The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen

Winter Lecture Series: AI and the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders: Education and Outreach Strategies January 17, 2025
2025-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Join Professor Kristin Cash from the University of Lynchburg as she delves into how AI technologies are transforming environmental education and outreach, equipping the next generation of conservation leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to protect our planet and inspire sustainable change. Refreshments provided. Payment is due at time of registration.
This event will also be available as virtual, please check your email for the Zoom link.

Canceled! Living with Nature - January 18, 2025
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike. Explore Wintergreen’s natural environment during the exhilarating month of January! These hikes are rated moderate. Payment is due at time of registration. FREE/Member, $8/Non-Member.

View from Cooper’s Whole Hike - January 22, 2025
2025-01-22 09:00 - 13:00 | VA
Join Josh Palumbo as we hike north on the Appalachian Trail to the overlook known to the founders of Wintergreen as Cooper’s Whole. This vantage offers unsurpassed views of Wintergreen and our surrounding mountainside. The hike is rated difficult. Bring plenty of food and water. Payment is due at time of registration.

Winter Lecture Series: The Good and the Bad of Artificial Intelligence- January 31, 2025
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
Professor Krystof Cios, is one of the pioneers of machine learning and data mining. Join us as Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dr. Cios provides an overview of AI. His presentation will focus on AI’s positive and negative impacts in domains such as medicine, scientific discovery, innovation, society, student learning, and environment. Refreshments provided. Payment is due at time of registration.
This event will also be available as virtual, please check your email for the Zoom link.

Photography Exhibit Opening Reception: Seasons of the Blue Ridge- February 1, 2025
2025-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
We invite you to join us for the Opening reception for a NEW exhibit at the Trillium Gallery. The exhibit is a collection of photographs by Mark Eichenberger that captures the essence of each season in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Observe the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, the snow-covered vistas of winter, the flowers and lush greenery of spring, and the golden summer countryside. Snacks and beverages available at the show. RSVP is requested.

First Thursdays: Community Walk – February 6, 2025
2025-02-06 13:30 - 15:00 | VA
How would you react if you were told there was a spring wildflower that generated its own heat, luring pollinators to its warmth only to betray them with an early death at the hands of migrating birds? You’d want to see that, right? Meet Emily Ferguson, a Virginia Master Naturalist, at the Allen Creek Nature Preserve trailhead near the junction of Towhee Ct and Stoney Creek East. Please wear appropriate footwear if it’s been rainy. This hike is rated moderate. Please register in advance online.

State of the Environment Lecture- February 8, 2025
2025-02-08 13:00 - 14:30 | VA
Join Josh Palumbo on a discussion the environmental concerns affecting Wintergreen’s ecosystem. The lecture will cover topics such as forest health, deer populations, water quality, spotted lanternfly and much more. Be sure to come with any questions you may have about the state of the Wintergreen environment!

Introduction to Watercolor- February 15, 2025
2025-02-15 09:30 - 12:30 | VA
Join artist Carolyn Velletri in this introductory workshop, and learn the basics of watercolor. There will be a brief review of materials and equipment for the beginner watercolorist and basic color theory. Everyone will mix secondary and tertiary colors from red, yellow, and blue to experience watercolor’s unique qualities. Four watercolor techniques will be explored and the use of several different types of brushes. The supply fee includes some basic equipment–a #8 long round brush, covered palette, pencil and kneaded eraser, foam core work surface and watercolor paper – all yours to keep! Additional watercolor paper will be provided for continued painting. All other supplies will be available for the workshop. Space is limited, so sign up early! (Ages 12 and up). The $25 supply fee is included in the registration.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- Saturday, February 15, 2025
2025-02-15 13:00 - 15:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike. Explore Wintergreen’s natural environment during the exhilarating month of February. These hikes are rated moderate. Payment is due at time of registration.

First Thursdays: Community Walks- March 6, 2025
2025-03-06 13:30 - 15:30 | VA
How many wildflowers can you name? This time of year, spring wildflowers are carpeting the forest floor. Let’s see how many different species we can find. Emily Ferguson, a Virginia Master Naturalist and Tree Steward, will point out the wildflowers along the Stoney Park Trail. We will meet in the parking lot off of Stoney Creek West. Wear appropriate shoes and gear. This hike is rated moderate. Please register in advance online.

Ladies Day Out Hike- March 13, 2025
2025-03-13 09:00 - 16:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
It’s time to dust off those hiking boots and join us for an adventure on the Dobie/Albright Loop Trail! This scenic 4-mile hike, rated easy to moderate, winds through a stunning native hardwood forest and features unique sights, including the remnants of a 1964 fighter jet. We’ll pause for lunch at the breathtaking Glass Hollow Overlook, offering spectacular views. Bring water and lunch. Payment is due at time of registration.

Introduction to Watercolor- March 15, 2025
2025-03-15 09:30 - 12:30 | VA

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- Saturday, March 15, 2025
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike. Explore Wintergreen’s natural environment during the exhilarating month of March! These hikes are rated moderate. Payment is due at time of registration. FREE/Member, $8/Non-Member.

Seeking the Summit Hike- March 19, 2025
2025-03-19 09:00 - 15:00 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
Join Josh Palumbo on a bushwhack to the top of Crawford’s Knob. The winter is the perfect time to explore the wilds of Wintergreen as we seek the summit for a spectacular view of the Rockfish Valley. This hike will traverse a broad swath of the backcountry of Crawford’s Knob so, prepare for off-trail conditions. This hike is rated as difficult. Bring plenty of food and water. Payment is due at time of registration.

