In this wildlife series photographer and park ranger John Gresham will share his perspective through his lens at York River State Park.

I am a fan of waterfowl watching. Birding for colorful blue jays, cardinals, and other backyard species has its merits as these birds are available year-round and are often used to introduce kids and newcomers to the outdoors to birding. However, wild ducks and geese are only with us from November to early March.

The male bufflehead drake glistens with shades of green and purple sometimes black looking on its white head. The familiar "quack" of the mallard can be heard in the bog and small beach at Croaker Landing. Ruddy ducks have been known to raft (swim closely) in groups of more than a hundred. But this year, a different bird has taken center stage.

Click Here to view John's photo story.

Click Here for a location map of York River State Park.

Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Manager, Virginia State Parks

Twin Lakes State Park is the perfect destination for business or pleasure and if you are there for business it will be a pleasure.

This week I had the good fortune to stay a couple of nights at Twin Lakes State Park. As with many of my visits to our Virginia State Parks, I was there on business for an Advanced Interpretive Skills workshop. I love spending time with our very talented and creative staff responsible for natural and cultural experiences at our parks.

Just an hour west of Richmond, near where routes 360 and 460 cross, and just a stone's throw from Farmville, I could have commuted from my home in eastern Henrico County. After Monday's snow, I decided staying was a better idea and I am so glad.

If you haven't been to Twin Lakes in a while or have never been there, it is time to go. Cabins 1 through 6 have been upgraded. Since the park features Cedar Crest Conference Center for many years the cabins had a twin bed and a set of bunk beds in each bedroom. We have now changed that to a queen size bed in one bedroom and two bunks in the other. The kitchen, bath and living area have had a facelift along with the exterior. I stayed in cabin 4. Cabins 2, 4 and 6 are down on the lake and 1, 3 and 5 are up above the lake. All 3 lakefront cabins have stairs down to them from the parking area. The steps are gradual and the series with more than two steps have a rail. If you have mobility challenges, select an odd number cabin.

Twin Lakes offers year round boat rentals which is unusual in our system. The park has two recreational lakes and six miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest and along the lakes. The park is adjacent to Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest with additional hiking as well as equestrian and biking opportunities. Be sure and purchase a state forest permit of you plan on using the trails in the State Forest. Summers offer a guarded swimming beach and snack bar.

In addition to the six cabins mentioned above, the park has Martin Cottage, a two bedroom, former park residence, and Hill Lodge a four bedroom, one bath (two toilet stalls) cabin that sleeps 8. Good news is that this park will be getting some new overnight facilities in the next two years so stay tuned.

While great for a family trip or romantic getaway, outdoor recreation or quite reflection, Twin Lakes State Park is also a great place to meet. Cedar Crest Conference Center offers three meeting spaces accommodating up to 135, 35 and 16 respectively. Great views of the lake and a gazebo also make it the perfect wedding and reception venue. Park Assistant Manager, Phil Morgan, is a Certified Meeting Planner and he will help plan your event. He and his attentive staff cater as well. As one of our staff this week, a vegetarian, commented, "You accommodated my eating preferences better than my family."

It's often the little touches that show staff care for the full guest experience. When we hold events at Twin Lakes we do breakfast in the cabins. The breakfast menu was one of those added touches. Fresh baked cookies for breaks are also hard to beat.

Twin Lakes isn't just about meetings though. The best reason to visit for business and/or pleasure is the natural and historical features of the park. Park Manager Josh Ellington and his staff are happy to plan nature or history programs appropriate for your group. The Park is also a great base camp to visit two of our Civil War sites, Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical Park and High Bridge Trail State Park, as well as easy access to Appomattox. Farmville's Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College students and parents will find the park a convenient place to overnight and recreate.

The lake had iced some this morning and many of our staff gathered at the lake to hear the ice sing. If the ice is just the right thickness, skipping stones on the ice will make a singing sound. Just part of the package, no extra cost.

For additional information and reservations contact the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or book on line, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Click Here for a location map of Twin Lakes State Park.

Amy Atwood, District VI Visitor Services Specialist, Virginia State Parks

It is almost upon us, that special holiday that makes so many cringe, Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is the perfect combination of sweet loving and pure stress. What on earth are you supposed to buy for Valentine's Day? It is still in the time of year where some are still working on that New Year's Resolution to lose weight, which means chocolates aren't going to be a great choice. And it also falls just as you are beginning to recover from the shock of the bills from Christmas, so spending lots of money adds stress to your day.

Who needs the extra stress this time of year? I am here to help remedy that with a few affordable gift ideas this Valentine's Day!

Click Here to find out what the gift ideas are.

Shellie Anne

Are you keen on learning more about conserving Virginia's Natural Resources?

Have you ever wondered about the geology, entomology or herpetology found right outside your door? What goes bump in the night, what grows on the forest floor, or what invaders are coming to a lake near you? Well we have something just for you!

The next Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training for the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter (BRFAL) will be held in March.

Click Here to find out what Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training is all about.