FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 06/07/2022
Contact: Lindsey Keen Felty
Outreach Manager
https://asdevelop.org
lfelty@asdevelop.org
276-623-1121
DUFFIELD, Va. – Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), Thompson Charitable Foundation, SWVA Sportsmen and Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure are launching an Apiary and Pollinator project on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10am at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, VA 24614. The event is free and will feature speakers, a tour of the apiary and pollinator garden and a ribbon cutting. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.
This project has been in the works for more than a year and is the vision of multiple partners interested in working together for the good of the community, SWVA and the region. Partners involved in bringing this project to completion include: Thompson Charitable Foundation who funded the site installation, the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors and IDA who own the land and allow its use through a land use agreement, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and The Woods, Waters, and Wildlife Educational Foundation who provided technical assistance/planning and SWVA Sportsmen who provided the manual labor to clear the land, build elk and bear-proof enclosures and plant a variety of native pollinators.
“Without bees and pollination, the world we live in would drastically change. They are such an important part of our ecosystem, that we need to educate people about them. This project provides an opportunity to do that in a safe learning environment,“ explains John Taylor, Director of the SWVA Sportsmen.
The installation will be used for a variety of educational purposes and for visitor observation. With the opportunity to see a working apiary and pollinator plot year-round, visitors will be exposed to potential careers in agriculture, as well as the wonders of nature. Entrepreneurs that are interested in producing products like honey and syrups can now be more closely exposed to the impacts of seasons, pests and the nuances of production planning and market forecasting. The installation also helps establish additional sustainable wildlife that not only coincides with the outdoor recreation plan for Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, but also benefits the natural ecosystem.
“This opens the door for more sustainable development to take place, further diversifying Southern Gap’s wildlife and outdoor recreation,” comments, Matt Fields, Director of Marketing and Tourism for Buchanan County in Virginia.
About SWVA Sportsmen
The SWVA Sportsmen Action Committee is committed to establishing opportunities and events to promote shooting and archery education as well as archery and shooting sports. It promotes the establishment of areas/facilities in which to safely engage in shooting sports and archery for the public at large, school shooting teams, competitive events, law enforcement training/qualification, such as shooting/archery parks and facilities. It educates members and the public about gun safety, bow safety, sportsmanship, hunting ethics, habitat conservation and stewardship, the value of hunting ethics and wildlife management. Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/SWVASportsmen/.
About Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure
Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure is a campground with cabins and full hook-up pull through RV and tent sites nestled in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and located at the trailhead for the Spearhead Trails Coal Canyon ATV/OHV/Mountain Bike Trail. Overnight and day visitors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy easy access to ATV/OHV and mountain bike riding experiences, with connections to more than 200 miles or 7,900 acres! The trails lead into ATV-friendly towns like Grundy and Haysi. Elk viewing and guided elk tours are available seasonally.
In addition to campaign and outdoor activities a 7,500-square-foot visitor center offers video and wildlife displays; an observation deck featuring panoramic views of southwest Virginia’s beautiful mountain region; a gift shop featuring camping supplies, SGOA logo items; and local arts and crafts. For more information, visit: https://sgadventures.com/.
About Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD)
Living Better. Locally. It’s what drives ASD’s commitment to propel its mission to build a thriving regional food and agriculture system that creates healthy communities, respects the planet, and cultivates profitable opportunities for Appalachians. Since 1995, ASD has been working in Central Appalachia, providing hope, and making a difference for the people who call the region home. What began as opportunities for struggling tobacco farmers to grow fruits and vegetables have become lasting solutions to regional challenges that impact economic development, workforce development, food access, health, and wellness. Over the years, ASD has expanded its reach from northeast TN and southwest VA to include partners in WV, OH and KY, enabling the organization to bring resources back to the region. For more information, visit: https://asdevelop.org.
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