Translation: fill your garden and yard with native plants and Virginia’s native wildlife will be your guests.

Jan Newton, a board member of The Virginia Native Plant Society, will talk about “Native Plants for Wildlife and Beauty” at Belle Isle State Park Visitor Center at 2 p.m. on March 13.

Known as “The Plant Lady” to many school children in the Williamsburg area, Jan and the students maintain a garden of more than 80 species of native Virginia plants at Stonehouse Elementary School in James City County.

Rose mallow

As Education Chair for The Native Plant Society and Publicity Chair for the local John Clayton Chapter. Jan is adept at explaining the beneficial attributes of native plants. They demand little maintenance, use less water, are pest tolerant, thrive in local soils, and provide hours of pleasurable critter viewing.

Critters that are finding it harder and harder to keep their bellies full because invasive plants have run amok and are destroying their natural food sources. These animals are disappearing at an astonishing rate because of the lack of native vegetation.

Jan’s vivid photographs of native plants hosting the native wildlife that love to dine on them will delight, inspire, and motivate you to go native!

A native plant field at Belle Isle State Park

All are welcome to attend this free presentation given by Northern Neck Master Naturalists. Contact Gail Sigler at 804-472-2409 with questions.

LOCATION: Lancaster County on the Rappahannock River. From Warsaw, take State Route 3 East to SR 354. Turn right and follow for three miles. Turn right onto SR 683 at Somers to the park entrance. From Kilmarnock, take Route 3 West to Lively, then left on SR 201 for three miles, then right on SR 354 for three miles and left onto 683 to the park entrance.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia: two hours; Richmond: two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: two hours; Roanoke: five hours

Click here for a Google map. Latitude, 37.774414. Longitude: -76.599364.

Visit the Belle Isle State Park website here. OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Bel Air Overnight Area (Bel Air house and guest house) and camping. For information on availability of campsites, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online. The Bel Air overnight area can be reserved only by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for details on reservation and cancelation policies.

An employee at a yacht yard was sick and tired of winter and working on other people's boats. On the day of the Spring Equinox, he took off his socks, put them in a paint tray, doused them with lighter fluid, and toasted spring with a long neck beer while they burned. Since then, many marina communities hold "Sock Burning" to celebrate the boating season.

The interpretive staff at York River State Park have had enough of winter and our boats locked in storage.

So, on the first Saturday of Spring, March 24th, we invite paddlers to join us in our first annual Canoe & Kayak Kick-Off/Burning of the Socks! 

We will begin at 10 a.m. with a blessing of the boats, a few words of safe paddling, and a fire pit where our socks will meet their firery end. We are not permitting alcoholic beverages. But, guest are more than welcome to bring ginger ale and root beer.

Take a guided trip, or chart your own paddle adventure

We will have a guided paddle along Taskinas Creek and the York River following the ceremony.  Please call the park office for reservations. Guest may bring their own canoes and kayaks and launch from the dock or Croaker Landing. Our boat rentals begin on Saturday, March 10th. Come and enjoy a season of aquatic adventures!

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.

Virginia State Parks to host merchandise trade show March 6-7

These boats were the domain of skilled sea adventurers and whitewater daredevils. Now, there are a number of sit-inside and sit-on-top recreational models made of durable rotomolded plastic. It isn't hard to find some makes and models at national chain sporting goods stores for $500 or less. Kayaks are far less expensive to own and maintain than motor boats.

Kayaking is a great way to explore a Virginia State Park

But, what kayak should you buy? It depends on what you want to use it for. Anglers like sit-on-tops for stability. Touring enthusiasts prefer the speed and maneuverability of a traditional sit-inside model.  Various websites and bloggers boast about their favorite boats. Because of the very personal nature of man and boat, I recommend trying a kayak before buying it.

Sit-on-top kayaks can be vey stable fishing machines

Many Virginia State Parks offer canoe and kayak rentals. Try a couple of different ones on guided trips or self guided excursions and get a feel for what boat is best for you. Some parks have both sit-insides and sit on tops. York River State Park has single and tandem sit-inside kayaks. Call ahead and see what the parks have to offer. We may not have the newest models. But, trying our kayaks can help you make a more informed purchase.

