Bent Mountain Public Library

Description

Elevation: 2714 ft.

This former schoolyard contains a wonderful example of a high elevation bog. The Eagle Scout project boardwalk allows you to walk out into the midst of this wetland and see the wildlife of the bog close-up. Watch for orioles, sparrows, swallows and Louisiana waterthrush feeding amid the bog shrubs. Pay particular attention in the spring to how the red-winged blackbirds set up their territories throughout this wetland. Also in the spring, in the early evening, listen for the calls of spring peepers, chorus frogs and American toads. This open wet environment should be a great place to see damsel and dragonflies hunting amid the vegetation. Butterflies such as eastern tiger swallowtail, clouded skipper and painted lady should also be prevalent in these areas.

Directions

Physical Address: 10148 Tinsley Ln, Bent Mountain, VA 24059

From the Previous Site on the Roanoke Valley Loop of the VBWT:

From Happy Hollow Gardens, return to US 221 and turn right. Follow US 221 South for 4.9 miles to the top of Bent Mountain. Turn right onto Tinsley Road/Rt. 711. Follow Tinsley Road for 1.3 miles to the Bent Mountain Public Library on the left. The boardwalk into the bog is behind the library just off the gravel-walking trail.