Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Location of Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia

Where

Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354.
Various areas throughout the Park

When

Feb. 17, 2023 12:00 a.m. - Feb. 20, 2023 12:00 a.m.

Help scientists research birds right in your own backyard as we participate in the international bird count hosted by the Audubon Society, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Studies of Canada

These hikes are open to all ages and skill levels. Beginners are always welcome! Make sure you dress for cold weather. Event will be held rain, shine or snow. Field guides and binoculars will be provided, but if you have your own, please bring them. (Limited supply)

Owl Prowl - Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Master Naturalist “Birdman Randy” will lead us on a prowl around the park looking for owls. Meet at the boat ramp off of Mitchell Valley Road.

Guided Bird Hikes - Feb. 18 at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join volunteers Randy Smith and Mike Evans as we count as many birds as we can to add to the Hungry Mother list on eBird. All these birds will be counted toward the international research project this weekend. Meet at Parking Lot 5.

Breakfast for Birders - Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. with the Holston Rivers Virginia Master Naturalists. All participants are welcome to stop by parking lot 5 and have a light breakfast and learn how to become a Virginia Master Naturalist.

Guided Bird Hikes - Feb. 19 & 20 at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 Join Randy Smith (Sunday) and Mike Evans (Monday) as they once again return to take you on a bird hike each day in different parts of the park. Sunday meet at the spillway parking lot, as Randy will cover the Spillway, Campground Burson, and the Burson Group Camp area and on Monday meet at the Discovery Center, as Mike will cover the Discovery Center, the beach, and other day use areas.

bird on tree

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-781-7400
Email Address: HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov