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THE MASON JAR JOURNAL

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

February 2, 2026

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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Agritourism: PC’s proposal advances
• PRG’s ideas on agritourism policy
• Appreciating our neighbors

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Planning Commission Sends Agri-tourism Proposal on to Supervisors

On December 17, our county’s Planning Commission held a public hearing on their proposed set of revisions to ordinances covering agritourism operations. 

The hearing was well-attended, with nearly all the room’s 60 seats filled. 

Most citizens who spoke expressed concern that the proposal did not sufficiently protect the interests of the broader community. Among their concerns were noise and traffic spillovers from large events held at agritourism venues and, more broadly, an erosion of the character of rural areas. Some worried that event operators would not always comply with regulations and permit conditions, and the county does not currently have adequate resources for enforcement.

Several citizens, and some members of the Planning Commission as well, spoke in support of the proposal, contending that it struck the right balance between promoting growth of agritourism operations and protecting the surrounding community. They worried that more restrictions on such operations could stifle development of agritourism.

In the end, the Planning Commission voted to send its proposed set of ordinance revisions, as is, on to the Board of Supervisors.

The next step is for the Supervisors to hold their own public hearing on the Commission’s proposal. As of this writing, the date of that hearing has not been set, but February 24 seems likely. (Events • Greene County, VA • CivicClerk shows latest scheduling announcements.)

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Designing Agritourism Policy: PRG Sends Ideas to Board Supervisors

Ahead of the Board of Supervisors’ upcoming consideration of policies governing agritourism, Preserve Rural Greene has shared its ideas with the Board.

In a letter sent January 18^th, PRG President Tracy Morris expressed thanks for the extensive work by county officials and staff to develop specific proposals for revising agritourism ordinances. Noting the complexity of the issues, she appreciated the “thoughtful effort to balance agricultural preservation, property rights, economic opportunity, and community impacts.” 

The PRG letter encouraged the Board to view the eventual adoption of a revised ordinance as “the beginning of an oversight phase rather than its conclusion. Long-term success will depend on consistent monitoring, enforcement, and evaluation, with adjustments informed by real-world experience.”  

Offering a concrete suggestion in that area, President Morris’ letter recommended that the county establish “a centralized, non-emergency reporting process, independent of the Sheriff’s Office,” to address agritourism concerns such as noise, lighting and traffic, as well as operators’ compliance with ordinance regulations and permit conditions. Such a reporting process would bring systematic documentation of experience over time, allowing the County to see and focus on any repeated patterns (beyond isolated, one-off complaints).

On the subject of potential noise trespass, the PRG letter noted the technical challenges of measuring the impact of amplified sound on surrounding rural properties. Accordingly, PRG urged the Board to consider a temporary suspension from granting Special Use Permits that authorize amplified sound for agritourism venues –- until reliable sound measurement standards and enforceable compliance can be established.  Taking such a pause would give the County time to develop “objective, enforceable criteria that protect neighboring landowners,” while providing “clear and fair expectations” to agritourism operators.

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Viewpoint: The Value of a Rural Community of Neighbors

Lately we’re reminded, once again, of the value of the good neighborly relationships that seem to flourish in a rural community. 

Here in Greene, community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. There’s something special about a rural county like ours, where the open space between homes only seems to strengthen the bonds between them. Here, being a neighbor doesn’t mean living close together — it’s about  relationships. Most folks put value on being good neighbors, showing respect for each other and others’ property and privacy, coupled with care and generosity when needed. Feelings of shared commitments, to the land and rural ways of life, strengthen the bonds.

Showing Up in Times of Need

Our rural character defines how we show up for one another. It’s found in the quiet, steady rhythm of looking out for the person down the road and the instinctive way people step up.

As we’ve seen time and again, when a neighbor faces the loss of a home or other sudden hardship, the response is quick. Friends are soon there with clothes, hot meals, and tools in hand, asking only “What do you need right now?”

When a family navigates a health crisis, they don’t have to walk that path alone. We’ve seen support moving through our community like a collective heartbeat; individuals and congregations lifting up families in prayer and empathy, and neighbors finding ways to organize delivering meals and other care.

Weathering the Seasons Together

Our landscape also brings us together in ways only those in the country can understand. When storms hit, snow piles high, or creeks rise, a network of helping hands appears.

