ALERT TO VISITORS:

Glenarvon Farm is a bit more than two square miles of mostly wild, untended terrain. It deserves your respect and attention if you are to be safe and comfortable. Walking here, you may find holes, rocks, the debris of 200+ years of agricultural activity, abandoned cisterns and wells, a lake, the James River and the Canal, the accumulation of railroad and interior wire fencing , animal dens, and a large assortment of potentially annoying plants, animals, and insects... these and more things can cause risk to your person and property. Without your attention, Glenarvon can be a potential threat to people, horses, and pets. Neighbors have been bitten by copperheads, and one hunter was attacked by a rabid raccoon. Two people in a carriage ended up in the canal, and it took heroic efforts by rescue workers to extricate their mare from the mud. Glenarvon Farm is not a manicured park.

Cellular telephones may work poorly, if at all, here. A new cell tower is under construction nearby, and service may improve?

Excellent local volunteer rescue services are distant, and are not guaranteed to be immediately available. When functioning, Fluvanna has a “911” system. Other telephone numbers to seek assistance on the farm are (434) 842-1922 and(434) 842-3747.

Cattle, horses and dogs are here. Cows with calves can be unfriendly, and all large animals can behave in dangerous ways. Beware new or old fencing, and remember that there may be several abandoned (often down, and hidden in leaves) parallel wire fence lines before you get to a currently active fence. We discover abandoned fence lines regularly, and there are more to be discovered.

The James River also presents obvious water hazards, and has a substantial current most of the year.

Be advised that you are on your own concerning your property, personal safety, and comfort if you visit Glenarvon Farm. It is impossible for us to make this large place into a threat-free environment, and we do not attempt to. Visitors reluctant to accept the risks and challenges of this place should consider alternatives such as Maymont in Richmond, or Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

P.S.

A Philips “Heartstart” defibrillator is available at the main house – in the basement kitchen, (on the wall underneath the old telephone – it “blinks”). It is automated, and can be operated by untrained people who follow its verbal commands. We do not guarantee that it will always be there, or operational, or effective.

P.P.S.

Dr. Randy Lanford, (434) 842-3244 has his offices at the intersection of Rt. 655 and Highway 15 in Fork Union. This is the closest medical facility, and is open on most weekdays. It is no longer associated with the Martha Jefferson Hospital organization. We have taken injured people there where they can receive emergency care and await volunteer rescue squad transportation to one of the hospitals in Charlottesville.

P.P.P.S.

An equine first-aid kit is in the green-roof Morton horse barn tack room. “People” first-aid supplies are available in the pond house, the main house, and the Chickfield guest house.

alert.html last updated 05/22/15