Heading for adventure in a Virginia State Park kayak

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.

Besides our location, being sandwiched between two major military bases, Quantico and Fort Belvoir and the Prince William County Police station just down the road, the park is often the perfect venue for training and testing out new technologies. Meaning, they test out cool toys and we get to help!

Park Manager, Karen Lambey, speaks with Gibbs Technology contractors on safety.

Before launching a new prototype to Naval Engineers at a conference in Arlington, Gibbs Technology needed to demonstrate the operation of two of their latest amphibious models. First thing Monday morning, the government contractors called the nearest marine safety and rescue boat looking for a conducive facility with water access to the Potomac River. Leesylvania was the number one choice.   

Two amphibious vehicles were tested in the park’s marina, with the assistance of trained law enforcement rangers and a rescue boat. The contractors said they had been working on the two models for over a decade and were excited to do a press release the next day. “Natural disasters...such as the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan, Thialand, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in Asia; as well as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, illustrate the need for amphibians as capable, versatile and efficient as Phibian,” Gibbs Chairman Neil Jenkins said.

 Contractors unveiling one of two Amphibious prototypes.

 The plates actually said "007" by coincidence. It does look very James Bond.

Park Rangers, Karen Lambey, Sarah Percival and I, volunteered to assist contractors while navigating the vehicles through park waters. The Aquada (smaller vehicle) reaches speeds of up to 35 mph in water and 120 mph on land. The Phibian reaches 80 mph on land and 30 mph in the water. Both vehicles transition into water within seconds with the push a button.  It was almost as if you were watching either a tank or sports car drive directly into the water and seamlessly, just take off! The Phibian eliminates the need for separate boats, tow vehicles, and can seat 15 passengers in the cargo area. It's 30 feet long, weighs 4500 pounds (about the same as an SUV) and is powered by twin 250 hp turbo diesel engines.

Chief Ranger, Sarah Percival, assists with the Aquada test drive.

 The "Phibian" enters the water for an official test drive.

View from cargo area on the Phibian.

Just south of Leesylvania, down the Potomac River, is Quantico Marine Corps base.

Demonstration rides have been given on the Phibian to the media, dignitaries including the New Zealand ambassador to the U.S., attorneys...and now, Leesylvania State Park staff.

Read the Gibbs Technology Press Release for more images and details. 

Leesylvania is located in Woodbridge, just along the shore of the Potomac River. For directions to the park or for more information about park offerings click here.

Resource managers meet at Douthat State Park to assess potential controlled burn locations

On February 9, 2012, natural resource managers from the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Division, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service and Virginia State Parks from around the Virginia Highlands met at Douthat State Park. 

The meeting identified the potential for a controlled burn of 150 acres at the park. These partners also discussed ecological benefits of burning and the advantages of pooling equipment and workforce. 

The Virginia State Parks desired future conditions initiative encourages the use of controlled burns as a resource management tool. The controlled burns help encourage oak tree regeneration. It also assists in the removal of invasive species brought about by decades of fire exclusion.

Controlled burns reduce the natural fuel built up on the forest floor to lower the danger from wildfires. Fires return valuable nutrients to the soil and open the area to sunlight.  It also stimulates new growth and provides wildlife food and improves habitat. 

Controlled burns are conducted with safety as a primary consideration. Burns are implemented according to a written plan and managed by professional well-trained crews. A controlled burn will only take place under very specific weather conditions and only when every reasonable precaution has been taken to contain the fire.

Did you know our 35 state parks are open 365 days a year? You can also find detailed information about our trails including maps with GPS way points and video guides by clicking here and selecting the park of interest.

For general park information click here, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or e-mail Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov.  Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.

Holliday Lake State Park

Most parks are open every day of the year for day use from dawn until dusk. Here at Holliday Lake State Park we have several trails ranging from our Saunders Creek trail at .2 mile to our Lakeshore Trail at 6.3 miles. You can also access the 10.2-mile Carter Taylor Multi-Use Trail that leaves the park and goes onto the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. Start small with one of our shorter trails, especially if you have young children.