Neighbors plow long driveways for those snowed in; chainsaws and tractors are fired up to clear fallen trees or pull out a stuck vehicle. Calls are made to check if the heat is on and if supplies are adequate until conditions improve.

Such kind acts are the natural result of living where people face shared challenges.

Enduring Values, Deep Roots

Greene County is a stronghold of generosity. It’s a place that understands that while we value our independence and privacy, we’re never disconnected from one another. We know the difference we can make for each other.

While times may change, the core of our character remains steady. Kindness, decency, and neighborliness aren’t just traditions of the past, they’re the living, breathing pulse of our home. Here in Greene, community and good neighborly spirit still mean everything.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories of good neighbors and community in Greene. Our email address:  preserveruralgreene@gmail.com

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Mark Your Greene Calendar

Select upcoming events related to Greene’s heritage, rural lands, and way of life.

February 2, 8:00 am: Registration opens for the 2026 Greene County 4-H Summer Camp. The camp is for ages 9–13. Financial assistance is available. For info, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension Greene Unit (434) 985-5236.

February 24, 6:30 pm: Meeting of Board of Supervisors, possibly including a Public Hearing on proposed changes to agritourism ordinances. (Latest meeting scheduling info available at

Events • Greene County, VA • CivicClerk)  Open to the public. 40 Celt Road, Stanardsville.

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene! 

THE MASON JAR JOURNAL 

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

December 7, 2025

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Opportunity for Citizen Input: Public Hearing on Agritourism Policy, Dec. 17 

On December 17, citizens of Greene will have a chance to share their views, in a public hearing, on proposed changes to our agritourism ordinance. 

The Planning Commission has held multiple workshops since September 2024 when the Board of Supervisors requested that the language for Farm Wineries, Farm Breweries, and Events at Agricultural Operations in the zoning ordinance be reviewed. The Board requested enhanced clarity and additional regulation regarding the permitted number of events (such as wedding receptions held at a winery), the number of attendees and vehicles, and on the use of amplified sound. 

They also requested updates to the definitions of agricultural uses to attempt to answer a recently raised question by several County Supervisors on how to determine whether a proposed use would be deemed a bona fide agricultural operation, a true farm, of the kind the County seeks to support, rather than being mainly an event center business. 

Whether this is the final version that will go to the Board for review in January, or if there is still room for refinement, will be decided by the Planning Commission at this meeting.

It’s widely agreed that the existing ordinance is outdated, and that a new ordinance should balance the county’s interest in tourism development with its interest in preserving the character of rural areas. The challenge is to find the right balance. 

Whatever the outcome, an amended agritourism ordinance will set the “rules of the game” in Greene County for years to come. 

Any interested citizen may attend the public hearing. It will be on Wednesday, December 17, starting at 6 p.m., in the County Administration Building (40 Celt Road, Stanardsville).  

For more info on the meeting, including a Zoom link for those unable to attend in person, and documents detailing the Planning Commission’s latest proposal, click on the “December 17” button on this webpage: 

Events • Greene County, VA • CivicClerk

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Learning Birding: A Talk and a Walk with Piedmont Virginia Bird Club

Preserve Rural Greene recently offered a two-part educational opportunity on birding. PRG sponsored these events as a chance for residents in Greene to build a deeper connection to nature and promote environmental awareness. Observing birds and their habitats, including in our backyards, helps us appreciate our natural rural setting. 

 

Field trip leader Caroline Bertrand (2nd from right) welcoming some of the early birders 

Part I consisted of “Bird Talk” in which Caroline Bertrand, a member of the Piedmont Virginia Bird Club, presented “Getting Started with Birding.” This class session provides information on tools to assist with bird identification by sight and song, such as the Merlin Bird App, eBird Website, Larkwire (game), etc.  Participants learned that Greene County, according to eBird, has 21 hotspots for birdwatching. Caroline shared many images of birds to help us learn about each one. 

Part II, “Bird Walk,” involved going to the Greene Community Park for an early morning birding adventure. Caroline was joined by two additional members of PVBC, Tom Wyatt and Becky Lockman, who took us to many areas of the park to observe birds and listen to their sounds to determine identification. Thanks so much to Caroline, Tom, and Becky for a great time.

PRG is already looking forward to repeating this opportunity in the Spring! If you’re interested in learning about birding in the meantime, we encourage you to visit Piedmont Virginia Bird Club’s site:   www.piedmontvirginiabirdclub.org.

