Fall 2023 Busy Interpretive Schedule with Smithsonian Associates and NOVA Parks

 

Upon returning from North Cascades National Park, the fall of 2023 unfolded with a busy interpretive schedule. Preparations for the Smithsonian Associates Shenandoah Natural History Weekend took precedence in addition to two long scheduled Great Fall Sunrise Hikes. The Shenandoah trip was particularly enjoyable given an excellent group dynamic and variable weather conditions. An unstable low-pressure system was transitioning over the mid-Atlantic with considerable, but unconsolidated precipitation. Our Saturday “Hollow” hike had just a brief shower and overcast sky.

 After Saturday’s evening lecture on the general natural history of the park, Sunday beckoned with slowly clearing sky’s with multi-textured Fairweather cumulus clouds taking shape as winds increased and temperatures dropped through the day. The group had variable levels of preparedness but persevered well as we ascended parts of the Appalachian Trail and upward towards the summit of Stony Man Mountain.

Interpretive priorities included:

-Land assignment statement and a brief review of Paleo, Archaic and Woodland Indian habitation of the mid-Atlantic

-Evolution of the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah in particular

-Regional ancient volcanism as related to modern topography

-Differing geologic features including Greenstone, Old Rag Granite and Sandstones found south of our location

-Glacial Effects on the Regions Native Biota and corresponding post glacial northward migration of forest communities from southern refugia

-Modern forest composition of Oak-Hickory woodlands and the demise of American Chestnut trees

-Survey of Common Native Wildflowers and Birds

-Native mammals of the park with an emphasis on bear life-history and human interactions

- Current conservation issues and invasive species with a focus plants