterflies, birds,
frogs and other wildlife. This could qualify for a
scouting badge or school science project.
The National Wildlife Federation
has created a web site to help families and individuals
create a wildlife habitat in their own yard. Visit
www.nwf.org/backyard for full details. To create a
wildlife habitat, your property will need food, water,
covered places to raise young and sustainable
gardening. You can pick an area within your property to
create an ideal habitat…it doesn’t have to be your
entire property. The web site walks you through each
part of the designation. Once complete, you can order
an official yard sign for your habitat.
Here is just a sample of the advice
found on the web site:
Food Sources: Native plants,
seeds, fruits, nuts, berries and nectar
Water Sources: Birdbaths, ponds,
water gardens or streams
Places for Cover: Thickets, rock
pile or birdhouse
Places to Raise Young: Shrubs,
vegetation, nesting boxes or pond
Sustainable Gardening: Mulch,
compost, rain garden, chemical-free fertilizer
Once certified, you can also
receive publications, newsletter and magazines about
habitats.
As a real estate agent, I can say
that creating a wildlife habitat also adds curb appeal.
Adding the Certified Wildlife Habitat yard sign to your
property adds value.
New: Fly Fishing in Wintergreen Resort
Fishing has always been popular in Nelson County. I
have posted a few stories this year about fishing in the
region, and they are all posted in my Blog Archive under
“Wildlife”. (visit
www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com, and click on Blog
Archive for the library of topics)
Wintergreen Resort has just launched a new Fly
Fishing Program. The program is for Fall 2008. You
need to book now! Here is what is now posted on the
resort’s web site:
You do not need to be an expert with a rod and reel
to enjoy our new, two-day fly fishing package, which
includes everything but the actual catch!
Your fly fishing package includes:
- Expert, individualized
instruction from Orivs-endorsed guides
- Access to three miles of
private Blue Ribbon trout streams
- Morning or afternoon
fly fishing sessions for two days
- Lunch at the
Stoney Creek Bar & Grill
- Orvis equipment and fittings
provided - or bring your own!
- Complimentary Fly Fishing
in Virginia book by Beau Beasley
$299 per person added to your choice of
accommodations.
Available September 13-14; September 20-21; October
11-12; October 18-19; November 8-9 or November 15-16.
Call 1-800-926-3723 for booking and information
Visit the Mountain Side
Petting Farm
Did you know that Nelson County has
a petting farm? Did you know that they have a baby
camel and a bunch of other cute animals? The Mountain
Side Petting Farm is near Afton on Blundell Hollow
Road. This is only a short drive from Wintergreen
Resort and Nellysford. There is a sign on Rt. 151 near
Rt. 633 which is Blundell Hollow.
The petting farm has a wide range
of animals including Nelson County traditional farm
animals and some exotic animals from afar. Bring your
camera and a picnic and enjoy the day at the farm.
The petting farm is open on
Saturday and Sundays with the admission cost of only
$5. For all the details, visit
www.mountainsidepettingfarm.com
This sounds like fun…..
For Halloween, Mountain Side
Petting Farm has the 2nd Annual Trick or
Treat. This sounds like a lot of fun for the entire
family. Kids can trick or treat and pet all of the farm
animals. Each child will receive Halloween surprises.
They even have a haunted forest. Reservations are
required for October 31st from 5PM-8PM. The
cost is $5. To make a reservation, call 434-361-0203.
The Trillium House in Wintergreen
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation and their Trillium
House is a popular spot for Wintergreen Resort
visitors. The Trillium house is on Wintergreen Drive,
across from the Spa & Fitness Center. My family always
enjoys visiting the Trillium House—especially the kids.
The Shoppe is a great source for unique gifts for nature
lovers. A Nature Foundation Membership makes also makes
a great gift.
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation’s web site is
www.TWNF.org. Check their site out. Below is
information about the Trillium House from their web
site.
The Trillium House is the home of the Wintergreen
Nature Foundation. It houses exhibits, the shoppe, and
an excellent collection of natural history books. It is
the central meeting place for almost all of The
Wintergreen Nature Foundation's field trips, year round
guided hikes, programs and special event weekends.
Robin's Nook
This children's play area is geared towards all those
youngsters who need a space of their own. Located in our
loft, there is a puppet theater, games, an art center,
natural objects to see and touch, and children's
library. We also have an archeology exhibit with
spearpoints and artifacts from archaic man. Robin's Nook
is open during the same hours as Trillium House.
The Shoppe
This small shoppe has a bit of everything. If you are
interested in picking up a small gift while at
Wintergreen the shoppe is a wonderful stop. With a wide
array of Burt's Bees, Life is Good, and hand painted
gifts, you will be sure to please anyone on your list.
For the outdoor lover there are many field guides,
gardening landscaping books as well as bird feeders and
birdseed. Members of the Nature Foundation receive a ten
percent discount on all shoppe items. The shoppe has the
same hours as Trillium House.
Exhibits
NEW Snake Display
Stop by to meet our newest staff member, Arthur the
California Kingsnake. When not actively participating in
educational programs, he's happy to have you see his
beautiful markings and learn general facts about snakes
from the information surrounding his enclosure.
NEW Trillium House Trail
Enjoy this .2 mile loop trail around the Trillium House.
Interpretive signage guides you through the many facets
of Wintergreen's ecosystems and our interaction with the
natural world around us. This meandering trail is a
tremendous example of the dazzling array of wildflowers
on the mountain. |
