Blue Ridge Wildlife Center: A Walk on the Wild Side
🐾 Welcome to the Wild Side of Clarke County
Tucked away in Clarke County, the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is more than just a hospital for injured animals—it’s a place where people and wildlife connect. From orphaned foxes to timid turtles, this is where Virginia’s native creatures get a second chance—and where visitors of all ages can learn how to protect them.
Meet the Ambassadors of the Wildlife Walk
Wander the free Wildlife Walk, a peaceful forest path open daily from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Along the way, you’ll meet the center’s wildlife ambassadors—animals that can’t be released back into the wild, but now help tell the story of Virginia’s native ecosystems. Interpretive signs share each animal’s story—and inside, you’ll find even more ambassadors who live at the Center seasonally or year-round.
Species you can have close encounters with:
Peregrine Falcon
Red Fox
Striped Skunk
American Kestrel
Virginia Opossum
Turkey Vulture
Red-Tailed Hawk
Diamondback Terrapin
Eastern Rat Snake
Learn with Heart: Tours & School Programs
Want a peek behind the scenes? Guided tours and school visits offer a powerful window into wildlife rehabilitation. Watch skilled teams care for animals, learn how the center treats injuries from vehicle collisions or habitat loss, and discover how even the smallest creature plays a role in the balance of nature.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts heartwarming and eye-opening—for families, students, and animal lovers alike.
Hands-On Fun: Workshops & Events
The Center also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. From Turtle Tuesdays and Wildlife Wednesdays to seasonal and holiday celebrations, kids of all ages can meet the animals, enjoy crafts, and hear fun facts from local experts.
Special programs like wildlife first aid workshops empower guests to take action, helping others understand how to coexist peacefully with the creatures in their own backyards.
💚 Help Us Help Them
The non-profit Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is powered by community love. The Center helps train student veterinarians to rehabilitating injured animals. You can make a difference through donations, volunteers, and corporate sponsorships.
Whether your a budding biologist or an animal enthusiast, we invite you to bring your curiosity (and a picnic), leave the pets at home please, and discover how protecting the wild lives helps us all thrive.
👉 Plan your visit today at Experience Clarke County and discover a peaceful, enriching, and unforgettable experience.
