Annette Bareford

I have been with Virginia State Parks since 1999, and have worked for the Commonwealth for 21 years. I enjoy kayaking, Virginia wine and long walks on the beach.  Sounds a little like another kind of bio doesn't it!? 

I am currently the Marketing and Visitor Services Specialist for the state parks along the Potomac River and Lake Anna. I am very active in my community and have served on several Boards and committees for the parks. My latest endeavor is serving on the Management Team for the Northern Neck Artisan Trail, which is being developed across five counties.  

Let me share a bit of my story… I really like writing and have done so throughout most of my career in one form or another. I love telling stories, more so, people's stories. My friend and columnist Rob Hedelt taught me to look for the story within the story to make it as interesting as possible. 

If you follow my blogs you know I am just a little quirky. My hope is that my quirkiness makes for a good read. I enjoy writing a variety of blogs but the stories about our park staff, volunteers and park guests are my favorite stories to tell.    

Originally, I hail from the Carolina Low Country in Coastal North Carolina, which will always be home. Presently, I live in the Chesapeake Bay Area with my husband Gary. We share a "like-minded" work path as he happens to work for US Fish & Wildlife. 

I find my inspiration for my writings through my passion for the environment, animals, my huge and interesting family, my home and of course Virginia State Parks.