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| Weekly Newsletter | August 18, 2016 |
Find Your Park Night at the Diamond Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Director Virginia State Parks
 Saturday, August 20 is Find Your Park Night at the Richmond Diamond. Come out to the game and see the Richmond Flying Squirrels play the Harrisburg Senators and support Virginia State Parks and the National Park Service as we celebrate our respective 80th and 100th anniversaries this year. You'll be able to meet Buddy Bison and Ranger Parker Red Fox. There will be giveaways and fireworks at the end of the evening.
Gates open at 5 p.m. with the first pitches at 5:50 p.m. Special price tickets are available if you call or email Chris Walker no later than Aug. 19, Chris.walker@squirrelsbaseball.com or 804-359-3866 ext 318: $5.50 general admission or $11 field level. Just say you are a friend of parks.
Find a Virginia State Park Ranger for a coupon for a free park visit and to enter to win a weekend cabin stay. |
Virginia Service and Conservation Corps Now Recruiting for a New Veterans Crew Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Director Virginia State Parks
 The Virginia Service and Conservation Corps is accepting applications from military veterans for full-time AmeriCorps positions on a new Veterans Crew to assist on special park projects, including yurt installation, prescribed burns, and trail development. A living allowance, housing, and health care are provided.
To apply, Click Here or call 804-887-8932 for more information. |
Junior Ranger Adventures Jennifer Saik, Education Specialist II/Volunteer Coordinator, Shenandoah River State Park
 Thanks to the never ending generosity of The Friends of Shenandoah River State Park, as well as some local conservation professionals, the Junior Ranger camp at Shenandoah River State Park this summer proved to be a fun and educational experience for all. The two-week program was filled with engaging activities designed to foster a love of the natural world in our future environmentalists. All the children who attended were very enthusiastic learners who were ready to explore the park and embark on new adventures each day.
On Mondays, we were joined by Jennifer Westhoff of Raptor Hill Falconry and Wildlife Sanctuary, who talked to us about animals found in bodies of water other than the Shenandoah. She brought with her a 50-pound Alligator Snapping Turtle and an American Alligator, which were really cool to see up close! After that, Jennifer Brown, a local beekeeper, joined us for a presentation about Honey Bees. She brought along some empty hives and her bee suit for the kids to check out as well.
 Tuesdays were all about reptiles and amphibians. Kristin Black from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, in Front Royal, gave a wonderful talk about the Wood Turtle, a species currently being monitored by the zoo. We learned how scientists use each turtle's scutes to identify them in the wild. In addition, park staff introduced the junior rangers to the collection of toads, turtles and snakes that live at the visitor center. For many of the children, it was the first time they ever got to pet a snake, or see a toad eat a worm!
Brad Fink, biologist from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries came each Wednesday and brought along an enormous tank of fish from the river to show the young rangers, including some large catfish, bass and even an American Eel! After getting the chance to touch some of the fish and learning the proper techniques for handling them, we headed out on a wagon ride to the canal at the opposite end of the park, to try our hand at fishing. Many of the children caught more than one fish each.
 Finally, Thursday was our tube float on the river, which is always a highlight of the week. Several Friends group members assisted with making our river trip extra fun and safe. Mr. Wilkins, Friends group president, brought along his high-powered water gun, to ensure no one stayed dry. Mr. Fox and Mr. Bennett used their brute strength to pull along groups of tubers on their kayaks when they wanted to go faster or race each other.
Camp ended with a graduation ceremony each Thursday. The junior rangers each received certificates signed by the park manager, official ranger patches and a group photograph to take home. The Friends group supplied refreshments of juice and cookies for everyone. Park staff would like to thank all the volunteers and presenters who once again made our camp a big hit!
Click Here for a location map of Shenandoah River State Park. |
Living Roofs are for the Birds! Jennifer Saik, Education Specialist II/Volunteer Coordinator, Shenandoah River State Park
 Each summer, the Mt. Vista Governor's School of Warren County visits Shenandoah River State Park to do a river float with park interpretive staff and to complete an environmental service project. This year, Dasha Sealock, long-time teacher for the program, had the fantastic idea of creating "living roofs" for some of the Bluebird boxes in the park. These roofs, which can be planted on all types of structures, are not only nice to look at, but provide valuable services wherever they are planted, such as helping to manage storm water runoff, absorbing heat and creating new habitat for wildlife.
 The students were really excited to begin this project. A few days before the group arrived, park staff painted a layer of roofing tar on the wood roof of the bird boxes, to waterproof them. The students completed the remaining steps upon their arrival at the park, which included filling the enclosed square roof bed with soil, planting a variety of native seeds in the soil, watering the seeds and then securing wiring over the whole roof, to stabilize the soil until the plants grow.
