Ron Short To Host First Community Coffee House in 2012 at the Southwest Virginia Museum
Aaron Davis, Chief Ranger/Interpreter, Southwest Virginia Museum
![]() There's no better way to spend the first Saturday evening in 2012 than to enjoy great live music at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park's First Saturday Community Coffee House! The Community Coffee House begins at 7:00 P.M. on January 7th and lasts until 9:00 P.M. Ron Short will serve as the featured host for the January Coffee House.
Ron Short, singer, musician, songwriter, playwright, and actor, is from the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Southwestern Virginia. Born near Clintwood, Virginia, Short, like many Appalachian people, has at times ventured far from his home looking for work but he has always been drawn back to his childhood home where he grew up listening to the hymns, ballads, traditional tunes, recitations, and stories of his large extended family and close neighbors in his rural mountain community. Ron's music features powerful vocal renditions of original songs ~ sometimes sung a cappella; sometimes accompanied by banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, flute, or accordion; but always inspired by the Appalachian Mountain traditions in which he was born and raised.
The First Saturday Community Coffee House, held on the first Saturday of every month, is an open-mic event and is open to all family-friendly performers. All interested musicians, storytellers, and poets should arrive by 6:30 P.M. for sign-up and scheduling. Admission is free to this program. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information, please call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322. |
First Day Hikers Welcome the New Year in Virginia State Parks Contest Winners Announced Nancy Heltman, Director of Operations Virginia State Parks
![]() While the weather was not perfect statewide, most Virginia State Park visitors enjoyed unseasonably warm weather to usher in the New Year with a First Day Hike. All of our Virginia State Parks participated in this statewide initiative from America's State Parks.
Statewide we had 1,962 participants for the First Day Hikes, hiking a total of 3,003 miles. Mason Neck State Park had 800 people show up on Sunday to participate and enjoy a campfire and spiced cider after the hike. There were as many variations of hikes as there were Virginia State Parks. Some parks offered self-guided opportunities, others a guided trip led by staff or volunteers. At Westmoreland State Park, the hike ended at fossil beach where everyone could search for (and I heard they found) shark's teeth. Nearby Caledon Natural Area State Park had a scavenger hunt where hikers sought a hidden Christmas ornament. Hikers at Bear Creek Lake State Park learned how to identify deciduous trees by their bark when the leaves are gone.
The contest grand prize winner is Henry Hosmer, Sr. who hiked at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park. The hike was self-guided but included a twist that enabled visitors who completed the hike to earn a special park patch.
We also awarded each of five runners up a Virginia State Parks Naturally Yours Passport Plus Annual Parking Pass for a year's free entry to all our park and some discounts on merchandise, equipment rentals and camping. Those winners are:
Ellen Harpel who hiked at Belle Isle State Park
Ron Card who hiked at High Bridge Trail State Park
Patricia Herrera who hiked at Belle Isle State Park
Chris Saunders who hiked at Pocahontas State Park (with his wife and dog Murphy)
Susan Dommer who hiked at Leesylvania State Park
First Day Hike participants, staff and volunteers submitted some great photographs and comments from the event. We have put together a video of the pictures received and you can Watch it Here.
The Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park provided beverages, light refreshments and a "gently used" book sale for First Day Hikers at the park. Friends Group president Patty Elton described the folks who came out to participate in several events held by the park:
So who were these First Day Hike participants? They were folks from all walks of life; diverse as the many Virginia State Parks themselves. They were retired professionals who recently discovered stepping outside their suburban lifestyle afforded a whole new relaxing world. They were grandparents ensuring their grandchildren experience the same hallowed nature they were privileged to experience. They were locals who committed themselves to getting to know their own community a little better in the New Year. And last but not least, they were some of Virginia's Master Naturalists adding to their repertoire of nature knowledge. A great time was had by all!
Channel 7, WDBJ, posted a nice article on the event at Smith Mountain Lake State Park including a video. WTOP radio featured This Story, and the Richmond Times Dispatch published this Article and Video.
