PETE'S PICKS
 With Christmas a little less than two weeks away I have no doubt that you have very little free time. If you're like me, your time will be spent running from one holiday gathering to the next while trying to sneak away to buy some presents. We've become a time-deprived society and internet shopping tends to make our lives easier. But this holiday I encourage you to support our local outdoor businesses by making an extra effort to buy local.
What three locally owned-businesses would you miss if they closed their doors? Stop in, say hello, and make a purchase. It's our local purchases that keep these businesses afloat. Supporting local businesses preserves the economic diversity of our communities and the unique character of our neighborhoods. And economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
So let's all do our part to support local businesses and, in the process, help keep our community unique. Happy Holidays! Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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VISIT A BIRDING HOTSPOT IN ROANOKE
 The Roanoke Regional Water Pollution Control Plant is one of the hidden birding gems in the Roanoke Region. It is one of the best birding locations around and is one of the primary stopover locations for migrating birds.
Species including killdeer, great crested flycatchers, and yellow-headed blackbirds can be spotted regularly from this location. In all more than 242 species have been spotted from the plant, including 62 percent of the birds native to Virginia. There are two viewing platforms on site. Birders can also walk along paths within plant along the Roanoke River. But you do need a permit to visit and check out the wildlife. Single-day and permanent passes are available. Just fill out the online application and return it to the WPC Plant Administration Office on Brownlee Avenue.
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TREE STEWARD?
 Tree stewards are a group of trained volunteers that are charged with promoting and protecting the health of Roanoke's urban forest. And now is the time to join the program. The next round of training for the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Tree Steward Program begins on Jan. 7 and registration is open. Roanoke Urban Forestry Planner Helen Smythers says the city's Tree Stewards represent a wide variety of ages and backgrounds, with one thing in common: "They all share a love of trees." The tree steward course includes 30 hours of combined classroom sessions and two-hands on training classes. Each steward will also complete 30 hours of volunteer work in his or her first year to complete the course. After the first year, stewards are asked to volunteer 20 hours per year. Find out more about becoming a tree steward and how to sign up >>>
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| YOU CAN DO IT: 100 MILES IN 100 DAYS
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NEW BOAT LANDING COMING TO JAMES RIVER
 In just a few short months, another public boat landing will open in Botetourt County.
The site in the Gala community is the second public boat landing to be constructed for the Upper James River Water Trail in the past year.
Construction of the site will begin in January and is expected to be open to the public by April. In addition to providing easy road access from Route 220, the site will contain gravel parking for approximately 20 vehicles and a hand carry boat ramp to place canoes, kayaks and small Jon-boats into Sinking Creek which flows into the James River.
Find out more about the new boat landing in Gala >>>
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KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY
This week you may see a falling star or two as the 2012 Geminid meteor shower becomes visible. The peak nights are tonight through Saturday. You best chance of seeing action is in the hours right after midnight. You can read more about the meteor shower from EarthSky.
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Here's a New Year's resolution for you: Walk, run, pedal or paddle a 100 miles in 100 days.
