Claude Moore Park

Claude Moore Park, with its woods, fields and lakes, is prime for exploration. The area has something to offer year-round with bright colors of neotropical migrants trickling through the treetops each spring, with winter bringing visitor species and a summer that gives way to fields of vibrant wildflowers. Check the summer ponds for dragonflies such as eastern amberwings, eastern pondhawks and slaty skimmers. Damselflies to search for include Rambur’s forktail and a range of bluets. Quiet observers may spot an American woodcock or a whip-poor-will along the trails.

When the summer begins to cool and the leaves begin to turn, many birds move south and some new visitors arrive. The bushes around the ponds host white-throated and white-crowned sparrows and the bare branches overhead have yellow-rumped warblers clambering through them. Palm warblers may add to the overall bird diversity. The woods nearby host clouds of American robins and small groups of cedar waxwings; this is also a good time for waterfowl as almost anything could drop in to the ponds. While you explore the park remember that you are not the only one watching the birds. Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks can often be seen streaking through the park, reducing the number of songbirds one at a time.

The Park is rich in both wildlife and history. Hike to the site of a Civil War signal station, walk an American Indian trail later used by 1200 soldiers under General Braddock’s command during the French and Indian War, enjoy a walking tour of the Lanesville Historic District or visit a Farm Museum (fee) on site. Vestal’s Gap Road and the Lanesville Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is listed on the Virginia Civil War Trail.