Spring Stargazing – March 28, 2025
2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, 3421 Wintergreen Dr, Roseland, VA, 22967, United States
There’s nothing like stargazing on a crisp, spring evening to appreciate the universe in which we live! Join staff and the Charlottesville Astronomical Society as we experience our close celestial neighbors as well as deep space objects like galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae with CAS’s high powered EV scope. We will meet at High Country Park off of Blue Ridge Drive (behind Wintergarden Spa).

Ladies Day Out Hike - April 3, 2025
2025-04-03 09:00 - 15:00 | VA
Let’s welcome spring with Lena Kroll, Certified Master Naturalist and Preserve Steward for the Nature Conservancy’s Fortune’s Cove trail. As a trail Steward, Lena hikes Fortune’s Cove throughout the year, assessing the trail and performing basic trail maintenance. Join us as we explore a 4.1-mile loop trail where it’s rare to encounter others, but is a great hike to view spring ephemerals, as well as native and invasive species. Rated moderate. Bring water, lunch and a snack. Payment is due at time of registration.

What was Left Behind?- April 9, 2025
2025-04-09 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join Josh Palumbo in a search for the evidence of those that came before us as we tour sites important to the cultural history of Wintergreen. This trip into the “Peggy’s Pinch” area of Wintergreen will include a cemetery tucked into a hillside and an old homestead surrounded by stone pig walls. Join us as we seek cultural gems left behind from years gone by. The hike will involve some bushwhacking and is rated as moderate to difficult.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen Hike- April 19, 2025
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike and explore Wintergreen’s natural environment! These hikes are rated moderate to strenuous. Meet at Trillium House. Payment due before the event.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen Hike- April 26, 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | VA

Watercolor Trilliums Workshop- April 26, 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 | VA
Let’s paint the beautiful native trillium, known for its three petals and leaves, and found in nutrient-rich woods
and slopes. Designed for ages 12+ with basic watercolor experience, this workshop explores lift-out and
negative painting techniques, useful for both beginners and experienced artists. Email carolyn.velletri@verizon.
com at least one week prior for a supply list. If trillium is blooming, we may take a short walk for photos—wear
comfortable shoes and bring a camera or phone! Bring your lunch. Payment is due at time of registration.

Walk to the Wreckage- April 26, 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 | VA
Back by popular demand! Join Rich Velletri for a hike to the wreckage of an old military aircraft that crashed in the early 1960s, and learn details of the fateful flight. This six mile round trip hike is rated as difficult and over mountainous rocky terrain, but has nice views. The route to the crash site will be along the Appalachian Trail and requires bushwhacking. Dress for all weather conditions, bring food and water. Payment is due at time of registration.

Experience Lynchburg Garden Day – April 29, 2025
2025-04-29 09:30 - 14:30 | VA
Join us for Lynchburg Garden Day, part of Historic Garden Week (HGW)—Virginia’s beloved celebration of historic gardens, homes, and landmarks! We will step inside four private homes with breathtaking gardens, Visit Camp Kum-Ba-Yah (CKBY) Nature Center, featuring a flower-staged amphitheater set for a wedding, and stroll through six additional garden destinations. Wear comfy shoes, bring your camera, and don’t forget money for lunch! Tickets are already on sale! Registration due April 25.

Ladies Day Out Hike- May 1, 2025
2025-05-01 09:00 - 14:00 | VA
Looking for an excuse to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air? Join Kathie Driscoll for a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Sweet Briar College trails! Set on 3,250 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sweet Briar College offers 2,847 acres of fields, forests, and waterways—plenty of space to get “lost” (just kidding… probably). After soaking in the scenery, we’ll reward ourselves with lunch at the famed Prothro Café. Bring money for lunch. Payment is due at time of registration.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- May 3, 2025
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike and explore Wintergreen’s natural environment! On May 10, make your mom feel special by taking her on a hike. These hikes are rated moderate to strenuous. Meet at Trillium House. Payment due before the event.

Hike up the House- May 7, 2025
2025-05-07 08:00 - 17:00 | VA
Come spend a day with Josh Palumbo as we journey west to House Mountain. This monolith sits isolated from other peaks just west of Lexington and offers grand views to the south. This approximately 9 mile trek will take adventurous hikers past old homesteads, up steep mountain faces and onto great overlooks. This hike is rated as difficult with numerous vertical climbs. Bring plenty of food and water!

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- May 10, 2025
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | VA

Spring Wildflower Symposium- May 16-18, 2025
2025-05-16 15:00 - 2025-05-18 15:00 | VA
For over 40 years, the Wintergreen Spring Wildflower Symposium has been the premier event for nature enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dive into engaging presentations and guided hikes led by expert naturalists, covering topics like botany, ecology, entomology, geology, and ornithology. With 30+ miles of scenic trails and access to diverse geological wonders, this symposium provides a hands-on learning experience like no other. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow nature lovers. Click here for the brochure.
Early registration discount ends May 1st. Register today and experience the beauty of spring at Wintergreen!

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- May 24, 2025
2025-05-24 10:00 - 12:00 | VA

Canceled! Living with Nature at Wintergreen- June 7, 2025
2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 | VA

The Great Rhododendron Quest- June 11, 2025
2025-06-11 09:00 - 13:00 | VA
Join Josh Palumbo as we journey high and low for the best rhododendron thickets Wintergreen has to offer. Seeking this member of the heath family at peak bloom promises some of the best explosions of color the mountain will have all year. We will travel over many different trails and locations that will highlight one of our favorite species. The hike is rated moderate to difficult. Bring plenty of food and water. $8/Member, $12/Non-member.
