Winter Wildlife Festival 2025 Tours |

JOIN US IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY FOR A CELEBRATION OF WINTER WILDLIFE AND NATURE

Schedule of Tours with The Nature Bus:

Sat, Jan 25 8-12 First Landing State Park: Shawn Dash

Sun, Jan 26 9-4 Colonial Parkway/Yorktown: James Abbott

Mon, Jan 27 9-4 Dismal Swamp: Allen Carter

Tues, Jan 28 11-3 Wildfowl Painting: Stephanie Molloy

Wed, Jan 29 10:30-6:30 Virginia Institute of Marine Science/Big Island Oyster Farm: James Abbott

Thurs, Jan 30 8:30 – 2:30 Virginia Living Museum: Jody Ullmann

Fri, Jan 31 9 – 3 Northwest River Park: Maurice Cullen

Sat, Feb 1 9-4 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker/Longleaf Pine Rare Habitat: James Abbott

Sun, Feb 2 9:30 – 4:30 Eastern Shore: James Abbott

Winter Wonders: A Journey Through Nature’s Survival Secrets – CLICK TO REGISTER

(First Landing State Park) Sat, Jan 25 (8 am – 12 noon) Dr. Shawn Dash $45/person

Winter Wonders: A Journey Through Nature’s Survival Secrets offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the untold stories of the winter season! Join us on an expert-guided tour through the breathtaking landscapes of First Landing State Park, where we’ll reveal the astonishing strategies that plants and animals use to brave the cold.

As we explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, you’ll discover the remarkable survival techniques that sustain wildlife—from the migratory patterns of birds to the ingenious hibernation tactics of insects, and the hardy endurance of winter plants. This isn’t just a walk in the woods; it’s an exploration into the heart of winter’s natural history, where you’ll witness nature’s resilience up close.

Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply love the outdoors, this tour will leave you in awe of nature’s adaptability. Bring your camera and a curious spirit as we uncover hidden wonders that flourish in winter’s chill. Prepare to walk away with not just knowledge, but a deep appreciation for the beauty and toughness of life during the coldest months of the year!

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve walking; guests should expect varying degrees of physical activity. This tour is a long, slow walk, through forest and on the beach. What to bring: binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

“We look forward to seeing you on the tour! Check out all the 5-star reviews on our website, so you will be confident that you will have an amazing experience! Visit TheNatureBus.com > Reviews. If you have questions about the tour, contact Suzanne Moss at 757-288-9595.

On the Trail of the Canvasback – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Colonial Parkway/Yorktown Beach) Sun, Jan 26 (9 am – 4 pm) James Abbott $75/person

Explore the winter beauty of the York River as it transforms into a haven for migrating waterfowl, including the striking Canvasback duck—one of the largest and most impressive visitors to our waters. Join us on a guided tour along the scenic Colonial Parkway, where we’ll stop at Yorktown Beach and several overlook points to search for these majestic birds and other wintering species.

With breathtaking river views and prime birdwatching opportunities, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to witness the grandeur of waterfowl in their winter refuge!

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve some walking. Much of this tour involves hoping on and off of the bus at a several birding stops. What to bring: binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pack your lunch in an insulated lunch bag, bring pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Definitely Not Dismal: a nature tour with a bit of history! – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Great Dismal Swamp) Mon, Jan 27 (9 am – 4 pm) Allen Carter $75/person

If there was a place that was at once one of the largest peat bogs in North America, the most important wildlife habitats in Mid-Atlantic region, once over 1.28 million acres of wilderness, listed by Audubon Society as a Globally Important Area, designated as an Underground Railroad Network Freedom Site, would you go? What if it is one of the top three homes for Black Bears in the East, with more than 200 bird species, 334 plants from 100 plant families? How about if this place was where the poet Robert Frost came to commit suicide, or the place George Washington came to drain the swamp? Here’s your chance! While much of this tour is on the heated bus, this tour involves some light walking on short wooden boardwalks and a dirt trail. We will eat at a local eatery/diner.

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve some walking. The two steps to board the bus can be difficult to navigate for some people. What to bring: Money $ for your lunch, binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Winter Waterfowl Watercolor – CLICK TO REGISTER

(TBD indoor restaurant space) Tues, Jan 28 (11am – 3pm) Artist Stephanie Molloy $45/person

Join us for a guided watercolor class to learn about and paint one of the amazing migratory birds that visits the Chesapeake Bay region during the winter – the tundra swan! These beautiful birds migrate approximately 4,000 miles each winter from the Arctic Circle to find a warmer home in our coastal region. On this excursion, you’ll hop aboard the warm and cozy Nature Bus, where you’ll learn more about these birds, as well as the painting basics needed for the watercolor class. When we arrive at our destination, an experienced watercolorist will guide you through a step-by-step painting of the tundra swan. No prior painting experience is required, as our patient guide will facilitate warm-up exercises and provide guidance throughout, ensuring you have a have a beautiful masterpiece to take home to commemorate the wonderful winter waterfowl of the Chesapeake Bay! We will paint & lunch at a local eatery.

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve some walking. This tour requires walking up a flight of stairs. What to bring: money for your lunch, water bottle, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide/artist’s tip.

Experience Oysters – The Bay’s Winter Delicacy – CLICK TO REGISTER

(VIMS Gloucester Point & Big Island Aquaculture Farm) Wed, Jan 29 (10:30 am -6:30 pm) James Abbott $100/person

Join expert guide James Abbott for an immersive journey into the world of oysters, where science meets sustainability. On the way to the Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Center at VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science), you’ll receive a fascinating education on the rich history of Chesapeake Bay oysters and their vital role in the ecosystem.

