Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Occoneechee State Park now offers a self-guided tree ID trail, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated volunteer

Volunteer Jessica Lynn places new brochures in the trail head kiosk at Occoneechee State Park.

Volunteer Jessica Lynn places new brochures in the trail head kiosk at Occoneechee State Park

While out hiking, have you ever wondered about what types of trees you are seeing along the way? 

Thanks to a new self-guided hike along the Tutelo Birding Trail, visitors to Occoneechee State Park can learn more about native trees in Southern Virginia. Even in winter when most of the trees are bare, there are still plenty of ways to identify the various species, such as leaves, bark, and seed pods.

The new “Tutelo Self-Guided Nature Trail” interpretive brochures provide information about the various trees that correspond to newly placed markers along the existing trail. This self-guided hike was developed with the help of park volunteer Jessica Lynn. Lynn, a senior at Park View High School in South Hill, collaborated with Matt Claybrook, Chief Ranger at Occoneechee, to complete the project.

Volunteer Jessica Lynn points out trees to a park visitor along the Tutelo Trail

Volunteer Jessica Lynn points out trees to a park visitor along the Tutelo Trail

Volunteer sees results of her labor

I visited the park and met Jessica Lynn on a recent chilly December day. After working on the brochures for several months, she was excited to finally see the finished product. The last trail marker had been placed recently by park staff, and Lynn picked up a supply of brochures to place at the trailhead.

As we hiked the trail together, I asked Lynn what motivated her to begin this volunteer project. She told me that she is interested in a career in environmental studies or a related field. After a visit to the park she thought she would like to learn more about that type of work, and asked about volunteer opportunities.

The need for a self-guided trail brochure had already been identified by park staff.  After meeting with Claybrook, Lynn set to work on the brochure. First Lynn worked with Claybrook to identify the most appropriate examples of trees along the 1.1 mile long Tutelo Birding Trail. Then she researched the various trees, using resources available at the park and the Internet. Throughout the project, Lynn worked with park staff to design the brochure to meet the parks needs and guidelines.

The Tutelo Trail features a raised platform for viewing wildlife, and trees.

The Tutelo Trail features a raised platform for viewing wildlife...and trees.

The new "Tutelo Self-guided Nature Trail" brochures are now available at the park office and at the kiosk near the trail head. Many of our state parks offer similar self-guided trails and park packs to make your visit more educational and entertaining.

For more information about Occoneechee State Park click here or for cabin or camping reservations click here.

For more information about various volunteer opportunities in Virginia State Parks click here.

There’s always something new to discover in a Virginia State Park, and winter is a great time to explore…or volunteer.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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