Tom Wyatt explains some of the finer points 

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene!  

THE MASON JAR JOURNAL

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

October 26, 2025

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Re-thinking Agritourism Rules: Supervisors Meeting Oct. 28

Greene County’s government continues to re-think the rules that govern agritourism operations, including farm wineries.

In a letter to the Planning Commission, PRG President Tracy Morris earlier this year welcomed such a re-thinking. She noted that farm wineries and other agritourism operations can bring real value to rural Greene – provided that a sound policy framework is in place. Morris suggested we learn from the experience of other Virginia counties, where unrestricted “events” held at farm wineries grew beyond a reasonable size, overwhelming rural communities with traffic, noise, and strain on public infrastructure, prompting them to revise their rules.

Over the course of 2025, the county’s Planning Commission has been working to develop recommendations to amend Greene’s agritourism ordinances.

Next in the process, on Tuesday October 28 the Board of Supervisors will hold a second workshop meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss its latest proposals for revising agritourism ordinances. The workshop will run from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, at 40 Celt Road, Stanardsville.

Though this meeting will not make final decisions on agritourism policy, interested citizens may want to attend, or listen in by Zoom. Note, the meeting agenda does not include time for citizen comments, but we expect a public hearing on proposed revisions to the agritourism ordinance will be scheduled prior to approval.

For more info on the meeting, including a Zoom link, and documents detailing the Planning Commission’s latest proposals, click on the “October 28” button on this webpage:

Events • Greene County, VA • CivicClerk

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PRG Volunteers with Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Near Mutton Hollow

Last Saturday, a group of PRG volunteers helped the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) take out invasive plants on some of their Greene County land.

The work took place on the PATC’s Vining Tract, on a ridge coming down from Hightop mountain, overlooking Mutton Hollow.  This beautiful tract contains many old home sites, including historic cabins that the PATC maintains. Unfortunately, it also contains invasive non-native plants that can spread rapidly in our region — if left unchecked.

Guided by PATC member and Greene County resident Mark Walkup, the PRG volunteers spent a morning fighting some familiar foes, mainly Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose. The job called for cutting these large bushes close to the ground, and dabbing the woody stumps with a small amount of herbicide, to prevent re-growth.

Historic chimney on PATC land, above Mutton Hollow, believed to be from about 1880.

The PATC is responsible for maintaining many miles of trails in our region, including in Greene County. Some of their work is on public lands, and some on tracts owned or leased by the PATC. They also publish trail maps and make available for rent many rustic and historic cabins, including in Greene County, among other activities. See Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for more info.

In addition to the above roles, the PATC’s Charlottesville Chapter also works to fight the spread of invasive non-native plants. For this, they organize occasional work outings, relying on volunteers from the public as well as PATC members. If you would consider helping, either with trail maintenance or controlling invasive plants, info is available at

Charlottesville PATC Hiking and Trail Love | Meetup

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Mark Your Greene Calendar

Select local events related to Greene’s heritage, rural lands and way of life:

October 28, 4:30 – 5:30 pm: Board of Supervisors Workshop Meeting on Agritourism Policy Proposals.  At the County Administration Building, 40 Celt Road, Stanardsville.

November 1, 9 am: PRG-led trash pickup, along Bull Yearling Road (PRG’s Adopt-A-Road). E-mail preserveruralgreene@gmail.com for more info. 

November 20, 6:30 pm: PRG Open Meeting, featuring a presentation about our local birds. (See also the follow-up event on November 22, below). At Greene County Library. 

November 22, 7:30 am: Guided outdoor talk about our local birds (follow-up to the November 20 event, above). At Greene County Community Park. 

Every Saturday morning: Greene Farmers Market, at Greene Commons, Stanardsville.

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates you helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene!  

THE MASON JAR JOURNAL 

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

September 24, 2025

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Please Tell Us!  What Does Rural Greene Mean to You?

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”

We all love rural Greene, each in our own way. So, we at Preserve Rural Greene would like to hear what you value most about the home we share — and what you think is most important to preserve for the future.

We’d be very grateful if you’d take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us, privately, by emailing us at preserveruralgreene@gmail.com. 

We wonder, for example, which of these might be most important to you: 

• A place for traditional ways of life, such as farming, or growing your own food?

• A feeling of peace and quiet?

• Open space, unbroken views of a landscape our ancestors might recognize?

