Vanessa Aparicio – Pocahontas State Park, Virginia Service and Conservation Corps (VSCC)

On this particular day our crew went out and started a new hiking trail layout at Pocahontas State Park. Our task was to starting thinking of where three lollipop trails should be placed around the Swift Creek Lake area near the boat ramp. 

This pickerel frog was among the discoveries while laying out a new trail at Pocahontas State Park

The day started out slow and daunting because it was very windy, overcast, and lightly raining outside. However, we decided to get started and headed into the woods.

After about an hour in the woods the rain and the wind let up and the sun came out. It turned into a beautiful day with temperatures in the upper 70s. As we began walking around the woods we encountered several different animals.

Together we found a juvenile rat snake that we got to watch it climb up a beach tree. It was so cool to see how great of climbers they really are. We also found a blue tail skink, a yellow spotted millipede, and a beautiful Pickerel Frog.

In addition to our many wildlife sightings we also heard a beautiful chorus of song birds and frogs the whole afternoon.

View of Swift Creek Lake from nearby woods at Pocahontas State Park

It was an extremely productive and exciting day. We were able to complete 2/3rd of the trail layouts and had a great time doing it!

Editor's Note: Vanessa Aparicio recalled a day that she will always remember during her AmeriCorps Service time at Pocahontas State Park. Virginia State Parks are full of natural wonders, come out and make a discovery all your own, find your park here.