Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
March
As the weather warms up, so does our state parks events calendar. From the emergence of wildlife in our parks to the budding of plants and trees, there’s a lot to see on a nature hike. And in the warmer evenings, you can enjoy stargazing in comfort. There’s so much to learn, from tree grafting to geocaching. And you'll want to get outdoors and fly a kite or cast a line.
March Special Events
March 1-22, 2026. 1-5 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
True Art, named in the honor of the Museum's first curator, James True, features the works of today's local artist in a show that celebrates the creativity and talents of our friends and neighbors.
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.
Pottery is one of the oldest forms of decorative but functional art and is found in cultures across the world. Show off your creativity while learning about the role pottery has played in human history. This program will utilize air-dry clay and is suitable for all ages.
March 7 and 8, 2026. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
The story of the man who became one of the most dependable leaders in the Union Army, this program explores Wright’s early life, his engineering background, his steady personality, and the qualities that shaped his long service.
March 7, 2026. 1-2 p.m.
James River State Park
Join the rangers on a hunt for three of James River's 14 geocaches. We will be using handheld GPS units to locate hidden boxes of treasure (geocaches) in some of the most beautiful natural areas of the park. Who knows what we'll find!
March 7, 13 and 21, 2026. 2-3 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
In early spring, Virginia's tiny delicate woodland wildflowers make their appearance! Come enjoy them during their brief and beautiful display in the forest along Gold Dust Trail. A park ranger will lead you in finding different species and highlight the special role they play in the forest ecosystem.
March 7 and 28, 2026. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
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! Since most amphibians are nocturnal, the best time to view them is at night.
March 8, 2025. 7-8:30 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Gather by the campfire with us to celebrate and recognize the women who have shaped Virginia State Parks for International Women’s Day. As we warm by the fire, we will share stories about our experiences as women in the outdoors, enjoy s’mores, and watch a short film about the women rangers at Hungry Mother State Park.
March 8, 2026. 3-3:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Celebrate International Woman’s Day at Natural Tunnel State Park. Join our women rangers and explore the history of women in parks from the hills of Virginia to the glaciers of Montana.
Join us at the Oxbow Center to celebrate National Learn About Butterflies Day with Chris Allgyer, a Virginia Master Naturalist from the High Knob Chapter.
In this program, you will learn about the diversity of butterfly species found in far southwest Virginia.
March 14, 2026. 3-5 p.m.
Clinch River State Park
Join us at the Oxbow Center to celebrate National Learn About Butterflies Day with Chris Allgyer, a Virginia Master Naturalist from the High Knob Chapter.
March 14, 2026. 10-11 a.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Join the rangers of Wilderness Road State Park and be a part of butterflies truly magical journey.
March 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
New River Trail State Park @ Foster Falls
Join us as we open the doors to the old Norfolk and Western caboose 518517. Look inside a 1960's rail car and learn what it was like to live on the rail and run a train.
March 16, 2026. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
York River State Park
A breeding colony of great blue herons is not a rookery, it is a heronry (we didn't make that word up). Experience the sights and sounds of these iconic birds as they build nests and tend to their young along a terrific view of Woodstock Pond and the York River.
March 21, 2026. 8-10 a.m.
Caledon State Park
Join the Caledon Trail Race Series for the Pollinator Dash! Traverse the trails with the Butterfly Boogie 5K or the Honeybee Hustle 10K and earn a prize. Each run is dog friendly. State parks require dogs to be leashed with no more than a 6ft leash.
March 21, 2026. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Caledon State Park Front Lawn
Bring your paws out to Caledon for a doggone egg-stravaganza! Join the Friends of Caledon with your pup for dog vendors and demonstrations, Bark Ranger hikes, pictures with the Easter Bunny, food trucks, agility course and more!
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.
March 16-22, 2026.
Staunton River State Park
The Spring 2026 installment of the Staunton River Star Party will be sponsored by CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) and hosted by Staunton River State Park. This week long astronomy festival has gained the attention of astronomers from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond. Registration is required. The public night will be March 20, from 8-10 p.m.
March 28, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Step out on the trail to search for springtime renewal. Who has weathered the winter well? Who is preparing to burst into bloom? Will we encounter any ephemeral beauties?
March 28, 2026. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Douthat State Park
There’s nothing like the thrill of a first catch—bring your young anglers to reel in a big one at Kids Fishing Day. This fun-filled event is a great way for children 12 and under to experience the excitement of fishing and explore the outdoors.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Camp Carson Picnic Shelter and fishing is from 9 a.m. to Noon.
March 28, 2026. 12-1 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Grab your GPS (or smartphone) and step back in time to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This family-friendly geocaching adventure will have explorers of all ages discovering the legacy of the CCC: the hardworking young men who helped shape our park during the Great Depression.
March 28, 2026. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Children ages 1 to 10 will hop along with the Easter Bunny as they search for elusive candy-filled eggs, some containing prizes. After the hunt, fun and games will be available for young and old alike.
March 28, 2026. 9-10:30 a.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for a nature photography program with Samuels Public Library. We will meet outside the Visitor Center to review tips for photographing spring flowers and wildlife.
March Programs:
- Astronomy Events
Various Parks - Birding Events
Various Parks - Self-Guided Programs
Various Parks
