Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing near Roanoke has been named to Outside magazine's annual "Best Places to Work" list for the second year in a row. Wilderness Adventure was ranked No. 15 of 50 selected companies (up from #25 in 2010).  

Outside's "Best Places to Work" list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association (outdoorindustry.org) and Best Companies Group (bestcompaniesgroup.com). The year-long selection process began with an outreach effort that identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. Participating companies were then sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. All of the results were analyzed by Best Companies Group experts, who selected the 50 companies that strive to enhance their employees' enjoyment of active endeavors, and environmental and social involvement.

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers a unique summer wilderness youth program and a one-of-a-kind experience for groups from corporations, weddings, colleges, churches and others. Located on more than 500 acres in the Blue Ridge mountains near New Castle, Va., outside Roanoke, Wilderness Adventure features such activities as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, camping, canoeing, rappeling, caving, mountain biking and more, including a rock-climbing wall and 900-foot zip line.  

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 Now anyone can get in on the action.  For $35 you can be part of the grand finale...and take a shot at winning a share of the $10,000 worth of prizes (kayaks, gear, even cash).

An eco-friendly bass fishing tournament that features human-powered boats and catch-and-release practices is stopping in the Roanoke Region, giving anglers a chance to explore the area's lakes and rivers.

The national 2011 River Bassin' Tournament Trail, with stops in 12 locations across the United States, will hold its finale on Sept. 10, including a celebratory wrap-up event at Roanoke County's Green Ridge Recreation Center.

This up-and-coming national tournament is drawing anglers for its unique approach. At each stop competitors fish rivers and lakes of their choice then take photos of their catch on a ruler device before releasing fish back into water. They then bring their camera's memory card to determine the winner based on a three-fish combined length. Only paddle-powered boats are allowed (kayaks, canoes, SUP, etc.). Any angler can participate in the Roanoke stop (you do not have to participate in other tournament stops).

This new twist on fishing tournaments is growing in popularity, and the Roanoke Region's pristine rivers and its reputation as a premier outdoor lifestyle region combine to make this an exciting last stop for the Bassin' Tournament. The tournament features a lake and river division. Lake bassers can choose from Smith Mountain, Claytor, and Philpott Lakes and Carvins Cove while river anglers can choose any river within 60 miles, with the James and New rivers expected to be the most popular.

Prizes are awarded in three divisions - avid angler, casual angler and young river bassers. The avid anglers will compete in a separate tournament in Roanoke, with the top 10 anglers competing for the title "River Basser of the Year".

The tournament raises money for the ALS Foundation. Partners for the tournament include Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, Franklin County, Botetourt County and Giles County.

Learn more about the tournament at: www.riverbassintrail.com/roanoke.