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Spring Peeper Guided Hike at River’s Bend
March 9, 2022 @ 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
$5 – $10
Join us on March 9th to learn about the natural features of the River’s Bend conservation easement and spot some spring peeper frogs through a guided hike led by Chesterfield County Naturalist, Mark Battista, and CRLC Land Conservation Manager, Jane Myers.
Sign up here!
ABOUT THE AREA
River’s Bend, formally known as The Rivers Bend Land LLC conservation easement, was officially created in December of 2017 and covers 180 acres of the former River’s Bend Golf Course. The property contains over a mile of shoreline along the James River in Chesterfield County and has over 2 miles of trails that are open to public use.The easement was recorded after the golf course closed, allowing CRLC to permanently protect the scenic views afforded to the public from Henricus Historical Park/Dutch Gap Conservation area of the downstream James River. Over 85 acres of wetland habitat are protected under the easement, adding to the health of the James River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds.
Spring Peeper. Photo by Jeff Beane, Virginia DWR.
We’ll be visiting the property at the peak of Spring Peeper mating season. The Spring Peeper’s call is one of the first true signs of spring in Virginia. Triggered by longer daylight and the first warm spells of the year, male spring peepers begin their “peeping”-like call to attract a female. The breeding typically occurs statewide from late February through June in wet meadows, roadside ditches, wet forests, and small spring pools. The River’s Bend conservation easement is a spring peeper’s paradise.
ABOUT THE HIKE
The hike will consist of an approximately 2-to-3-mile amble around the property. We will remain on the former cart paths though the route could be muddy or uneven. Participants should wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring water and a light snack if desired.
CRLC will conduct the annual monitoring of the property while co-hosting a public hike with Mark Battista, Chesterfield County’s naturalist.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
To ensure everyone’s safety, headcount for all CRLC hikes is limited to 15 participants, not including our two guides. We will be observing strict social distancing norms throughout all portions of the hike. Even though will be outdoors, we request that participants have masks or face coverings on their person, since we will be hiking in a line for portions of the time.
DETAILS & TICKETS
We will meet at a specified location near River’s Bend at 3:15pm, departing promptly at 3:30pm, and returning to the parking location by 6:00pm. Final details will be provided to participants once they have completed the liability waiver. The waiver will be emailed to participants after buying tickets, or you can access the waiver here.
Tickets must be purchased to participate in guided hikes. Non-members must purchase a ticket of $10 and members a ticket of $5. Members include all 2021 donors to CRLC. To become a member, please visit our donation page below, or include a donation in your checkout process.