Visitation and Land Use Policy
Statement of philosophy
The Blue Ridge Center is managed for its ecological and historical values. The protection of the ecology and the integrity of historical resources of the land guide all of our programs and land use. The garden and agricultural areas are as important ecologically as the forest, meadows and streams. Failure to follow our land use policies could have immediate and devastating effects on the entire season's crop in our garden. In addition, there are rare and threatened flora and fauna present on site.
All guests, volunteers, visitors, employees and contractors are required to adhere to our policies.
Removing plants, artifacts or any property from the Blue Ridge Center is prohibited:
The Blue Ridge Center is an educational resource that is actively under study. Old bottles, plates and other remnants of former inhabitants must be left where they lie. If you see something that may be of interest to researchers, please let us know where your saw it, but leave it alone. If you are concerned that a potential artifact may be damaged or lost if left alone, note the location and notify Blue Ridge Center personnel. Similarly, please do not pick flowers or remove plants, mushrooms, berries or other flora or fauna from the Blue Ridge Center. This includes antlers, skulls and bones. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Tobacco Use:
Smoking is prohibited within 100 yards of the garden fence, in the garden area itself, in any building (including sleeping cabins), and is strongly discouraged in other areas of the Blue Ridge Center land. This policy is necessary to protect our garden from tobacco-borne viruses and bacteria. They are carried on the hands of smokers, as well as in tobacco smoke. These viruses and bacteria are particularly damaging to farms such as ours.
Please keep in mind our Leave No Trace policy. DO NOT throw cigarette butts on the ground. Please dispose of them properly.
Pets:
All pets must remain on a leash at all times. This rule holds true in the forest as well as on the farm. Even a usually well-behaved dog may act unpredictably in the presence of wildlife or farm animals.
Pets may not stay overnight or accompany volunteers or workers. Guests who stay overnight at the Blue Ridge Center are not permitted to bring pets. If you are coming to the Center to volunteer or work, please do not bring your pet. You may bring your pet on a pleasure trip to the Center.
Camping:
Camping will only be in designated areas, utilizing Leave No Trace and Low Impact ethics. Principles of Leave No Trace: Plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impact; respect wildlife; be considerate of other visitors. For
more information, visit
http://www.lnt.org/ for a full list of leave no trace guidelines.
Driving vehicles to the campsite is prohibited except by special permission from the site manager.
Cooking fires are not allowed. Cooking will be done over stoves.
Be cautious of bears and other wildlife. Pack away food and trash at night.
Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings and above ground half barrels. No bonfires.
Firewood must be gathered from the designated wood piles. Do not collect from the forest.
Fresh drinking water is available from the above-ground spigot at the east side of the Demory Field.
Quiet hour begins at 9:00 pm and ends at 7:00 am. Lights out starts at 11:00 pm.
If you are interested in camping or renting a facility, please read and fill-out a rent application.
Fires and Firewood:
Ground fires and wood gathering are not allowed. Ground fires can sterilize the soil and leave unsightly fire rings, scarred rocks and unburned wood. If you come here as part of an organized camping group, we have fire pans for campfire use, provided you have brought your own wood. The gathering of dead and down wood on Blue Ridge Center property is prohibited. Before vacating your site, burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, thoroughly soak with water, then scatter the cold ashes.
If you are interested in camping or renting a facility, please read and fill-out a
rent application.
Bicycles and ATV's are not permitted on Blue Ridge Center trails.
No fishing, swimming, ice skating, or boating permitted in streams or ponds.
Recreational Drugs and Illegal Substances are not permitted at the Blue Ridge Center. One violation of this rule is grounds for instant dismissal and proper legal authorities may be notified.
Alcohol:
Alcohol (Beer and Wine only) is permitted only at organized, sanctioned events, under the laws of Virginia and Loudoun County.
Horses:
Horses must stay on established trails that are maintained thoroughly marked for their use. On multi-use trails, hikers yield the right-of-way to horses. Hikers should stop and move their body and pets to the side of the trail and allow horses to pass.
Only members of the United States Trail Ride, Inc (USTR). are permitted to ride horses on Blue Ridge Center property. Guest riders are not allowed - no exceptions. All riders must have their USTR member tag, visible, on their body or horse while on Blue Ridge Center property.
For more information please visit the United State Trail Ride, Inc. website at
www.ustrailride.org.