I can promise you that First Day Hikes have become a new tradition for welcoming in the New Year at Virginia State Parks. |
Hikers Start the New Year Right Jennifer Saik, Education Specialist II/Volunteer Coordinator, Shenandoah River State Park
![Click Here to enlarge photo]() January 1st was a beautiful day for the 'First Day Hike' at Shenandoah River State Park. Many members of the park's Friends Friends group, as well as some local residents, came out to start the New Year right. We even had some folks come all the way out from Northern Virginia to join us; it was their first time visiting the park and they came specifically to participate in this event. The Friends made sure all the guests felt welcome and gave them lots of information about the park and everything it has to offer.
Although it started sprinkling right before the hike began, it stopped after only a few minutes. It seemed as if Mother Nature was supporting our efforts to fulfill those New Year resolutions. The sun came back out as we started down the trail to do our 2 mile hike through the woods. Everyone was having so much fun, that some of the kids even complained when we turned back; they wanted to keep going! In fact, some of the hikers opted to check out other trails after the hike ended.
Afterwards, everyone headed down to the visitor center to socialize and enjoy some hot chocolate, fruit and cookies, provided the Friends group. Hopefully, this fun event will have inspired participants to explore the 24 miles of park trails during the coming year. Dick Fox, the new Friends group president and his wife Jinny, currently hold the record for the most miles hiked in 2011. They logged a whopping 462.85 miles in the park! We'll have to see if anyone can beat this record in 2012! |
Mother Nature at Her Best
Lee Wilcox, Chief Ranger, Smith Mountain Lake State Park
![Click to enlarge]() New Year's Day 2012 turned out to be a perfect day to kick off the inaugural "First Day Hike" event for Smith Mountain Lake State Park
The 1.4 mile looping Turtle Island Trail was the featured location for the group of hikers who showed up ready for some exercise and to learn about life within the forest.
Initially we had 18 people sign up to participate in the First Day Hike. However, before we departed for Turtle Island Trail our ranks had swelled to 39 hikers. Included in our large party were two dogs and one WDBJ TV News Journalist covering the event for the Bedford, Roanoke and Lynchburg viewing audience.
And, we couldn't have asked for better weather for a January, winter day. As the hike got underway the sun was out and shining against bright blue skies. The winds stayed away and the temperature rose to a very comfortable 60 degrees.
In addition to the weather, Mother Nature also provided an excellent show within the forest as we marched along the trail. Hikers learned about tree succession, the Virginia Pine and Beech Trees. They saw woodpecker homes carved into dead, but still-standing trees. There were also trees with signs of woodpecker "scarring" resulting from the bird's search for insects that the hikers were able to feel by rubbing their hands across the coarse surface of the bark.
The group also observed the effects wave action and adverse weather has on the shoreline where some trees had fallen into the lake creating a new type of habitat for fish underwater and loons and herons above water.
When we reached Turtle Island itself we discovered the recent presence of Beaver who had been chewing on a couple of trees eating the nutrient-rich cambium layer just below the surface of the tree's bark. On the other side of the island we found a small sapling that had the characteristic marking of a Beaver who had chewed it in half leaving behind a pointed, conical spike sticking out of the ground while the rest of the tree was lying on the shoreline with its end gnawed into the same pointed, conical shape.
Departing the island and heading back into the forest the group learned about wild blue berry bushes, wood duck nesting boxes and the various volunteer groups and opportunities our park, as well as those found in all Virginia State Parks, offer.
Just before the day's adventure ended the group came across a giant, ancient and broken Beech tree. Even though the tree was no longer living it still provided a function within the forest community. Its large, stout arms, limbs and gaping holes, knots and cavities provided a wealth of solid, sturdy homes for all sorts of critters. And, surrounding the spot were her "children"; numerous young but tall and healthy Beech trees ready to fill the role left behind by their mother before them.
