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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, park "document"Clear results in following blogs.

6 ways to spend Earth Day

By Haley RodgersPosted March 20, 2025
Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.
Monarch butterfly on butterfly milkweed in Kiptopeke State Park’s Native Plant Garden

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.

Virginia birds in The 12 Days of Christmas

By Haley RodgersPosted December 19, 2024
Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

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

Trail running through Trail Quest: Q&A with Master Hiker, Jessica Hairfield

By Haley RodgersPosted October 29, 2024
Interviewing Master Hiker Jessica Hairfield on her experience with Trail Quest. Jessica is a trail runner who ran on the trails during most of her park visits. She shares her experiences, her favorite parks to trail run at and advice for new runners.
Park ranger presents a certificate that says Master Hiker on it to Jessica who is holding a snake, in front of a sign that reads "Welcome to Pocahontas State Park"

How to have the best stargazing adventure in Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted February 22, 2024
Looking for the best places to stargaze in Virginia State Parks? A good place to start is to visit one of our four state parks that are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. Let us give you tips to make it a great experience!
A dark black sky filled with stars and a dense spot in the middle that glows orange

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

Experience a Star Party at Staunton River State Park

By Haley RodgersPosted March 01, 2023
Find out what it's like to attend a star party and why you should plan to attend one at Virginia State Parks. Staunton River State Park is one of our four Dark Sky Parks that host star parties that are out of this world.
A nighttime photo with stars shining above an half orange sky as the sunsets over Staunton River State Park

Virginia State Park Rangers Going Above and Beyond

By Haley RodgersPosted August 11, 2022
Enjoy five short stories about Virginia State Park rangers who deserve a shout out for going above and beyond at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, Hungry Mother, Wilderness Road, Westmoreland, and Fairy Stone State Parks.
A collage of pictures, the far left picture is of Ranger Lee Wilcox in his uniform smiling, top right is of the Hillsman House at sunset, and bottom two right are indoor Hillsman House shots.

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