These boxes will add even more beauty to the garden area surrounding the visitor center. Eventually, we would love to add these living roofs to the numerous Bluebird boxes along the Culler's Trail in the park. This is a fantastic project you can do at home with your children, too! Living roofs can be created on top of sheds, studios, garages, and even homes. A big "thank you" to Mrs. Sealock and her students for coming up with this wonderful conservation project!
Click Here for a location map of Shenandoah River State Park. |
Waggin' Trails: Juno Goes to the Beach |
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. |
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Belle Isle State Park Located at 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster VA 22503 08/20/2016 Wildlife Center of Virginia Eagle Release 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. If you are looking for something exciting to do this weekend, stop by the to witness an inspiring event. The Wildlife Center of Virginia will be releasing a Bald Eagle that was found in Richmond County, Virginia after being struck by a car. To learn more about this eagle's journey, visit the Wildlife Center's website here: http://tinyurl.com/z3dz53f. The Wildlife Center is taking RSVPs for the event, please email LKegley@wildlifecenter.org Thanks to the generosity of a Wildlife Center supporter, there will be no parking fees for attendees, please just mention at the contact station that you are here for the eagle release. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (804) 462-5030
08/20/2016 Music by the River: Southern Grace 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join Belle Isle State Park in welcoming back Southern Grace! This dynamic group combines the soulful sounds of country music and the joyful harmonies of gospel, traditional hymns, and contemporary Christian music with an upbeat tempo. There's nothing sweeter than Shenandoah Valley harmony, and this group knows how to deliver. Bring the whole family - let the kids loose on the games and activities by the playground, spread out a blanket or set up a lawn chair, lean back and enjoy the soft breeze off the river, and relax to the classic summer sounds of Southern Grace! The Music by the River concert series is made possible by the sponsorship of many local businesses and by the Friends of Belle Isle ( http://www.friendsofbelleislestateparkva.org). Location - Picnic Area Phone - (804) 462-5030
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Claytor Lake State Park Located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin VA 24084 08/27/2016 Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Claytor Lake History Tour 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join a park interpreter to learn how our beautiful lake came to be, the story behind the Howe House and the Christian Chimney, and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants. Location - Park Office: Howe House Phone - (540) 643-2500
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Fairy Stone State Park Located at 967 Fairystone Lake Drive Stuart VA 24171 08/22/2016 Farmers Market & Music 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Local fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, honey, etc. Also available Hylton's BBQ Chicken and Ribs fresh off the smoker. Free parking for those visiting the market - ask for your free market pass. Most vendors do not accept credit cards or personal checks, so bring your shopping bag and plenty of cash! 2016 Music Schedule June 20 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) June 27 - Hayden Craun (jazz, blues, gospel) July 4 - Jeff & Linda Hall w Levi Cooper(old time, bluegrass, gospel) July 11 - Bill & Maggie Anderson (bluegrass) July 18 - Jackie Belcher (gospel) Glory Road Singers (gospel) July 25 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) Aug 1 - Poland Family & Friends (variety) Aug 8 - Levi Cooper (old time, bluegrass, gospel) Aug 15 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) Aug 22 - Fred Weber (variety) Aug 29 - The Meggs Family (gospel, bluegrass) Sept 5 - Levi Cooper & Friends (variety) Location - Shelters 3 and 4 Phone - (276) 930-2424
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Grayson Highlands State Park Located at 829 Grayson Highlands Lane Mouth Of Wilson VA 24363 08/23/2016 Appalachian Music Jam 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. A jam session is where musicians play by improvising without extensive preparation or predefined arrangements. This impromptu music making is a crucial part of old time and bluegrass music. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and bring your instruments to this mountain tradition. Join in as folks from the campground and maybe the local area gather round the "porch" of the Campground Amphitheater to swap some songs and have a real shindig. Location - Campground Ampitheater Phone - (276) 579-7092
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Holliday Lake State Park Located at 2759 State Park Road Appomattox VA 24522 08/26/2016 Soldier's Story 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. The American Civil War ended not too far from modern-day Holliday Lake State Park. Confederate soldiers passed just north of Holliday Creek while retreating from Richmond after the Siege of Petersburg. With Union soldiers close behind and gaining, Confederate General Robert E. Lee hoped to regroup and resupply at Appomattox Court House. However, the Union had destroyed the waiting supplies leading to a final skirmish between the two sides. After deciding it would be impossible to push on to Lynchburg, General Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. Heading home after the surrender, many soldiers walked by this area again, this time with lighter steps and heavier hearts. Gather around the campfire as an Appomattox Court House National Historical Park reenactor brings the ups and downs of a soldier's story to life. This program is a partnership with the National Park Service in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Please contact the Park Office with any questions regarding park programs or to set up private programs for a group. Location - Amphitheater Phone - (804) 796-4255
