Purcellville, VA, December 18, 2019 — Join the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Sunday, December 29 at 1 p.m. for the next in their series of free nature walks at the Chapman DeMary Trail. This session will be led by the Play Rangers of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. The Play Rangers will setup a nature play area, and welcome kids of all ages and abilities to join in the fun. The Play Rangers will also be available to discuss the importance of outdoor free play and strategies for getting kids outside more often. Dress appropriately for the weather. Register online to participate.
The Play Rangers program was started by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to address the growing disconnect from nature faced by children in Loudoun today. They host nature play events throughout the county, and advocate for plans and policies that promote time in nature for Loudoun's children.
The Chapman DeMary Trail is a 10-acre area considered to be the last stand of old-growth forest in the Town of Purcellville. It runs along the South Fork Catoctin Creek, part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The area is open to the public for environmental recreation, exploration, and education. The Town of Purcellville holds the conservation easement for this privately-owned property. The entrance and parking for the Chapman DeMary Trail is behind the building at 205 East Hirst Road in Purcellville.
The Discover Nature’s Secrets guided nature walks are held the last Sunday of each month and hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Throughout 2019, walks were led by experts from The Piedmont Environmental Council, the Virginia Department of Forestry, Loudoun County Tree Stewards, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, and a variety of other experts. Topics have includes wildlife clues, wildflowers, natural dyes, native plants, pollinators, art and nature, tree identification, and more.
Learn more and register online on the Monthly Nature Walks page in the Events and Activities section of the Town of Purcellville’s website at www.PurcellvilleVa.gov.
