Oct 19, 10 AM ~ Varina LandLab Conservation Area at Deep Bottom

The 353-acre Varina LandLab is located in eastern Henrico County adjacent to Deep Bottom Park. It is dubbed a “LandLab” for its purpose as an outdoor classroom for local K-12 students, University classes, and curious minds of all ages. The biodiversity that can be found at Varina LandLab is extraordinary and offers an opportunity to learn about ecology, sustainability, and effective land management.
This landscape also bears witness to layers of indigenous, colonial, and Civil War history. From the high ground along Four Mile Creek where indigenous people lived since 2,000 BCE until the establishment of the English settlement at Henricus to bluffs overlooking the James River at an important pontoon bridge crossing that more than 28,000 Union troops used during the Civil War and battles of First Deep Bottom, Second Deep Bottom, and New Market Heights, this hallowed ground can reveal many untold stories.
We will hike four miles of grassy and gravel trails that meander through wide meadows, pine groves and hardwood forests beside the James River, Roundabout Creek and Four Mile Creek. Some ability to negotiate tree roots, rustic trails, toxic plants, reptiles, damp trail conditions, deer, holes on grassy trails, spider webs, tall vegetation, scorpions, insects and birds of prey is desirable.
This hike will begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you can find us. If you need directions to the Meet Up location click on the map that is found under "How to find us" in the event description. A larger map will be displayed from which directions to the Meet Up location can be obtained by clicking "Directions" in the upper left corner.

• Anticipated weather on hike day
• Participants should be able to maintain a pace of twenty-five minutes per mile.
• Water, appropriate footwear, insect repellant and a cap or bonnet are encouraged. The trails are relatively flat so hiking sticks may not be necessary. There are occasional holes on some grassy trails where trees have been cleared.
• Before the hike be sure to place anything that might invite theft in your trunk before you leave your car parked while you are hiking.
• There are NO deluxe restroom facilities within a five mile radius.
• Stop at the third entrance you encounter on Deep Bottom Road.
• Organizer's contact number = 804-297-7634
• Contact Joni N if you want to get a JRH cap.