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Hungry Mother State Park Located at 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354 08/19/2016 Music In the Park 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Our popular concert series returns! Join us on the lawn at the Gazebo for great music in the great outdoors. Musical styles range include bluegrass, old tyme, folk, acoustic, oldies and Celtic. Bring something to sit on. FREE May 27 - Night Crossing June 3 - Tommy-N-Friends June 10 - Leigh Beamer June 17 - John Kinsey June 24 - Bill and Maggie Anderson July 1 - Valley Grass July 8 - Crosscut July 22 - Jason Byrd July 29 - Diet of Worms August 5 - Boogertown Gap August 12 - Timothy Seaman August 19 - Pointer Brothers August 26 - Supper Break September 2 - True Grass Location - Gazebo Phone - (276) 781-7400
08/26/2016 Music In the Park 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Our popular concert series returns! Join us on the lawn at the Gazebo for great music in the great outdoors. Musical styles range include bluegrass, old tyme, folk, acoustic, oldies and Celtic. Bring something to sit on. FREE May 27 - Night Crossing June 3 - Tommy-N-Friends June 10 - Leigh Beamer June 17 - John Kinsey June 24 - Bill and Maggie Anderson July 1 - Valley Grass July 8 - Crosscut July 22 - Jason Byrd July 29 - Diet of Worms August 5 - Boogertown Gap August 12 - Timothy Seaman August 19 - Pointer Brothers August 26 - Supper Break September 2 - True Grass Location - Gazebo Phone - (276) 781-7400
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Lake Anna State Park Located at 6800 Lawyers Road Spotsylvania VA 22551 08/20/2016 Tag the Trail - AmeriCorps Service Project 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join our AmeriCorps member volunteer and help us "tag the trail". We will be enhancing Old Pond Trail by installing plant I.D. signs and stakes. Each tag will link to the http://www.plantsmap.com web site. Hat, gloves, water bottle, sunscreen and a bagged lunch or a snack are recommended. Community Service Certificates will be awarded to volunteers registered by 4 p.m. Fri., Aug. 19, 2016. This events was rescheduled and space is limited, so sign up early! Several of our programs require pre-registration due to limited space. To register for any of our programming in advance, please call the Visitor Center at (540) 854-6245 and leave a message if no answer. Please tell us your name, number in your group, and a contact phone number or send the same information to Lauri.Schular@dcr.virginia.gov Location - Visitor Center Phone - (540) 854-5503
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Leesylvania State Park Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191 08/27/2016 Music at the Marina - U.S. Army Band Downrange 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The U.S. Army Band Downrange is the popular music ensemble of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own." With its own unique and ever-changing repertoire, Downrange directs the spotlight on this dynamic group of active-duty musicians-talented vocalists and a powerful rhythm section. Downrange maintains the highest standards of excellence in musical entertainment and provides an exceptional musical experience. Downrange enjoys popularity with soldiers and general audiences with its continuously up-to-date repertoire and inspirational signature patriotic showpieces. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket and enjoy the U.S. Army Band Downrange. Sponsored by Steve's Auto Repair ( http://stevesautorepairva.com) and Friends of Leesylvania State Park. Location - Breakwater Marina Store Phone - (703) 730-8205
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Natural Tunnel State Park Located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway Duffield VA 24244 08/27/2016 Clinch River Food Festival 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This event is for folks who enjoy homegrown veggies such as vine-ripened tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from the garden. The event features food grown right here in the Clinch River area. Dinner will be made using local food, and guests will be treated to stories about those who grew each dish's ingredients. It's $25 per person so call 276-452-2772 for tickets; let the receptionist know of dietary concerns. Food will be prepared by Scott County Extension. Programs will take place at the park's Cove Ridge Center. The Virginia Cooperative Extension and Natural Tunnel State Park are sponsors. Location - Cove Ridge Center Phone - (276) 940-2674
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New River Trail State Park Located at 176 Orphanage DR Max Meadows VA 24360 08/18/2016 Train Tour Cliffview to Foster Falls 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. All aboard Foster Falls Express! All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water. A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778. Location - Cliffview Depot Phone - (276) 699-6778
