48 acres in Ivanhoe will soon be turned into a bird and wildlife watching trail

ROANOKE, Va. – Residents in Ivanhoe will soon have an area where they can enjoy nature and observe birds.

The New River Trail State Park, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and the Friends of the New River Trail are collaborating to turn 48 acres of land into a wildlife viewing area.

It is going to be located next to the Ivanhoe Trestle, which spans the New River.

Joe Elton, president of the Friends of the New River Trail, said that over the course of the last ten years, volunteers have discovered 179 different species of birds in the region.

Everyone is welcome to use the trail.

“The whole New River Valley is just so rich for wildlife, but here we’re going to make it a little more accessible for people that have mobility challenges,” said Elton.

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation has provided a grant in the amount of $20,000 for this project.

Elton anticipates that it will take around one year to finish the trail.