Explore some of Machicomoco’s best views during golden hour while stopping in to talk with a Ranger about some of their favorite park topics.

We will start with a campfire and, of course, making S’mores.

Fireflies of this area have unique light patterns that give us clues to “who” they are. Enjoy a relaxing summer evening to view Nature's very own light show put on by the fireflies.

Each night when the sun goes down, the owls of First Landing come out to hunt!

Experience the park at night with a ranger guide pointing out stars and planets, nocturnal wildlife, and the joys of a natural night with low light pollution.

Join us for a night time tour of our beautiful park.

Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Take your first steps on the path to adventure.

What better way to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the park than by kayak?

It's time to truly explore nature today!

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Enjoy a ranger-led hike learning all about what's blooming and growing around you, as well as the unique way Galax got its name.  This intermediate hike will take visitors through our park's deciduous woodlands along the river granting an opportunity to see some of the New River’s native wildflowers and trees.

The use of bows to shoot arrows has been a part of global history for thousands of years whether for defense, survival, or sport.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Come visit the discovery table to observe some of nature's most amazing treasures!

What's all the buzz about?

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snake that lives here in our Visitor Center.

Ahoy Matey!

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home or what those shells on the beach are called?

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Leatherworking is the craft of making leather into practical objects using different techniques.

Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.

Do you know why turtles have shells?

Use recycled materials and native flower seeds to make an Earth shaped seed ball.

Walk through history by touring historic Mount Bleak House.

Learn about oysters and their importance as keystone species as you create a holiday ornament, keychain, or charm using a real oyster shell.

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Paddle the lower Potomac River on a fossil finding adventure! Millions of years ago, Virginia was covered in a shallow sea that was teeming with life, leaving behind prolific fossil beds.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will travel to the site.

Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Hungry Mother State Park's interpreters are always finding cool things around the park and thinking up new activities and crafts.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

The are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

The Bear Creek Lake State Park Archery Club is open to beginner and intermediate level archers 18 years old and older.

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

Can you hear the park talking?  There are many tales and tails throughout Sweet Run State Park.  Some are visual, some are tactile, most don’t use words, so how does the park share its stories?  Park Interpreters will help you discover the park through hands on activities, artifacts and even some stories.

Find the "roving ranger" as they travel around the waterfront to learn how YOU can save a skunk and the other wildlife that call the park home.

Sunday Funday anyone?  Swing by our interpretive table in the picnic area to add some fun to your Sunday picnic!

Do you enjoy coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables?

Watch park staff feed "Ranger Shelly," our resident pet turtle, and learn fascinating facts about turtles.

What is a seed bomb?

Bring home a piece of history from Westmoreland as you learn to create shark tooth necklaces.  All resources are provided, including shark teeth that you can choose from to create your super cool necklace that can be shown off to all your friends.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Leesylvania makes its own worm compost!  Join rangers as we take a closer look at worms and how they can benefit your kitchen and backyard.

Ready, set, crawl, to join General Raphael, our non-releasable rescue eastern box turtle, as we explore more about her and the animal friends she shares her habitat with.

Explore fascinating natural treasures at the Park Office, where a park ranger will showcase intriguing items you can see, touch, and learn about.

Of all the mammals, opossums are the most misunderstood. They are fascinating creatures with very unique characteristics.

Come by the Ranger table near the beach to get a quick lesson on stewardship and learn how you can help keep First Landing clean - it takes a village!

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!  Learn about different turtles that call Kiptopeke home and why it's important to keep wildlife wild.

All are welcome at the Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield volunteer support group during their monthly meeting as they focus on a variety of objectives designed to assist the park's mission in preserving the hallowed grounds of the last major battle of the American Civil War in Virginia on April 6, 1865.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Join us to learn about insects and the different jobs they do here at Fairy Stone State Park and in your own backyard. Our adventure will continue as we search the area to find examples of these important members of our neighborhood.

The marshes are booming and blooming at Mason Neck State Park!

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

Take a short walk with a ranger and explore the history of Douthat State Park.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

There is a lot to discover at Leesylvania State Park.

Interested in the giants around you?

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring a different life group every week, and Week 3 is Birds! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities! Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a snack and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nest boxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society.

What some people call creepy crawlies are actually some of the most interesting and beneficial animals in our area.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!

For ages 10+.

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in the fun dip-netting adventure!

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our on-the-go naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.  Don't be surprised if he has a photo or two to share with you.

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Join us to learn about the many raptors that live on the Potomac River!

Douthat State Park is home to many mammals including black bears.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will travel to the site.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

Do you love art and nature?

You walk around trees all the time, but have you ever taken a chance to get to know what you're walking past?

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Do you have what it takes to be a wildlife detective?  Get ready for a guided mission!

Take a half of a hike with a park ranger.

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Stop by this Chesapeake Bay display on your way to the beach to hear a short talk about one of the nation’s most valuable waterways.

Join us at the Wood Warbler Boardwalk, across from the Camp Store, to learn about the 7 Leave No Trace principles while we come together to clean our beaches.  Buckets and trash grabbers will be provided. .

Hop on over to learn about this ancient insect eater, and discover how you can help preserve its habitat.

Every Monday you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Evening is the perfect time to search for salamanders.

How I wonder what you are...

Let’s head over to Edmunds Lake and try to wrangle in some big fish.

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

We need your help.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Every week the Rangers at First Landing will show off some of our fabulous animal ambassadors to provide an up-close look at the reptiles and amphibians that call First Landing home!