• A dark, starry night sky?

• Quiet country roads without much traffic?

• Privacy not found in towns or suburbs?

• Habitat for wildlife?

• Outdoor spaces big enough for hiking, hunting, exploring or just getting lost?

Which of those, or others, resonate with you? For some folks, maybe it’s “all of the above”!  But it would be very helpful to also hear which things you value the most.  Put another way, which would you miss the most, if it were lost?

Also, please tell us what concerns you about the future of rural Greene. For example, which of these potential risks worry you? 

• Loss of fields, meadows, or forests?  

• Loss of family farms, in particular?

• Rapid spread of invasive, non-native plants and insects?

• Construction of too many new buildings? 

• Too much commercialization of traditionally non-commercial areas?

• Or other things?

If you do see risks of too much construction or commercialization of rural areas, then please let us know which types concern you most:  

• Tourism facilities that are too large, such as large hotels, resort complexes, or conference centers?

• “Event Centers” that regularly hold big parties, wedding receptions, or concerts? 

• Or, on a smaller scale, “party houses”?

• Too many new houses, built too close together, in rural areas?

• Or something else?

Finally, if you are concerned about any of the above types of new construction, then please tell us why. What are the potential consequences that you feel would most devalue rural Greene?   

• Loud noise from amplified music (e.g., at wedding receptions or other big events)?

• Too much traffic for our narrow country roads?   

• Financial strain on the county’s budget from policing large events? 

• Too many bright lights, washing out views of the night sky?

• Just too many new buildings, of any kind, breaking up the visual landscape?

• Draining of the water table by too many new wells, too close together?  Or water contamination? 

Again, it would be helpful to know which of the above risks, or other risks, concern you most.

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We’d be so grateful to hear from you! Even a short email to preserveruralgreene@gmail.com would be a big help. We’ll keep any responses confidential. (If you’d rather chat by phone, just send us an email letting us know and we’ll set up a call.) 

Thanks so much! 

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THE MASON JAR JOURNAL

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

September 4, 2025

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Roadside Flower Show: 

What’s That Bloomin’ Plant?

Greene County’s rural roads offer up an ever-changing flower show!  

Here’s a look at some of the prominent native plant blooms you’re likely to see on roadsides right now.  

Wingstem

Not every yellow flower this time of year is a Goldenrod!  Wingstem’s yellow blooms show up in August and September. And they’re easy to spot, since Wingstem often grows in large colonies, with its flowers atop stems as high as 7 feet tall. The plant name comes from the little “wings” on each side of the long stems. 

Hollow Joe Pye Weed

Another big one! The tallest of the Joe Pye Weed species, often 5 to 7 feet, sometimes more. Even at a distance, you can’t miss the pink or light purple domed-shaped flower heads, they’re huge. The name refers to the hollow stems, which some native bees use to lay their eggs.

Purpletop 

Another light purple sight to see right now, but more subtle. Purpletop is a grass, with its tiny flowers (panicles) appearing… well, at the top. While a single plant won’t catch your eye, looking across a field of Purpletop will deliver up a nice purple haze. Cattle love this native grass. 

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene! 

THE MASON JAR JOURNAL 

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

August 7, 2025

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Revising Agritourism Policy: Supervisors Hear Planning Commission’s Ideas 

Our County’s Board of Supervisors (BOS) and Planning Commission (PC) met on July 22 to discuss the rules governing agritourism operations, such as wineries open to guest visits. 

The PC recently prepared a draft ordinance on agritourism operations. The workshop-style meeting allowed the PC to explain the thinking behind that proposal and to hear reactions from the BOS. 

While agritourism is a broader topic, most of the discussion focused on the case of businesses that operate both as wineries and as “event centers,” with wedding parties being the typical “event.”  The discussion delved into several specifics. Some officials suggested the standard ceilings on the size of buildings, and on the number of “events” per year, should depend on the size of the operator’s land, with higher ceilings for larger parcels. 

A couple Supervisors shared concern that the original purpose of agritourism policies could be lost. The idea has been to preserve farms, by making it easier for farmers who move into grape production to earn supplemental income from visitors to their wineries and tasting rooms. They pointed to the risk that policies designed to help small farm wineries instead would end up supporting large commercial operations in the event industry. 

The conclusion of the workshop was that the PC would revise their draft ordinance and meet again in another workshop with the BOS. The meeting did allow citizens to attend but not to provide public commentary at this juncture. 