Holliday Lake Dam

Work up to the Lakeshore Trail where you can enjoy the view from the dam built in the 1930s. With the leaves gone, the views of the lake and topography are spectacular. A little bit of planning can ensure that you and your family have a winter wonderful experience.

WINTER HIKING TIPS

•      Plan your route. Know the length of the trail and the difficulty rating. Start with an easy, short hike and work your way up to a longer hike like the Lakeshore Trail. Our Dogwood Trail and Northridge Trail are both short and easy. Either would be a great starting point. Don’t walk off the trail. This not only causes erosion issues, it can get you lost.

•      Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Never travel alone.

•      Take a simple first aid kit. Don’t go overboard, but a few bandages and some antibacterial cream can be a lifesaver. Other good ideas include: gauze and tape, anti-itch cream, pain reliever, tweezers, pocket knife, and an emergency foil blanket.

•      Dress in layers and bring rain gear. It’s no fun being cold or wet, especially if you’re a mile from the car. Each child can carry a small backpack with his/her rain jacket.

•      Carry plenty of water. Dehydration is a common problem in winter as well as summer and nothing is better than water to combat this. Never drink unpurified water from the lake or creeks. A thermos with a warm beverage (coffee, hot cocoa) left in your car can be a nice reward for completing your hike. 

•      Bring high-energy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. A short break with a quick snack can help to perk up tired children and adults. Again, each child can carry his/her own. Don’t litter. Use the pack it in, pack it out rule.

•      Provide some motivation for children. A game of “I spy” will entertain younger children. Older children might enjoy keeping a wildlife journal. Our scavenger hunt would be a fun thing to do. Something to look forward to is also a way to keep them interested. While hiking the Lakeshore Trail, the Dam is about half-way.

•      Don’t approach animals. This includes ALL animals encountered on the trail—stray dogs to bears. If you see a dangerous wild animal remember: don’t panic, keep your distance, back away slowly. Never run, crouch down, or play dead. 

Holliday Lake State Park is open for day use every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until dusk. Our campgrounds are open from March 1st through the first weekend in December each year. To make a reservation, call 1-800-933-7275 (Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or you can book online anytime.

Location of the park: 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox, Virginia 24522.  Access via State Route 24 between Appomattox and U.S. Route 60 and from Routes 626 (Holiday Lake Road), 640 (Wooldridge Road), and 692 (State Park Road).

Approximate drive times: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, two hours; Farmville, thirty minutes.

A Great Bunch of AmeriCorps Volunteers

AmeriCorps Volunteers in Action

This summer program will provide opportunities for selected AmeriCorps members to serve in the parks by working with park staff to deliver interpretive programs and helping to grow the volunteer program.  

It's time to get outside at a Virginia State Park

For some reason kids/outside has become a bad thing in our culture, PLAY is now a four letter word. No, it is as not blatant as that, but elementary schools spend most of their time indoors, and they know that a little run scream and kick a ball break outside would help improve focus and learning! I believe they do know this, but time constraints and studying for SOL's have put a huge damper on kids being kids today.

Kids this article is for you. I want you to tell your teachers and your principal that you want to go outside to play. Tell them you want to have a field trip to a Virginia State Park! I can bet you there is a Virginia State Park at least one park within an hour from where you go to school. Here is a map just to be sure.

Don't we deserve to be out here to experience this? This is also a classroom.

Goofing off at Mason Neck "Explore Your Parks" event - outside in the fresh air!

Another four letter word H-U-N-T as in Easter Eggs, watch us run!

P-A-D-L (I had to make it four letters to fit the theme) Exercise, fresh air, going outside is cool!

So parents, don't let the sitting in front of a TV, Computer or Video Game be the only activity your kids have, let them W-A-L-K, P-L-A-Y, H-I-K-E, B-I-K-E, H-U-N-T and P-A-D-L!

Bring them to a Virginia State Park for the afternoon or for the weekend (bring a picnic along, kids and ants love picnics) and see the attitude improvement, for the whole family. It's time to smile!

Click here to view a searchable list of Park Events.

SEE YOU OUTSIDE!

WSET-TV Channel 13 ABC The Heart of Virginia Shared this (here is an excerpt):