Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Naturalist Week: Freshwater Mussels

Location of New River Trail State Park in Virginia

Where

New River Trail State Park, 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.
Austinville Access - 231 Store Hill Rd. Austinville, Va 24312

When

July 30, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kick off your week with us as we explore the natural world from the stars above to the depths below! Join expert naturalists each day for a new theme packed with discovery and adventure; perfect for all ages. Come learn, explore, and connect with nature in new and exciting ways. Hands-on activities, expert talks, and outdoor adventures await! Here are the daily themes and experts:

Sunday: Astronomy & Night Sky Exploration with President of the Echo Ridge Astronomical Society, Mike Neal
Monday: Geology & Rock Formations with Program Director and State Geologist, Matthew Heller
Tuesday: Caving & Cave Ecosystems with Scientist, Penelope Vorster
Wednesday: Freshwater Mussels & Snorkeling with Aquatic Biologist, Tim Lane
Thursday: Wild Animals with Wildlife Specialist, Darin Handy
Friday: Local Plants & Ecology with Naturalist, Gary Lavallee
Saturday: Birding & Bird Behavior with Naturalist, Patty Elton

Wednesday, July 30th: Snorkeling for Mussels w/ SWVA Mussel Recovery Coordinator Tim Lane (12:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

Nowhere else in the world do you have the chance to see so many rare and imperiled species in a single place as you do in SWVA rivers. Mussel spotters will wear snorkels and position themselves across the riverbed to seek out mussels on the river bottom. DWR Mussel Recovery Coordinator, Tim Lane, will talk about these incredible species, his important work, and how we can help. Participants will need to provide their own wetsuits (optional) or swim clothes, towels, and closed-toe water shoes. We will provide gloves, snorkels, and mesh bags for collection. If you don't want to fully get in the water, we have nets and water viewfinders as well! Bring plenty of food, water, change of clothes, and sunscreen. All children must be supervised by adults.

Meet at the Austinville Access (Austinville Access - 231 Store Hill Rd. Austinville, Va 24312). We will shuttle to the snorkeling location nearby. No registration required.

snorkeling for mussells

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-699-6778
Email Address: NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov