Virginia Outdoor Adventure‪s‬ Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

“I love to just be outside. It fills my bucket, keeps me creative and recenters me. Life is busy and there's always going to be challenges in our lives. So it's really nice to unplug, disconnect, take some deep breaths, listen to the breeze, and find another way to channel ourselves.” -Mandi, She Opts Out
Linda and Mandi are empowering the “Wiser Female Adventurer” by building an inclusive community of women who are connecting with the outdoors to support physical and mental health. She Opts Out is an organization providing a safe space for women to venture outside together. Group hikes, workshops, and partnerships with local nonprofits all focus on recharging in nature while giving back to the community. Let’s Go!

Mentioned Links:
She Opts Out website: www.sheoptsout.com
She Opts Out Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheoptsout
She Opts Out Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheoptsout/
She Opts Out Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56VwCfCEVmp06oQGIVBscP
Oxygen and Iron Fitness Studio: https://oxygenandiron.com/
RVA OCR: https://rvaocr.com/
Artwork and graphic design by Caitlin Olszewski: www.thedesignpunk.com
Keep Virginia Cozy: https://keepvirginiacozy.org/
7 Principles of Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
James River Park System: https://www.rva.gov/parks-recreation/james-river-park-system
James River Park System Trail Overview: https://jamesriverpark.org/visit-the-park/trails-overview/
Buttermilk Trail, James River Park, Richmond: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7011875/buttermilk-trail
Texas Beach, James River Park, Richmond: https://gohikevirginia.com/texas-beach-trail/
Belle Isle, James River Park, Richmond: https://gohikevirginia.com/belle-isle-trail/
Trails near Wintergreen: https://www.traillink.com/city/wintergreen-va-trails/
Doyles River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/doyles-river-falls.htm
Pocahontas State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas
Powhatan State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan
Book: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Richmond by Phil Riggan: https://www.menasharidge.com/product.php?productid=16906&cat=0&page=3
Facebook groups-
Backpacking Beginners/Mentors & Day Hike Opportunities - Ladies – Virginia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/829656920860882/?multi_permalinks=1021414358351803
Hikerbabes Community, Central Virginia Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CentralVAHikerbabes
Women Who Hike Virginia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1736632403070040
Nellysford, Virginia: https://www.virginia.org/Cities/Nellysford
Sony Cameras: https://www.sony.com/electronics/cameras
Peak Designs: https://www.peakdesign.com/
First Landing State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing
Kiptopeke State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke

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“People say, ‘I had no idea how special this area was’ and they appreciate learning about it. It's easy to take for granted what's in your backyard and not realize just how special it is.” - Lynn Cameron
Shenandoah Mountain is one of the largest tracks of wild land in the eastern United States. Located west of the Shenandoah Valley on the state line in the George Washington National Forest, Shenandoah Mountain is an ideal location for outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry camping, fly fishing, horseback riding, hunting, paddling and wildlife observation. Today’s guest, Lynn Cameron, is the co-chair of Friends of Shenandoah Mountain. She describes the majestic beauty of the forest, the unique ecosystem, and the importance of protecting this land and preserving its natural heritage for generations to come. Let’s Go!
Mentioned Links:

Friends of Shenandoah Mountain (FOSM): https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/


Virginia Wilderness Committee:  www.vawilderness.org


FOSM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Shenandoah-Mountain-112744795722


Video - Shenandoah Mountain: Preserving One of Virginia's Most Beautiful Places: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_0uaAixFGM&t=10s


Video - This American Land: Preserving Shenandoah Mountain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5kxZRz5kWg&feature=youtu.be


Shenandoah Mountain Hikes: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/short-hikes.html


Shenandoah Mountain Trails: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/trails.html


Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter: http://www.ssvc.org/


Shenandoah National Park: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm


Reddish Knob Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/trails.html


George Washington National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj


Avenza App: https://www.avenzamaps.com/


Gaia App: https://www.gaiagps.com/


Download Virginia State Parks Maps on Avenza App: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-trail-maps


High Knob Fire Tower Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/hike-to-high-knob-fire-tower.html


North River Gorge Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/north-river-gorge-trail.html


Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/confederate-breastworks-trail.html


Harrisonburg, Virginia: https://www.visitharrisonburgva.com/


Staunton, Virginia: https://visitstaunton.com/


Rock Climbing at Hidden Rocks: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106183819/hidden-rocks


Potomac Appalachian Trail Club online store: http://www.patc.net/PATC/Store/Shared_Content/Shop/Store.aspx?hkey=32b75779-c131-4224-b76d-17d5f313ed5d


