Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Homeschool Naturalists: Fur, Tracks, and Scat

Location of Douthat State Park in Virginia

Where

Douthat State Park, 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro, VA 24460.
Discovery Center

When

Feb. 4, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join us at Douthat State Park for Homeschool Naturalists, a monthly outdoor education series designed for homeschool students of all ages. Each session explores a different nature-based topic through hands-on activities, guided discovery, and time in the great outdoors.

This session of Homeschool Naturalist is Fur, Tracks, and Scat. We’ll learn how to identify animals by the clues they leave behind — from fur and footprints to scat. We’ll also explore how animals adapt to survive the winter and why this chilly season is one of the best times to spot tracks in the wild. Then, we will go on a short hike to see if we can spot any tracks for ourselves.

Plan on attending Fur, Tracks and Scat? Let us know by completing this form.

Below are the dates and the topics for future Homeschool Naturalist events.

March 4: Douthat Dwellers: Owls

April 1: Macroinvertebrates and Watersheds

May 6: Vernal Pool Explorers

Programs run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please meet at the Discovery Center.

This is a family-friendly program — parents or guardians must stay with their children. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for outdoor conditions. This is a rain or shine event.

Homeschoolers get free parking by showing their Notice of Intent Form to park staff.

Parks are for everyone. If you have accessibility questions or concerns, please call 540-862-8114 or email Hannah.Johnson@dcr.virginia.gov.

animal tracks in snow with tape measure

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-862-8100
Email Address: Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov