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Natural Science Field Trip
Scottsburg, Va
One in the series of Halifax County Field Trips, focused on Natural Science. From interpretive programs at Staunton River State Park to horticulture classes at the Virginia School of Traditional Arts, students will gain a deeper understanding of plant care and native flora of Southern Virginia.
2 Days
Medium Activity
Day 1
STOP : PICK UP YOUR ASSIGNMENT AT HALIFAX COUNTY VISITOR CENTER
Stop by the Halifax County Visitor Center to pick up your assignment! Ask our docents for recommendations to make the assignment your own. Also find a selection of local history books and crafts by local artisans.
STOP : PICK UP PROVISIONS FROM O’KELLY’S
Stop by O’Kelly’s and pick up sandwiches before heading to the park. Because the park is remote, you’ll want to stock up on food before leaving town. Don’t forget to pick up some of their delicious donuts for breakfast the following morning. Alternatively, plan on preparing your own meals at your cabin (or campsite’s) fire ring tomorrow morning and evening.
STOP : SETTLE IN FOR THE NIGHT AT STAUNTON RIVER STATE PARK
Arrive at Staunton River State Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park. Meet rangers and other families at the Friday campfire while roasting s’mores. Afterwards, enjoy night programming or use one of the park’s telescopes to stargaze.
Day 2
STOP : INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS AT STAUNTON RIVER STATE PARK
Wake up and take advantage of park’s interpretive programing. On Saturday mornings during the summer, the park offers a cast-iron cooking class, where participants learn about the history of the park while cooking breakfast in cast iron skillets over a campfire. Explore the park on guided nature hikes, feed and interact with native species at the visitor center, or hike to survey tornado damage. Alternatively, play games like nature’s bingo, where participants match native plants and species to their playing card, or identify pollinators in a self-guided tour of the pollinator trail.
STOP : LUNCH AT SOUTHERN PLENTY CAFE
Head to downtown South Boston for lunch at Southern Plenty Cafe. During the summer months, the owner utilizes ingredients she’s bought at the local farmer’s market, resulting in deliciously fresh sandwiches and unique daily specials.
STOP : HORTICULTURE AT VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL ARTS
After enjoying a meal crafted using locally grown produce, head to the Virginia School of Traditional Arts for a class on Horticulture. Learn how to plant, transplant, and prune plants, as local farmers and gardeners do. Be sure to book your class ahead of time!
STOP : TOUR SOUTHERN VIRGINIA BOTANICAL GARDENS
After your horticulture class, stop by the Southern Virginia Botanical Gardens on your way back to the park. Take a self-guided tour of the gardens, featuring native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Then take a break at the garden’s music park, or head over to the playground at Edmund’s Park.
STOP : DINNER AND CAMPFIRE UNDER THE STARS
Return to the park. Pick up carryout on the way to park or prepare a meal with food purchased beforehand. After dinner, enjoy stories by the campfire and the sounds of the surrounding nature.
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