Read Our Blogs
Backyard birding - feeding tips
Posted April 14, 2020
Using the correct birdfeeders will help attract a variety of birds.
Viewing and Photographing Dark Skies
Posted April 11, 2020
Artificial light pollutes our night skies and prevents us from seeing the full sky. Escaping the light can be difficult, but luckily there are several locations where dark skies exist.
From the Frontier
Posted March 31, 2020
Joseph Martin played an instrumental role in the westward movement.
Welcoming Spring with color
Posted March 28, 2020
Do you know the difference between native plants and invasive plants?
Backyard birding – tips to get started
Posted March 27, 2020
Backyard birding may be your newest hobby.
A Virtual Tour of the True Art Exhibit
Posted March 25, 2020
Although we miss seeing all of our visitors in person, we thought you might like to take a little tour of our current temporary exhibit.
Stories from the Trail: Fincastle County and Independence
Posted March 24, 2020
Along the trail lies a community that has seen the bones of our nation come to life. Step into New River Trail State Park and experience history throughout the ages.
Stories from the Trail: The Austins, Lead, and the Father of Texas
Posted March 05, 2020
It was through this small town in Southwest Virginia that fortunes were made, dreams became reality, and history was born. Virginia and Texas may be great distances away, but they will forever be connected.
Thinking Outside the Box
Posted February 08, 2020
Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park members continually think "outside of the box" in order to improve the park.