Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 12, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov
Butterflies on the Battlefield Pollinator and Nature Festival will be held at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park on Aug. 23
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Butterfly on a flower)
RICE, Va. – Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host the 6th annual Butterflies on the Battlefield Pollinator and Nature Festival on August 23. The event will be held at the visitor center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This festival focuses on the vital role pollinators play in their ecosystem. Guests can visit the park’s pollinator garden, hike through a wildflower field and enjoy nature games and crafts with the family.
New to the festival this year will be a native plant sale that will allow guests to purchase their own plants that are native to Virginia.
There will be knowledgeable and friendly rangers onsite including the park’s office manager, who is also the event coordinator.
“We are excited to share some new programs with our guests this year,” said Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park Office Manager Sandie Ingersoll. “One program called Raising Butterflies will be hosted by Virginia Master Naturalist, Ty Smith. The Alliance of Wild Rehabilitators and Educators will also be here to educate visitors about the lifesaving work they do as well as introduce you to some of the animals they are rehabilitating. It’s a fun way to learn and connect with nature.”
This year’s festival features a variety of booths including the Virginia Master Naturalists, The Virginia Bluebird Society, The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers, Hamner Public Library, H.O.P.E. Master Gardener Association, Department of Forestry, Piedmont Soil and Water and The Virginia Herpetological Society.
The Pollinator and Nature Festival will allow guests to partake in numerous children’s crafts and activities, experience butterflies in their natural habitat, talk to vendors, enjoy music, food and treats.
This event is free, and pets are welcome, but they must be on a leash at all times. For additional information, call the park at 804-561-7510 or email sailorscreek@dcr.virginia.gov.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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