WHO WHO: You are invited to come out to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for this amazing winter season series of lectures and a few up close encounters!

This is not Lenny, but a saw-whet Owl from the owl banding at Shenandoah River SP

On Sunday, Jan 8, Master falconer Robb Herbst will bring his hawks and "Lenny the Barn Owl" to Smith Mountain Lake State Park to kick off the 10th annual Winter Lecture Series, sponsored by Friends of the Park.

Herbst's lecture will include a slide show about hawks, owls, eagles and ospreys. Visitors also will be able to see the birds up close, out of their carriers and perched on Herbst's arm.

The presentation will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Center, as will three other lectures in the series during February, March and April. Tickets to each of the lectures is just $7.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, Patrick Shroeder, a historian at Appomattox Court House National Park, will present a costumed interpretation from the Civil War. He will bring to life Cpl. James Cook of Western Pennsylvania in a performance suitable for all ages.

On Sunday, March 4, photographer Bill Leaning, a retired veterinarian, will present a lecture titled "New Zealand: The Living Land." Leaning is originally from New Zealand.

On Sunday, April 1, will be presented by historian Ron Coleman, who will lecture on "Jubal Early: From Franklin County Birth to the Lost Cause."

Learn more about General Lee's right hand man

Tickets to each of the lectures is just $7. Season tickets are $18 or $32 for two season tickets.

The tickets include parking and refreshments.

FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, a nonprofit citizen group, helps conserve the park's natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. The group offers various recreational and educational opportunities and promotes environmental stewardship for one of Virginia's largest lakes. Join up or learn more about the friends group by emailingsmlparkfriends@gmail.com or visiting the group's website.

LOCATION: The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 460 to Route 122 South to Moneta, then go east on Route 608 to White House. Next go south on Route 626 for two miles to park entrance. Click here for a Google Map.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Cabins are open year-round! For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

CONTACT INFO: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road
Huddleston, VA 24104-9547; phone, (540) 297-6066; email, smlake. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK