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Popular 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. |
