2026 Guided Hikes: Bounty of Birds
June 27 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$15
Join CRLC for an educational outing discovering the bounty of bird life at the Varina LandLab Conservation Area on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00am – 12:00pm with Ashlei Selden, Habitat Chair for Central Virginia Chapter of Quail Forever and CRLC’s Land Stewardship Manager, Ashley Moulton.
ABOUT THE HIKE
CRLC has been protecting and restoring the Varina LandLab Conservation Area since 2017 before opening it to the public in June 2023. Within the first 5 months, eBirders reported 95 species of birds, including Northern Bobwhite, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Blue Grosbeak! Since its opening, the LandLab has become a popular location for birding enthusiasts, especially those seeking sites of ground birds thanks to the area’s unique meadow and grassland landscapes. This hike will take attendees over two miles of easy terrain in search of ground bird species and the wild habitat they call home.
Attendees will learn about suitable habitat for quail, including grass and pollinator plants that quail and insects rely on, including warm and cool season grasses and their identification, as well as land management practices to create Bob White habitat and land conservation opportunities for landowners who are interested in long term protection of their property from development.
Thanks to a donation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, binoculars will be available for use on first come, first served basis.
ABOUT THE SITE
The Varina LandLab Conservation Area is a 353-acre public land located in eastern Henrico County and owned and stewarded by Capital Region Land Conservancy. The park features three trailheads located off Deep Bottom Road providing nearly five miles of trails through meadows, grasslands and along pine forests with views of the James River and Four Mile Creek. Visitors will also enjoy educational signage, benches and picnic tables, and a site-specific art installation by environmental sculptor, Reece Camp Carter.
ABOUT OUR GUEST GUIDE
Ashlei Selden is the Habitat Chair for the Central Virginia Quail Forever chapter and a Wildlife Area Manager with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. She is passionate about habitat management, especially with the use of prescribed burning. Ashlei has a sweet spot for ground-nesting game birds such as Northern Bobwhite, American Woodcock, and Eastern Wild Turkey.
ABOUT CENTRAL VIRGINIA CHAPTER OF QUAIL FOREVER
The Central Virginia Chapter of Quail Forever is dedicated to conservation, advocacy, habitat, and assisting future generations. Chapter members consist of persons from diverse backgrounds and an array of interests with one uniting goal, to preserve and protect habitat. Members work closely with biologists, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia Department of Forestry, landowners, educators, and legislators to insure a strong future for habitat and wildlife and provide support for land management projects that improve conditions for quail and all associated species.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Registration: $15
- Advance registration is required.
- Space is limited to 20.
- Directions and waiver will be emailed to attendees upon registration.
