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Haley Rodgers

Haley Rodgers

Hello, thanks for reading! As the content & social media manager for the Department of Conservation & Recreation (including Virginia State Parks), I'm passionate about inspiring you to explore Virginia's outdoors.

My passion comes from cherishing my own experiences outdoors. I grew up in Utah, hiking and camping nearly every weekend. I love the wild west deserts and mountains, but I'm equally fond of the forests and waterways of Virginia that I now call home.

I hope my words inspire you to explore Virginia State Parks! Use our hashtag on social media when you visit, so I can see your experiences: #vastateparks. It makes me happy to help others find joy in the outdoors. 

Blogger "Haley Rodgers"Clear, category "Paddling Lakes"Clear results in following blogs.

What it’s like to do an adventure race at a Virginia state park

By Haley RodgersPosted February 04, 2025
Park regulars participated in an all-women’s adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.
Race team and longtime ”bike-buddies” Betty Saxman (left), Veronica Salazar (middle) and Incy Teoh (right). Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh.

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted December 04, 2024
We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park

7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted September 21, 2023
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
Chippokes State Park campground with an RV at it with trees surrounding it and a sandpad with a bug net on it

Q&A with creator of Wandering Waters program – Sammy Zambon

By Haley RodgersPosted May 24, 2023
As of May 2023, Virginia State Parks has a new program called Wandering Waters (Paddle Quest)! Hear from the creator of this program, Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon, to learn more.
Sunrise on the water at Staunton River State Park, with orange glow in the sky and on the water. A logo overlays the photo in the middle showing a silhouette of a paddler and the words WANDERING WATERS - PADDLE QUEST - VIRGINIA STATE PARKS.

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted March 30, 2023
An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.
Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

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