Montpelier hosts Big Woods walk April 6

Contributed
Published: April 3, 2008

James Madison’s Montpelier will host a guided tour of the James Madison Landmark Forest, a 200-acre old-growth forest, on Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Montpelier horticulturist Sandy Mudrinich will take participants on a 90-minute journey through the Landmark Forest, also known as the “Big Woods.”
The trees in the forest are up to 250 years old and range in size up to 60 inches in diameter. The undisturbed forest floor harbors a diverse population of wildlife and is rich with native plant species. The Big Woods, a remnant of the original hardwood forests that once blanketed the Piedmont, was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1987 by the U.S. Department of Interior. With tours scheduled in winter, spring, summer and fall, visitors can experience the beauty of the old-growth forest in each of the four seasons.
In addition to the quarterly guided walks through the Montpelier Forest, a series of interlocking self-guided forest trails, including a handicapped accessible segment, are open to the public at all times. These self-guided trails, almost two miles in length, are available to Montpelier visitors whenever the property is open.
No additional charge above standard admission fee is charged for The “Big Woods Walk” on April 6. For information, please call 540-672-2728. Walk participants should meet in the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2 p.m.