Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group

Nocturnal naturalists and insect enthusiasts of all ages, come and join VOF's Preserve Staff for a Black Lightning event while summer nights are still warm.

What is this? A chance to observe a diversity of moths, beetles, and plenty of other insects rarely seen together, such as the impressive Hercules beetle, acorn weevil, or lovely mantid lacewing.

Where is it? The NORTH section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, down Hungry Run Road.

NOT the public South Section.
The North Section is an area of the preserve that is facilitated-access only. It is about 20 minutes by car away from the South Section Trailhead.
Park in the lot below the Stone House on the hill. You'll see lamps where the turn-off is from Bull Run Mountain Road.

When? Friday, August 15th 8:20 pm - 10:00 pm.

What to Bring: Flashlights, headlamps, repellent (tick prevention!), water, and your curiosity.

This is a family-friendly event. As with all preserve special events, please respect preserve rules and, in this case, the entomologist's setup and guidelines.

Please be aware that there are no facilities on the north section of the preserve. The gravel road in is uneven; drive carefully, especially after dark!

Consider joining the Preserve Project on iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/the-preserve-at-bull-run-mountains
Any species you observe and add to iNat will help our biodiversity monitoring.

For any questions, please email Conservation Assistant Deneith Reif at dreif@vof.org

Hope to see you there! Drive safely!

Pokémon Go Community Day at VOF’s Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Saturday, August 30th from 9 AM - 5 PM

Welcome, all Pokémon Trainers! Maybe you’re a visitor with a nerdy side. Maybe you’re a naturalist interested in learning what connection the Pokémon origins have to real-world science. In any case, grab your water bottles & Pokéballs and enjoy the trails, Pokéstops, gyms, and natural beauties along the way. Visitors are encouraged to show their spirit by cosplaying or wearing their Pokémon gear to the event.

Activities:

In addition to the GO Community Day events happening in-game later in the afternoon, the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve has the following activities set up from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Photo Scavenger hunt
Each person will be given a random prompt at the start of the trailhead. For example, it could be "take a picture of a flower with your grass-type Pokémon" or "find the historic icehouse on the trail and take a picture with an Ice-type Pokémon there." Friends and family can work together to help each other with the scavenger hunt. If you get stumped, don’t worry, we have our “Pokéranger” Preserve Staff on hand to help guide your hike.

After completing the photo hunt and showing the proof to our preserve staff, claim your prize at the trailhead!

Fight the Preserve Staff Gym Leader
If you wish to earn the Preservation Badge, you must beat our Preserve Gym Leader in a Pokémon battle! After completing the scavenger hunt, challenge the gym leader at the trailhead. Winners get a special badge pin!

Record Board
We have a bragging board set up for players who want to flaunt their achievements, like the number of shinies, 100% IVs, distance travelled, or fights won. Exchange friendship codes and set up your own trades & battles under the shade tent.

SAFETY INFORMATION
This is a natural area preserve. Please respect other visitors and preserve rules. Remember to bring water and appropriate gear to hike our trails.

Friendly reminder to leave all Canine-types at home. We don’t allow dogs in the preserve.

For questions, please email dreif@vof.org

This is not a Niantic-sponsored event and VOF has no affiliation with Niantic or Pokémon. This is a free public event and opportunity to enjoy the preserve the Pokémon way.)

Hope to see you there!