Shared by Rebecca Whalen, Chief Ranger Visitor Experience, as Guest Blogger.

The good news is the days are now starting to get longer, but as they get colder they may be a bit darker, but that doesn’t mean that there are less ways to enjoy Pocahontas State Park.

From an indoor snowstorm to researching your family’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) connection, every weekend in January will offer a chance for the whole family to get off the couch and into the park. Of course, the park is always open during the week too, but joining in on Ranger-led programs always add something extra special.

Pocahontas State Park during a 2016 winter snow storm

5 FUN THINGS TO DO

Snow Stories - Like it or not, winter often brings snow. Learn all the facts about this controversial form of precipitation, but leave your snow gear at home, as this program is held indoors on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Geocaching Adventure - Maybe you like braving the cold, but don’t have the time (or if you’re like myself, the skill) to snow ski or snowboard. Well, why don’t you join us for a Geocaching Adventure on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.? We’ll go over all the basics of geocaching, from how it works to pronunciation to what “TFTC” stands for. We’ll have GPS units, but feel free to bring your own.

Geocaching is always more fun in winter, as the caches are often a little easier to spot and you don’t have to worry (as much) about creepy crawlies, like spiders and ticks

H.A.M - What do you do when it gets cold outside? Turn up the heat? Put on a coat? Well, what do you think our animal friends do when the day get cooler? Many hibernate, adapt, or migrate. Join us on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. and learn how the animals of Pocahontas State Park survive the cold winter months.

A deer peeks out of the trees during a winter storm

CCC Connection - During the nine years of its implementation, The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built thousands of public facilities, including Pocahontas State Park. Join our CCC Museum Curator on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. to delve into your family’s history and maybe find your CCC Connection.

Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum located in the heart of the park

Valentines for Veterans - If you’re looking to give back to our community, Pocahontas will be hosting its second annual Valentines for Veterans. From now until February 9, 2017 the park will be collecting needed personal care items for Veterans receiving care at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

You can bring donated items to the office daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or to the Nature Center (NC), weekends 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cards and notes of encouragement are also welcomed. Materials will be on hand each weekend at the NC for you to craft your own cards, so stop by on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to pay tribute to our Veterans.

Craft your own Valentine for a local veteran

List of needed items:

Patient Clothing

• White T-Shirts (larger sizes)
• White Socks (women and men, ankle or no show)
• Men's Boxers/Briefs (large or bigger preferred)
• Women's Panties, Undershirts/Sports Bras
• New Sweat Pants and Shirts (large or bigger preferred)

Patient Comfort Items: Medium sized items and 8-12 ounce bottles are best (no glass, please). Alcohol Free Mouthwash, Denture Brushes, Cleansers, and Adhesives, Deodorant, Body Wash, Lotion, Vaseline

Pocahontas State Park is located in Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate 95, Route 288 and Route 360. For more information on these programs, call the park office at 804-796-4255.