July Prowl The Powell Damselflies and Dragonflies

Location of Southwest Virginia Museum in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Museum Front Gate
Main Park Address: Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

When

July 11, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Prowl the Powell and uncover the hidden wonders of our natural world.

Participants joining the July Prowl the Powell nature series are invited to gather with park staff and volunteers at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 11 at the museum’s front gate for an engaging outdoor adventure. This month’s program shines a spotlight on two of the river’s most dazzling residents: damselflies and dragonflies.

Naturalist Chris Allgyer will guide this immersive program, leading participants on an easy, accessible walk along the scenic Powell River in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. As the trail winds beside clear water and lush riverbank habitat, Chris will introduce the fascinating life cycles, behaviors, and ecological importance of these aerial acrobats.

Participants will learn how dragonflies and damselflies act as natural pest control—feeding on mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other small insects—and why their presence signals a clean, healthy river system. Chris will explain how their aquatic nymphs rely on high-quality water to survive, and how, despite their fierce hunting skills, these insects are completely harmless to people.

This program will be held rain or shine, so visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No registration is required.

For more information about the July Prowl the Powell, please contact the park at (276) 523‑9640.

We look forward to exploring with you!

River

Fun

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-523-9640
Email Address: SWVAMuseum@dcr.virginia.gov