All in all, our first First Day Hike was a fun, memorable and enjoyable experience. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the large crowd that participated was a joy to spend New Year's Day with. We sincerely hope that this is the start of a new, annual tradition for Smith Mountain Lake State Park! |
First Hikes: In the SNOW! Tom Cervenak, Marketing Manager, Virginia State Parks
![Click to enlarge]() Well I hope many of you got out, enjoyed the great outdoors and the First Day Hike. My travels for work have taken me home to Cleveland, Ohio. I would love to say I got a "warm greeting" when I returned home, but I got a typical "Cleveland greeting" as the weather changed rapidly and produced blizzard type conditions. However, there is nothing like a hike and for that matter; some of my best hikes have been in the winter. There is something about the calm of the season, a fresh white snow that quiets your footsteps and to see the birds, squirrels and other creatures working hard to survive the winter. So, even though I couldn't travel to go to the park because of road conditions, I took a wonderful city walk to start the year. Having delivered newspapers as a boy during the famous 1978 blizzard, which I think still holds the record for the lowest inland pressure ever recorded, today's hike was a piece of cake! May you and your family enjoy a wonderful 2012, out hiking in our parks, or wherever you can get too! |
New Documentary on Leopold Showing at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and Emory & Henry College
Steve Lindeman, Outreach Chair Holston Rivers Chapter Virginia Master Naturalists
![Click to enlarge]() On January 26, and February 2, 2012, the Holston Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists will host a free screening of a new film called Green Fire, the first full-length, high definition documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold. The film explores Aldo Leopold's life in the early part of the twentieth century and the many ways his land ethic idea continues to be applied all over the world today.
Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time is a production of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the US Forest Service, and the Center for Humans and Nature. The film shares highlights from Leopold's life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation in the twentieth century and still inspires people today. Although probably best known as the author of the conservation classic A Sand County Almanac, Leopold is also renowned for his work as an educator, philosopher, forester, ecologist, and wilderness advocate.
This film was shown in community screening venues like this one throughout 2011. It will be released on public television in early 2012.
"Aldo Leopold's legacy lives on today in the work of people and organizations across the nation and around the world," said Aldo Leopold Foundation Executive Director Buddy Huffaker. "What is exciting about Green Fire is that it is more than just a documentary about Aldo Leopold; it also explores the influence his ideas have had in shaping the conservation movement as we know it today by highlighting some really inspiring people and organizations doing great work to connect people and the natural world in ways that even Leopold might not have imagined."
Green Fire illustrates Leopold's continuing influence by exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Viewers will meet urban children in Chicago learning about local foods and ecological restoration. They'll learn about ranchers in Arizona and New Mexico who maintain healthy landscapes by working on their own properties and with their neighbors, in cooperative community conservation efforts. They'll meet wildlife biologists who are bringing back threatened and endangered species, from cranes to Mexican wolves, to the landscapes where they once thrived. The Green Fire film portrays how Leopold's vision of a community that cares about both people and land-his call for a land ethic-ties all of these modern conservation stories together and offers inspiration and insight for the future.
"The making of Green Fire has been a process of discovery," says Curt Meine, the film's on-screen guide. Meine's doctoral dissertation was a biography of Aldo Leopold, published as Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work (University of Wisconsin Press, 1988). To give the film its modern perspective of Leopold's influence in the conservation movement today, Meine was charged with conducting hundreds of interviews with people practicing conservation all over the country. "Meeting all those people has really yielded new connections between Leopold and nearly every facet of the environmental movement, including ocean conservation, urban gardening, and climate change-issues that Leopold never directly considered in his lifetime but has nonetheless affected as his ideas are carried on by others," said Meine.
The film is being shown twice:
7:30 pm on January 26, 2012: Executive Auditorium of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia
7:30 pm on February 2, 2012: Wiley Auditorium on the Emory & Henry College Campus, Emory, VA
For more information, Steve Lindeman, (276) 676-2209, slindeman@tnc.org.
The Aldo Leopold Foundation is distributing the film to community screeners, and is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The foundation's mission is to inspire an ethical relationship between people and land through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. Leopold regarded a land ethic as a product of social evolution. "Nothing so important as an ethic is ever 'written,'" he explained. "It evolves 'in the minds of a thinking community.'" Learn more about the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Green Fire movie at www.aldoleopold.org.
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
The Center for Humans and Nature explores and promotes human responsibilities in relation to the whole community of life. Connect with the center's ideas through the free e-journal Minding Nature, and find out more about their work by visiting the Programs & Projects webpage at www.humansandnature.org.
Established in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages 193 million acres, conducts forest research, assists forest landowners and helps formulate international forest policy. Learn more about the Forest Service at www.fs.fed.us. |
Festivals and Special Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. |
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Bear Creek Lake State Park 01/11/2012 Friends of Bear Creek Lake The Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park will be holding quarterly meetings in 2012, and hope that you will be able to join them. Bear Creek Lake S.P. is so grateful for the help and support that the Friends Group provides and encourages all who regularly visit the Park to attend. The meetings will be held in the evening, but please call the Park Office for exact time or for information on any changes to the schedule, or to be put on the FOBCL mailing list. Hope to see you there! Location - Bear Creek Hall Phone - (804) 492-4410
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Leesylvania State Park 01/10/2012 Friends of Leesylvania Monthly Meeting 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Friends Leesylvania State Park help the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments, and Haunted History Hikes. Friends also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, as well as fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania ( friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com) to learn more or come to one of its meetings. It meets the third Tuesday of each month. Location - Main Office Phone - (703) 730-8205
01/14/2012 Care Packages for Soldiers 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Help us let our soldiers know how much we appreciate all that they do for us. We would like to assemble 50 care packages for Operation Home Front( http://www.operationhomefront.net), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military personnel and their families. We will be asking for donations of different items like phone cards, baby wipes, tooth brushes, digital or disposable cameras, etc. For the full list please call the visitor center or email at leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (703) 583-6904
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Natural Tunnel State Park 01/05/2012 Job Fair 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Natural Tunnel State Park is seeking dependable workers for summer employment. There are seveal positions available from Lifeguards to Maintenance Rangers. Business casual dress and a resume recommended. Free admission, open to the public, and light refreshments will be available. Applications will be available at the job fair. If you are interested in volunteering for The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association or for Natural Tunnel State Park, representatives will be at the job fair to answer questions. For more information call (276) 940-2674 No Children Please! Location - Cove Ridge Center Phone - (276) 940-2674
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Smith Mountain Lake State Park 01/08/2012 Winter Lecture Series: Birds of Prey of the SML Area 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Raptors ascend on the Discovery Center at Smith Mountain Lake State Park! Robb Herbst shares with us a rare and intimate glimpse into the remarkable world of these magnificent birds of prey. Robb is a Master Falconer with over twenty years experience and the Education Director of the Friends of Philpot. Enjoy a stirring PowerPoint display in our Discovery Center, then witness the magnificent power of these birds in action during a live demonstration with live hawk's and "Lenny" the Barn Owl. Don't miss this chance to "rub elbows" with one of our most powerful predators. Tickets are $7 at the door. Please allow time for ticket purchase. Season tickets are $18 per person or $32 for a pair. No Children Please! Location - Discovery Center Phone - (540) 297-6066
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Southwest Virginia Museum State Park 01/07/2012 First Saturday Community Coffee House 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Each month, a different host performer takes center stage and welcomes all family-friendly performers to step up to the open microphone. Come hear music, poetry, and stories from some of the community's best performers. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase. All performers are asked to arrive by 6:30 P.M. for sign-in and scheduling. Location - Museum Phone - (276) 523-1322
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All Other Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. |
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Belle Isle State Park 01/12/2012 Home School Program--Winter Animals and Their Tracks 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Belle Isle is home to many wintering animals. Some are year-round residents and some, such as tundra swans, just visit for a few months. Learn about the adaptations animals make to adapt to winter weather. Students will learn how to track animals using replica tracks and scat, and by looking for signs. They will also have a chance to handle and discuss furs of several winter animals. Weather permitting, students will take a short hike outside to observe animals signs and to watch the tundra swans. Cost is $2 per student. Adults attending with their children do not pay a fee. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (804) 462-5030