At VIMS, researchers will take you behind the scenes to explore the cutting-edge hatchery operation, where they’re working to restore and protect the Bay’s oyster population. From there, we’ll head to Big Island Aquaculture Farm, where you’ll witness a thriving oyster farm in action and taste the fruits of their labor—sampling some of the freshest, most flavorful oysters the Bay has to offer.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive deep into the world of aquaculture, learn about oyster conservation, and indulge in a oyster-sampling experience!

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve some walking. This tour requires standing; feel free to bring a SMALL folding chair that is easy to carry. What to bring: your lunch packed in a small, insulated lunch bag, nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Closed-toe shoes/boots are required because of sharp oyster shells. Farm can be muddy; bring a change of shoes and a plastic bag. Dress for the weather. We recommend layers. Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Virginia Living Museum Behind-the-Scenes Tour – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Newport News) Thurs, Jan 30 (8:30 am – 2:30 pm) Jody Ullmann $80/person

Step behind the scenes at the Virginia Living Museum (VLM) for an exclusive experience like no other! Home to over 250 species of Virginia’s native wildlife—including reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish—the VLM serves as a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and non-releasable animals. In addition to its impressive wildlife exhibits, the museum boasts one of the largest collections of native plants in the state.

As the VLM prepares to open its brand-new Wild Care Center this winter, you’ll be among the first to explore this cutting-edge facility. Get an insider’s view of the veterinary clinic, nutrition center, and exhibition space dedicated to ambassador birds and mammals. Meet a live animal ambassador up close and observe a fascinating training session. You’ll even get to participate in a hands-on feeding experience, gaining insight into the daily care and nutrition of the animals.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to wander the museum at your own pace. Stroll along the outdoor boardwalk, explore the indoor galleries, and visit the other remarkable residents of the VLM, including the Federally Endangered Red Wolves. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to discover the inner workings of one of Virginia’s most beloved wildlife institutions!

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve walking; guests should expect varying degrees of physical activity. What to bring: your lunch packed in a small, insulated lunch bag, binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers. Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Winter Wildlife: Amazing Animal Adaptations! – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Northwest River Park) Fri, Jan 31 (9 am – 3 pm) Maurice Cullen $65/person

Join local naturalist Maurice Cullen (recipient of the 2024 Mary Reid Barrow Naturalist Award!) for an excursion to Northwest River Park, where you’ll learn how five different groups of native animals survive the winter. We’ll start with the fascinating Lepidoptera—moths and butterflies. You’ll get to see live and preserved chrysalides and cocoons up close, even holding an Imperial moth pupa as it wriggles in your hand. Discover how these insects endure winter as eggs, caterpillars, pupae, or adults.

Then, we’ll hit the park’s nature trails to explore the survival strategies of local reptiles and amphibians. With some luck (and a little sunshine), we might spot a few basking in the cold.

After the hike, we’ll wrap up with a stop at a local brewery, where you can swap stories and share your experiences with fellow wildlife enthusiasts. It’s the perfect mix of nature, learning, and good company.

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve walking; guests should expect varying degrees of physical activity. This tour is a long slow walk on forest trails and across meadows. What to bring: Money for your brewery/lunch, binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker/Longleaf Pine Rare Habitat – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Sussex County) Sat, Feb 1 (9 am – 4 pm) James Abbott $70/person

Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, the red-cockaded woodpeckers have been drastically reduced due to loss of their exclusive old-growth pine tree habitat. The Nature Bus will whisk you off to a very special, well-established old habitat. The on-board naturalist guide will tell the story of the endangered red cockaded woodpecker, and it’s come-back due to the restoration efforts of the long leaf pines. We will meet with an expert in the field (from DWR or TNC) to learn more about the mosaic of the 3-5 year burn cycle, needed to restore the pine savanna habitat. We will have lunch at a local eatery/diner.

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve walking; guests should expect varying degrees of physical activity. This tour is a long walk – through forested trails and “off trail” at spots. What to bring: Money for your lunch at the local eatery/diner, binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.

Birding on the Eastern Shore + Lunch in Cape Charles – CLICK TO REGISTER

(Eastern Shore) Sun, Feb 2 (9:30 am – 4:30 pm) James Abbott $75/person

Hop aboard The Nature Bus for an unforgettable journey through the waterfowl-rich landscapes of Northampton County with expert bird guide, James Abbott! February on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a magical time as massive flocks of snow geese and other waterfowl gather, resting on their northward migration.

We’ll wind our way along scenic back roads, stopping at protected areas and quaint coastal towns like Oyster and Cape Charles. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot a wide variety of winter birds and waterfowl in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious, this tour promises breathtaking sights and lasting memories. Bring your binoculars and get ready for a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest seasonal spectacles! We will “lunch” in Cape Charles.

Important Notes: This tour is hosted by The Nature Bus. All the tours involve some walking, however this tour is primarily on board the heated bus. We will hop off at some locations and take a walk down a couple of trails. The two steps to board the bus can be difficult to navigate for some people. What to bring: Money for your lunch, binoculars and/or nature journal (optional), pocket snacks to eat while walking, water bottle to stay hydrated, printed/signed waiver form (will be emailed to you just before the tour). Dress for the weather. We recommend layers and air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI or online).

Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The customary gratuity has already been included in the tour price; no need to bring cash for the guide’s tip.