One of our most common questions around the holidays is, "Is Ivy Creek Natural Area open?" The answer is yes! ICNA is open every day, unless inclement weather has rendered the driveway/parking lot impassable. If you need to get out for a bit of fresh air over the holiiday season, ICNA is here for you.

Photo: Bob Gore

It's deer hunting season. HUNTING IS PROHIBITED IN IVY CREEK NATURAL AREA. That being said, hunters may be present on adjacent property or accidentally cross over into ICNA. For that reason, it's prudent to wear bright colors when hiking this time of year.

Ivy Talks are coming back! Due to the pandemic, this spring's talks will be held on Zoom. As before, they will be on second Sundays at 2 PM in February, March, and April. More details to come.

Photo: A still from "Bees and Beekeeping in Today's World" with Ken and Karen Hall. You can find videos of this and other talks linked from our Ivy Talks page.

We are thrilled and grateful to welcome W. Douglas Gilpin, Jr., Architect, as a corporate sponsor! Mr. Gilpin specializes in historic preservation/conservation/rehabilitation as well as custom new construction. His projects have received a number of awards, as well as write-ups in state and national publications. Check out his website at https://www.gilpinarchitect.com/.

Baby pileated woodpecker, May

During this holiday season, I need to take a moment to express my gratitude to the many people that make the Ivy Creek Foundation (ICF) such a special organization. Thank you to the Board of Directors for providing their leadership. Thank you to our dedicated staff, Catherine and Rochelle.

Thank you to the many ICF partners. The County of Albemarle and City of Charlottesville have been great partners. I want to especially thank the team from Albemarle County Parks and Recreation. They have been extremely supportive with the Farmhouse stabilization project. They were also determined to keep ICNA open during this pandemic by hiring Ambassadors to encourage social distancing for visitors.

Thank you to the volunteers that keep the trails open, fill the bird feeders, remove invasive plants, research River View Farm, take photos documenting the majesty of this natural area, and to the hundreds of other volunteers that go above and beyond maintaining and honoring this site. Your work is truly appreciated. I also need to thank the volunteers that share their talents with ICF by serving on committees. Your tireless efforts and passion for ICF are truly inspiring.

Thank you to all the members and donors who have made a financial contribution to us this year. 50% of our annual funding is dependent on your gifts. Therefore, your ongoing partnership with ICF allows us to continue preserving River View Farm and maintaining this culturally rich and scenic natural site. Please consider your gift as an investment that will improve your health and well-being, along with the health and well-being of your community. We are appreciative of you and your contribution. Thank you for your support as we continue this mission of connecting people to the past and present by honoring the land, history, and community.

I wish for a healthy and happy holiday season for you and your family!

Warm regards,

Executive Director