Paul C. Edmunds, Jr. Memorial Park

Description

When finished, the Paul C. Edmunds Jr. Memorial Park will provide access to the fields and woods of the eastern side of South Boston. The central pond hosts a family of Canada geese, joined from time to time by great blue herons as they stop by for a snack of fish or frogs. The fields around the pond host eastern bluebirds and wintering sparrows while the hedges along the boundary camouflage the nests of northern cardinals and northern mockingbirds. Look in the taller woods to the west for downy woodpeckers and bright yellow pine warblers singing from the treetops. Check overhead for soaring turkey vultures and the occasional red-tailed hawk.

In spring and summer when the fields are filled with blooming wildflowers, check for male eastern tiger swallowtails patrolling for receptive females, as well as other butterflies such as clouded sulphurs and viceroy. Although often confused with monarchs, the marks of viceroy differ with a black line across the hindwing and a single row of white dots in the black marginal band.

Directions

Leaving Falkland Farms, continue west on Rt. 716/Wolf Trap Road for 7.1 miles to US 360/James D. Hagood Highway. Bear left (west) briefly, then go right (northwest) on Rt. 716/Dan River Church Road. After 0.2 miles on Rt. 716/Dan River Church Road, the park will be on the left.