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Outdoors & Environmental Newsletter | September 2012 | VBgov.com/Parks 
Looking Forward to Fall 

S'moresAs we move towards fall, we can begin thinking about going camping and enjoying s'mores around the campfire! The crisp nights and cool mornings, plus the decrease in insects, make this the perfect time of year to sleep outside under the stars. Camping can be a fun, low cost way to relax and spend time with friends and family. And you don't have to go far from home for this experience. While there are lots of campground options in Hampton Roads, you could always just pitch a tent in the backyard and enjoy a night of fresh air.

Looking for a mini-vacation without breaking the bank? Check out all of the wonderful state parks in Virginia; many within a couple hours' drive from Virginia Beach. Options are available for tent camping or renting a cabin. This time of year, cabins are available at many of our state parks at a reduced rate, or by the night instead of the week. And just because you have young children, don't rule it out. Check out these great suggestions for camping with toddlers.
 
If your pre-schooler isn't quite ready to spend the night in the great outdoors, consider our Nature Detectives class to give them an introduction to spending time in nature. This class meets Thursdays in October at Red Wing Park and is for youth age 3-6 with an adult.
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Kayak Rentals at 
Stumpy Lake!
 
Saturday, October 13
9 am - 5 pm

Come out to Stumpy Lake and rent a kayak (tandem & singles available) to paddle this beautiful area. Life jackets & paddles included. Children age 3 must be at least 25 lbs and those under 18 must be with an adult.

$10/hr/boat | Pay on site; cash only
Register Now for FREE Family Fishing Clinic!
Saturday, October 6 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Munden Point Park

Girl FishingGo fish! Spend a morning at Munden Point Park learning to fish with your kids (ages 5-14) at our free Family Fishing Clinic. Don't miss the chance to team up with experienced fishermen for guided instruction on beginning fishing skills. You'll learn about tackle, bait, knot tying and casting. We'll even help you reel in your catch! This program is always a hit with parents and kids alike.
 
Advance registration is required. Register under the parent or guardian name at any Virginia Beach Recreation Center or online via EZreg. Space is limited to the first 150 participants. A parent or guardian must be present for every 4 children.
 
Fishing poles, tackle and bait are provided, if needed. This event will be held rain or shine. A hot dog lunch is included.
Join Us for the Pleasure House Point Ribbon Cutting!
Friday, October 12 | 11 am | Pleasure House Point Natural Area, 3957 Marlin Bay Drive

PHPJoin us for the official Pleasure House Point Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, October 12 at 11 am. This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of The Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.

On Saturday, October 13, community environmental organization, Lynnhaven River NOW is hosting the Pleasure House Point Celebratory Grand Opening as part of their 2nd Annual Fall Festival. From 11 am to 4 pm, enjoy family-friendly activities at the Fall Festival including kayak tours of Pleasure House Creek, guided nature walks, eco-friendly craft vendors, educational booths, live music and locally-sourced foods. Shop the onsite Farmer's Market and Seafood Market as well.
Ready for Some Wildlife Viewing? 

Bird WatchingSave the date for the Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival on January 25-27, 2013! Registration will begin November 15 and details will be available in the coming weeks on our website at VBgov.com/winterwildlife.

We know waiting is tough, so in the meantime, you might want to check out the 20th Annual Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival from October 5-7. Based in Cape Charles, Virginia, this festival is an opportunity to experience the wonders of wildlife with guided tours, boat trips, nature hikes and much more. Catch sightings of species you've never seen before. As one of the most important migration stop-overs on the East Coast, millions of songbirds and butterflies and thousands of raptors will converge here on their long journey south.
Meteor Showers Light Up the Night 

 

MeteorDid you miss the big meteor shower in August? Don't worry; you have the opportunity to see something similar next month. The next meteor shower is the Orionids, on the night of October 20, when the moon is first quarter.

 

Meteor showers are an increase in the number of meteors or "shooting stars" that streak across the night sky. Meteor showers get their name from the constellation that best coincides with that region of the sky, a spot known as the radiant. The August meteor shower appeared to fall from a point in the constellation Perseus, so it was known as the Perseid meteor shower. The October one will come from the constellation Orion.

 

It's best to view these night sky shows in a remote area, away from all the city lights. Orion does not rise until about 11 pm in late October, and being north of the equator, you'll need to look towards the southeast to find them.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures 

 

Bow Creek Recreation Center is closed for a long-term modernization project. Expected re-opening is Fall 2014. 

 
Kempsville Recreation Center will be closed September 24-30 for annual maintenance.

  

Princess Anne Recreation Center will be closed October 8-14 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through October 21. 

 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If your child requires additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.