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Caledon Natural Area 01/07/2012 Bald Eagle & Winter Waterfowl Tour 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Winter is a great time to see birds on the Potomac River and area marshes. The nesting season for eagles begins in Jan and area waterways should be full of ducks, geese and other waterfowl. Dress warmly and bring your life list. These tours will be by van so we will have a chance to warm up between stops. Call the park for more info and to make the required reservations. $3/person or $8/family. Location - Meet at the Visitor Center Phone - (540) 663-3861
01/08/2012 I Spy Van Ride 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Bring the family out for a fun scavenger hunt by van. We will be looking for things like eagles, wild turkeys, deer, hawks, tree with knees and other natural wonders. The winter forest is alive with wildlife if you know where to look and this is a great way to beat cabin fever. $3 per person and $8 per family Reservations required. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (540) 663-3861
01/13/2012 Owl Prowl Hayride 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Explore the secret life of owls. The tour begins at the Visitor Center with a talk about the owls found at Caledon. After the talk we take the hay wagon into the forest to call the owls in. Whoooo knows what will show up! $3 per person $8 per family. Please call the park for more information and to make the required reservations. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (540) 663-3861
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Chippokes Plantation State Park 07/05/2011 - 06/30/2012 Educational Outreach Can't make it out to the park, let the park come to you. A Park Interpreter can conduct a exciting interactive program on many SOL-based topics using the EPA award winning, Your Backyard Classroom curriculum. Registration fees vary. Location - Off Site Phone - (757) 294-3728
07/05/2011 - 06/30/2012 Private Field Trips Chippokes State Park offers access to a variety of habitats and both natural and historic resources. With a beach on the James River swamps, forest, creeks, marshes, historic mansion and outbuildings, and agricultural sites there is plenty to discover and explore. Chippokes offers hands on outdoor learning experiences for groups of all ages. All programs are tailored by the interpretive staff to meet the specific grade level needs of the participants. Please inquire how each of the programs correlate to the Virginia SOLs! Program registration fees vary. Location - Chippokes Plantation State Park Phone - (757) 294-3728
07/06/2011 - 06/30/2012 Park Packs 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Want a little more for your day trip or overnight stay at Chippokes? Then a Park Pack is what you need! A Park Pack will help you explore the park on your own. Each pack contains binoculars, guide books, story books, birdsong players, and more. Park Pack themes include the Birding, History, Wetlands, Fossils, Wildlife, and Native Americans. Check out a Park Pack for up to 3 days at the Park Office Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no fee to check out a pack. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (757) 294-3728
01/10/2012 Historic Garden and Woodsplitting Workday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Chippokes Friends and Volunteers meet in the Jones Stewart Mansion parking lot to assist staff in sprucing up the Historic Gardens and/or splitting wood. Wood sales occur in the campground and proceeds benefit the Friends group. We need your help! Location - Jones Stewart Mansion and Maintenance Shop Phone - (757) 294-3728
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Claytor Lake State Park 11/15/2011 - 11/15/2012 Kids in Parks Track Trail Adventures Looking for ways to connect with nature, increase physical activity, and improve nutritional choices? Claytor Lake State Park has the answer. Shady Ridge Trail is now part of the Kids in Parks Initiative sponsored by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. TRACK Trail adventures are designed to help kids explore nature through the use of self-guided brochures. TRACK Trail adventures are fun, healthy and free. Within the pages of each brochure a different story unfolds. Brochures are readily available at the Claytor Lake State Park Shady Ridge Trail Head, so what are you waiting for? The Track Trail program is fun, because you can record all your outdoor adventures while earning cool Trail TRACKer Gear. Trail TRACKer Gear is designed to help you and your family have more fun when you explore nature. Since the gear gets better and better every time you TRACK a trail... you'll want to track as many trails as you can. Please visit the following website for additinal information and to start Trail Tracking. http://kidsinparks.com/index.php Location - Shady Ridge Trail Phone - (540) 643-2500
11/15/2011 - 11/15/2012 Claytor Lake State Park's GPS Adventures! Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. Claytor Lake State Park's GPS Adventures uses the sport of geocaching to help facilitate outdoor environmental education and recreation. If you have a GPS device all you need to get started is a brochure. Drop in and pickup one from the park Visitor Center. The current brochure is titled Geological Formations and Discoveries. GPS units are also available for rent from the park office. Half Day rate- $6.00 Full Day rate- $10.00 Location - Claytor Lake State Park Trail System Phone - (540) 643-2500
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Douthat State Park 01/01/2012 - 12/31/2012 The Bear Necessities (Douthat Wildlife Geocaching Adventure) The Bear Necessities is a multi cache located in the mountain woodlands of Douthat State Park. It is a three stage multi cache and instructions will be provided in each stage. The stages are in 64 oz. plastic boxes. It is possible to walk between the stages, but you may want to drive and park in the locations indicated in each stage. Search VSP Douthat Wildlife Adventure at http://www.geocaching.com for all the information needed to get started. Location - Park Office Phone - (540) 862-8100
