Lisa Sorrell
Lisa Sorrell
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Hungry Mother's Billings is ready to help people learn about 'tiny T. Rexes'
During an ornithology class, Gracie Billings and the other students learned the correct grip for handling birds and handy tactics, such as placing a stick in a cardinal's bill to keep them from chomping down on a hand.
Kernel the snake gets to spend time with Gracie Billings.
Billings has a deep appreciation for many facets of bird's lives.
Gracie Billings always admired birds, but her enthusiasm for the winged creatures reached a new level when she learned that they’re the world’s closest living relatives to dinosaurs.
“Watching these stunning, majestic creatures fly around, I never would have thought that they are a bunch of tiny T. Rexes,” Billings exclaimed.
This weekend, she’ll get to explore her fascination even more as she helps lead the Great Backyard Bird Count events at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion.
Billings serves as a Parks Interpreter/Education Support Specialist at Hungry Mother.
The position seems fitting for the young woman, who, while growing up in Rural Retreat, developed an affection for wildlife as she ran “wild on many acres of forested land.”
“I grew to appreciate nature over nearly anything else.”
That appreciation took her to Virginia Tech, where she worked toward a bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation. “I received a stellar education there, learning from some of the greatest minds in the wildlife field,” Billings said.
Yet, one class captured her imagination and heart.
“During college,” Billings said, “ornithology was the first class that really struck a chord with me when it comes to wildlife, so I have a special place in my heart for birds.”
That was fueled when an instructor taught students how to catch birds using mist-netting. The class spent hours catching and learning to hold birds safely.
“My heart grew fonder for these feathered creatures when I first got to hold one. Up close, their spunk and wit are magnified tenfold. I adore their ability to retain such beauty while also exuding confidence and strength.”
Billings also admires that birds “mate for life and take care of their young, meaning not only are they powerful, but they are kind. The main reason why I find myself so rooted in wildlife is because I would like to see myself the way I view so many animals. Birds are no exception to this idea.”
From special activities to carrying out daily duties, Billings’ work gives her regular opportunities to explore her passion for birds.
“We of course host the Great Backyard Bird Count and Life's Extras Birding Celebration, but we also participate in the Salty Bird Festival in Saltville and any other events in the area…. On a regular basis, we hold birding programs such as early morning hikes, crafts, and most popular our Owl Prowl where we search for these winged predators at night,” she said.
Beyond these scheduled events, Billings strives to bolster her knowledge regularly.
“Just today, we stopped by the water's edge to take a look at some Lesser Scaups [diving ducks with a distinctive blue bill], which are a fairly uncommon type of waterfowl here at the park. Not only is this a fun opportunity to see this bird, but it also helps me to become better at my job so I can be more prepared to educate the public. Birding is one of the largest outdoor hobbies in the world, so as an advocate for nature, it is my job to stay hip to what the public enjoys,” Billings said.
She wants people to know that “we live in one of the richest biodiversity spots in the world. While we may not boast the same number of birds as some tropical areas, we still have a massive amount of birds in our diverse ecosystem. People travel from all over to witness the wildlife of Southwest Virginia nestled in the Appalachian Mountains for a reason!”
Billings wants “to encourage people in our area to get out and look for any bird they can find. In our biodiversity hotspot, you never know what you might see!”
For those who just beginning to explore birdwatching, Billings wants them “to know that practice does make perfect. The small bits of time spent birding here and there do add up, so stick with it and you will become fluent in birding before you know it.”
Billings describes this coming weekend’s Great Backyard Bird Count as an extraordinary opportunity. (Please see a separate article.)
Participants “will have the chance to learn firsthand from some of the best birders in the area. While field guides and apps can be helpful, there is no better way to learn than through experienced pros who are passionate about what they do. Birding is quite a friendly community. Joining us for this event will not only provide you with skills, but you may also walk away with lifelong friends who share similar interests.”