Trails Illustrated Map: https://www.natgeomaps.com/ti-791-staunton-shenandoah-mountain-george-washington-and-jefferson-national-forests


Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking: https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/hiking/


The Priest Trail: https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ThePriest/


Ramseys Draft Wilderness: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/ramseys-draft/


Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition: https://svbcoalition.org/


Virginia Department of Wildlife: https://dwr.virginia.gov/


Virginia Master Naturalists: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/


Endorse Shenandoah Mountain Proposal: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/endorse.html


Donate to Friends of Shenandoah Mountain: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/donate.html


Contact Senator Kaine: https://www.kaine.senate.gov/contact/


Contact Senator Warner: https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactPage


Appalachian Trail: https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm


Tuscarora Trail: https://www.hikethetuscarora.org/



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“Every little thing has a purpose, even a microorganism in the water. Understanding how everything is connected has given me a better appreciation of nature.” – Kevin Divins
Who inspired your love of nature? Today’s guest, Kevin Divins, inspires others as a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a statewide corps of community-based volunteers who help conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. Kevin explains how understanding the natural world enhances his outdoor experience hiking, camping and kayaking across Virginia. He also shares his favorite lesser-known locations for untouched beaches and pristine outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!
Mentioned Links:

Virginia Master Naturalists: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/


Chesapeake Bay Foundation: https://www.cbf.org/


James River Association: https://thejamesriver.org/


Blue Sky Fund: https://blueskyfund.org/


Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count


Virginia Native Plant Society: https://vnps.org/


Audubon-At-Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home


Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/Bringing-Nature-Home-How-You-Can-Sustain-Wildlife-with-Native-Plants-Douglas-W-Tallamy/book/24338619


Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/45235654


iNaturalist App: https://www.inaturalist.org/


Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/


Mathews County, Virginia: https://www.mathewscountyva.gov/


New Point Comfort Lighthouse: http://www.newpointcomfortlighthouse.org/


New Point Comfort Nature Preserve: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/newpoint


Bethel Beach: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/bethel


DCR Natural Area Preserves: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/


Richardson’s Café, Matthews County: https://richardsonscafeonmain.com/


Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: https://dwr.virginia.gov/


Mobjack Kayaking: http://www.mobjackkayaking.net/


Virginia State Parks: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/


Westmoreland State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland


Caledon State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon


Holliday Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/holliday-lake


Virginia State Parks Trail Quest: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest


Pocahontas State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas


Mason Neck State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck


Smith Mountain Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake


Virginia State Parks Reservation Line: 1-800-933-7275 or www.ReserveAmerica.com



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“Most people want to leave the world better than they found it. It's about equipping people to be able to do that. As a shop, we're kind of like a gatekeeper. There's all sorts of little things that when we do them right, lead to conservation.” -Ethan Martin, TaleTellers Fly Shop

This isn’t your grandfather’s pastime. Today’s guest is using a hobby to unite outdoor enthusiasts, protect natural spaces and build community. Ethan Martin is the owner of TaleTellers Fly Shop in downtown Lynchburg. Ethan explains why the intricacies of fly fishing, which is both an art and a science, is causing the hobby to explode in popularity. Fly fishing requires an understanding of ecosystems, and when an ecosystem changes, anglers are among the first to notice and act to protect it. TaleTellers Fly Shop has become a community hub for education and fellowship that is getting more people into the outdoors and connected with nature. Let's Go!
Mentioned Links

TaleTellers Fly Shop, Lynchburg: https://taletellersva.com/


Contact Ethan Martin: https://taletellersva.com/pages/contact-us


Visit Lynchburg: https://www.lynchburgvirginia.org/


Constitution Park, Waynesboro: https://www.waynesboro.va.us/215/Constitution-Park


Shenandoah National Park Fishing: https://home.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fishing.htm


George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Fishing: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/fishing


James River Fishing – Upper and Middle River: https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/james-river-upper-middle/


James River Fishing – Tidal Area: https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/james-river-tidal/


Smith Mountain Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake

Washington Post Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/hunting-pastime-spikes-during-pandemic-conservationists-are-glad-heres-why/2021/01/08/d0342dfa-3e5c-11eb-8bc0-ae155bee4aff_story.html


Onx Hunting App: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt-app



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“I don't want anyone to think you have to purchase all these things to be a part of a community of people who are enjoying the outdoors. You don’t need to buy a bunch of stuff to enjoy all of the beauty Virginia has to offer. But for me, making this investment is useful because it's not just a hobby or an activity, it's now my lifestyle.” – Michelle Millben

How do YOU plan to adventure in the New Year? Today’s guest, Michelle Millben, has resolved to spend more time in the outdoors and is gearing up for her next adventure. Michelle shares her experience shopping for the basics and discusses how to choose gear that is right for you. Be sure to check out the show notes for a listing of local outfitters and consignment shops across Virginia. Let’s Go!

