Let’s get outside and enjoy the trails together!
PVAS Host: Ellen Murphy
This is a free/donation-based program. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants.
Until you have experienced the Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm in fall color, you haven’t lived! Over 300 stunning trees turn into a wonderland of gold in late October or early November so we are hoping they will be putting on a show for us! Ginkgos have separate male and female trees and this grove was planted as an experiment in the 1930s and 40s to determine the percentage of seed that develop into one or the other sex. Those who wish to also bring a picnic lunch can eat together at one of the picnic areas.
- Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less.
- Pace/Activities: Moderate (steady but able to maintain a conversation)
- Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.
- Terrain: Mowed grass/earthen trail Mostly flat, some gentle slopes
- Restroom: Restrooms are available for this program. There are public restrooms at the Quarters building, and at the Peetwood Pavilion (Peetwood is closed during winter months).
- Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the parking lot. After turning into the entrance from Route 7, follow the road (Blandy Farm Lane) to where it curves to the left. Auxiliary Parking should be in the field on left. We’ll meet there and walk down the road to the grove. Google Maps link to auxiliary parking location/the group’s meeting spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sx5rDbtjgc1UxVxZA
- What to Bring: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes! Leashed dogs are welcome. You are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy alongside others after the walk!
Registration will remain open until the start of the program.
If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.
Read our pricing structure & policies.
About our Host: Ellen is retired from PVAS (and a former National Park Ranger and Girl Scout Camp Director). With PVAS, she taught the Watershed Program, taught general environmental education for PK-5th grades, and directed Audubon Discovery Camp for 11 years. She has been a Master Naturalist since 2007. Her favorite word is “Look” and my favorite place is Yankauer Nature Preserve. She and her husband Kevin have been married for 39 years, residents of WV for almost 30 years, and “parents” to a series of pound puppies (currently #8 and 9).