Tour the Big Woods at James Madison’s Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier will host its quarterly "Big Woods Walk," a guided tour of the James Madison Landmark Forest on Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m.

Montpelier's horticulturist, Sandy Mundrinich, will guide visitors through a 90-minute journey of the 200-acre old-growth forest, also known as the Big Woods. Participants should meet in the visitor center at 2 p.m.

The trees in the forest are up to 250 years old and range in size up to 60 inches in diameter. The undisturbed forest floor harbors a diverse population of wildlife and is rich with native plant species. The U.S. Department of Interior designated the Big Woods a National Natural Landmark in 1987.

Montpelier's quarterly "Big Woods Walks" allow visitors to experience the old-growth forest in each of the four seasons. In addition to the seasonal guided walks through the Montpelier forest, interlocking self-guided forest trails, including a disabled-accessible segment, are open to the public daily.

The July 12 "Big Woods Walk" is included in the standard admission fee.

For information, call (540) 672-2728, ext. 442.