Mill Place is a relatively new industrial park on the east side of Verona. Augusta County has built an asphalt walking trail encircling a pond, with various amenities. Next to the parking lot is a lush meadow where various sparrows are often seen. Cattails are host to Red-winged Blackbirds and (in winter) an occasional Wilson’s Snipe. Mixed wooded areas feature occasional songbirds such as Hermit Thrush and Cedar Waxwing. The county government is balancing various objectives, including economic growth, natural conservation, and recreational use. The large pond behind Hardees often hosts Hooded Merganser and other waterfowl during the cooler months of the year.
eBird Hotspot: The Trails at Mill Place
—Andrew Clem