Virginia State Parks continued the year-long trend of record attendance with an Independence Day weekend attendance of 266,739, a 22 percent increase over last year’s previous record-high of 218,889.

For the eighth consecutive year, the 35 Virginia State Parks operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation have been recognized by ReserveAmerica as among the nation’s best.

Calling all children ages 10-12 for a week of fun, educational and entertaining activities as part of Wilderness Road State Park’s annual Junior Rangers program set for Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23 from 9 am- 12 noon daily.

We are delighted to report that President Obama and all 50 of America's governors have proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month!

Are you looking for activities to keep the kids busy this summer?  The park naturalist at Pocahontas State Park has the perfect solution to every Mom’s dilemma on how to keep the kids occupied during summer break.

Surrounded by two lakes in the heart of Central Virginia, Twin Lakes State Park is an ideal setting for a variety of lakefront activities.

Gaston Rouse, his assistant Carrie McCrory, and I are spending four days at Bear Creek Lake State Park preparing 40, mostly College aged youth, to lead youth 14 to 17 year old youth in this summer's program.

Worried that oil from the BP disaster will sully Atlantic beaches...

It was a warm, near to summer day at the shoreline of beautiful Lake Anna State Park.  The red, yellow and blue colored new Toddle Train Playground gleamed brightly in the morning sun.

The 54th Basic Law Enforcement class graduated from Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem VA on Wednesday May 26, 2010.

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).

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.

A few years back I took my girlfriend's son on his first camping trip to Westmoreland State Park.

I just took a trip to Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg, Virginia.  While at the park I got a tour of their facilities.

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!

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!

Governor Bob McDonnell announces additional appointments to his administration under the Natural Resources.

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.

Maybe you've been reading about Women's Weekends at Virginia State Parks, but can't seem to find the time to get away from your family obligations to enjoy the outdoors.

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.

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.

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.

On April 24th Cub Scout Pack 962 demonstrated their dedication to the Earth by planting five new trees at Sky Meadows State Park.

Governor Bob McDonnell visited Leesylvania State Park last week for an Earth Day event.

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

A little bad weather didn’t stop the volunteers at Leesylvania State Park from doing their best for Earth Day.

I could not think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than spending the afternoon with Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell and students in the park planting trees.

On January 17, 2010, Governor Robert F. McDonnell appointed Doug Domenech (pronounced DOM-en-etch) as Secretary of Natural Resources.  “I am honored and humbled to serve in this important role,” said Domenech.

Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton attended the White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors on April 16, 2010.

Once again the Eagle Festival is coming to Mason Neck. This event, the largest Earth Day related environmental event in Northern Virginia includes exhibits from nearly 30 non-profit, environmental, historic ...

Have you ever thought of running a triathlon with your kids but the opportunity was not there?  Well that opportunity is now available.

My trip to Occoneechee State Park was well worth the two hour drive to Clarksville, Virginia.

Jim and Patti Gerhart, members of the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, submitted this great story

Looking for a change in venue now that spring has finally come to the Eastern Shore of Virginia?

Jo and Johnny Finch, stalwart friends and volunteers for Virginia State Parks, are also Friends of Lake Anna State Park (Jo is President the Friends Group and Johnny is President of the Virginia Association for Parks).

As I kid I was never a very successful kite flyer but boy did I have some fun trying!

I just read a story that in the toughest of times, Americans are volunteering at a record rate.

Making your visit to Mason Neck State Park the most enjoyable it can be is as easy as having the right equipment. 

I've done a lot of tent camping in my days and still do, but every now and then I want the camping experience without the tent camping part.

Technology has been great in many ways, for instance I'm using it this very moment to communicate to an entire audience of people I don't really know.

I use my vast knowledge of Virginia State Parks that I acquired since I started in 1986, to take Troop 340 out for fun and to learn about the great outdoors.

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.

Del. Athey says he does not support Gov. Robert McDonnell’s plan to close state parks and says it would not save money because they are profitable.

Arizona sold a dozen state buildings on a lease back arrangement just this week to try and make up their $2 billion deficit. On Friday the decision was made to close 21 of the 30 state parks to help close the gap.

Governor Kaine announced that his ambitious goal to conserve 400,000 acres in the Commonwealth was reached at the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center near Charlottesville on Friday, January 8th.

Okay so this will probably give away how ancient I am, but when I was a girl Alan Sherman did a song called A Letter From Camp: "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh. Here I am at Camp Granada."

The Biscuit Run property in Albemarle County has been acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia for $9.8 million for use as a future state park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Besides a love for the great outdoors, it turned out I found a second love, the weather.

I also received a love of nature through a great upbringing by my parents and grandparents.

Nice title to chapter 2, could be a good television show someday.

The second great event in my life to help mold my career was when my Dad built us a cottage in the woods on Pymatuning Lake near Linesville, Pennsylvania the year I was born, as a place to escape the big city lights and noise of Cleveland.

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.

Douthat State Park is offering an ornament making contest for students through Monday, December 14, 2009.

If you were in Leesylvania State Park on the morning of Saturday, November 21, you might have seen a sight that is increasingly rare these days: children having fun while being active outside.

Leesylvania Elementary school children were invited to get outside and experience Northern Virginia nature on Nov. 21, 2009 at the Turkey Trot.

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.

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks.In this episode, Joe talks with Bill Jacobs, Park Manager at Westmoreland State Park

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Warren Wahl, Assistant State Park Director

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks.In this episode, Joe talks with Mark Schuppin, Park Manager at James River State Park

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Dave Collett, Park Manager At Claytor Lake State Park

A look back at how jobs were created through the building of America's State Park System.

Presentation to 8th grade students to demonstrate the vast array of options available for careers in and around the equine industry.

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.

Innovative program that’s getting kids to check their sap buckets before checking their emails.

National Association of State Park Directors Honor Individuals for Enhancing Parks

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Doug Graham who is the Park Manager at Lake Anna State Park.

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Nancy Heltman who is the State Parks Operations Director.

Virgil S. Possum explores the Virginia State Parks and tells tales of his adventures.

A day of fun in the sun is had at the annual Back to School Beach Bash at Douthat State Park.

Along with the usual lifestyle challenges, military children are also coping with parents being deployed at an increased rate to support two wars.

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.

Junior Ranger programs will continue this week at Occoneechee State Park. Students who attend all eight sessions will earn a Junior Ranger badge.

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Ann Zahn, a District Manager for parks in south central Virginia.

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Charlie Conner, Park Manager at Douthat State Park.

Folks don't often spend time outdoors unless someone first takes them under their wing and shows it to them.

Mathews County, Rebecca Grow

State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. In this episode, Joe talks with Fred Hazlewood who is a Park Director for 5 of Virginia's State Parks.

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.

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!