Hellbenders Night: Celebrating Southwest Virginia Wildlife
Bill Hopkins reaches into a stream while holding an Eastern hellbender. Photo by Max Esterhuizen for Virginia Tech.
Join the Salem RidgeYaks on Friday, June 26, for the inaugural “Hellbenders Night,” a family-friendly evening celebrating the unique wildlife of Southwest Virginia and supporting conservation efforts for the Eastern hellbender, North America’s largest salamander.
Bill Hopkins in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment is helping lead efforts to restore threatened hellbender populations through Virginia’s Hellbender Headstart Program.
Half of the proceeds purchased through the ticket link will support Hopkins' research and ongoing conservation work in Appalachian streams.
During the game, hellbenders will be omnipresent, with tables hosted by Hopkins’ research team that includes the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, as well as one hosted by CNRE. Hellbender trivia will be hosted in-between innings.
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans vs. Salem RidgeYaks
- 6:35 p.m. EDT first pitch
- Friday, June 26, 2026
- Salem Memorial Ballpark, Salem, Virginia (1008 Texas St., Salem, VA 24153)
Bill Hopkins holds a hellbender. Photo by Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech.
