Volunteers are vital to our operations at Virginia State Parks and oftentimes they are just as vital to the morale of our staff. It is easy for staff to focus on the end result of the project but volunteers have a fresh perspective, and come with a different set of eyes. They can see excitement and growth, and thankfully that attitude can be contagious.

I have said it before so I am going to say it again,

We could not do what we do at Virginia State Parks

without our volunteers 

Wilderness Road State Park has a base of wonderful volunteers that continually rejuvenates the enthusiasm of both the staff and the community.

Ty Davis volunteers to bring frontier history to life

at Wilderness Road State Park

For some volunteers like Ty Davis, the interest in volunteering began as a child. Davis recalls,

“I got involved in living history as the result of a 5th grade field trip to a local park. The interpreters there told me about how they often traveled around to other parks on weekends to camp and practice frontier skills. As I walked away, I thought to myself that I too wanted to do that one day. Well here I am, over 30 years later heavily involved in living history.“

Volunteering as a re-enactor of living history requires dedication 

It isn’t just the time spent in the park presenting a program for visitors. It is hours of research and study to perfect the craft. It is an understanding of many different aspects of the story being told to the observers. Davis spent a lot of time making connections in the re-enactment communities.

“As my path in the hobby evolved, I became a member of the American Long Rifle Association (ALRA) in 1998. The ALRA is an organization which is designed for those people who want to do more than just read about the early years of our country's history. It is an organization that encourages its members to experience the lives of common colonial people.”

Some hobbies are more than just reading about history

they can help bring a real story to future generations

“It is through my membership in the American Long Rifle Association that I first became involved with Martin's Station in 2001. Upon meeting Billy Heck (Chief Ranger of Interpretation) and learning of his vision, I knew I would be spending a lot of time at Martin's Station in the future, and this experience has far surpassed my expectations!”

Passion

In talking with Billy Heck about Davis he says, “He is by far one of the most dedicated volunteers I have had the pleasure of working with. He lives in Georgia and makes the six hour drive each month to help with our militia programs, film projects, etc. Ty is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to 18th century woods skill.”

For re-enactors the experience gives birth to passion. Virginia State Parks is fortunate that people like Ty Davis choose to share their passion with us and our visitors.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at a Virginia State Park, we would be pleased to have you click here.