Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Read Our Blogs

Category "Wildlife"Clear, Search "trees"Clear results in following blogs.

Wintertime at Pocahontas State Park

By Kim WellsPosted February 02, 2026
Bundle up and explore Pocahontas State Park! From winter hikes and Jr. Ranger fun to stargazing and archery, there’s something for everyone. Check “Know Before You Go” for updates and make the most of the season outdoors.
Pocahontas sign in the snow

Widewater welcomes winter with wonder

By Kim WellsPosted January 23, 2026
Widewater State Park is more than just a summer destination as this park's location is ideal for winter birdwatching and hiking adventures. Located on a peninsula, the park is designed for fun adventures all year long.
Widewater State Park sign

Virginia birds in "The 12 Days of Christmas"

By Guest BloggerPosted December 23, 2025
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

Grayson Highlands State Park: A unique mountain ecosystem

By Starr AndersonPosted October 09, 2025
Grayson Highlands is the highest state park in Virginia, with elevations topping 5,089 feet. This altitude creates an environment more like what you’d find hundreds of miles north in New England than what’s typical of the southern Appalachians.
The view from Little Pinnacle, the highest peak in Grayson Highlands State Park

Bat Week

By Mary BishopPosted October 11, 2024
Bats aren't as spooky as many make them out to be. Learn more about the only mammal to conquer flight and why they're so important to our ecosystems.
Eastern Small-footed Bat (Myotis leibii) at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Exploring the Winter Wildlife

By Guest BloggerPosted December 08, 2020
Guest Blogger Monica Hoel shares some tips and tricks on how to spot wildlife in the colder months.
Squirrels breath

Virginia Is For Wildlife Photography Lovers

By Guest BloggerPosted November 23, 2020
Barbara J. Saffir, Author of "Walking Washington, DC," Virginia Master Naturalist, and founder of Nature Photography DC/MD/VA discusses the natural treasures that lie within Virginia State Parks.
Prothonotary Warbler

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: Definition & Types

By John GreshamPosted August 11, 2020
Let's learn about the marshes at York River State Park in this new blog series.
Marsh exploring

How to attract birds to your backyard with native plants

By Jessica BowserPosted June 17, 2020
Native plants are easier to grow and meet the natural needs of the other plants and animals in the area.
Butterfly weed helps sustain insects and animals


Older posts →

By Park