Field Studies Institute

Living with Wildlife

April 19th 10 am - 5 pm
$50 members, $60 non-members

Our day will be divided between our two neighbors of greatest concern; Black bear and white-tailed deer. In the morning Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Black Bear Project Leader, Jaime Sadjecki will discuss life with our black bear neighbors. Jaime will teach us to better understand the bears as well as techniques for co-existing peacefully with them. Then in the afternoon, join us on an excursion to the home of Phil Stokes, President of the Jefferson Chapter of the Native Plant Society. Tour his Ivy garden as he shows us the plants and strategies he uses to deal with white-tailed deer.

Floating Classroom History on the River - SOLD OUT

MAY 31, 7:30 am - 4 pm
$70 members, $80 non-members

Float through history as we traverse a calm section of the James River, from Wingina to Howardsville, in a traditional flat-bottomed bateau piloted by Brian Roberts. Along the way enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and historic landmarks as we look into the way life was along the river.

Enjoy the lazy motion of the river on a Virginia summer day or heave to and grab an oar as you learn about the bateaux and their important role in the life and times past on the James.

Expressions of Nature

JUNE 14, 9 am - 3 pm
JUNE 15, 9 am - 12 pm
$120 members, $150 non-members
Breakfast and lunch provided

Experience a weekend of expressing the beauty and wonder of nature through art. Enjoy workshops at the Trillium House conducted by reknown local artists.

June 14th Painting Green Leaves
9 AM - 3 PM
Lara Call Gastinger, Chief Illustrator of the Flora Virginia Project, will teach the basics of how to paint with watercolors a simple yet challenging subject, such as a green leaf. Learn to mix greens, apply layers and keenly observe leaf venation and texture. Learning how to realistically paint a green leaf will add important observation and technical painting skills to the budding botanical artist and student.

June 15th Nature Journaling
9 AM - 12 PM
Nature Journalist Rhonda Roebuck will discuss techniques for documenting and displaying your experiences with nature. This fun half day workshop will use nature’s own inspiration to develop your creativity.

Lodging not included for workshop. Please contact Wintergreen Resort Reservations at 434-325-2200 for availability.

Lessons from the River - ONE SPACE LEFT (Please call 434-325-7473 for reservations)

JUNE 28, 9 am - 3 pm
$70 members, $80 non-members

Take a canoe trip down the Shenandoah River with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Aquatic Biologist Jason Hallacher. Jason will show us the techniques Aquatic Biologists use to study the health of our rivers and the communities that inhabit them. Learn about the variety of fish species and do a little catch and release fishing as we explore the issues affecting this river and why the fish populations in it are dwindling.