Across the state, all 37 Virginia State Parks will celebrate public lands on Sept. 22 with free parking, special programs and volunteer events.
nearby Buffalo Mountain to celebrate National Public Lands Day. One of the most significant natural areas in Virginia, Buffalo Mountain hosts 13 rare plant occurrences, three rare animals and six significant natural communities.
The national theme is resilience and restoration, and many state park projects involve invasive species removal, trash pickup, river and shoreline cleanup, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and environmental education programs and activities. Sept. 29 is also Bike Your Park Day.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and park events include:
- Tend an oyster garden at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County.
- Work on bike trails at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland County and the new Hoover Trail at New River Trail State Park.
- Help refresh bluebird box nests at Sky Meadows in Delaplane. These birds were once in decline but, thanks to dedicated volunteers, are a conservation success story.
- Build fish habitat at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston to improve the lake’s sustainability.
- “Go Native” at Staunton River Battlefield in Randolph to learn about the value of native plants and how to plant for local pollinators. Then plant some at the park.
- Become a citizen scientist by participating in a BioBlitz (cataloging as many species of life within the park in three hours) at Westmoreland State Park in Montross or help conduct an informal bird survey at High Bridge Trail State Park.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day, and these events just scratch the surface of ways to make a difference in Virginia State Parks. Find a complete list of the programs here: vasp.fun/NPLD25years.
DCR’s Virginia Natural Heritage Program also has events dedicated to National Public Lands Day.
Events include a guided hike in Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve on Sept. 26 and a guided hike in the Channels Natural Area Preserve on Sept. 29.
Both hikes start at 9 a.m., and registration is required. To register for these professionally guided hikes, call 804-786-7951.
Established in 1989, Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System protects some of the best examples of rare plants, animals and natural communities in Virginia and the world.
To learn more about Bike your Park, visit www.adventurecycling.org/resources/bike-your-park-day.
Virginia State Parks will acknowledge Public Lands Week, Sept. 22-29.