At this time of the year the staff of Hungry Mother State Park starts getting excited! 

For some, crocus blooming signals the beginning of spring, at the park one of the first signs of spring is the arrival of the Grand Valley State University Alternative Spring Break group. A team from this school has been traveling from Michigan to spend their spring break at Hungry Mother for over 15 years. 

Grand Valley State University Alternative Spring Break serving at Hungry Mother

This year they roll into the park for a fun work-packed week on Saturday, February 28th

They take Sunday to recuperate from the 12 hour van ride and are ready to start work on Monday. The week starts with a safety orientation and a potluck lunch provided by the volunteer group, Friends of Hungry Mother. After lunch it is time to get started with the work of the week. The group will help paint Hemlock Haven Conference Center, install fish attractors, and trim trees at Camp Burson. Throughout the week the group will be enjoying some of our local flavor. They will be dancing the night away at the Smyth Co. Jam and exploring Grayson Highlands State Park. They will also be dining at one of down-home regional favorites, Dip Dogs.

Welcome potluck hosted by the Friends of Hungry Mother

Installing fish attractors 

Dancing the night away

When the 2014 Grand Valley State team arrived, we had no idea what was about to happen 

One of the team members senior Rachel Toward was on her first Alternative Spring Break trip. While here Rachel fell in love with the mountains and local community. She graduated in May 2014 with a Biology major. So when there was an opening in the Hungry Mother Interpretation Team for summer 2014 Rachel applied; she got the job. With a natural love of hiking and traveling, she packed her bags heading for Marion, Virginia.

Now, Rachel is a valuable part of the Hungry Mother staff as the wage Park Interpreter. Rachel’s willingness to jump in where needed and add her creative flair has embedded her into the Hungry Mother staff and community. 

Meet Rachel

If you are around Hungry Mother State Park during the first week of March and you see a group of young adults working, be sure to thank them for giving up their spring break to make a difference at the park. If you are enjoying Hungry Mother State Park this summer and you see Rachel, be sure to say ‘Hello’. We are so grateful for the work the team and Rachel do; we just want to share it.

More information about the beautiful Hungry Mother State Park can be found here