DCR Virginia State Parks  
In This Issue

Winter Walks

Anna Malcom, Volunteer/Special Events Coordinator, Sky Meadows State Park

Click to enlarge Cool air surrounds you as you step out of the car, reminding you to grab your mittens and other woolly things. Your coat crinkles as you zip it all the way to the top and smooth down the puffy layers. Quickly, you scan an empty parking lot wondering if you are crazy for venturing out on this bright winter morning.



Read more about what a Winter Walk in your favorite State Park can offer you by Clicking Here.

10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Virginia State Parks: Part 6
Shellie Anne

Virginia has 36 fabulous state parks that range from the Cumberland Gap in the furthest Southwestern corner of our state to the Atlantic Ocean. We have parks that are small, medium and expansive, with activities that range from horseback riding to fossil hunting. Many of these Virginia State Parks are based in and around a water feature like a river, lake or bay, which gives them an even grander appeal. Everyone loves water, from recreational activities, breathtaking scenery to the abundance of wildlife found there.

There are many reasons to fall in love with Virginia State Parks, but for this series I am showcasing 10 reasons that immediately come to mind, and we hope you will agree.

Part 6 - The Wildlife

Part 5 - The Space

Part 4 - The Food

Part 3 - The Water

Part 2 - The Accommodations

Part 1 - The People

A Day in the Life of York River
Self Guided Hikes for All

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

Ranger guided programs are the best way for guests to get acquainted with a Virginia State Park and York River State Park is no exception.

Even in the dead of winter, we strive to offer hikes that highlight our historic and natural resources. Scouting and outdoor adventure groups have already reserved programs with us in January and February with our interpretive staff in addition to our scheduled events. More offerings are on tap as the spring and summer arrives and some activities continue into the fall.

Dust off your hiking shoes and learn what can be in store for you by Clicking Here.

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

Birds of a Feather Flock Together at Chippokes
Great Backyard Bird Count
Matt Knight, Education Specialist, Chippokes Plantation State Park

During the winter, while most creatures have taken cover and the vibrancy that nature displays has seemingly vanished, a small and feathery animal roams the bare landscape, carrying on as if it has taken a new lease on life. Birds unquestionably peak our curiosity, if not for their spectacular flying abilities and their beautiful songs, then for their ruggedness during one of the hardest times of year.

Chippokes Plantation State Park is home to many overwintering bird species, and to celebrate our avian friends, the park will host "The Great Stakeout" as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday February 13, 2016 in the Farm and Forestry Museum's Quayle Classroom.

Learn more about this program that is "For the Birds" by Clicking Here.


Click Here for a location map of Chippokes Plantation State Park.

Festivals, National 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.


Bear Creek Lake State Park   Located at 22 Bear Creek Lake Road Cumberland VA 23040
02/14/2016    Friends of Bear Creek Lake   2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   The Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park hold regularly scheduled meetings and activities and hope that you will be able to join them. The Park is so grateful for the help and support that the Friends Group provides, and encourages all who regularly visit the Park to attend. At the business meeting, great ways to enhance the park are discussed. The March, May and July meetings will be followed by a Ranger-led program or activity. Please call the office for information on any changes to the schedule, or to be put on the FOBCL mailing list. Hope to see you there! Most of the regular meetings are held at Bear Creek Hall, but please check with the park office for the April meeting location.You can contact the Friends by email at  [email protected]     Location - Bear Creek Hall    Phone -

Chippokes Plantation State Park   Located at 695 Chippokes Park Road Surry VA 23883
02/13/2016    Great Backyard Bird Count-The Great Stakeout!   1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   The Great Backyard Bird Count, held from February 13-February 16, is an online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time through the project's website. Come canvas the Farm and Forestry Museum courtyard for sly sparrows and cunning chickadees! We will be identifying and inventorying bird species from the warm and cozy confines of the Quayle Classroom. To continue your bird observations, you will be able to make a bird feeder to take home. This program will help scientists better understand bird populations and is a fantastic way to connect with nature's most curious creatures.     Location - In the Farm and Forestry Museum's Quayle Classroom    Phone - (757) 294-3439

Hungry Mother State Park   Located at 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354
02/13/2016    Great Backyard Bird Count   10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Become a citizen scientist and help count birds all around the park. This program highlights the Great Backyard Bird Count and will include helpful hints on identifying birds. All ages welcome, even beginners!  Dress for outside and bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. The park will have a limited supply of guides and binoculars to borrow.    Location - Lake Room in The Restaurant    Phone - (276) 781-7400

Lake Anna State Park   Located at 6800 Lawyers Road Spotsylvania VA 22551
02/06/2016    ICY-8 Hour Adventure Trail Run   7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Athletic Equation continues with its ultra running paradigm shift for 2016 with the "ICY-8" Hour Adventure Trail Run (ATR). Why is it named the "ICY 8"? Well simply put, its February...the weather can be unpredictable and cold. Staying consistent with our other events, runner will be able to run as MUCH AS THEY WANT. Our events are about the runners meeting their own expectations, not an events expectation.     Follow this link for race details: http://athletic-equation.com/ICY-8_HR_ATR.html    Registration closes: Monday Feb. 1 at 12:00 a.m.        Location - Start/Finish: Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

