Join a ranger and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park and about the particular fossils you can find here.

Come celebrate the creation of  the Civilian Conservation Corps!

Come explore the science and safety regarding the viewing of a solar eclipse as you visit our tabletop display to learn about what is happening, when it will happen, and how you can be a safe observer.  We strive to make our programming and special event opportunities accessible and inclusive to all.

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee.

The rabbits are coming out, the eggs are rolling in; Spring is in the air, so let the hunt begin!

Often overlooked as just a simple plant, lichen (which isn't even a plant) is one of nature's best examples of different organisms coming together to form a mutualistic relationship.

Join our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for prize-filled Easter eggs starting at 11:00 am.

Children ages 1 to 10 will hop along with the Easter Bunny as they search for elusive candy-filled eggs, some containing prizes.

Perched upon a small hill overlooking the old Norfolk & Western railway station sits the old Foster Falls Hotel.

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

Belle Isle is home to song birds, waterfowl, and raptors, just to name a few.

This short talk tells the story of the Chesapeake Bay, diving into the spectacular geography, valuable human history, and significant ecological and economic value of this special body of water.

Did you know if Americans recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25 million trees a year?

Watch and learn about our ambassador animal, Reba the Corn Snake or Stevie the King Snake, as they feed on a frozen mouse! .

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.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

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

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

Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook in the outdoors with no electricity? Join the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park members where they will be showing off their outdoor cooking and fire making skills.

Come celebrate Easter at Occoneechee State Park.

Take an in-depth look at how cavalry changed battlefield strategy and tactics as we explore the use of mounted and dismounted cavalry during the American Civil War.

Spring has sprung, and there is no better place to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather than at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay Lab in order to discover creatures that inhabit the bay, what makes a watershed, why the Bay is so important and so much more!

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

Welcome our spring migrants back by making a bird feeder inspired by nature.

The Friends of Chippokes, park staff, and volunteers welcome one and all to our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Become a steward of nature while building your local community and connecting with the people near you that share a passion for the outdoors. Meet with rangers at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center for a short conservation and to get supplies to clean up the trash that washes onto the shoreline or is left and scattered along the trails and recreational areas.  Please bring water, dress warmly, and expect to get wet and a little dirty.

Join Virginia Master Naturalist and herpetology expert, Ty Smith, as we discover the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal ponds.

Are there actually beavers in Beaver Lake?

Eggs come in a range of colors and sizes and not just during Easter.

Needing a new pet in your life?

Come and share some creative inspiration from the artwork of celebrated African-American artist and educator, Alma Thomas as you create your own interpretation of her most famous work of art entitled, "The Eclipse".

Enjoy a scenic guided walk along the New River Trail.  This easy one-mile round trip tour will take visitors outside one of the oldest mining operations in North America: the Austinville lead mines.

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

The Friends of Twin Lakes State Park is an all-volunteer non-profit that supports Twin Lakes State Park.

Join a ranger to learn about the wild animals that delight your senses that are found at Belle Isle State Park. You can touch pelts, see the footprints they make and hear their calls, as well as learn about adaptations they use to survive.

'Whooo' will hear 'whooo' first?

Have you ever heard an owl calling in the dead of night?

Join Rangers on a guided bird-watching experience!

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

We would like to introduce you to “Boxer” the box turtle.

Virginia weather changes on a dime, so stop by the Visitor Center to learn all about what might fly through our spring sky.

Owls are the nocturnal raptors hunting throughout Mason Neck with the gift of silent flight.

Welcome springtime back by making a bird feeder using leftover Easter eggs as molds.

Pollinators are some of the most important organisms on the planet.

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

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

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.

Embrace the call to adventure inside you by attending this survival skills workshop!

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

This program gives families and small groups a chance to request a program of their choosing that is not otherwise scheduled during their visit to the park.

Discover how animals use tricks, like mimicry and camouflage to help them survive in the wild on a short, ranger-led hike.

Join us for a true Bald Cypress Swamp adventure.

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.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

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.

Fly by this remote Ranger outpost to view vistas of Broad Bay and visit with Rangers to discuss topics like spring birding, marsh wildlife, and more!

Want an easy way to disperse plants in your yard?

Make them this morning, use them tonight.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is now accepting entries for its “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show.

This program gives families and small groups a chance to request a program of their choosing that is not otherwise scheduled during their visit to the park.

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

Co-Op Trail offers stunning views of Swift Creek Lake.

Are they stumps or sprouts?

Come visit Machicomoco for wild adventures with your favorite wee people as we share stories of nature and wildlife, create a craft, and enjoy fun movement and music together!

This short talk tells the story of the Chesapeake Bay, diving into the spectacular geography, valuable human history, and significant ecological and economic value of this special body of water.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

Vernal pools are hosts to species such as the Marbled and Spotted Salamanders and are key to the their survival.

Take part in the old tradition of fish printing.

Ever wonder what it would be like to get up close to a wild animal?

Join a ranger and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park and about the particular fossils you can find here.

This program gives families and small groups a chance to request a program of their choosing that is not otherwise scheduled during their visit to the park.

What helps keep the Chesapeake Bay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy?

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

Children, ages 5-12, and their families are invited to join us during Spring Break.

Connect with nature on a guided hike with the Rangers!

Grab a wildlife scavenger hunt from the visitor center and discover a new way to explore.

Bring your creativity to this fun nature craft program where you will bring the park to life through art.

Join rangers at the park for a fun nature reading session.

This program gives families and small groups a chance to request a program of their choosing that is not otherwise scheduled during their visit to the park.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

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

This short talk tells the story of the Chesapeake Bay, diving into the spectacular geography, valuable human history, and significant ecological and economic value of this special body of water.

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

Often overlooked as just a simple plant, lichen (which isn't even a plant) is one of nature's best examples of different organisms coming together to form a mutualistic relationship.

The Indigenous Peoples were well known for being quite clever in their usage of the abundant natural resources found in the woodlands and coastal region, but did you know that these tribes were also compelled to use these same resources for sport and game playing?

Join us for a true Bald Cypress Swamp adventure.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

What snakes live in Virginia?

Join us as we discover the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal ponds.

Beneath fallen tree branches and layers of fallen leaves exists an abundance of exciting mushrooms and other organisms!

Pine, poplar, oak, holly, who can tell? Practice your tree identification skills by getting leaf and bark rubbings from some of our common trees in the park.

Come view a resident Osprey nest along the New River in Fries, Virginia.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce the spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program.

Come explore the historic town of Fries.

This is an intermediate ride for cyclists of all skill levels.

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

This is prime time for bird watching since the trees haven't yet grown their new set of leaves; the birds are now more visible when perching on branches. Some winter migrants may still be visiting from far up north, while others are year-round residents.

It's that time of year - spring weather brings mad beauty to our tidal marshes!