Top Ten Reasons You Should Attend the 

Annual Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival

February 5-8, 2015

1. Put some color on your cheeks

 Getting outdoors in the brisk cool breeze will chase away your winter doldrums

2. Learn something new

From photography workshops and keynote speakers to guided tours and an exhibit hall, the Winter Wildlife Festival has something for everyone. Most programs and tours are appropriate for children 5 and up. 

3. Take a "Walk on the Wild Side" at False Cape State Park

One of the last primitive and pristine wild places left in Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is not accessible by car so sign up for one of the guided tours of the park during the Winter Wildlife Festival.

Snow geese congregate on the water at False Cape State Park. Don't forget your camera!

4. You can brag about having taken the class, "Bears 101"

Yes, that's a real class during the Winter Wildlife Festival. More and more bears are finding their way to urban areas. Find out when to "make yourself big" or when to "play dead." 

5.  You can find out what an "Oyster Castle is...

This indoor program will be presented by Project Green Teens. Support our youth as they learn and teach about water quality and environmental issues.

6. Go on a Night Prowl to Find an Owl

First Landing State Park is hosting an "Owl Prowl" guided night hike during the festival. No flashlights allowed!

This Great Horned Owl was photographed at False Cape State Park.  First Landing has Great Horned, Barred, and Screech Owls--you will definitely hear them and you might just see one.

7. Explore the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands by Boat

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these pristine habitats and tons of shorebirds.

8. Find out How to Water Your Lawn with Rain

During this hands-on workshop, you'll make a rain barrel to take home.

9. Make Some New Friends

The extended-day Mackay Island/False Cape State Park tour features time for lunch at Margie and Ray's plus a full day of birding and wildlife watching.

You can make a busload (or even a Terra-Gator load) of new friends during the extended day tours.  Tram, Terragator (part dune buggy/part bus), hiking and biking are the only ways to access False Cape State Park. 

10. Orient Yourself

During the Cape Henry/First Landing State Park tour, you'll have a chance to climb to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse orienting yourself to the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Lynnhaven River.

Register for the Festival and Book your Cabin Today!

Click here for information about registration. Registration for this event is through the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department.  Some activities are free.  Fees vary for the tours and other events.  

There is even a special Project WET continuing education course for educators and teachers on Feb. 3-4; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.  Professional development credit can be awarded for this workshop.

If you can't make any of these great tours and events, be sure to check the Virginia State Parks events calendar for upcoming guided hikes, paddling programs, children's activities, and more. Events and programs are being added throughout the winter.

Even during a winter snow storm, First Landing State Park cabins are snug and cozy. Book yours today! Only a few are left for the Winter Wildlife Festival Weekend.

Virginia State Parks cabins are open year-round and the campgrounds will open the first Friday in March.  Make your reservation now by calling our Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.