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Pocahontas State Park Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832 08/18/2016 Pocahontas Live: UB40 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. UB40 Featuring ALI CAMPBELL, ASTRO, and MICKEY UB40 is a British reggae/pop band formed in December 1978 in south Birmingham, England. General Admission: $25 Adv (plus fees)/$30 door Gold Circle Reserve: $65Adv (plus fees)/$70 Gold Circle General Admission: $45 (plus fees) Adv/$50 door Doors: 6:00 p.m. A $7.00 parking fee applies per car. No pets or coolers permitted. Food available for purchase, adult beverages with proper ID. Advanced general tickets (only) available for purchase at Park office. All tickets available for purchase through http://www.ticketstobuy.com Location - Heritage Ampitheater Phone - (804) 796-4255
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Smith Mountain Lake State Park Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104 08/27/2016 Music in the Park - Two Young, Two Old 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Get ready for another great evening of bluegrass music! Bring the whole family to Smith Mountain Lake State Park's Beach Pavilion to enjoy an evening of great music with the "Two Young, Two Old" band. The Old Dominion Cloggers from Martinsville, Va. will also entertain. Hot dogs, sausages, ice cream, drinks and other refreshments will be for sale. $5 per person, and children 12 and under get in free. Don't forget lawn chairs. Sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. For more information or to join the Friends group, go to http://www.smlspfriends.com. Location - Beach Pavilion Phone - (540) 854-5503
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Southwest Virginia Museum State Park Located at 10 West 1st Street North Big Stone Gap VA 24219 08/20/2016 Adventures in History: 'Tour to Eden' Bus Tour 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Claim your seat for a scenic and historic view of Elk Garden and Burke's Garden in Southwest Virginia. The tour includes discussion of important historical places, events, and periods related to these areas, views of beautiful Federalist style homes, and a visit to the famous bowl-shaped valley Burke's Garden, often called God's Thumbprint. The fee is $25 per person, and seating is limited. Location - Museum Front Gate Phone - (276) 523-1322
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Twin Lakes State Park Located at 788 Twin Lakes Road Green Bay VA 23942 08/27/2016 Lakeside Luau 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The end of summer is here, and school is back in session. Come on down to the beach for a fun send off to the summer season with music, games, and great times with friends and family. Test your hula hooping and limbo skills in our family friendly competitions sponsored by our Friends of Twin Lakes. Make groovy tie-dye shirts using natural materials with the Park Rangers, and enjoy beach themed music as you enjoy the afternoon on the beach or swimming in the warm waters of Goodwin Lake. We'll see you there. Location - the ''Spot'' Concession Stand Phone - (434) 392-3435
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Westmoreland State Park Located at 145 Cliff Road Montross VA 22520 08/20/2016 Music on the Cliff's presents Smitty's Doghouse of Blues 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Westmoreland State Park welcomes, Ricky Wilkins, Albert Thompson, Karl Sluder, & David Smith the Smitty's Doghouse of Blues! R&B, Jazz and Rock and Roll. What more could you ask for? Grab your lawn chair, pack a picnic dinner, and get in the groove as you listen to the smooth sounds of one the Northern Neck's favorite local bands. And, it all comes with the magnificent view of the Potomac River. The Music on the Cliffs concert series is made possible by sponsorship from the Friends of Westmoreland. Coolers are welcome but please, no alcoholic beverages. Bring a blanket, chair and your favorite music lover. Location - On the Cliffs behind the Visitor Center Phone - (804) 493-8821
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York River State Park Located at 9801 York River Park Road Williamsburg VA 23188 08/27/2016 Estuaries Day 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Family fun where the river meets the sea. The day begins with the York River State Park 5K Race. Ranger guided activities include fossil hunting, hiking, paddling, and seining. The Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association will lead rides along several trails. Several exhibitors will have hands-on displays to enhance the estuarine experience. For 5K race information & registration, please conatct Rick Platt at rickplatt1@juno.com or Craig Worman at xccoach@hotmail.com. All other activities are free with $4 parking. Location - Day Use Area Phone - (757) 566-3036
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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. | |
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 08/18/2016 To 08/28/2016 by clicking on your favorite park.
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 Last Minute Cabin Discount
Book on Thursday or Friday for the upcoming weekend for a 25% discount.
Available by calling 800-933-7275 only.
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Become A Virginia State Parks Travel Writer  Share your favorite State Parks story. This is a great way to share your favorite Virginia State Parks with other readers! While you can't comment on an eNews article, as you can on a blog, you still can share your experiences.
Submit your story with (preferred) or without photos - to Don.Byrne@dcr.virginia.gov. Don't wish to write an article? We also welcome any photos you might care to share.
Please do not embed the photos in the email or article as they are difficult to maintain the resolution. Simply use your email attachment feature to send them along.
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