Survival Skills
Ever wonder what you would do if you got lost or injured out in the middle of nowhere?
Botetourt is an outdoorsy place. We have miles upon miles of hiking trails, and we’re surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. As fun as it is to hike the wilderness (or at least somewhat away from civilization), it can be scary, too. It’s easy to get lost, even easier to get hurt, and help may be far away.
Don’t let that reality check keep you from exploring the great outdoors. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge and skills ahead of time so you can be prepared for the unthinkable.
First, drop by one of the library’s Survival & Safety Skills classes, led by the Botetourt County Search and Rescue Team. They’ve seen it all, and they know the most common mistakes hikers make and how to prevent them, as well as the riskiest places to go in the county. Learn how to be well prepared on the trail, and what to do if you get stranded in the woods. The Search and Rescue Team will offer two sessions: Thursday, June 2, 6:30 p.m., at the Blue Ridge Library, and Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m., at the Eagle Rock Library. You’ll love meeting this courageous team, hearing their rescue stories and learning from their experiences.
So far, so good. But how can you dive deeper into survival in the woods?
Obviously, you need food to survive – and the wilderness is full of food sources. Unfortunately, those of us who grew up around packaged food in grocery stores are unlikely to recognize them! Come to the Blue Ridge Library on Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. to learn how to forage for food. Bruce Ingram, the local author of “Eating Locavore,” will highlight wild edibles you can find in your own backyard or while hiking. Learn how to spot a delicious-looking mushroom that’s safe to eat and which ones are poisonous to humans, among a multitude of other plants. You’ll be surprised how well stocked your backyard grocery is! These plants are packed full of nutrition and make great additions to your normal meals, even when you’re not relying on them for survival.
Ingram will also be at the Fincastle Library on Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m. to take everyone on a virtual tour of the James River, one of Botetourt County’s most beautiful natural resources. Ingram is well versed in the river’s history, access, fisheries, seasons, and more. Whether you’ve floated the James many times or never stepped a toe in it, you’ll learn something new and be inspired by this great discussion. Bring your questions and get tips for the best river experience possible. Bonus: everyone who attends the program will have an opportunity to win an inflatable kayak!
Don’t forget that the library also has a wide variety of books on wilderness survival skills, backyard foraging, hiking trails, and much more. Grab a few to read so you can stay safe as you enjoy Botetourt’s incredible natural resources.
Book sale Saturday in Buchanan
The Friends of the Buchanan Library will be holding a “It’s in the Bag Sale” on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Carson Memorial Rescue Squad Building. There is a large selection of hardbacks and paperback books, vintage books, CDs, books on tape, videos, and yard sale items to choose from at $2 per bag.
The Carson Building is located across from the fire department at 19673 Main Street in Buchanan.
Eagle Rock Friends of the Library meet June 8
Eagle Rock Friends of the Library will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 8.
Anyone interested in volunteering and fundraising on behalf of the Eagle Rock Library is invited to attend. New leadership roles will be discussed and voted upon.