Leesylvania State Park   Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191
02/16/2016    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 ([email protected]) to learn more or come to one of their meetings. They meet the third Tuesday of each month.       Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (703) 730-8205

Pocahontas State Park   Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832
02/04 to 05, 08 to 11/2016    Valentines for Veterans - Comforting our Veterans    8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   February 14 is more than Valentine's Day. It's the start of National Salute Week, a time dedicated to giving back and saying thanks to service members, Veterans, and their families.    Help the staff of Pocahontas State Park kick off National Salute week with your donations of commonly needed items. Lend your hand in comforting our Veterans as they receive treatments at the local VA Hospital. Notes of encouragement and Valentine's Day cards are greatly appreciated.    Donations can be dropped off at the Main Office, 8-4 p.m.    From 10 a.m-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, stop by the Nature Center for a day of making cards for the veterans.  All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity.  We will also be accepting any items you were unable to drop off during the week.     Items Needed:     Patient Clothing   White "T" Shirts (larger sizes)   White Socks (women and men, ankle or no show)   Men's Boxers/Briefs (large or bigger preferred)   Women's Panties    Women's Undershirts/Sports Bras   New Sweat Pants & Shirts (large or bigger preferred)     Patient Comfort Items: (No glass, please).   Alcohol Free Mouthwash   Denture Brushes, Cleansers, and Adhesives   Deodorant   Body Wash      Lotion   Vaseline    Medium sized items and 8-12 ounce bottles are best.    Location - Park Office    Phone - (804) 796-4255


02/06/2016    Valentines for Veterans   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   February 14 is more than Valentine's Day. It's the start of National Salute Week, a time dedicated to giving back and saying thanks to service members, Veterans, and their families.    Stop by the Nature Center for a day of making cards for the veterans.  All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity.      Help the staff of Pocahontas State Park kick off National Salute week with your donations of commonly needed items.  See http://tinyurl.com/h72flcr for more information.    Location - Nature Center    Phone - (804) 796-4255


Smith Mountain Lake State Park   Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104
02/07/2016    Winter Lecture Series - '' Reptiles of the Smith Mountain Lake Area''   3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   You're in for a real treat if you join us for the second installment in this year's Winter Lecture Series. Nell Fredericksen, a professional artist with a Master of Science in Zoology/Reptile Physiology will present "Reptiles of the Smith Mountain Lake Area". A current wildlife rehabilitator, Nell works closely with several Master Naturalists Chapters in this area. She will have some of her reptile friends with her, including box turtles and a few of our local snake species. Here's your chance to touch a live reptile, learn about their fascinating lives, and maybe even gain a new appreciation for these scaly little creatures.    The Winter Lecture Series is presented by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Proceeds go to help fund educational programs and projects in the park.     Ticket Prices: Single ticket: $ 7,  Single season ticket: $18, Two season tickets: $32, FSMLSP: season ticket: $15, FSMLSP: 2 season tickets: $30.    Prices include parking. All tickets paid at the door.     For more information call:   540-297-6066      Location - Discovery Center    Phone -

Wilderness Road State Park   Located at 8051 Wilderness Road Ewing VA 24248
02/25 to 27/2016    Mystery Dinner Theatre - ''WHISPERS''   7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   The park is serving up a second helping of this rehash of last season's very popular tongue-in-cheek mystery dinner theatre presentation. Whispers: Secrets of the Ely Mansion features colorful characters offering a unique twist on the history of the Ely Mansion. The story unfolds as these characters lead the audience through three acts of fun, confusion and discovery. The action takes place all around the dinner guests who will be treated with a three-course meal of fresh salad, beef stew and strawberry dessert. The cast is made up of: a special guest of honor, farmhands, maids and a chef. By the third act, dinner guests will be invited to try to solve the mystery. Advanced tickets are required. Tickets are $15 each and space is limited.    Location - Karlan Mansion    Phone - (276) 445-3065
York River State Park   Located at 9801 York River Park Road Williamsburg VA 23188
02/12/2016 - 02/15/2016    Great Backyard Bird Count   8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual program of the Cornell University Ornithology Lab and the National Audubon Society.  Seasoned and first time birders are invited to count the various species of birds at the park including eagles, song birds, and waterfowl.  Spend as much, or as little time as you wish.  For more information about this project, please visit the GBBC website at http://gbbc.birdcount.org.    Location - Amphitheater    Phone - (757) 566-3036


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.

Due to the large number of events in this edition we are not able to list them all.
You can link to a list of events from 02/04/2016 To 02/29/2016 by clicking on your favorite park.


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I Love Virginia State Parks 1936-2016 80th

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You're never more than an hour's drive from a Virginia State Park