Nature Inspires: 6th Annual Appalachian Trail Art Show

by Sean Lloyd | Feb 16, 2023 | events

Are you looking for inspiration? Perhaps you’ll find it in the artists of all ages who submitted their work to the 6th Annual Round Hill Appalachian Trail Art Show.

You might be wondering, why does Round Hill have an A.T. art show in the first place? Well, since Round Hill became an official A.T. Community, we’re committed to promoting and protecting the A.T. and all the other beautiful green spaces that surround our town. One way we do this is by helping people see the beauty of nature.

And let me tell you, the wealth of talent and creativity among our local artists is truly remarkable. They’ve captured the beauty of the A.T. and the wild nature all around us in their stunning works. Every year, the show keeps getting better, and we’re proud to showcase the amazing talent in our community.

You can see this year’s art show in person at the Round Hill Arts Center through March 12th, or you can view entries in the online gallery on our website. And if you’re feeling inspired, why not participate in our “People’s Choice” competition? Visit the Arts Center or go online to select up to five works that you think best capture the spirit of the Appalachian Trail and the beauties of nature. The winners will be displayed at the upcoming Round Hill/Hillsboro Appalachian Trail Festival on June 10th:

So what makes you want to “get outside”? Is it the feeling of the sun on your face, the smell of fresh pine, or the sound of a babbling brook? Whatever it may be, we hope the Round Hill A.T. Festival can help you connect with nature and find your inspiration.

Volunteer Day at Sleeter Lake Park

by Sean Lloyd | Mar 7, 2019 | events

An announcement from Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a fantastic local nonprofit organization that selected Sleeter Lake Park for a special project to further extended the vision of making the park a sanctuary for all of us. Feel free to share this post or their flyer.

• What: Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains is sponsoring a tree planting event 
• Where: Sleeter Lake Park, Lakefield Road (Route 791), Round Hill 
• When: 10:00 am Saturday, March 23; Rain/inclement weather date: March 30 
• What: Plant 1½ to 2 inch caliper trees (donated by Meadows Farms Nurseries) into predug holes 
• Provided: Instructions and tools for planting; refreshments 
• Information: info@friendsofblueridge.org for registration and additional information

Thanks to donations from our members, Friends is sponsoring a collaborative project to enhance Sleeter Lake Park, western Loudoun County’s newest recreational park in Round Hill. Our partners include Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC), Loudoun County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA), and the Town of Round Hill. Friends is providing an environmentally friendly master plan for the park based on a design by James Remuzzi of Sustainable Solutions. 

Meadows Farms Nurseries also donated 20 trees for the project. LWC is developing a pollinator meadow with native plants and shrubs. LCMGA has identified existing mature trees along paths through the woods and assisted in the selection of indigenous trees to plant along the paths that connect existing and future park amenities. 

Meadows Farms Nurseries also donated 20 trees for the project. LWC is developing a pollinator meadow with native plants and shrubs. LCMGA has identified existing mature trees along paths through the woods and assisted in the selection of indigenous trees to plant along the paths that connect existing and future park amenities.

The paths will employ earth stabilization and best management practices by incorporating erosion control and water retention/filtration methods on the slopes leading to the lake.

Other improvements planned for Sleeter Lake Park include an outdoor classroom for teaching environmental stewardship, a viewing platform, pollinator gardens and meadow, picnic areas, benches, rest rooms, and fishing pads along the lake.