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PETE'S PICKS
 It's December, which means we can now officially begin talking about the holiday season, whether it's Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, etc. There's nothing that irritates me more than hearing Christmas songs before I've finished my Thanksgiving turkey.
If you're looking for some ideas for this weekend, here's a few to help get you in the spirit.
Nothing beats a "fresh" Christmas tree - there's just something special about the evergreen smell; and nothing beats cutting down your own tree. There are a lot of tree farms in the area to choose from, so find one near you and make a day of it. Here's our recommendation:
- Head to the town of Floyd for lunch. I recommend Micky G's Bistro or Odd Fellows Cantina. Be sure to stop by the Floyd Country Store for American Afternoons.
- After lunch hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head to milepost 154. Here you'll find the trailhead for the Smart View Trail. This easy three-mile, loop hike will get the blood flowing and get you ready for the some tree cutting.
- Continue north on the Parkway for a few miles until you see signs for Thompson Tree Farm. Here you'll find the perfect tree.
Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
Around here we get pretty excited come Christmas time. It's the one time a year when the odds of us getting a new piece of outdoor gear are pretty good. We've combined a list of gift ideas that would appeal to just about any outdoor enthusiast. And in the spirit of supporting local businesses, we've identified local shops where you can purchase these items. Yes it's easier to purchase online, but there's something special about supporting your local outdoor shop.
FOR THE HIKER... 
Let There Be Light
The Spot features a 90 Lumen Triple Power LED, and two Single Power LED's with up to a 250 hr burn time on minimal settings. Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, active dimming, flashing strobe, red night vision and lockout (lock the light to prevent turning it on in your pocket or bag)! The spot weighs in at a scant 3.17 oz (including three AAA batteries) and won't lighten your pockets at only $39.99. This is the best bang for the buck headlamp we have ever seen!
Continue reading to view our gift ideas for runners, cyclists, anglers, and more>>>
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SLOW FOOD IN OUR SCHOOLS
Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, Roanoke City Public Schools, and the City of Roanoke have partnered to create Food for Thought, a program focused on sustainable gardening, green lifestyle choices, the use of urban land for small scale vegetable gardening, and careers in related fields.
In  many urban school systems, children are unfamiliar with the sources and experience of food. They may understand food primarily as the processed products they receive in the cafeteria, in their lunchboxes, or from vending machines. In families that are rushed for time, with busy parents and overbooked kids, the concept of the family dinner, of spending time each day sitting down together to enjoy a meal, simply doesn't exist. Students may not even understand where food comes from, having never visited a family farm or farmer's market. By reintroducing students to food as an experience and educational opportunity, they will gain an appreciation for the many important ways it affects our lives, community, and even economy. Food for Thought will provide an innovative and rich learning environment for students. Through the work they perform in their own school garden, all the way through the process of harvesting their produce and preparing and sharing healthy meals, students will gain valuable life skills and a broader, applied knowledge of agriculture, science, and wellness. Continue reading to learn more about Food for Thought - an edible education partnership>>>
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URANIUM MINING POSES DANGERS
via Roanoke Times columnist Dan Casey...
Rupert Cutler is anything but a wild-eyed radical. The Michigan native holds a doctorate in resource development. He's a former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has spent much of his career in the field of wildlife management.
He came to Roanoke in 1991 to direct Explore Park. When that project fizzled, Cutler and his wife, Gladys, stuck around. He founded the Western Virginia Land Trust, has been active in preserving Carvins Cove from development and served two stints on the city council. Cutler is also a longtime member of the Roanoke Kiwanis Club. Around here, that's pretty much a badge of moderation and civic responsibility. There's not a single crazy hippie in the whole bunch. He showed up at the Roanoke City Council on Monday and raised some concerns about a project certain folks in Pittsylvania County are eager to get under way. It's a uranium mine north of Chatham called Coles Hill, where there's an estimated 119 million pounds of the stuff. Virginia uranium mining has been prohibited since 1982 by action of the General Assembly. But Virginia Uranium Inc. and its associated companies (some of which already have been shut down in parts of Canada) are eager to get that moratorium lifted. Continue reading Dan's article>>>
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THE GREAT TREES OF ROANOKE
By guest blogger Izzy Woods.
The simple act of observation is one of life's greatest pleasures, yet one that is often overlooked. Even those who love the outdoors often under-appreciate one of nature's greatest achievements - the quietly magnificent tree. For anyone who cares to look, Roanoke is filled with outstanding specimens - noteworthy due to their longevity, behemoth-like proportions or rare beauty.
Roanoke has a longstanding affection for its trees. A white oak (Quercus alba) lived happily in the middle of the road on Carolina Avenue in South Roanoke for four centuries before falling on August 27, 2005. Out of the respect for the veteran, a new white oak was planted in the same place the year after with a plaque honoring its predecessor, which 'was mighty and beloved'.
Japanese Magnolia
At Elmwood Park, near the intersection of Elm Avenue and Jefferson Street stands a wonderful example of what is commonly called a Japanese magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora). The tree was brought to the park from Japan by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry in 1854. The Commodore, who had created the first trade relations with Japan, presented the sapling to Colonel William Peyton, who subsequently planted it in his land - but what is now Elmwood Park. The tree blooms profusely in early spring, producing large pinkish purple flowers.
Continue reading>>>
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Upcoming events to keep your eye oN
- Weekly bike rides throughout Roanoke & NRV Valley
- Weekly ultimate frisbee pickup games (Sundays & Wednesdays)
- Hikes too numerous to list
- Monday Bike Polo
- Tuesday Tune Ups
- Sharp Top Trail Maintenance - 12/10
- Jingle Bell Run/Walk - 12/10
- Horseback Trail Ride - 12/10
- Treasure Hunt Letter Boxing - 12/11
- Family Intro to Caving Trip - 12/17
- Land of Goshen Hike - 12/17
- Kayak Skills Course - 12/18
- Cascades Trail Hike - 12/18
- Christmas Eve Fun Run/Walk - 12/24
- Blue Ridge Marathon & Half Marathon - 4/21/12
- Roanoke Twilight Criterium - 4/21/12
- YMCA Kids Marathon - 4/21/12
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Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org
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