Looking ahead, there is cautious but genuine hope the County can craft an agritourism ordinance that strikes the right balance—one that supports smart economic growth while preserving the peace, beauty, and rural way of life that define our community. With thoughtful revisions and increased public involvement, the ordinance has the potential to encourage small-scale, farm-based ventures that enrich our local economy without overwhelming our roads, landscapes, or neighbors. A well-crafted policy can foster rural harmony, allowing agritourism to thrive in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home.

If you share these hopes—or have concerns about the direction of the draft ordinance—now is the time to speak up. Reach out to the BOS and let them know what matters to you. Your voice can help shape a policy that truly reflects the values and vision of Greene County’s residents. 

(An email sent to bos@gcva.us will reach all five Supervisors. For additional contact info, see https://www.greenecountyva.gov/209/Board-of-Supervisors )

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Blue Ridge Life Before the Park:

A Journey Back in Time

At its July 17 meeting, Preserve Rural Greene hosted Mr. Jim Lillard, who shared captivating stories about life in the Blue Ridge prior to the establishment of Shenandoah National Park. Jim’s vivid recollections transported attendees to another era, with bygone ways of mountain life. 

Drawing from his own heritage, Jim shared his family’s experience of being one of some 500 displaced from land used to create the National Park. Their days were spent amid thriving apple orchards, corn plantings, and the daily care of cows, pigs, and chickens—a lifestyle that provided both sustenance and connection to the land. The American Chestnut tree was a critical resource, providing foodstuffs as well as high-value wood and other products.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, striking photos, and evocative descriptions, Jim painted a portrait of mountain life that was as rewarding as it was challenging. Despite the hardships, there was a sense of joy and freedom that defined the spirit of the mountain communities.

Tragically, the 1930s ushered in a dark chapter, as families were forced to leave their mountain homes, while an invasive blight killed the chestnut trees that had once been a cornerstone of their existence.

Jim Lillard’s reminiscences offer invaluable insights into the rich history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the resilience of its people. For those eager to delve further into the topics of his fascinating “Mountain Memories” presentation, additional info can be found on the websites of the Madison Historical Society and the Greene County Historical Society. Look for the article “Shenandoah National Park and Greene County” here: https://greenehistoryva.org/genealogy-and-research 

Greene County was one of eight counties in which families were displaced to create SNP. Each of these eight counties has a memorial to commemorate them. Greene County has one in Stanardsville, next to the County Administration building. We appreciate people like Jim for sharing our region’s rich heritage and history. Thanks also to the Blue Ridge Heritage Project for your dedication in establishing these memorials for future generations to experience and reflect upon.

Jim Lillard at a Heritage Project memorial

Please join us at Preserve Rural Greene in celebrating the legacy of this remarkable region and its enduring spirit! 

For more info about the Greene County infohttps://greenehistoryva.org/genealogy-and-research 

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene!

THE MASON JAR JOURNAL

 

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

July 2025

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Re-thinking Agritourism Rules: Supervisors Meeting on July 22

Greene County’s government is re-thinking the rules that govern farm wineries and other agritourism operations. 

In a letter to the Planning Commission, PRG President Tracy Morris earlier this year welcomed such a re-thinking. She noted that farm wineries and other agritourism operations can bring real value to rural Greene — provided that a sound policy framework is in place. Morris suggested that we learn from the cautionary experience of some Virginia counties, where unrestricted “events” held at farm wineries grew beyond a reasonable size, overwhelming rural communities with traffic, noise, and strain on public infrastructure – and prompting those counties to revise their rules. 

In recent months, Greene’s Planning Commis- sion has met several times to study the issues.  

Next in the process, on July 22 the Board of Supervisors (BoS) will meet with the Planning Commission to review options for revising the relevant zoning ordinances. The meeting is open to the public. It will run from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, at 40 Celt Road, Stanardsville. 

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Greene’s Scenic Byway

Greene County has many pretty country roads, but did you know that we have an official Virginia Byway? 

If you see this sign, you’re on the right track!

In 2021, the Commonwealth Transportation Board agreed that a certain route — beginning near Crozet, running through the heart of Greene County, and ending at the town of Madison — met the Virginia Byway designation criteria.  

The Board highlighted the route’s panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and rural agricultural lands, as well as its access to the historic district of Stanardsville. 

