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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Last updated on January 03, 2024

Just in time for spring break, libraries across Virginia have a new resource available to help families explore and enjoy the natural world thanks to a partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia. 235 libraries are receiving four nature backpacks each to make available for families to check out and learn about nature in their backyard, local park, or at one of Virginia’s 42 state parks

Nature backpacks available to check out at local libraries

“Today children spend less time outdoors and even less immersed in nature-based activities,” commented Craig Seaver, Former Virginia State Parks Director. “These backpacks will provide opportunities for families to venture out to a park.”

Each backpack comes with a parking pass that will enable the library customer to access any Virginia State Park at no cost. Backpacks also feature pocket guides to bugs and slugs, animal tracks, Virginia birds, mammals, and Virginia trees and wildflowers; port-a-bug field observation container; Big Foot Leave No Trace Ethics Card; magnifying lens; dip net and laminated sheets with suggested activities designed by both Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.  

Dip nets, field guides and a magnifier lens make exploring the park fun -  at Virginia State Parks
Backpacks come with field guides, dip nets, magnifiers and
a parking pass to get the family into a Virginia State Park at no cost

“How I wish there had been a resource such as this when my daughter was young,” Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway said. “The Library of Virginia is delighted to help make these backpacks available to Virginia families through community-based public libraries across the Commonwealth.”

The Science Museum of Virginia developed a quick survey that each backpack user will complete so they can evaluate the program. The Science Museum of Virginia also coordinated putting the backpack contents together using twenty volunteers from Car Max.

We're all about making memories that last a lifetime - come fossil hunting at Virginia State Parks
Fossil hunting is a popular activity at Chippokes,
Westmoreland and York River State Parks

The Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to the Library of Virginia made this project possible in part. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant-making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

Click here for an interactive map of participating libraries and our Virginia State Parks. 

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

COMMENTS

Richard_Carolyn Bly (September 25, 2016 10:05:03 AM): We checked out the backpack from the library, lived them!!

Are the backpack & supplies available for purchase?

Virginia State Parks (August 29, 2016 01:16:39 PM): Erica - Yes this is an ongoing program so check with your local library. All libraries are not participating.

Kim - We just heard we have additional funds to add more back packs this year. It will probably be towards the end of the year before they are ready. Contact Enid Costley at the Library of Virginia to let her know you are interested.

Kim (August 29, 2016 12:04:16 PM): Hi. Will other libraries be added? We are interested in participating.

Erica (August 18, 2016 01:11:42 PM): Are these nature backpacks still available?

Virginia State Parks (March 21, 2016 11:47:32 AM): We now have a map available that shows participating libraries. I added it to the blog but here it is: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=zL3auquy83q0.kolPNF0OW8cc.

Virginia State Parks (March 20, 2016 04:22:07 PM): Most gift shops sell the contents of the backpacks.

Jenny (March 20, 2016 03:32:28 PM): You should sell these! I know families would love to have them. They would make great gifts.

Virginia State Parks (March 18, 2016 09:07:44 AM): The Library of Virginia is working on getting the list online. Hopefully it will be up by next week.

Susan (March 18, 2016 08:57:27 AM): Is there a list of libraries where the backpacks can be found?

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