With a tearful farewell and a chorus of "Happy Trails" echoing in the background, Park Manager Sam Sweeney left Kiptopeke State Park for the next adventure in his career with Virginia State Parks. Sam is now the Park Manager at New River Trail State Park carrying on the legacy of the late Mark Hufeisen. 

Over the last ten years at Kiptopeke State Park, Sam worked on several projects to support migratory birds including reforestation of nearly 100 acres and acquisition of additional acreage through the Eastern Shore's Southern Tip Partnership, the installation of a bunk house to support Youth Conservation Corps and Alternative Spring Break programs, oversaw the construction of six-bedroom lodges for overnight park visitors, increased sales and selection at the camp store, improved children's programming and the playground, added bike and kayak rentals at the park, and wired the songbird banding station for solar electricity to support computerized data entry and educational programs at the station.

Sam will be missed by park visitors, staff, and friends. In the interim, Acting Park Manager Daniel Jordan will keep the park running smoothly. The park is looking forward to the arrival the new Park Manager, Forrest Gladden, in fall 2011.

Learn more about New River Trail State Park - click here

Learn more about Kiptopeke State Park - click here