ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 13, 1996 TAG: 9604150099
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-10 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: SALTVILLE
A series of lectures and field trips focusing on the natural and cultural history of Saltville's well fields will be held from April 26 through April 28.
The salt wells were built to pump brine for early salt manufacturers in the area, after they drained a lake covering the Saltville valley.
Tom Totten, a retired Olin Corp. employee, and Edward Verner, director of the Museum of the Middle Appalachians, which is sponsoring the programs, will provide a history of the well fields at 8 p.m. April 26 in the former Virginia Highlands Community College computer building in Saltville.
Carol Boone will lead a group limited to 15 people into the well fields to learn to identify some of the birds drawn to Saltville. Binoculars and boots will be needed. The group will gather at the picnic shelter in the well fields at 7:30 a.m. April 27.
Duncan Porter, an associate professor of botany at Virginia Tech, will comb the marsh and surrounding environs for interesting plant life. Participation is limited to 25 people, who will meet at the picnic shelter at 2 p.m. April 27.
Gregg McConnell, a member of the biology faculty at Emory & Henry College, will lead a salamander hunt in the well fields area and provide information on the ecological roles of the species encountered. That group, also limited to 25, will meet at the shelter at 2 p.m. April 28.
The cost for all four events is $15, which also includes a one-year museum membership. Current museum association members can attend all events free. Children under 12 years of age can also attend free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required by April 23, by calling 496-3633.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB