Naturalist-guided Visit to a Rare Habitat

Nature Hike

TOUR NAME: Naturalist-guided Visit to a Rare Habitat

DATE: Sunday, May 16

DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 6 hours (9:00-3:30) Please arrive at 8:30 to board the bus

PRICE: $25 per person

DESCRIPTION: The Nature Bus will whisk you off to a very special habitat. The low basil area habitat is unusual. The plant community is much different than what we ever see here in our area. We will see the pink lady slipper orchids; they are a good indicator of this persistent, well-established old habitat. We will search for the dwarf-crested iris. We will see both of our upland native azalea species. The naturalist guide will tell us the story of the endangered red cockaded woodpecker, and it’s come-back due to the restoration efforts of the long leaf pines.  It is unlikely we will see this bird species, but it might be our lucky day (binoculars provided by The Nature Bus or bring your own bins). We will be “hopping-on-and-off” of the bus for short stops as we tour down the 8 miles of gravel road – Chinquapin Road. The naturalist, James Abbott, will interpret what we are seeing! Such a treat. (Read his bio on The Nature Bus website > Our Team https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/ ) The group is asked to stay together with the guide at all times. We will lunch at the Virginia Diner (bring $ for your lunch, or pack your own lunch). On our return bus ride, James will continue to share his knowledge with us: why peanuts grow well in the sand-hills of VA; learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the area; hear about the mosaic of the 3-5 year burn cycle. We hope to be back to your parked cars at REI around 3:30 (traffic dependent).

COVID SAFETY MEASURES: We care about the health and safety of those participating in our nature experiences. The Nature Bus has been outfitted with dividers between rows of seats. The bus is sanitized between each tour. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to sanitize your hands before boarding. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. Masks are required to be worn over both nose and mouth at all times when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible. We ride with all of the windows open for optimal air flow. You will be asked to sign a special “covid waiver” before boarding the bus. You are always welcome to ride in your own vehicle and follow the bus to the nature experience. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Air conditioned/heated new vehicle
– Transportation
– All fees (including admission/naturalist guide, excluding food/drink)
– Expert pre-planning services

THINGS TO BRING:
– Bring $ for your lunch at the Virginia Diner OR pack a lunch; we have coolers on board the bus
– Your digital or printed ticket
– Printed/signed waiver (or you can sign one on the bus)
– Photo ID
– Cash: it is customary to tip the guide and driver.
– Water bottle
– Rain jacket/umbrella if needed
– Closed-toed/tennis shoes/boots (if could be muddy on the trails if it rained the day before)
– Snacks for your pocket when walking outdoors (please no eating on the bus)

*We go rain or shine. See our weather policy FAQs  page. ALL SALES FINAL/ NO REFUNDS. Please dress for the weather. In the case of rain, we simply take cover and wait it out.

*YOUR FEE INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, NATURALIST GUIDE, ADMISSION FEES TO THE VENUE. FOOD/DRINK NOT INCLUDED.
*PLEASE: Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. There is not a toilet on the bus. Please use the restroom at REI before departure. There is limited access to a toilet in the field. We can make a stop at a fast food place along the way as needed. Please arrive 15-30 min before departure. We cannot wait for latecomers because we must adhere to our planned itinerary. We must pull away at the exact departure time. We cannot receive telephone/text calls to let us know your are running late because we will driving. Please plan on a slightly flexible return time; other factors may adjust the return time slightly.
*ALL OUR TOURS INVOLVE WALKING; GUESTS SHOULD EXPECT VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. *WE GO RAIN OR SHINE, SO DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. *WE DEPART EXACTLY ON TIME PLEASE ARRIVE 15-30 MIN BEFORE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE

 

We're sorry, but all tickets sales have ended because the event is expired.

Venue:  

Address:
350 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462, United States

  •  May 16, 2021
     9:00 am - 3:30 pm