York River State Park

Estuaries Day: Outdoor Fun for Everyone!

Saturday, August 24, 2013, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What is an Estuary, anyway?

An estuary is the transition zone between a river environment and a maritime environment. They are usually bodies of brackish water where fresh and salt water mix together. York River State Park is home to one of the largest estuaries in the region--the area where the York River meets the tidal movement of the Chesapeake Bay. Taskinas Creek, at York River State Park, is part of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERRS) site. This area of the park is managed and monitored in a partnership between Virginia State Parks and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) that manages the local CBNERRS programs. 

Fish and crustaceans make the estuary home!

Despite is the fancy, scientific words and crazy associated acronyms, an estuary is the coolest place in the watershed system. This is where many crabs, shrimp, and fish congregate to reproduce, spawn, and mature. The area attracts a lot of shorebirds and raptors because of the abundance of sea life.  It is a great place to see the how the lifeweb and ecosystem connect. With school starting a couple weeks after, this event is a great way to get the kids interested in science.

Shorebirds can be photographed throughout the park's wetlands areas!

Why is there an Estuaries Day?

York River State Park celebrates Estuaries Day to show visitors exactly how cool an estuary can be.  The park will have canoe and kayak tours, fossil hikes, goecaching games, net seining, VIMS research boat tours, wagon rides, and other activities throughout the day. The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., plenty of time to connect with nature and then catch a movie or head to Busch Gardens for late afternoon or to get some good fishing in on the park's Croaker Landing fishing pier.

Other organizations and vendors, such as Virginia Master Naturalists, Mattaponi & Pamunkey Rivers Association, Friends of York River State Park, and Butterflies in Flight, will be on site sharing their information and activities. 

Paddling on Taskinas Creek is part of Estuaries Day activities!

What to Do?  What to Bring?

York River State Park is a great place for a full day of outdoor activities. With a large fishing pier and fishing on Woodstock Pond, you'll want to bring your poles, bait, and license if you plan to do some fishing. Pack a picnic lunch, extra water, binoculars and your camera. If you are planning on taking one of the paddling trips be sure to sign up when you get to the park. Times vary and the trips are first come, first served. The VIMS research boat tours are by pre-registration only by calling the park at 757-566-3036. With the cost of fuel, the research boat tours will only take place if we have enough people signed up.   

Seining net activities will be happening waterside during Estuaries Day!

Be mindful, some of the hiking trails can get muddy if it has rained a lot the days before so bring hiking shoes if you plan to hit the trails. And don't forget the park also has mountain biking and equestrian trails! The park has playgrounds and picnic tables available for public use as well as modern restroom facilities. Parking for this event is only $4 per car; there is no additional charge other than those for the paddling programs and research boat tours. For more information about this event and to research boat tours, please contact York River State Park at 757-566-3036. 

The park also has great hiking and horse trails!  Don't forget your hiking shoes!

York River State Park is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.