Weekly campfire and educational programs to run August to October

Roanoke County is pleased to announce a new lineup of interpretive programs at Explore Park, hosted by a National Park Service Ranger. From August to October, the following series of free educational sessions will be held at the Explore Park Visitor Center:

• Campfire Programs: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. – Campfires are a National Park tradition where visitors are encouraged to come early to enjoy the fire. Discover with a Ranger more about the plants and animals during a natural or cultural history program that will last up to one hour. S’more gift bags will be provided for free at the visitor center.

• The Mighty Roanoke: Fridays at 4:00 p.m. – Meet at the Explore Park Visitor Center to travel to the Roanoke River to explore the unique river ecosystem and what critters make the river their home.

• Ranger Trail Hikes: Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. – Nature is always changing – discover with the Ranger different parts of this habitat and how they each are an important part of the food web. Meet at the Forester’s Trail.

• Star Gazing: Explore the Night Sky at the Pine Mountain Overlook, the second overlook on the Roanoke River Parkway between the BRP and Explore Park. These programs will be held in place of the campfire programs on August 25 at 9:00 p.m., September 22 at 8:30 p.m. and October 20 at 8:30 p.m.

For more information about these programs, or to learn more about each week’s topic, please contact the Explore Park Visitor Center at (540) 427-1800. No advance registration is required for these activities, but an adult must accompany all children. All dates and times are subject to change, and there will be no program on September 14 and 15.

“Explore Park has a unique environmental and cultural history to share,” says Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Doug Blount. “I’m excited to host the National Park Service to inspire visitors through enriching and experiential programs. The more youth and families we can teach about our natural spaces, the greater the impact on the next generation of environmental stewards and outdoor adventurers.”

– Submitted by Scott Ramsburg, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Marketing & Administration