Rural Safety

Ferrum College owns in excess of 70 acres of property, a majority of which is woodlands and undeveloped. The wooded areas around campus provide valuable educational and recreational experiences for faculty, staff, and students with the Western perimeter (behind Chapman Hall), providing the most widely used and easiest accessible of these areas. Experiential learning opportunities and research abound for those classes that are able to use the wooded areas around campus as a living/learning classroom. Recreation opportunities are plentiful with hiking trails, a disc golf course, a pond behind Chapman Hall, and playing fields in close proximity to the edge of the wooded areas. In some instances the property line of the College is located deep into the wooded property while in other locations the property line is easily visible. When using the wooded areas around campus, please use the following safety precautions:

• The Western perimeter of the College's property is well marked along the property lines. Most of the western perimeter is buffered by approximately 80 acres of County owned property. Periodic signage marks when individuals are leaving and entering College property. Everyone should be cognizant of their surroundings and not venture beyond the college's property line and remain on or close to the trails in this area. While every tree cannot be marked, most trails are marked with signs.
• Blaze orange vests are available for check-out at the Norton Outdoors and at the Welcome Center/College Police Office. It is recommended, if venturing into the wooded areas around campus, that orange vests be worn, especially during hunting seasons. While hunting is not allowed on college property, (nor on the County owned property adjoining the western border of campus), hikers or others in the wooded area could be mistaken for wildlife.
• The use of ATVs, motorcycles, or other vehicles is prohibited in the wooded portions of campus.
• Do not build campfires in the woods.
• Immediately report any concerns, violations or suspicious individuals to College Police at (540) 365-4444.

During hunting season, please remember the following:

• Avoid being out around dusk or dawn. These are peak hunting times and the lighting can make it difficult for a hunter to see. If you must be in the woods around these times, carry a light with you.
• Wear blaze orange. Should you prefer your own vest or cap, one can be easily purchased locally. Avoid wearing white, black or brown. A flash of white can be mistaken for a deer's tail and black and brown for big game.
• Make noise when you are in the woods. Noise may frighten away the wildlife but a hunter will know that you are there. Take a friend(s) with you when you go out into the woods.
• Be alert for hunters. Hunters can be anywhere in the woods and clearings are a popular hunting spot. Look for tree stands and ground cover where hunters may hide.
• Be cognizant of your location. Stick to established trails. Don't walk off-trail. If you are in unfamiliar areas, retrace your steps until you are more comfortable with your surroundings.
• If you see someone hunting, call out to them to identify your location.