
Department of Conservation and Recreation

By Kim WellsPosted November 24, 2025
It’s not every day that a park expands by 20% with the potential of increasing recreational activities. However, Caledon State Park has reached that milestone this year by acquiring Lake Caledon.. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted October 22, 2025
The Virginia State Parks system has expanded to 44 parks with the opening of Hayfields State Park on Oct. 20. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted May 20, 2025
Grayson Highlands State Park recently expanded its protected boundaries with the acquisition of two new parcels of land. These additions not only increase the park's total acreage to 4,518 acres but also enhance efforts to preserve the region's unique ecosystems, scenic beauty and diverse wildlife habitats. READ MOREBy Kim WellsPosted April 15, 2025
The highly anticipated visitor center at High Bridge Trail State Park has opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 7. The new center is a part of the park's master plan and has been something that the staff and guests have been eagerly awaiting. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted March 07, 2025
The DCR SAR Team was established in 2018. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted May 10, 2024
Natural Bridge State Park has been named Green Park of the Year by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance for its sustainability efforts and commitment to environmental stewardship. READ MOREBy Kim WellsPosted April 16, 2024
Virginia State Parks welcomed more than 8 million visitors in 2023 and this is a 9% increase over the prior year. Having more programs available for guests, debuting new festivals and events as well as opening a new park contributed to this success. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted March 08, 2024
Since 1983, The American Chestnut Foundation has been working to restore the iconic American chestnut tree. The organization has made significant progress over the past three decades. Progress you can see firsthand at Sky Meadows State Park. READ MOREBy Emi EndoPosted December 28, 2023
How did DCR work to Conserve, Protect and Enjoy in 2023? Read about the year's accomplishments. READ MOREBy Starr AndersonPosted November 06, 2023
Once a year, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation partners with members of the Professional TrailBuilders Association to host a two-day Sustainable Trail Building workshop, giving employees the chance to learn about the ins and outs of sustainable trail planning, construction and maintenance. READ MORE