Within Greene County, the Byway includes Dyke Road (810), from our southern border to Route 33 and Stanardsville, and from there Wolftown Road (230) to the Madison County line,                 

What’s Out There to See? 

The route roughly parallels the Blue Ridge mountain, with its crest several miles to the northwest. Closer to the Byway, a number of more isolated, smaller mountains appear. 

Also close to the route, you’ll see our fantastic rural countryside, with farms, both pastures and croplands, and some forested areas too. 

You’ll cross a handful of streams. These originate high in the Blue Ridge and send our county’s rainfall on, either to the Rivanna River (and later the James), or to the Rapidan River (and later the Rappahannock). 

You’ll also find many churches along the way, most with long histories, and older-style farmhouses too. 

Kids might have fun spotting and counting things they “spy” along the way. What types of cattle, and how many of each?  What about horses? Alpacas? What kinds of crops are growing? Can anyone spot deer, or an eagle? 

A Short Guide to Greene’s Byway

We think you’d enjoy exploring Greene’s Byway, taking the chance to appreciate the value of our quiet rural landscape. 

Greene’s portion extends about 14 miles, so an out-and-back trip is less than 30 miles. You’ll see more if you see things from both directions! 

One approach is to start from near Stanardsville, and break the drive in two parts. You might head out on Dyke Road, to see the southern section first, coming back to historic Stanardsville for some sightseeing or a bite to eat. Then finish the tour by driving the (much shorter) northern section, and returning to Stanardsville. 

A few cautions for drivers. Please be especially alert on the route’s many curves, some with limited visibility. After heavy rains, be alert to stream levels and potential water on the road. 

Road Log: From Route 33, South on Dyke Rd (810), to Albemarle County Line

0.1 mile: “Virginia Byway” sign. On your way!

¾ mile:  After a woodsy start, glimpses of mountains begin to appear on the right. 

1 ¼ miles: Mutton Hollow Road. Sign points to Mount Hermon Mennonite Church (up a way).

Then, bigger views of the Blue Ridge open on the right. That’s Parker Mountain nearby on the left. 

Near here is Geer, where the government in the 1930s built a small “resettlement community” for some of the folks forced to leave the land used to create Shenandoah National Park.  

2 miles: Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.

2 ½ miles: Might see an alpaca or two here, on left (or are they llamas?)

Next, a few miles of flat terrain, as the route curves around to another side of Parker Mtn. 

4 ½ miles: A big curve to the right. Emmanuel Church on the right.

5 miles: Evergreen Church Road. That-a-way to  Evergreen Church of the Brethren, est. 1896.  

Soon, grand views of Flattop Mountain (the flat one!) and Hightop Mountain (3,587 feet above sea level, and almost 3,000 feet above you!)

5 ¾ miles: another big curve, this one to the left. 

6 miles: Dyke Volunteer Fire Company – thanks, volunteers! And Mount Olivet Church of Christ. 

6 ½ miles: Welcome to downtown Dyke, VA! 

After crossing the Roach River, Bacon Hollow Road is on the right. The corner store here has food, drink, and restrooms. And the only gasoline for miles around. 

Here’s a fine view up Bacon Hollow, framed by Flattop and the steep-sided Slaters Mountain. 

Much closer is Brokenback Mountain. 

7 miles: Bingham Mountain, close by, on left.

7 ¾ miles:  Albemarle County line. 

Just before the Lynch River, Church Lane appears on right. Sign points to Bingham’s Chapel (est. 1796!), just a bit down the lane.  

Road Log: From Stanardsville, North on Madison Road (230), to Madison Co. Line

0.1 mile: Stanardsville Baptist Church, left.

¾ mile: American Legion Post, on right. Thanks to all our veterans!  

1 ¼ miles: South River, and South River Road. Bald Eagles sometimes show up around here. 

South River flows to right, eventually joining the Rapidan River (from which Greene Co. draws drinking water).

2 miles: Historical marker (in front of Greene Hills Golf Club).

In 1864, J. E. B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry engaged George Custer’s Union cavalry here.     

3 miles: Crop fields, on a wide flat section, give up a big wide view of the Blue Ridge, on left. 

3 ¼ miles: Madison County line, at bridge crossing the Conway River. Downstream, the Conway also flows into the Rapidan River.   

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Every Saturday morning: Greene Farmers Market. At Greene Commons, Stanardsville.