Billings’ workplace holds a special place for her. Growing up in this area, she said, “…Hungry Mother State Park has always been my local hangout spot. I have spent countless hours of my life swimming, hiking, birding, and doing many other hobbies at this very park. I never truly realized the gem that this park is until I was old enough to travel to other parks. While all state parks are stunning, this one is truly special. There are not many places along the Appalachian Trail where you can find a beach centered in the mountains.”
When she saw the interpretive ranger position opening, Billings “applied without hesitation. This type of job is my dream position. I never dread going to work because I adore what I do. I spend my days educating the public, caring for native animals, and staying active while soaking in the views of this gorgeous environment.”
Eventually, she’d like to further her education and work in the wildlife rehabilitation field. “I would love to see myself aiding injured wildlife and giving them another chance at life. Until then, I am using my current position to expand my experience in that field.”
Billings said nearly every day she finds herself “caring for some sort of living being…. I live to care for others and see them thrive.”
She gives credit to another caring human for her opportunities.
“…I am not sure if I would have made it into this field if it were not for a caring counselor who helped me realize what I truly care about right before I left for college. I used to speak about my love for my pets (as well as Siberian Tigers) frequently, and this person, plain as day, made it clear to me that I was made for being in a field that nurtures life. I say this to let others know… there will always be one dream that tugs at your heartstrings, even if it isn't incredibly noticeable. When you get that tug, follow your dream because it may open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.”
Returning to birds, Billings reflected, “When it comes to my love for birds, I think that well is endless. I have found that my passion in life revolves around animals, but I am slightly biased towards a few groups -- especially birds.”
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Smyth leaders debate the future of Pathway Park in Chilhowie
A new study of Pathway Park near Chilhowie indicates that with the right industries potential exists for it to generate an economic impact in the millions of dollars. However, Smyth County officials who have seen the industrial park sit empty for the better part of 20 years wonder if a sports complex or another non-manufacturing use wouldn’t be a better use of the property.
The discussion surrounded a report on the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement’s assessment of industries and opportunities for Pathway Park.
Smyth County Community & Economic Development Director Kendra Hayden and the CECE’s Ashley Posthumus presented the study to the Board of Supervisors in January.
Hayden noted that a Wellspring Foundation grant paid for the study, which, she said, focused on the highest and best use of the 70-acre industrial park.
Posthumus explained that the study focused on the 46.2 acres of developable land.
The site boasts multiple services, including water, sewer, natural gas, power, and broadband. It also features easy access to the railroad and Interstate 81.
The assessment examined three industry types: Advanced Manufacturing, Food/Beverage and Agriculture, and Plastics and Chemical Manufacturing.
The final report said, “Across all scenarios, annual county tax revenue ranges from $310,000 to $900,000, with total economic output spanning $32 million to $100 million annually. Based solely on tax revenue, Smyth County’s $5.8 million public investment in Pathway Park would be recouped within five to ten years depending on the scenario.”
When asked about a non-industry use, Posthumus said it would produce only a fraction of the revenue and related impacts.
While the Park already offers many pluses, Posthumus said the entrance from U.S. 11 needs to be improved and water supplies need to be assessed. In moving ahead, she also said recruitment efforts should align with the industry types in the study.
Noting that he regularly drives by Pathway Park, Supervisor Jason Parris said that like most other Smyth Countians he gets frustrated with it continuing to sit empty after so long.
Smyth County acquired the park in 2008. Parris questioned putting more money into it.
He also questioned how much a new park entrance would help, noting traffic would still be going through a residential neighborhood and negotiating a railroad crossing.
Since 2012, Smyth County has invested $5,160,301 through a Tobacco Commission Mega Site grant and $611,054 through GO Virginia and Tobacco Commission funding.
Hayden advised the supervisors, “Economic development is a long game.”
She also said that she’s working with three prospects and would be traveling to Atlanta the following week to meet with one of the businesses.
Parris said he’d love to see a major industry move in, but he also wanted to be realistic.
“Where are the people going to live?” he asked.
Smyth County doesn’t have 500 people looking for work so some employees for a new industry would be pulled from existing businesses, Parris reflected.
