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37th Annual Hungry Mother FestivalAmy Atwood
The Art League of Marion invites you to attend a weekend of arts, crafts, entertainment and food. |
World-Renowned Cellist to Play Free Concert at Southwest Virginia MuseumErin Brockmann
American cellist, pianist, and composer Dave Eggar will be appearing at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, on Tuesday, June 29. |
The Timber RattlesnakeMichael Salotti
Snakes seem to get a bad rap for one reason or another. Personally, I am a great admirer of snakes. Sure, some could be dangerous when provoked, but that could be said about most wildlife. |
Get Outside and Play at Occoneechee State ParkPat Eastwood
There are a lot of fun things to do at Occoneechee State Park throughout the upcoming weekend. Hike through the woods, ride a bike, visit the museum, have a picnic, and enjoy these great programs along with many others. |
2010 Steam and Gas Engine Farm FestivalNancy Heltman
Don’t miss this year’s Steam & Gas Engine Farm Festival June 5 & 6 at Chippokes Farm & Forestry Museum 868 Plantation Road, Surry VA 23883 (inside Chippokes Plantation State Park). |
Sappony Indian River FestivalPat Eastwood
On Saturday, June 5, come down to the river for food, fun, and culture. This daylong event at will take place at Staunton River Battlefield State Park from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. |
Summer Hours for the Hillsman Farm House MuseumZoe Rogers
The Hillsman Farm House Museum located at Sailor’s Creek Historical State Park will be open during the summer starting Wednesday, June 2nd. |
Memorial Day ThanksNancy Heltman
It's the unofficial start of summer and one of the big three summer holidays so sometimes the reason for Memorial Day gets a little lost in our pursuit of summer happiness. |
Firewood Pests AwarenessNancy Heltman
You load up a pile of firewood in your truck and haul it to your campsite to burn during your stay. Sounds like a cost saving idea since the park will charge you for wood. |
A Look Outside: Reptiles & Amphibians (Part 3)VDGIF
Interested in Virginia's reptiles and amphibians? This fun new "A Look Outside" series of videos tracks a group of cub scouts as they learn about spotted salamanders, canebrake rattlesnakes, wood turtles and more! |
A Look Outside: Reptiles & Amphibians (Part 2)VDGIF
Interested in Virginia's reptiles and amphibians? This fun new "A Look Outside" series of videos tracks a group of cub scouts as they learn about spotted salamanders, canebrake rattlesnakes, wood turtles and more! |
Bald Eagle ReleaseVDGIF
A healthy and feisty Bald Eagle is released on April 13th by Ed Clark, President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. |
Smith Mountain Lake State Park to Host Bedford County Parks & Rec Youth Fishing ClinicLana Obenchain - Bedford County Parks and Rec
Bedford Parks & Recreation Departments will host their annual Youth Fishing Clinic on Saturday, June 5th at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston. Event is free and open to children ages six through fourteen. |
Fun Facts about TreesKristen Uerz
After researching Odwalla's Plant a Tree program I thought maybe I should share some of the benefits of trees to everyone. |
What the Heck is a Pow Wow?Don Byrne
On Saturday my wife and I headed down to Occoneechee to attend the Native American Heritage Festival (Pow Wow). |
Women's Wellness Weekend Participants Learn About SpinningNancy Heltman
As a child I enjoyed crocheting. It probably started with one of those pot holder weaving kits when I was even younger, but I enjoyed the feel of the yarn and the satisfaction of being creative. |
A Day at Sky MeadowsDon Byrne
One of the benefits of being the Information Manager for State Parks is to be aware of the many events that take place at all of our parks. |
Fun After Dark At Sky Meadows State ParkCyndi Juarez
Saturday, May 8th, from 8-11 PM there is another opportunity to experience one of Sky Meadows State Park most popular and entertaining programs- Astronomy for Everyone. |
Earth Day at Belle Isle State ParkSteve Davis
The weather at Belle Isle State Park on Friday, April 23 was perfect for about 180 kids to celebrate Earth Day. This event was held in conjunction with the Chesapeake Bay Governors School. |
Teaching the Teachers at the ParkCyndi Juarez
Last weekend twenty-four educators became the students at Leesylvania State Park. Chief Ranger Sarah Phillips, organized the teacher training event and invited local teachers to participate. |
Too Much Screen TimeNancy Heltman
Last night I read an article from CNN's SciTech Blog (Children and Nature Network tweeted it) about the new Boy Scout Video Game Badge. |
Coastal Plants program at False CapeStaci Martin
Find out how coastal plants were used by American Indians for fiber, food, and other crafts. |
White House Conference on America's Great OutdoorsPaula Hill
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton attended the White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors on April 16, 2010. |
10th Anniversary Raid Expects Record Turnout!Michael Brindle
