When you think of Virginia State Parks, a farm might not be the first thing that pops into your head, but that’s what Sky Meadows State Park is, and we have about 200 head of beef cattle living at the park. 

While visiting you can see open pastures with cattle grazing, as well as corn and pumpkins growing in the fields, and beehives. We maintain the pastoral landscapes of Sky Meadows State Park as an active farm as was intended when philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the land to the Commonwealth.

Have you seen the cattle at Sky Meadows State Park lately?

Moo-ve over I want in the picture!

Keeping up with the cattle

And all the other farming practices is no easy task on top of all the regular Virginia State Park responsibilities of cultural and natural resource conservation, guest services and educational programs.

That is why Sky Meadows State Park is extremely thankful for our longtime partner, the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Agribusiness Program. DOC Agribusiness brings farming expertise in managing the pastures and livestock. DOC also provides a supervised work crew who work five days per week cultivating crops in our Historic Area, grounds keeping, trail maintenance, assisting in restoration of historic structures, and more.

Pumpkins and Indian corn are grown by the DOC Agribusiness Program at Sky Meadows State Park

You may be asking yourself, why does the Department of Corrections have an agribusiness program?

The DOC’s Agribusiness Program serves two important needs for the correctional system. First, the agribusiness program produces food including meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruit which lowers the cost of housing offenders.

Secondly, the agribusiness program prepares offenders for reentry into society. Offenders gain work-related skills as they prepare to return to their communities, a proven program significantly reducing repeat offences.

The program also provides an opportunity for Sky Meadows’ visitors to see and experience current agricultural processes including the production of beef cattle.

An outstanding calf in his field

Which brings me back to my original question: Have you seen the cattle at Sky Meadows State Park lately?

You can find the cattle in the Lost Mountain area of the park during the winter and early spring. Lost Mountain, located east of Route 17, has our equestrian parking area, approximately eight miles of multipurpose trails, and picnic facilities to enjoy. So come out to Sky Meadows State Park, meet our cattle, and see this great partnership in action.

Cattle herd in the Lost Mountain pasture at Sky Meadows State Park

Plan your visit Sky Meadows State Park today: 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144. 

To learn more about Sky Meadows State Park check out our webpage here or call 540-592-3556. If you would like to visit all 37 Virginia State Parks click here for a map to help get you started. And to learn more about overnight accommodations click here for more information.

Come on out and see the cattle grazing

as you wander the farm at Sky Meadows State Park