3/22-I’ve toured the home, the studio, and have been to events in the pavilion. All have been wonderful, but today I showed up for the Guided Woodland Hike. It is free and led by volunteer Virginia Master Naturalists and is held every last Sunday of the month. Check their website for confirmation. We had three volunteers that led a group of about 10 participants along the wooded trails. They filled us in on some history of the property, of which they were very knowledgeable, and pointed out plants, flowers and trees, animal tracks, the gravesites, pump house, natural springs and the water system designed for the home. They discussed native and invasive species as well as the transition of the forest as it moves from pines and cedars to mature hardwoods. The river is a beautiful part of the hike with a site of one of Gari Melcher’s paintings. This time of year is great for sightings of Bald Eagles, Hawks and Osprey. Plenty of wildflowers in the woods and manicured gardens by the house. The gift shop is impressive too!