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene! 

Post #3 June 27, 2025

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Greene Gem: A Mountain Stream Close to Home

With summer heat here, a shady walk along a rushing mountain stream can be just the thing.  

Living in Greene, we have plenty of pretty streams fairly close to us. Many can be reached by driving up to the park entrance at Swift Run Gap, and then along Skyline Drive to a trailhead.  

But… how about something even closer to home, without that drive up the mountain?  Try a visit to the Entry Run Tract. This large natural area is privately owned by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), which very kindly welcomes the public to its trails there, free of charge. 

From South River Road, turn onto Entry Run Road (SR 643). About 1¼ miles along that gravel road, just before it ends at a gate, a small parking area is on the left. A bit beyond is a little kiosk with a map of several trails. Please respect the land, and the PATC’s posted rules, while visiting!  

For info about the PATC’s many activities, including trails, maps, cabin rentals, and volunteering opportunities, see www.patc.net   

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Roadside Flower Show: 

What’s That Bloomin’ Plant?

Greene County’s rural roads offer up an ever-changing flower show!  

Two plants, native to Greene County, that you may see blooming right now are Black-eyed Susan and Butterfly Weed. Both often show up in roadsides and fields. 

Black-eyed Susans (accompanied in the background by Annual Fleabane)

Maryland may call the Black-eyed Susan its State Flower, but in fact it’s native to every state in the eastern half of the U.S.  

Butterfly Weed (w/ butterfly accompaniment)  

Few of our native plants have orange flowers, so Butterfly Weed really stands out.  (That other orange flower you may be seeing now, especially in roadside ditches, is the Orange Daylily, aka Ditch Lily. It’s native to Asia.) 

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Mark Your Greene Calendar

Select upcoming events related to Greene’s heritage, rural lands and way of life:

July 4: Independence Day Celebrations: Parade (in Stanardsville); and Red, White, Blue ‘n Greene (at Morris Field, Ruckersville)

July 31 – Aug. 2: Greene Farm & Livestock Show (at Morris Field, Ruckersville)

Every Saturday morning: Greene Farmers Market (at Greene Commons, Stanardsville)

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Please pass this newsletter along to friends who might want to hear about PRG. As a new organization, PRG appreciates your helping us reach out to more citizens of Greene! 

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THE MASON JAR JOURNAL

a newsletter from Preserve Rural Greene

Post #2: June 10^th, 2025

Virginia Black Bear Festival Another Big Hit

Kudos to the organizers of the 2025 Black Bear Festival!  Held in Stanardsville on June 7, this year’s festival was even better than the inaugural edition held in 2024. With these early successes, the festival seems sure to be a Greene County tradition for years to come.

Billed as a community event “celebrating nature and mountain outdoors in Greene County, Shenandoah National Park, and the Appalachian Trail,” this free festival is packed with fun, educational, and tasty activities. Despite some morning rain, visitor turnout was strong.

This year, Preserve Rural Greene was proud to play a small supporting role, as nine of our members reported for various volunteering duties on the big day.

“What a thrill to see people come together to celebrate what makes Greene special,” said PRG President Tracy Morris. “It’s a social event too, and fun to see the smiles of people bumping into each other on Main Street.”

PRG volunteer (left) assists Sasquatch (right)

If you missed it this, take heart knowing that the Black Bear Festival comes round every year, on the first Saturday in June. For 2026, that will be June 6. We think it’s calendar-worthy.

For more info about the festival, including many photos from this year’s, see

www.facebook.com/virginiablackbearfestival

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Celebrating Greene’s Heritage: Visit the GCHS Museum!

Did you know the Greene County Historical Society has a museum in Stanardsville? It’s free

and fun to visit. Nice gift shop too. For more info,

see www.greenehistoryva.org

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Mark Your Greene Calendar

Some upcoming events related to Greene’s heritage, rural lands and way of life:

July 4:  Independence Day Celebrations: Parade (Stanardsville); and Red, White, and Blue ‘n Greene (Morris Field, Ruckersville)

July 31 – Aug. 2: Greene Farm & Livestock Show (Morris Field, Ruckersville)

Every Saturday morning: Greene Farmers Market (at Greene Commons, Stanardsville)

We hope you enjoyed this PRG newsletter. Please pass it along to friends who might want to hear about PRG.

www.preserveruralgreene.org

preserveruralgreene@gmail.com

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