Links Mentioned:

Second Ascent Outdoor Gear and Clothing Consignment, Arlington: http://www.secondascentconsignment.com/photos.html


High Tor Gear Exchange, Charlottesville: https://shop.hightorgearexchange.com/


Trail Hut Gear Exchange, Richmond: https://thetrailhut.com/


Great Outdoor Provision Co., Charlottesville/Virginia Beach: https://greatoutdoorprovision.com/


Rockfish Gap Outfitters, Waynesboro: https://www.rockfishgapoutfitters.com/


Walkabout Outfitters, Richmond/Harrisonburg/Lexington/Roanoke/Blacksburg: https://www.walkaboutoutfitter.com/


WornWear: https://wornwear.patagonia.com/


REI: https://www.rei.com/


Kuhl: https://www.kuhl.com/


Patagonia: https://www.patagonia.com/home/


Oboz: https://obozfootwear.com/


Merrell: https://www.merrell.com/US/en/home


Chacos: https://www.chacos.com/US/en/home


Osprey: https://www.osprey.com/us/en/


Danskin: https://danskin.com/


Sky Meadows State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows


Mason Neck State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck


Virginia State Parks: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/


Mount Pleasant: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/mount-pleasant-scenic-area/


Stoney Man Summit: https://gohikevirginia.com/hike-little-stony-man-cliffs-stony-man-summit/



Michelle Millben:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explanationkids


Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjmesq | https://twitter.com/explanationkids


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.millben/


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemillben/


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Milly1776



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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia_outdoor_adventures/


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“Being outside is really important for our mental and physical health. Birding is a great way to get out and see something new. I really love getting into the stories of how I find some of these crazy rare birds or unusual birds because it's really about the adventure. And because birds fly, you never know what you're going to get.” – Matt Felperin
Today’s episode comes with a warning - you may get hooked. Birding has recently surged in popularity as people crave safe engagement with nature. Matt Felperin, Nova Park’s Roving Naturalist, describes the adventure in birding, including exploring habitats, discovering new species, chasing rarities and simply finding joy and respite in birds. Matt also discusses an increasing diversity in the hobby, conservation, community science, and how to get started identifying the birds in your backyard. And yes, we also talk about Virginia’s very rare (and super adorable) avian celebrity from Greenland that has everyone in a frenzy.

Links Mentioned:

NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVAParksNaturalist


Roving Naturalist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.roving.naturalist/


Matt Felperin Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Matt_felperin_photography


Matt Felperin Photography: https://mfelperinphoto.wixsite.com/home


Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks): https://www.novaparks.com/


Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows


Friends of Huntley Meadows Park: http://friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/


eBird: https://ebird.org/home


American Birding Association: https://www.aba.org/


Woodcock adult and chicks walking: https://shorturl.at/H3789


Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count


Gravely Point Park: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/gravelly-point.htm


George Washington National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj


Monongahela National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/home


Reddish Knob: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/reddish-knob


Audubon Bird Guide App: https://www.audubon.org/app


Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home


Merlin Bird App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/


Nikon Pro Staff 3 Binoculars: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/binoculars/index.page


Plant Nova Natives: https://www.plantnovanatives.org/


Audubon At Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home


Audubon Chapters in Virginia: https://www.audubon.org/about/audubon-near-you


Northern Virginia Bird Club: http://nvabc.org


Virginia Society of Ornithology: https://www.virginiabirds.org


IDEA Birders of MD and DC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IDEABirdersMDDC


Upton Hill Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/upton-hill-regional-park


Lets Go Birding Together (LGBT): https://www.audubon.org/news/lets-go-birding-together


Black Birders Week: https://www.audubon.org/news/black-birders-week-promotes-diversity-and-takes-racism-outdoors


Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship Fund: www.marylandbirds.org


Potomac Overlook Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park


Algonkian Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park


Bull Run Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-regional-park


Pohick Bay Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/pohick-bay-regional-park



Bird Species Mentioned:
Osprey, Prothonotary Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Sora, Clapper Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Snowy Owl, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, House Finch, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Golden Eagle, White-throated Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler Northern Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodp