Mill Mountain Zoo starts Walk on the Wild Side Adventure Series

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Summer is right around the corner and if you are looking for something to do outside while learning about conservation efforts right here in our hometowns, we’ve got you covered.

Mill Mountain Zoo is launching the Walk on the Wild Side Adventure Series.

“Getting to know some of our native species that are up here on the mountain, because we have some really cool ones, like the Dixie Cavern Salamander is pretty much only found up here on the mountain. And then once we finish our hike and get to see a couple of wild animals, we’ll bring it back to the zoo, where we’ll get to see some of our animals that are related to what we saw,” said Katie Harlow, a zoo educator at Mill Mountain Zoo.

During the series, there will be guided hikes and people can learn more about conservation.

“All of our native species need to stick around, because they all play a very crucial role in the environment, not just to other animals, but even to us like with health and safety and things,” explained Harlow.

The series runs through August and features different topics.

“You have one for plants and pollinators. We’re going to do a nocturnal one, because this year we are getting rid of our night howls program. So this will be sort of an opportunity to still get that sort of same idea. We’ll do mammals, herps, which are going to be our reptiles and amphibians and birds,” said Harlow.

Visitors are required to wear close-toed shoes to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and their own water bottle. Those under the age of 16 must bring a parent and need to register online in advance.

Here is a schedule for the series:

May 15th at 7:30 a.m.: Birds

May 22nd at 8:00 a.m.: Mammals

June 5th at 11:00 a.m.: Plants and Pollinators

June 13th at 2:00 p.m.: Reptiles and Amphibians

July 9th at 7:30 p.m.: Nocturnals

July 31st at 7:30 a.m.: Birds

August 6th at 8:00 a.m.: Mammals

August 22nd at 11:00 a.m.: Plants and Pollinators

Some days the group will not meet at the zoo, but at the wildflower garden, so anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can also buy online and call with any questions. For a link to register, click here.