Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Media Center - News Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 19, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Sky Meadows State Park to host dark sky conservation program

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Sky Meadows State Park)

DELAPLANE, Va. - Sky Meadows State Park, an International Dark Sky Park, invites the public to the carriage barn for a special presentation on Saturday, Sept. 20, highlighting the importance of dark sky conservation in Northern Virginia.

From 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., guests can attend Dark Skies at Home: What You Can Do to Help, a practical, community-focused talk aimed at homeowners, landowners and local leaders interested in reducing light pollution, protecting nocturnal wildlife and preserving the region’s rural nightscapes.

The presentation will provide simple, actionable steps individuals can take to make a difference in their own backyards.

Following the presentation, visitors are invited to stay for Astronomy for Everyone from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., one of the park’s most popular programs. This family-friendly event features telescope viewing, expert stargazing guidance and Junior Astronomer activities.

“Sky Meadows remains a stronghold for natural nightscapes in our region,” said Park Manager Patrick McNamara. “This evening is about empowering our communities to preserve that legacy for generations to come.”

To register for Dark Skies at Home: What You Can Do to Help, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/events. The first 50 registrants will receive complimentary parking for the evening.

For more information about the dark sky presentation, please call 540-592-3556. To learn more about Sky Meadows State Park and its astronomy programs, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/sky-meadows.

-30-

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Share this news release: