The Northern Copperhead is one of three venomous snakes in Virginia (the others being the Canebrake and the Cottonmouth).

This is a picture of a honeybee on a Summersweet bush (Clethra alnifolia).  You can find these bushes along woodland creeks, wet forests, bogs, wetlands, and pine flatwoods.

I was at York River State Park strolling along the river and snapped this photo of a Grass Spider, also known as a Funnel Weaver.

Free night hikes are offered on Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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.

On June 1st VDGIF biologists attached leg bands to three falcon chicks nesting on a high-rise in downtown Richmond, VA.

Last month, I challenged readers to make a "Virginia State Parks To-Do List" by visiting our events website at  www.virginiastateparks.gov/ and selecting five things to do at Virginia State Parks.

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.

First let me introduce myself, Moose here, a basset hound born & bred in Cumberland County who moved to the big city of Richmond to reign over the West family.

The end of last week we shipped out 33,000 cards for our park staff to hand out to visitors to let them know about our partnership with WildObs.

Did you know that Mason Neck State Park has six canoes, four solo (one-passenger) kayaks and two tandem (two-passenger) kayaks available for rental from April through October?

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!

Snakehead fish in Virginia.

Join Department biologist J.D. Kleopfer on a survey of the state endangered Rafinesque's big-eared bat.

A healthy and feisty Bald Eagle is released on April 13th by Ed Clark, President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Black bears are becoming an increasingly common sight in Virginia—bears now live in almost every county!

On May 5th DGIF Nongame and Watchable Wildlife along with Agency Outreach staff were at the Norfolk Botanical Garden for the banding and transmitter fitting of nestling bald eagles by researchers at the Center for Conservation Biology.

Wilderness Road State Park will host a special birding program on Saturday, June 5 at 1 pm, entitled Backyard Birds.

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.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 7:30pm-10:30pm False Cape will offer a new program called, "Stargazing and Owl Hoot." 

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.

Want to do something fun and unique for your mom for Mother's Day? Bring her to Holliday Lake State Park on Saturday, May 8, for our 11:00 am Wildflower Hike.

As the weather warms up, there are lots of things to do here at Mason Neck State Park.

Catch a glimpse of spring along the coastal forest during the "Back Bay Kayak Paddle" hosted by False Cape State Park on Sunday, April 4 from 3pm-6pm.

While doing research for a new trail at Chippokes Plantation State Park, Erik Molleen, District Resource Specialist, came upon evidence of an active eagle's nest in the park. 

After writing this morning's post about rain showers bringing spring wild flowers to Mason Neck State Park, I couldn't resist going to look for early flowers myself.

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.

Kiptopeke State Park, Natural Heritage and Chesapeake Bay Foundation teamed together today planting trees and shrubs creating wildlife habitat while conserving natural resources.

A few weeks ago, False Cape Park Manager Kyle Barbour snapped this beautiful picture of an elusive coyote that has been living in the park.

I started working for Virginia State Parks in 1986 and in a long career have had the chance to get up close with wildlife and working on enhancing it.

The old American Express slogan "Don't Leave Home Without it" came to mind today when my husband called with the news.

I just went to check out the "Eagle Cam" that is set up at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on an active nest.  This is really cool and several school groups were checking it out for education.

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

Spring has to be close now and as soon as we start having a few days in the 60's and 70's there will be a rush to get out to our great Virginia State Parks.

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.

For those of you that grew up camping, do you remember how good food tasted cooked outside over a campfire?  Wasn’t it the best?

The Great White Egret is the symbol of the National Audobon Society and represents the regal beauty of all bird species.

False Cape State Park offers some of the most unique landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities in Virginia.

Snow came a little early this year to central Virginia.

There are three poisonous snakes that can be found in Virginia, and I am starting off this series with my favorite one.

How to make a Snow Day Special by having fun outdoors.

Winter is a great time to come hiking or bird watching at Mason Neck State Park.

Regardless of falling temperatures or even falling snow, Mason Neck State Park is a great place to visit in December.

Take time to read highlights from Tom's visits and to five state Parks on the far west side of the state. This is the last in the series of five articles.

Only when I peaked behind my garden wagon did I find the most beautiful bird I’d seen in years, a Northern Parula (Parula Americana).

False Cape State Park invites the entire family for a fun-filled weekend of hiking and exploring Virginia’s Outer Banks while discovering tricks and tips on how to survive in the wilderness.

Virginia Beach is a great destination year round and First Landing State Park makes an excellent base for visiting that resort city and the surrounding cities.

Autumn is a great time to explore nature in Mason Neck State Park.

MSNBC Profiles the Wildlife Center of Virginia. This video from MSNBC features the National Wildlife Federation's Doug Inkley:

Often overlooked in its importance to birds, the Piedmont provides valuable nesting, migration, and wintering habitats that are scarce in other parts of the state.

Take a Fall Bird Walk to Celebrate the Fifth Birthday of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

Kayaking the Potomac River from Westmoreland State Park

Butterfly found in Virginia State Parks

Kiptopeke will feature the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival in September, and birdwatchers the world over will be on hand.

Mathews County, Rebecca Grow

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!