Educational Nature Trail in Purcellville to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony on Oct. 30

News from the Loudoun County Public Schools:

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Chapman DeMary Trail will be held from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. on Friday, October 30th, behind the building at 205 Hirst Road in Purcellville.

This area, considered to be the last stand of old growth forest in the Town of Purcellville was turned into an outdoor classroom through an effort led by students from Loudoun Valley High School. The educational nature trail was named in recognition of Loudoun Valley science teacher John DeMary for his unfailing support of his students as they worked to make this vision a reality and for John Chapman for his donation of the land.


DeMary has taught at Loudoun Valley High since 1972. He received the Virginia Outstanding Secondary Conservation Teacher award in 1997; served as the Smithsonian Naturalist Center's teacher naturalist during the 1997-98 school year; received the Thomas Jefferson Award for Outstanding Contributions in Natural Science in 1998; and was named Subaru National Science Teacher of the Year in 2002.

An open house will follow the groundbreaking from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Magnolia's at the Mill, 198 N 21st St., Purcellville.