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False Cape State Park 01/08/2012 Welcome to Wash Woods History Tour 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Take a scenic tram ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the site of the historic Wash Woods community in what is now False Cape State Park. Hike the one-mile (round-trip) nature trail to the church and cemetery site where the steeple and gravestones remain. September 11 will be a special "Day of Rememberance." Reservations are not required. First-come first-serve basis. Cost: $8/adults; $6/children & seniors. Location - Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Phone - (757) 301-7329
01/14/2012 Night Eyes and Night Skies 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Journey through scenic Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the heart of False Cape State Park away from city lights and traffic to observe the night sky and listen for owls. Look for shooting stars and other bright lights in the sky as you learn to pick out prominent constellations. Reservations are required. Call (757) 426-7128 to sign up. Cost: $10/person Location - Little Island City Park in Sandbridge Phone - (757) 426-3657
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James River State Park 01/14/2012 Pine Needle Basket Class 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join us for this very special program featuring Jean Koon and her amazing basket making skills. We will use natural material (long leaf pine will make the sides of the basket, the bottom may be one of several different materials) to create beautiful and useful baskets. The cost for the day is $55, which will cover all material (if you have a pair of needle nose pliers you may want to bring them, otherwise we'll share). Early registration is required, as is prepayment. Registration for this program will close on January 2nd, and a check made out to "Jean Koon" will need to be sent to the park (address below). The check will NOT be cashed until the program takes place. That way if we have to cancel for any reason we can just return your check to you. Please call 434-933-4355 to make your reservations and for additional details. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own heirloom! Due to the time involved and the degree of detail, small children not recommended. Please mail checks to: James River State Park Attn: Jean Koon's Basket Class 104 Green Hill Drive Gladstone, VA 24553 No Children Please! Location - Park Maintenance Shop Phone - (434) 933-4355
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Mason Neck State Park 01/07/2012 Wild for Winter Waterfowl 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Join us as we observe swans, ducks and other migrating waterfowl that reside in Belmont Bay during the winter months. We'll have a spotting scope available for public use. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/07/2012 Lost and Found GPS Adventures 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join us on this one mile hike with park GPS units. You will experience nature while searching for hidden caches! This program is most appropriate for ages six and up. Maximum of 10 people. First come, first served. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/07/2012 Majestic Eagles 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of an outstanding opportunity to view bald eagles as they soar over the park. The program is free and open to the public. Watch as the eagles glide across the skies over Belmont Bay. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available, but quests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and cameras. Dress appropriately for the weather. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/08/2012 Winter Ranger Hike 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. This guided hike departs from the Bay View Trail head and is for all people who enjoy nature. This hike allows park visitors to see the bay up close, as the ranger explains the wildlife around the park, and what we can all do to preserve natural beauty. Bring sturdy shoes, water and your camera. Dress appropriately for the weather. Location - Meet at Bayview Trail Head Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/08/2012 Wild for Winter Waterfowl 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Join us as we observe swans, ducks and other migrating waterfowl that reside in Belmont Bay during the winter months. We'll have a spotting scope available for public use. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/08/2012 Majestic Eagles 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of an outstanding opportunity to view bald eagles as they soar over the park. The program is free and open to the public. Watch as the eagles glide across the skies over Belmont Bay. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available, but quests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and cameras. Dress appropriately for the weather. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/14/2012 Wild for Winter Waterfowl 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Join us as we observe swans, ducks and other migrating waterfowl that reside in Belmont Bay during the winter months. We'll have a spotting scope available for public use. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/14/2012 Lost and Found GPS Adventures 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join us on this one mile hike with park GPS units. You will experience nature while searching for hidden caches! This program is most appropriate for ages six and up. Maximum of 10 people. First come, first served. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
