Events in Virginia State Parks

Walk through history by touring Sky Meadows' historic Mount Bleak House.

Vernal pools are shallow, temporary pools that typically form in early spring.

Join a ranger on a guided hike to learn more about different birds, plants, and ecosystems found in the park.

What better way to celebrate St.

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

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

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 head to the site.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Early spring is a time of subtle but exciting change, and this guided hike invites visitors to look closely for the first signs of the season waking up the forest and fields.

Ever heard of a seed bomb?

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the king snake, and two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

This is a “casting” call for miniatures enthusiasts and historic craft fans!

We all know that hiker who likes to stop every few steps to point out some cool fungi, or stop to examine a freshly fallen feather.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

 Deep in the forest lies the perfect amphibian retreat - vernal pools.  These special pools fill up each winter to provide a safe habitat for salamanders, fingernail clams, fairy shrimp, and more!

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Come join our Rangers in celebrating the Highland Maple Festival!

Are you new to fishing and would like to learn the basics?

Tour a replica of the Anderson Blockhouse as rangers provide information about the history of the building and area.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a volunteer organization of interested citizens who actively support the park. The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available.

A breeding colony of great blue herons is not a rookery, it is a heronry (we didn't make that word up).

Spring brings about lots of change in our natural world.

The Spring 2026 installment of the Staunton River Star Party will be sponsored by CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) and hosted at Staunton River State Park.

Help support the park you love.

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

Join the Friends of Mason Neck and Fairfax Master Naturalists for a rewarding day of volunteer garden work!

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and that raccoons have “hands” like ours? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

Meet us at the library in Appomattox where a ranger will read a story about wildlife, and then we will have a snack and do a simple craft together. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

Meet us at the library in Appomattox where a ranger will read a story about wildlife, and then we will have a snack and do a simple craft together. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

Spring brings about lots of change in our natural world.

"Beavers:  Nature's Engineers" examines the characteristics and habits of North America's largest rodent.  Learn about how beavers alter the environment more than any other creature except humans.  Find out how beavers contributed to the westward expansion as settlers arrived in the New World.  Following a short lecture about the beaver and a few "local stories", a beautiful movie will follow the life of a pair of beaver's lives throughout a year-long period.  Various items, including a beaver skull, pelt, and examples of wood cuttings, will be displayed.  A special gift will be given to all children who attend the program.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

While we sleep a whole new set of nocturnal animals come out to begin their "daily" activities.

Discover the amazing world of beavers, some of nature's finest architects and engineers.

Are all snakes venomous?

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is thrilled to announce the spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Join the Friends of Twin Lakes for a rewarding day of service!

Are you curious about the birds around us?

Join a ranger to learn about science, history, and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

Join us for the first-ever Volunteer Camp-Out at Douthat State Park. This is your chance to enjoy a beautiful lakeside camping experience for free while giving back to the park you love.

Did you know Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks and have “hands” like ours?

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

Be on the lookout for a roaming ranger with a mini-program and learn something new.

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 head to the site.

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Would you like a sneak peak at the new trail?

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

In early spring, Virginia's tiny delicate woodland wildflowers make their appearance!

Join a ranger to paint Spring-themed sun catchers to brighten your home.

Come join the party!

Spring is officially here!

As spring draws near, frogs and toads come out at dusk to fill the forest with their songs! Local herpetology expert, Ty Smith, will reveal their fascinating adaptations, life cycles, and identification through sound. The program will include an educational talk and a brief walk into the woods after sunset to stand and listen near a vernal pool, where frogs and toads are sure to be calling.  What to expect: Picnic tables for sitting are available at Shelter #1.

Start off your weekend off right with s’mores and more! Join our rangers in a welcome campfire at the Outdoor Classroom behind the Discovery Center each Friday this month, where you can learn more about the wildlife and fossils that we have here in our park. Whether you want to learn more about Westmoreland, or you just want to hang out and eat s’mores, you know where to find us! Dress appropriately for the weather on the day of the event and bring water. .

Join us for a public viewing night during the Spring Staunton River Star Party.

Join the Caledon Trail Race Series for the Pollinator Dash!

The story of a man who built himself into a leader through sheer discipline, sharp intellect, and a refusal to do anything halfway, this program follows Andrew Humphreys from his early years as a driven young engineer to his rise as one of the most respected officers in the Union Army.

Become a member, volunteer, and a citizen scientist for the Hungry Mother Chapter of FrogWatch USA.

Start your weekend with fresh air, beautiful scenery, camaraderie, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Discover the fundamentals of bird watching as you build practical skills and confidence in the field.

We welcome you to Widewater's inaugural Spring Jubilee where visitors are encouraged to Step into Spring this year by exploring the outdoors, restoring the environment through volunteer activities, and protecting native flora and fauna through education and responsible recreation.

Enjoy maximum bluff and shoreline views on this ranger guided hike.  The hike is just about a mile and includes a portion of the new Hognose Trail.  We will explore the popular Fossil Beach and the secluded Pete's Overlook.  .

Bring your paws out to Caledon for a doggone egg-stravaganza!

We can tell a great deal about an animal’s adaptations by looking at their skins and skulls.

Join us in discovering the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal wetlands.

Join us for a guided Discovery Hike along the Buck Lick Trail and experience March—a month of transformation.

Celebrate International Day of Forests with a native tree planting.

The appearance of frogs and salamanders is a sure sign of spring.

March 21st is International Day of Forests!

Come join our Rangers in celebrating the Highland Maple Festival!

Join us for a craft as we celebrate the International Day of Forests.

It is International Day of Forests so let's take "Advice from a Tree" (Ilan Shamir) and start Spring 2026 celebrating nature's beauty.

Walk through history by touring Sky Meadows' historic Mount Bleak House.

This event is more than a festival - it is a shared message to our community: Insects matter, all of them, and our planet depends on them.

Hoot have thought reconstructing skeletons could be so cool?!

Celebrate International Day of the Forest and the Spring Equinox while exploring the trees of Mason Neck State Park.

This guided hike will take you to one of the highest points in the park to enjoy the view from Purchase Ridge Overlook.

The wildlife on our trails always changing. Join our rangers in exploring the ecosystems and wildlife along our nearby trails.

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

Come explore the historic town of Fries! A park ranger will share stories of local history and show what remains of the once thriving textile industry.

Unfold a map and unlock a whole new way to explore.

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 head to the site.

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.

As spring bursts back to life, our local wildflowers take center stage, painting the landscape with color and supporting an incredible web of biodiversity.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Look up and learn about tree diversity in the park!

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

This archery session for beginners and provides shooting time for the more experienced. It begins with instruction time on archery equipment, technique, and safety.

Prowl the Powell and discover nature’s hidden treasures.