PURCELLVILLE, Va., February 15, 2023 — Join the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a free nature walk at the Chapman DeMary Trail on Sunday, February 26 starting at 1 p.m. Two activities will be held at the same time: a nature walk for adults, and a nature scavenger hunt for kids. The walk for adults is called “Open Your Senses,” and is being led by Nancy Reaves. Nancy is a Virginia Master Naturalist and a member of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. The nature scavenger hunt will be led by Gina Faber, a Loudoun County Master Gardener. Both Nancy and Gina have been recognized for their volunteer efforts at the Chapman DeMary Trail. They are both part of an organization called “Imagine Well Being.” Register online to attend this walk. A similar activity will be held in June and October to help focus on seasonal changes in this 10-acre area.
Nature journals and pencils will be provided to attendees, courtesy of the Purcellville Arts Council. Those who already received journaling supplies at previous events at the Chapman DeMary Trail are encouraged to bring their journals observe, write, draw, and capture the seasonal changes as well as to get a sticker. Participants with six or more stickers from the monthly nature walks through November 2023 will get a prize.
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.
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.
