Corpse Botany Walk at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook

Join The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), and Sustainability Matters for a corpse botany walk at PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook to learn about native plant identification after meadow species have gone to seed!

Nature themed costumes are encouraged for this Halloween-day event. You will also be able to go home with a bag of seeds to plant in your own garden!

The Piedmont Memorial Overlook sits within a large block of privately and publicly protected land along the Blue Ridge Mountains that is a patchwork of forest, livestock pasture, and mountainous fields. The land was actively farmed from the late 18th century until the recent past, and was heavily grazed by cattle.

In 2012, PEC began an extensive restoration effort on the 50-acre parcel with funding from the USDA, first eliminating fescue and other non-native plants from the pasture, and then seeding native grasses and wildflowers. The property now serves as an active demonstration site for landowners who are interested in viewing habitat restoration practices.

The 15+ acre native meadow is home to songbirds, butterflies, raptors, bees and black bears. It was planted with 16 native wildflower species that provide forage for pollinators and habitat for grassland and shrubland birds. PEC manages the meadow using prescribed fire, late winter mowing, and invasive species monitoring.

Weather policy: This event will be held rain or shine, barring any adverse weather conditions.

What to wear: Dress for the weather, but fun, nature-themed costumes are highly encouraged! We will be walking through grass and tall vegetation.

What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, camera and binoculars.

* Please note that there are no restroom facilities available at the Overlook. Water and snacks will be available for attendees.

*Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets at this event.

Directions: We will email directions to registrants.

Photo credit Brooke McDonough, Virginia Working Landscapes.