This year’s "Raid" at Martin's Station promises to be the best yet and will be held May 7-9, 2010 at Wilderness Road State Park. |
Find Your Way at False Cape State ParkStaci Martin
Discover ways to find directions using nature as a guide, learn how to use a compass, and how to use a GPS as a wayfinding tool. |
Wash Wood History Tour at False Cape State ParkStaci Martin
Take a scenic tram ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park to the site of the historic Wash Woods community in what is now False Cape State Park. |
Southwest Virginia Museum Celebrates Spring with a Day of Garden ProgramsErin Brockmann
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, VA honors the coming of Spring and Virginia Garden Week with a day-long event, “A Celebration of Spring,” Saturday, April 24, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. |
The Best of Virginia State Parks - Eric HouglandVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
The Best of Virginia State Parks - Chris CalkinsVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
The Best of Virginia State Parks - Chris DossVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
A Stitch In Time - Quilt Show at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State ParkErin Brockmann
When many people think of a quilt, they envision something that you throw on a bed to help keep warm on a wintery night or something you cuddle up under when you’re under the weather. |
Rain Barrel Workshop a Success for Wilderness RoadMichael Brindle
A warm 70-degree afternoon set the perfect Spring stage for our first-ever rain barrel workshop at Wilderness Road State Park |
The Virginia State FlowerNancy Heltman
Of course, since I'm a native Virginian, I already knew that the Dogwood is the state flower and tree of Virginia. |
Turning a Farm House into a Museum – Part IIIZoe Rogers
When visiting the Hillsman Farm House Museum you’ll have the opportunity to see the results of the recent transformation from abandoned house to a museum. |
Turning a Farm House into a Museum – Part IIZoe Rogers
In Part I of Turning a Farm House into a Museum we learned to accurately recreate the physical surroundings numerous primary sources exist to help us understand how the house was furnished following... |
Wildlife Watching Tips for BeginnersJodi Bucknam
Spring weather is finally here at Mason Neck State Park, and with warmer days we see not only more park visitors but more park wildlife. We also see many visitors exploring nature for the first time. |
Turning a Farm House into a Museum – Part IZoe Rogers
After extensive research and consulting with experts, the mystery of what the Hillsman farm house resembled in 1865 is close to being solved. |
Interpretive Sign Captures Dark and Bloody Ground!Michael Brindle
History runs deep in the heart of Southwest Virginia, through the Cumberland Gap and into Kentucky. |
What Did Colonial Kids Do for Fun?Cyndi Juarez
I love electricity, it powers just about everything I do at home and allows me to keep working well past dark. My kids love it too, they watch television, play video games, use the computer, etc. |
Visit Pocahontas State Park During National Wildlife WeekZoe Rogers
Join us at Pocahontas State Park during National Wildlife Week, March 15th –21st, for outdoor nature programs that will introduce you and your family to the wildlife found in the park. |
Rain Barrel Workshop Set for March 20 at Wilderness Road State ParkMichael Brindle
Spring is just a short time away and many people are already planning their vegetable and flower gardens. Their biggest obstacle throughout the year is water or, to be more precise, lack thereof. |
Star Spangled Banner GeotrailSam Sweeney
Enjoy the outdoors and want to do something new? Now you can enjoy looking for treasures hidden within Kiptopeke State Park as part of the Star Spangled Banner Geotrail. |
A Journey through Black History at Twin Lakes State ParkZoe Rogers
Virginia State Parks is home to a park whose black history dates back to the depression era and the civil rights movement of the 50s. |
The Eastern Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmusPatty Elton
As Winter sets in I can’t help but reflect how quickly Fall passed. As with each season there are always regrets and always delights to be tucked away. |
Winter Wilderness Survival at False CapeStaci Martin
Come on out to False Cape for an outdoor adventure in a wild winter wonderland. |
Master Naturalist Basic TrainingNancy Heltman
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. |
Winter Woods Walk at False Cape State Park--Feb. 7thStaci Martin
False Cape State Park is offering an Winter Woods Walk on Saturday, Feb. 7th from 1pm-4pm. |
So You Want To Be A Park Ranger Chapter 9Tom Cervenak
Readers you are in for a treat as Tom Cervenak, Visitor Services and Marketing Manager for Virginia State Parks, weaves the story of how he came to work for parks and what his career has been like. |
Luminary Event at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State ParkZoe Rogers
