Programs 2022

Additional program details will be provided as dates draw closer, so please check back for final changes and details that may be of importance.

RESERVATIONS

To assist in the logistical planning for each event, we request that you RSVP to FWC General Manager, Kimberly Benson, by email Center@FriendsWilderness.org or by phone 304-261-1183 or to the alternate person/email indicated in the event write-up.

DIRECTIONS

The FWC is in a secluded forest setting on the Blue Ridge that is reached via an unpaved, winding road over the last portion of the route. If you have not visited the FWC before, we strongly recommend that you consult our DIRECTIONS PAGE before heading out to visit and/or use the Waze app on your smart phone to locate the Niles Cabin and to allow at least 20 minutes extra time to your travel time to provide yourself a time cushion for contingencies.

PROGRAM COST

Except where noted, there is no set cost for a program BUT we do ask that you make a donation to the FWC for each program commensurate with the enjoyment you received from the program. FWC is entirely dependent on donations for meeting its operating expenses, and your donations help keep the lights on and programs such as the ones you enjoyed, being offered in the future. When making an online donation via our website’s Support Page, please use the notes feature to indicate the program or purpose for which you are making the donation to help us tie your donation to a particular program reservation.

MEALS

Due to COVID restrictions we are currently NOT OFFERING home-cooked meals as an option when you visit for programs. However, Brown Bag lunches are always acceptable, but we ask that you make sure to take all personal beverage containers away when you leave to recycle at home.


The following are the FWC-sponsored programs that are currently scheduled for 2022. As the pandemic situation permits, we will hopefully return to offering more in-person programs while following state, Federal and CDC guidelines regarding masks, social distancing, and recommended mitigation protocols. While we expect it will be some time before pre-COVID visitation protocols and face-to-face programs can resume, please consider visiting the Friends Center to avail yourself of the beauty and grace of Nature that our trails and woods have in abundance and breathe in the freshness and vitality of what we hope will be a happier New Year for us all


If coming out for a hike, please call ahead to let Kimberly Benson know that you will be coming and about when you expect to arrive at the Niles Cabin.

January 2022

1/1 Meteors on the Meadow: Quadrantids (Open invitation for viewing)

 

February 2022

2/12 Signs of Spring (Hike 10AM-2PM)

 

March 2022

3/12 Salamander Shuffle (Hike 10AM-2PM)

 

April 2022

4/9 Waterfalls & Wildflowers (Hike 10AM-2PM)

4/22 Meteors on the Meadow: Lyrids (Open invitation for viewing)

 

May 2022

5/6 Meteors on the Meadow: Eta Aquariids (Open invitation for viewing)

5/14 Foraging in the Forest (Hike 10AM-2PM)

5/15 Blood Moon on the Mountain: Total Lunar Eclipse (Open invitation for viewing)

 

June 2022

6/11 Midsummer’s Night Firefly Hike (Evening Hike 6-9PM)

 

July 2022

7/9 Shenandoah Birding Excursion (Hike 10AM-2PM)

7/29 Meteors on the Meadow: Delta Aquariids (Open invitation for viewing)

 

August 2022

8/13 Ridge of Collision & Division (Hike 10AM-2PM)

8/13 Meteors on the Meadow: Perseids (Open invitation for viewing)

 

September 2022

9/10 The Path of Our Past (Hike 10AM-2PM)

 

October 2022

10/8 Closing the Loop in Nature (Extended Hike 9AM-4PM)

 

November 2022

11/18 Meteors on the Meadow: Leonids (Open invitation for viewing)

11/26 Forest Therapy: Gratitude & Giving in Nature (2-4PM)

 

December 2022

12/10 Meteors on the Meadow: Geminids (Open invitation for viewing)

12/28 Annual Reflection Hike (Hike 10AM-2PM)