By collecting monarch eggs and caterpillars to raise in captivity, we are improving their chances of surviving to the butterfly stage; aiding this endangered species.

Looking for a family-friendly way to extend your summer fun?

Have you ever tried archery or mountain biking or fly fishing?

We invite you to come out to the Apiary located to the left of the area behind the Discovery Center and observe us in the apiary.

During the 18th century, master craftsmen taught skills and labor through apprenticeships.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals. Hike around the park and see if you can spot some of these homes. Remember to think outside the box on this one. Some animals live in trees, some live in the ground, and some live in the water.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

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

Visit a ranger and learn about bear safety: how to store food, what to do when you come across a bear hiking, camping in bear country, and more.

Don't be afraid to mix it up.

Join a park interpreter on a scavenger hunt along one of our less explored trails to find all of the colors, shapes, and sizes that are found in nature.

The York River was home to four manned lighthouses: Bells Rock, Pages Rock, Tue Marshes, and York Spit.  Bells Rock was the uppermost, just two miles below West Point.  Pages Rock was the only other light above the Coleman (Rt.

During the 18th century, master craftsmen taught skills and labor through apprenticeships.

Do you know the difference between toads and frogs?

What will we scoop up this time?

Explore the life cycle of butterflies and learn what makes the monarch butterfly so special.

Are you a crafty critter?

Focus on wildlife while in the park and elsewhere using a nature journal.

The trash and litter we leave behind can hurt the environment.

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the interactions between a predator population of coyotes and a prey population of deer in a forest. This program is suitable for all ages.

Join us as we build a beaver and find out if its teeth and other body parts are useful (or just a cruel joke played by Mother Nature).

As you make your way to the shoreline, stop and visit the live creature displays of fish & shellfish that were recently captured in the York River and Woodstock Pond.  The ranger on duty will share about these creatures and their role in the ecosystem.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park. Our interpretive ranger will lead the hike on River Bank Trail and talk about the exciting history of the Staunton River and our beautiful 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.

Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park nature interpreter under the tent for some fun crafts. Create your own butterfly, make a picture using the sun, or "scratch-up" some art.

Holliday Lake State Park is buzzing with life this time of year.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Trees are life-givers and sources of inspiration for many art forms.

Look for the interpretive ranger on the sidewalk between the pavilion and the sand at the swimming beach to have some fun making bubbles.

Every Monday evening from May to the first week of September 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.

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

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

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.

Visit a ranger at Massie Gap to learn about the different creatures that live within the park.

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more? Just plant native! Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference. Come to our pollinator garden workshop and learn everything you need to know to get started.

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Right now in Fairy Stone Lake, giant gelatinous blobs resembling brains can be found attached to stationary objects in the water, using their tentacles to feed.

Enjoy amazing views of Horsehead Cliffs, watch Ospreys and Bald Eagles fly overhead, and look for fossils on this guided paddle tour of the Potomac River at Westmoreland State Park.

Get your mid-week boost with a walk among the trees, meadows, with fellow nature lovers!  You don't have to read scientific studies to know that being in nature and getting exercise in the fresh air is good for your body and your mind. So let's get together, make friends, and enjoy the outdoors while improving our health!  Each week will feature a different trail, each with a distance of about 2-2.5 miles.

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail.

Spend time paddling down the Clinch River and enjoy viewing a variety of aquatic life, from longnose gar to freshwater mussels.

Join us at Douthat State Park for Homeschool Naturalists, a monthly outdoor education series designed for homeschool students of all ages.

Let nature spark your creativity!

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.

Help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!

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

Do you want to learn the history of the land where Kiptopeke State Park is today?

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

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

Step into the garden and relax by the waterfall for a creative and eco-friendly art experience!

Have you ever heard of a pawpaw?

Everyone loves a relaxing evening.

Take a float as day turns into twilight, and the creatures of the night arise.

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail, rated as a moderate hike.

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

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

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

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

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.

Are all snakes venomous?

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.

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

Whoooo’s calling in the night!?

Grab your binoculars for a fun bird hike and discover the many birds passing through the park this fall.

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

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

Come drop some line in the water, and soak in some sun!

Calling all homeschoolers!

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine once used by Fayerdale residents, as well as an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake before transitioning into the Upper and Lower Stuart's Knob Trails.

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

Hike along the riverbanks of the James River through the park's riparian forest to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

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

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park - from ancient fossils to the American Civil War.

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.

Stop by the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and step back in time to experience aspects of life on the frontier.

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.

Discover the art of journaling in the wild with a ranger.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

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.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Trees are vital to our environment.

Follow a ranger on a walk through agricultural history in this guided tour of the Farm and Forestry Museum.

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

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

Mussels play a huge part in our watershed.

Holliday Lake State Park is buzzing with life this time of year.

Have you ever seen a tree grow out of a rock?

Did you know owls get 'hairballs?' About once a day, an owl spits up a ball of hair and bones called an owl pellet which is actually the 'leftovers' from their most recent meals.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Join an interpreter to learn a variety of useful everyday knots, from the simple square not to the high flying figure eight knot - there is a knot for every situation.

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more? Just plant native! Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference. Come to our pollinator garden workshop and learn everything you need to know to get started.

Help our resident box turtle keep in touch with her animal friends at other Virginia State Parks.

Have you ever wondered how beavers stay dry?

Join us for "Turtle Time" at Holliday Lake State Park and meet our beloved turtle, Harrold Holliday!

Tomorrow is Vulture Awareness Day!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home, or what shells you can find on our beaches?

The forests are full of things both delicious and dangerous, but can you tell which is which?