UPCOMING EVENTS
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
April 19
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Help us maintain the Preserve's trails and common areas! Come ready to remove invasive plants, rake, prune, pull weeds, and sweep. We appreciate our volunteers, and your help goes a long way toward allowing others to enjoy the natural wonders here!
FREE
VA BOATING SAFETY COURSE
April 23 & 24
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Stay safe on the water and join Mike Reiss for this two-day Virginia Boating Safety Course.This course is ideal for motivated students aged 12 and up who have strong reading and comprehension skills and want to gain a solid understanding of safe and responsible boating. The course materials are written at a 6th-grade reading level.
FREE
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ARBOR DAY TREE WALK
April 27
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Celebrate Arbor Day with a tour led by local arborist D.W. Coble. Explore the trails of HCWP, learning tips and tricks for identifying trees found along the way. The walk will begin with checking in at the Visitor's Center at 10:00 am, followed by embarking on the trails and soaking in the knowledge of our expert guide. At the end of the tour, be sure to pick up a complimentary tree to plant at home.
$15
MINDFUL MEDITATION
May 4
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join us during one of our monthly classes to do just that! In addition to learning basic techniques, we will review the well-documented medical evidence that meditation practice reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and actually slows the aging process.
FREE
EARLY BIRD WALK
May 10
7:45 am - 10:00 am
Take a stroll around Lake Ballard and beyond with local birding experts (or by yourself) to identify birds in the area by sight and sound before the preserve opens to the public. Bring binoculars or spotting scope for best viewing.
FREE
FULL MOON PADDLE
May 10
6:15 pm - 8:45 pm
Join our expert guide for an unforgettable night on the water as we launch into the serene Lake Ballard, bathed in the glow of a full moon. Whether you choose to stay with the group to dive deep into the rich history and diverse wildlife of the Preserve, or paddle solo for a tranquil, personal experience, this is a journey you won’t forget.
$40
SALT MARSH PADDLE
May 17
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the winding waterways of Hoffler Creek, guided by an expert who will reveal the secrets of this vibrant marsh habitat. As you journey through this thriving ecosystem, you’ll witness birds soaring gracefully above, fish darting through the water below, and crabs scuttling along the shoreline.
$40
SUNSET PADDLE
May 23
6:45 pm - 9:15 pm
Set off on a tranquil kayak tour of Hoffler Creek with our expert guides as the day begins to fade. Paddle through the peaceful waters, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique marshland habitat. Then, as the sun dips below the horizon, savor the stunning view of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, bathed in the warm glow of sunset over the James River.