Ivy Creek Natural Area: Learn All About This Very Special Gem of a Park in the Charlottesville Area
The Ivy Creek Natural Area is an Albemarle County/City of Charlottesville park overseen and protected by the volunteer Ivy Creek Foundation.
We're so lucky to live in a community that is committed to our natural environment! Organizations like the Ivy Creek Foundation keep our natural resources alive, such as the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Until I became a member of the Foundation, I had no idea about the number of wonderful, sponsored programs available. Charlottesville and Albemarle County residents can enjoy these terrific programs. In addition, education and activities include natural and cultural history tours, field trips, and Ivy Talks. Also, the public can take part in many of the programs.
Several of the 7 miles of 11 beautiful walking trails (map) will take you down to Ivy Creek, which runs into the Rivanna River. Learn more about each trail here: Take a Walk. In addition, the trails are color marked for difficulty. No hiker should miss out on walking the trails! This is due to the fact that this is an ideal site to learn about the rich natural history characteristic of Central Virginia.
**It is important to note that there are Ivy Creek Foundation Rules and Regulations. This is because the natural area is a protected wildlife conservation locality and meant for quiet recreation. Open to public from seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to Sunset.
Great Programs at Ivy Creek Natural Area:
Junior Naturalists
Two Naturalists Programs for 5-8 and 9-12 yr. olds. Meets every Monday at 4p.m., pre-registration required. Please visit here to learn more details about the Junior Naturalists Programs.
Little Naturalists
For 3-5 year-olds (siblings are also welcome): Introduction to nature with a short talk and a trail walk. Activities are hosted by trained guides in the Education Building. Little Naturalists meet four times a month on the first and third Mondays and the second and fourth Thursdays. This is a free event and no registration is required.
Master Naturalists
The Rivanna Master Naturalists (the local Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program) meet on Wednesday mornings, 9:00-12:00. Also included are field trips. The Basic Training Class begins in February and ends in late May.
Monthly Bird Walk
Learn about the local birds on the first Saturday each month at 7:30 a.m. Beginners or experts welcome. Bring your trusty binoculars or borrow a pair at Ivy Creek Natural Area from the Monticello Bird Club. ALSO, the Young Birder's Club meets right after at 9:30 a.m.
Virginia Native Plant Society
The Jefferson Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society meets on the 2nd Wednesday of January - April and September -December at 7:30 p.m. Anyone can attend! Read here to learn more details about the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS).
Volunteer Days and Contact Information
Help us maintain the trails at the Natural Areas. Well do invasive plant removal, and trail improvements. Please call (434) 973-7772 or by email at rochelle@ivycreekfoundation.org if you would like to volunteer with the Ivy Creek Foundation.
Please Visit Here for Current and Updated Information about All Activities and Events:
THE IVY CREEK FOUNDATION EVENTS CALENDAR
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