Read Our Blogs

Park "First20Landing20State20Park"Clear, category "Get20Outside"Clear results in following blogs.

Virginia is for Lovers – and so is Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 07, 2025
For outdoor enthusiasts, and for those seeking to try something new this Valentine's Day, Sky Meadows State Park could be the romantic getaway you are looking for.
After taking in the scenery, it should be no surprise that the park has been the site of countless romantic stories including first dates, proposals and weddings.

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.

Spring Burning Restrictions February 15 through April 30

By Nancy HeltmanPosted February 01, 2025
Per state law, open fires are prohibited in all Virginia State Parks from midnight until 4 p.m., February 15 through April 30. Find out about the one exception in this blog.
We obey the law when it comes to burn bans at Virginia State Parks to help prevent wildfires

A Virginia State Parks road trip for Black History Month

By Christen McKeyPosted February 01, 2025
February is Black History Month. Take a trip across the state with a focus on the history to learn, honor and celebrate Black Americans and their stories in Virginia State Parks.
Map of parks along the road trip for Black History

Volunteering can open doors for the future

By Amy AtwoodPosted January 13, 2025
Many of our park staff began their journey with us as volunteers. Check out some of our rangers' stories and why they chose to volunteer at Virginia State Parks.
Dustin Haymaker

Give your Christmas tree a second life

By Guest BloggerPosted January 02, 2025
Hungry Mother and Fairy Stone state parks can help you get rid of your live Christmas tree after the holidays and help the fish!
Live Christmas tree to be recycled

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

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program puts the wow in bow wow

By Kim WellsPosted December 10, 2024
The B.A.R.K. Rangers Program is a fun way to enjoy responsible recreation with your dog while creating lasting memories. You also get a reward for completing the program. While rewards vary by park, adventures exist at all locations.
Bruno and Kim by Twin Lakes sign

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"


← Newer postsOlder posts →

By ParkClear