Imagine it was August 1963, you are at the local Watermelon Park in Clarke County.
A black sedan pulls up and the legendary man in black steps out, could you believe your eyes?
He wants to test a new song, a song that is on the top 100 Greatest Country Hits now.
Shenandoah River State Park reminds you to get outside and explore the beauty of nature during National Trails Day!
Whether you’re hiking a favorite path or discovering a new one, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the trails that make our parks special.
To celebrate, they are hosting a self-guided Forest Finds Scavenger Hunt that will lead you to some of their favorite spots in the park.
Along the way, you may discover wild blueberries, an eagle’s nest, unique rock outcroppings, and other natural treasures.
When: Saturday, June 6
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to pick up your scavenger hunt sheet.
For more information, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Nestled at the northern edge of Front Royal, Virginia, where the North and South Forks of the majestic Shenandoah River converge, lies a hidden gem of history and architecture: the Riverton Historic District. This picturesque community, which predates its current town name, is a fascinating slice of the Shenandoah Valley’s industrial and transportation past.
Samuel Carson, an Irish immigrant who established the dominant Carson Lime Company in Riverton in 1868, commissioned this home as a physical symbol of his success. The location, overlooking the booming industrial center he helped create at the confluence of the Shenandoah River’s forks, was a statement in itself.
The Town of Front Royal is requesting voluntary water conservation from all residents using the municipal water system due to significantly low river levels.
The flow rate of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River has dropped below a critical threshold of 400 cubic feet per second, triggering a conservation request under the Town’s state water permit.
What You Can Do:
The Town also suggests simple changes like taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Your cooperation is vital as the community manages its water resources during this period of low river flow.
For questions, please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 540-636-7474.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day?
Head to Warren County this Sunday, June 16th, and make memories with Dad doing what he loves most!
Whether he’s an outdoor adventurer, a golf enthusiast, or a thrill-seeker ready to jump from the sky, Warren County has it all.
Hike the trails in Shenandoah National Park, kayak or fish the scenic Shenandoah River, or enjoy a mouthwatering meal with mountain views at a local eatery.
And if Dad’s more of a treasure hunter? Explore antique shops and local markets for unique finds.
This Father’s Day give Dad more than a gift. Make memories, right here in Warren County.
Christendom College shared an official statement following the recent concerns and questions raised around the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality notice sent last year.
In the statement, Christendom said they responded to the notice and now meet all obligations outlined by the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
In an accompanying FAQ sheet, Christendom noted that the school had no knowledge of the incident which led to the lack of notification to the DEQ.
Christendom also removed the sludge by hand from the stormwater ditch and claimed the sludge did not reach the Shenandoah River.
In response, the college constructed a new stand-alone clarifier approved by the DEQ to remove solid particles from the discharge.
Long term solutions are still being explored including the relocation of the outfall and connection to the Front Royal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
To read the full statement, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), will conduct targeted aerial spraying this spring to manage spongy moth caterpillar populations at Shenandoah River and Seven Bends State Parks.
Formerly known as the European gypsy moth, the spongy moth is an invasive species that poses a serious threat to Virginia’s hardwood forests, particularly oak trees.
Left untreated, the caterpillars can cause severe defoliation, weakening trees and leaving them vulnerable to disease and death.
To combat the spread of spongy moths, crews will treat 1,352 acres across the two State Parks using a low-flying helicopter to apply Bacillus Thuringiensis Kurstaki (BTK).
BTK is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that targets caterpillars while remaining safe for humans, pets, wildlife, plants, and pollinators.
BTK doesn’t harm painted surfaces and washes off easily with soap and water.
Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have approved its use for spongy moth control.
Weather permitting, the treatment will take place between April 24 and May 2, 2025.
Once the spray date is confirmed, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will share updates through park signage, entrance handouts, websites, and social media.
Both parks will stay open during spraying, although some trails may close temporarily for safety.
Visitors should check the parks’ websites or call ahead for the latest trail information.
Overnight facilities are not located within the treatment zones and will remain fully operational.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
The flooding of the Shenandoah River due to Helene was expected to crest and has begun to recede according to the United States Geological Survey.
The flood waters have created a unique look at Harpers Ferry where the Shenandoah converges with the less affected Potomac River.
This convergency has created a distinct line between the two rivers as shown by the Journal newspaper.
The Shenandoah brought in mud and debris from the flood and it hit the less affected claimer waters of the Potomac which created the separation.
The Shenandoah has gone from one extreme to the other over the summer from drought conditions to flood waters.
The Potomac on the other hand was in drought stage early and was less affected by the heavy rains of Helene .
The Shenandoah River has begun to recede but caution is still recommended for any kind of water activity on the river.
A unique video of the phenomenon from Wondering Out Younder is found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
The flooding caused by Helene kept fire fighters and rescue workers across the region busy working water rescue the weekend of September of the 27.
Page County reports a swift water rescuers brought 14 people off the Shenandoah River.
That first incident left 13 campers stranded on a small island off Alger Road Rileyville.
The campers were between a backwash which became filled with swift water that was continuing to rise.
All those campers were rescued and taken to safety by power boats operated by swift water rescue teams.
Luray Fire and Rescue reports that they took a call involving a camper trapped near River Water Drive.
Boat 70 was able to take that stranded camper to safety.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. another call for help came from the Page Valley area.
On arrival crews found a man trapped in his vehicle by rising water.
A paddle craft was successfully able to take that man to safety.
In those instances, Luray, Page, and Shenandoah crews assisted in each incident.
Warren County Fire and Rescue reports 3 separate water rescue with more details to come.
There were some attempting to kayak the swollen Shenandoah River.
Authorities are strongly discouraging any kind of river activity as the Shenandoah River will continue to rise in the immediate future.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
