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

Hit the trail with one of our rangers to see which birds of Fairy Stone State Park are hiding in plain sight along Oak Hickory Trail.

"As long as a live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing." -- John Muir Widewater State Park is pleased to offer Bird Walks from November 2025 thru March 2026!  Join an experienced birder on an exploration of our incredibly diverse park throughout the cooler months.

Take a guided walk with a ranger in the winter woods to find out who is out and about. For some species, Virginia is their southern winter retreat, while others stay here year-round.

Join a ranger for a guided hike to look for winter birds.

Meet Rangers at Narrows Beach for a guided bird-watching experience through our tidal marshlands.

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

This special craft program involves making fun edible ornaments that will serve winter birds as a dependable food source during the cold winter months.  Participants will make a natural bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, string, and birdseed.  Shortening is available for guess with peanut allergies.  While creating your bird feeder, learn about some of our common Virginia backyard winter birds.

Dozens of birds and other animals migrate to and away from Mason Neck each year, while others hibernate to escape the cold.

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.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

A new discovery awaits your family with Sky Meadows' Discovery Backpacks.

Belle Isle State Park has some great activities that you can do on your own schedule.

Be you a teacher, camp counselor, homeschool instructor, or troop leader, you are invited to schedule your group's next field trip or educational program with Widewater State Park!

Are you curious about that songbird flitting through the bushes outside your cabin?

Not able to attend a ranger-led program?

Forgo the fireworks and crowded festivities and accompany a ranger on this guided hike through the quiet woods with the moon and stars lighting the way.

Join our rangers on the first day of the New Year with some fun hikes or blaze your own trail.

Stretch your wings on this First Day Hike all about the birds that call Chippokes State park their nest!  Join a Ranger led excursion along College Run Trail to the shoreline of the James River.

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

Kick off the new year by learning about Indigenous history! In Virginia, a lot of pre-contact Indigenous history was obscured by colonization.

Explore the diverse habitats of Machicomoco State Park while learning about what makes them all unique!

Discover the heart of First Landing State Park on this unique guided hike that blends camping culture with coastal beauty.

Start the new year with a gentle adventure designed especially for young explorers and their families.

Kick off the new year by learning about Indigenous history! In Virginia, a lot of pre-contact Indigenous history was obscured by colonization.

Explore the diverse habitats of Machicomoco State Park while learning about what makes them all unique!

Bundle up for a seasonal adventure into the salt marshes of First Landing State Park!

Enjoy a winter birding adventure to discover duck species and habitats.  In less than a mile we will look for waterfowl from a shallow pond, tidal creek, and the river.  Bald eagles are also frequently found in the area.

Join a ranger for a guided hike to look for winter birds.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

How many animal inhabitants of First Landing State Park can you identify?

Get a head start on National Bird Day by joining park staff for a relaxed, family-friendly birding walk.  You’ll learn how to spot common forest birds, listen for songs and calls, and use simple tips and tools to identify what we see and hear along the trail.

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Be you a teacher, camp counselor, homeschool instructor, or troop leader, you are invited to schedule your group's next field trip or educational program with Widewater State Park!

Stop by Hungry Mother's Discovery Center and ask the front desk rangers about our Park Packs.