Supervisor Roscoe Call urged caution saying that the highly commercial Exit 7 area sat vacant for sale for 50 years. “It’s normal,” he cautioned. “Don’t put a McDonald’s on it,” he said.
Brian Martin, Chilhowie’s town manager, told the supervisors that driving by the park and seeing it vacant is “one of my biggest frustrations.” He urged county officials to let him know of anything the town can do to help.
He did touch on the water supply issue. The town’s current water supply is at 80% capacity, said Martin. However, he said the viability of bringing another spring online is being explored.
Supervisor Courtney Widener reflected that the longer the county waits, the worse the situation becomes. “It’s been 20 years,” he said.
Something is needed for the current generation, Widener said.
Supervisor Kris Ratliff said he’d like to see a multi-sports stadium built at the site. He said he believes the Virginia High School League is primed to host regional and state competition in the region. Ratliff argued that eateries and motels would sprout from such a facility.
For Chilhowie, Martin said, meals tax is the town’s third highest revenue source. Anything that would bolster that income would be beneficial, he said.
Martin also said several non-industrial entities have expressed interest in the park, but he hadn’t shared them because of restrictions limiting what can be built there.
When funding organizations provided grants for the park, they limited its use to manufacturing.
Martin suggested lobbying to have those limitations removed. Without some change, if the county put a non-manufacturing entity in the park, the grants would have to be repaid.
If the county waits another 20 years, it’s another generation, Parris said.
While acknowledging that people aren’t knocking on the county’s door, Call again urged caution as they proceed.
Over the next five years, Martin said he hoped a manufacturer can be recruited but noted that the economy and community demographics are changing.
Parris said he doesn’t believe the county has a manufacturing workforce today.
The county didn’t taken any action.
Decisions about the park aren’t Smyth County’s alone.
In 2021, the county formed partnerships with Washington and Bland counties to establish the Pathway Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (PRIFA), which owns and oversees the park.
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Hungry Mother to host special events for Great Backyard Bird Count
A Blue Heron
Area individuals can take part in a global activity this weekend.
This weekend marks the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 13-16. This citizen-science event will help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.
While a backyard is a perfectly acceptable counting location, Hungry Mother State Park has special events lined up. Folks can take part in one program or all of them.
The Marion park will kick off events on Friday, Feb. 13, with an Owl Prowl at 5 p.m.
Participants will take a nighttime walk with a park interpreter and discover how owls thrive after dark. Those taking part will “even try calling to them — maybe we’ll get a reply.”
Anyone who’s interested in joining the prowl should meet at the Boat Ramp off Mitchell Valley Road.
On Feb. 14-16, early morning bird hikes are scheduled. Participants should gather by 8 a.m. at the Beach Parking Lot on Feb. 14, Mitchell Valley Boat Ramp on Feb. 15, and the spillway on Feb. 16.
Several other activities are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday folks can gather at the Discovery Center to dissect owl pellets and explore the life and eating habits of these birds.
At 1 p.m., an interpreter will help interested individuals create DIY bird feeders. Participants will leave with a feeder in hand. Meet at the Discovery Center. Peanut butter is used in the activity.
On Sunday, Feb. 15, an 11 a.m. program will focus on bird journaling, which is said to enhance a connection to nature, and promote curiosity, mindfulness, and creativity. Meet at Clyburn Ridge Trailhead.
Virginia State Parks are calling all nature lovers and bird enthusiasts to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Hungry Mother isn’t the only Virginia State Park across hosting programs and events to enhance individuals’ birding experience.
The other area state park having an event is the New River Trail in Wythe County.
For people who can’t get to either state park, participation matters and bird count contributes to a global study that helps protect bird populations all over the world. Every bird identified helps researchers track populations and protect species for the future.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an inter-organizational effort between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada.
Each year, the number of people taking part in the count grows. In 2024, individuals in more than 210 countries reported approximately 7,920 of the world’s known species.
For more information on taking part, visit: https://www.birdcount.org.
Chilhowie coach Matt Snodgrass.
Chilhowie coach Matt Snodgrass.