01/14/2012 Majestic Eagles 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of an outstanding opportunity to view bald eagles as they soar over the park. The program is free and open to the public. Watch as the eagles glide across the skies over Belmont Bay. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available, but quests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and cameras. Dress appropriately for the weather. Location - Meet at Visitor Center Phone - (703) 339-2384
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Sailors Creek Battlefield State Park 01/13/2012 Lee-Jackson Day 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chief Ranger Sam Wilson, Jr. gives an indepth interpretive monologue of Robert E. Lee's important decisions and actions from Amelia Courthouse to Farmville, VA, April 5-7, 1865. He reviews the pivotal events that shaped Lee's ultimate decision to surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9. The monologue is followed by a guided tour of the new visitor center exhibit hall, which chronologically relates the Appomattox Campaign events from the fall of Richmond to the Battles of Sailor's Creek, High Bridge, Farmville, and Cumberland Church, and westward towards Appomattox. Ideal for adults and middle-school to young adult. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair for the exhibit hall presentation that lasts 45 minutes followed by the guided tour. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (804) 561-7510
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Twin Lakes State Park 01/14/2012 MLK Day Program 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come learn about the great man behind the movement, and how the movement marched its way all the way into the history of Prince Edward County, AND make a fun craft to remember The Dream. Location - Beach Concession Stand Phone - (434) 392-3435
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York River State Park 07/19/2011 - 12/31/2012 Field Trips/School Outreach York River State Park offers access to a variety of habitats and both natural and historic resources. With access to the York River, forest, creeks, and marshes there is plenty to discover and explore. York River State Park offers hands on outdoor learning experiences for groups of all ages. All programs are tailored by the interpretive staff to meet the specific grade level needs of the participants. Please inquire how each of the programs correlate to the Virginia SOLs! Guided hikes, paddling, and wetlands programs are available. Fees vary. Call the park for scheduling and fee information. Location - Various Phone - (757) 566-8523
07/19/2011 - 12/31/2012 Park Packs 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Want to enhance your visit to York River State Park? Then a Park Pack is what you need! A Park Pack will help you explore the park on your own. Each pack contains binoculars, guide books, story books, birdsong players, and more. Park Pack themes include Birding, History, Rivers, and more. Check out a Park Pack for up to 3 days at the Park Office Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (757) 566-8523
01/14/2012 Photo Walk for Waterfowl 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Our ranger and staff photographer will lead you to waterfowl habitats along Taskinas Creek and the York River. Some of the species found here include buffleheads, canvasbacks, golden eyes, and mallards. Don't be surprised to see adult and juvenile bald eagles as well. We will begin this walk at Croaker Landing and continue at the main section of the park. Location - Croaker Landing Phone - (757) 566-8523
01/14/2012 Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association Group Ride 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Put your skills to the test with the EVMA ( http://evma.org) on some of the most challenging trails east of the Blue Ridge. Marl Ravine passes through a rare shell-marl habitat and is a favorite of experienced competition and weekend riders. Beginner and intermediate riders can build their abilities on Laurel Glen and the new Bobcat Run trails. The EVMA is instrumental in maintaining our bike trails and promoting fun and safety in the sport. Visit their website for more biking opportunities. Location - Contact Station Phone - (757) 566-8523
01/14/2012 Getting To Know Us 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Are you new to the Williamsburg area? Perhaps you are looking for a location for a family or organization event. Take a guided tour of our day use area to see what our park has to offer. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, boating, and access to the York River shoreline are just a short drive from Virginia's Historic Triangle. Location - Contact Station Phone - (757) 566-8523
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Virginia State Parks Gift Shops
While visiting our parks be sure to visit our Gift Shops for many wonderful gift ideas. You can also find many items at our On-Line Store and in the Virginia State Parks Gift Shop located in our West End Richmond Reservations Center. Look for our sale items both online and in the Gift Shop.
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Become A Virginia State Parks Travel Writer ![Constant Contact 2009 All Star Award]() Share your favorite State Parks story with other eNews readers. Submit your story - with or without pictures - to Don.Byrne@dcr.virginia.gov. Don't wish to write an article? We also welcome any pictures you might care to share. |
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