Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup

**NOTICE: The park is open for Sunrise Opening at 6:45 AM **
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-645am-opening-0

From the website:
Enjoy the sunrise at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens when the gardens open at 6:45am. Sunrise is the perfect time for a peaceful walk, birding, or nature photography. Portrait/posed photography is not permitted during these extended hours. Regular garden admission or garden membership applies. Garden admission is $9 for ages 18-54, $5 for ages 6-17 and 60+, free for children age 5 and younger.
Regular hours through October 31 are daily 10am to 7pm with garden admission ending at 6:30pm. November-March, hours are 10am-4pm, with garden admission ending at 3:30pm.

Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards

There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace.

Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y

For breakfast, after the field trip around 8:30 AM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.

Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature.
https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

#drifting #driftnirvana

https://www.facebook.com/driftnirvana

To gain entry for free as a media representative, you must complete the registration and be approved. If your name is not on this website, expect to pay ($15 online and $20 at the door).
https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.status/uidEvent/678CCBC9-96F1-D6D8-F8BFC1004916CF06

$20 online and $25 at the door per person
https://events.summitpointmp.com/products/october-25-26-2025-drift-nirvana-feint-or-fright

Event Schedule (subject to change):
7:30-8:45 Tech and Registration
8:45 Driver's meeting and then Media meeting
9:00 - 12:00 Hot Track
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch break
1:00 - 5:00 Hot Track
5:00 End of Day

Media sign-up: https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/drift-nirvana-media-credential-request-2026-summit-point-motorsports-park-064673

There is a place to have lunch at the track that is not too bad...

See cars race around the track and burn rubber like in Fast and Furious.

Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, tripod, comfortable shoes

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Check the website for updates.
https://blandy.virginia.edu/
https://blandy.virginia.edu/2025-ginkgo-watch

The highlight here is the Ginkgo Tree Grove, which will turn yellow. The parking has changed, and they want you to walk the 10 minutes to the Grove.

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.

Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

From the website:
"Ride aboard the Discovery Barge II, a 24-foot pontoon boat, as you travel into the midst of an ecosystem rich with wildlife, history, and beauty. Discover the James' Bald Eagle Tour, which takes you through a stretch of the James River known as Jefferson's Reach.

This tour focuses on resident bald eagles, who thrive in their territories year-round. This 'restored' resident eagle population is considered to be the greatest comeback of the bald eagle in the entire continent. Their conservation success story can be seen first hand, where 49 years ago, in 1975, there were no resident bald eagles within the 10,000 square miles of the James River's watershed. Four years after local extinction, in 1979, a first pair came back on their own and began this comeback. Today, over 380 pairs of resident eagles call the James River home. Discover the James' Bald Eagle Tour shares a part of this amazing story while traveling through up to ten territories.

In addition to the resident eagles, two other populations of bald eagles migrate into the area. In early May, summer migratory bald eagles, from the south (mainly Florida), arrive and are gone by the end of September. In mid November, winter migratory eagles arrive from the north and stay into February, then return to New England and Eastern Canada to their breeding grounds.

Come experience majestic bald eagles closer than you may have ever seen them.

Be sure to dress for the weather.

Additional Information:
For more information on our Eagle Tours, click here.
To view our website, click the following: **www.DiscovertheJames.com**.
To check out Richmond's weather, click here.

Bring Water, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.