On Saturday, November 7, 2009, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host “A Ceremony on Hallowed Ground” to commemorate Veterans Day. |
Youth Deer Hunting Workshop at Claytor Lake State ParkJaimie Lomasney
Claytor Lake State Park and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries are hosting a Youth Deer Hunting Workshop on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19. |
What Will Your Children Remember?Nancy Heltman
Nancy Heltman of Virginia State Parks was a guest blogger for Bethe Almeras' Grass Stain Guru today. Here's the content. http://bit.ly/XYvuT
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The Best of Virginia State Parks - Forrest GladdenVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
First Landing ReenactmentVSP
Discover an event 400 years in the making. |
The Best of Virginia State Parks - Anne ReederVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
Wilderness Road State ParkDan Braun
Come explore the rich history of Wilderness Road State Park |
A Jewel on the JamesVSP
Discover the history of the Chippokes Plantation. |
A Potomac LegacyVSP
The history of how Leesylvania State Park came to be. |
Civilian Conservation CorpsVSP
A look back at how jobs were created through the building of America's State Park System. |
How the West Was Won Part IITom Cervanak
Although the smallest Virginia State Park, the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park is packed with facinating historical treasures worth taking the time to explore. |
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton elected President of the National Association of State Park DirectorsJim Meisner
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton was elected president of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) at the NASPD annual meeting this week. |
Kids Tap in to Nature in MassachusettsVirginiaOutdoors
Innovative program that’s getting kids to check their sap buckets before checking their emails. |
Wildlife Center of VirginiaMSNBC
MSNBC Profiles the Wildlife Center of Virginia. This video from MSNBC features the National Wildlife Federation's Doug Inkley: |
New Coal Mining Exhibit at SWVA MuseumSWVA Museum
The latest exhibit upgrade at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park mixes new technology with historic artifacts to give visitors an in-depth look at the story of coal mining in Southwest Virginia. |
Storytelling Exhibit at Sailors CreekImperial Multimedia
Captivating visitor's attention by utilizing state of the art storytellers and the latest in new media technology, the stories of Confederate and Union soldiers will bring history to life inside a dimensional set. |
The Legend of Hungry MotherAccording to Legend
The Legend of the name of Hungry Mother State Park and the history of her creation. |
Helping Children to Experience NatureEllen Smith
National Park Service and Virginia State Parks getting together to take on the collective challenge to get our children and families in to the outdoors. |
Family Fun at Occoneechee State ParkPat Eastwood
Junior Ranger programs will continue this week at Occoneechee State Park. Students who attend all eight sessions will earn a Junior Ranger badge. |
The First Step in Going Greenjoe peash
Folks don't often spend time outdoors unless someone first takes them under their wing and shows it to them. |
The Raid at Martin's StationKevin Wallenfang
The annual Raid at Martin's Station provides one of the most realistic historic reenactments in the country May 8-10. |
New Civil War Visitor Center to Open This SummerVirginia Assoc for Parks
A brand new visitor center will open at the historic Sailors Creek Battlefield State Park this summer. |
Hi-Tech Sytem Provides Chesapeake Interpretationjoseph peash
A new buoy system on the Chesapeake provides paddlers with real-time conditions as well as historic information. |
The Shallopjoseph peash
The shallop is a handy boat that John Smith and those after him brought with them to Virginia. |
Sea Turtles of Virginiakevin wallenfang
Five of the seven sea turtles in the world spend time off Virginia's Atlantic coast.
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Bird Beakskevin wallenfang
The shape of a birds beak helps predict what they eat.
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YCC Program at Claytor Lake and New River Trail State ParkJaimie Lomasney
A crew of ten participants were chosen from current high school students 14 to 17 years-old who demonstrated an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment. |
A Look Outside: Reptiles & Amphibians (Part 1)VDGIF
Interested in Virginia's reptiles and amphibians? This fun new "A Look Outside" series of videos tracks a group of cub scouts as they learn about spotted salamanders, canebrake rattlesnakes, wood turtles and more! |
Be Wild Featuring Adrienne YoungVADGIF
A video about the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan, recently developed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with the goal of conserving wildlife before they become more rare.
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