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Category "Naturalist Notes"Clear results in following blogs.

Hiking Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother as a Master Naturalist

By Haley RodgersPosted April 25, 2025
What a Virginia Master Naturalist sees along the trail while hiking to Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother State Park.
View from the top of Molly

Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year

By Guest BloggerPosted April 22, 2025
Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.
Left: Mother and daughter pose with their Master Hiker certificates after completing Trail Quest. Right: Daughter lays in between all their trail maps and car tags from park visits.

Slowing down to see the signs of spring

By Adam DanielPosted March 16, 2023
Spring break is a great time to get outside and see the returning wildlife. Hike a few trails and see what life is budding outside at a state park.
Hike with friends during spring break

Osprey & Prey Season

By John GreshamPosted March 01, 2021
Osprey are flying back to the area. So are their favorite fish.
Osprey vs. Shad

Meet the Marsh: Creatures and Critters

By John GreshamPosted September 09, 2020
Let's discover the fish, mammals, and reptiles of the estuarine marshes.
Muskrat in the marsh

Meet the Marsh: Grass & Sky

By John GreshamPosted August 20, 2020
Discover what birds and plants live in the marshes at York River State Park
Up close in the marsh

A Trip to a Beach Where the Wild Things Are

By Adam DanielPosted July 07, 2020
There is joy in wild places one cannot find in the city. There is tranquility and familiarity in a forgotten world. A stillness reminding us it is normal to go slow, to observe the little things, and not always be on the move.
Rainbow and sand dunes at False Cape State Park, Va

Spring in Paradise

By Brenna GeraghtyPosted March 16, 2020
Relax and explore the tranquil Paradise Garden at Chippokes State Park
Chamomile flowers

Capturing the Moment and Capturing the Hard to Capture

By Adam DanielPosted January 31, 2019
Like some of the best things in life, the rewards are all the sweeter if you have to work for it a little. False Cape State Park is one of these, you just have to work to get there.
A pelican

The Science and Magic of Fall at Virginia State Parks

By Adam DanielPosted October 16, 2015
Why do leaves change color in Autumn? There's a reason behind the transformation and when you come out to your favorite Virginia State Park you can ponder this with us.
Venation on oak leaf revealed in fall

By Park