What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
February
February is a great time to visit state parks and appreciate the beauty of nature. It's also the time to celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Additionally, Valentine's Day falls in February, making it a popular time for couples to enjoy romantic getaways. And if anyone "pops the question," a park is a great place to get married. If you're a bird enthusiast, February is a great month for birding as many species begin to migrate back to their summer breeding grounds. You can join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count at many events that are happening.
Black History Month Events:
Feb. 3 & 17, 2024. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Visitors to the park will find many historic buildings and structures from the time of enslavement, vast agricultural fields, and plenty of cultural, natural and historical resources. There are important narratives beyond these fields and buildings about the men, women and children who have worked and lived here over the years as Chippokes has continuously changed. Embrace the history of the enslaved people of Chippokes as we explore the historic Quarter Lane between the River House and Jones-Stewart Mansion with a ranger.
Feb. 10-29, 2024. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Leesylvania State Park
Celebrate Black History Month by learning about the park's rich history through its Underground Railroad display that is part of the National Park Service Network to Freedom program. Discover the hidden messages behind the beautiful, handmade quilt donated by Stone House Quilters.
Feb. 10, 2024. 10 a.m - 12 p.m.
York River State Park
How did African slavery begin in the Virginia Colony and did they seek freedom from their condition? Did any European indentured servants and Native Americans resist their lot as well? Walking with us you will discover stories of rebellious conspiracies and courageous runaways and how they overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors.
Feb. 17, 2024. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
In recognition of Black History Month, join the Pocahontas State Park staff on a van trip to 'Group Camp 7', one of most serene areas in the park.Discover one of the most beautiful areas of the park. Learn about how the land was segregated, the groups that utilized the area, and the history of exclusion in recreational spaces. The program is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Feb. 1-29, 2024.
York River State Park
From the Colonial Era thru today, black watermen have been a part of the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry in all levels. Discover the communities built on harvesting fish and shellfish giving African Americans financial freedom even in the Jim Crow years. Find out how this heritage is still being kept alive and well in our special African American History Month display.
Great Backyard Bird Count Events:
Help scientists research birds right in your own backyard as we participate in the international bird count hosted by the Audubon Society, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Studies of Canada. Read More
Feb. 17, 2024. 7 - 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Join us to see what birds are out and about! We'll be heading out to see what kinds of birds we can see and record them on eBird for the international Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, your cellphone, and binoculars. These guided hikes will be lead by either volunteers or park interpretive staff.
Feb. 16-19, 2024
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Because of its wide range of habitats that support many bird species, Bear Creek Lake State Park is the perfect place to come birding and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. We invite you to come visit Bear Creek Lake State Park and do some birdwatching on your own or with some family and friends.
Feb. 17, 2024. 10 - 11 a.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Join us outside the scenic Water’s Edge Meeting Facility as we participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Learn about some of our native birds and how to identify them, then participate in some citizen science with a ranger-led stroll along the lake shore. Please dress warmly and bring a pair of binoculars.
Feb. 17, 2024. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species; because of the river and fields, you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds and the occasional Bald Eagle. Help us research the birds along the New River Trail as we participate in this international bird count hosted by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These hikes are open to all ages and skill levels; beginners are always welcome.
Feb. 17, 2024. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Join us at Caledon State Park to connect with birds, nature and each other by counting as many birds as we can find. All data will be submitted to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.
Feb. 17, 2024. 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Powhatan State Park
Come flock together to help your feathered friends! Researchers all around the world use the data gathered each year from the Great Backyard Bird Count to study and protect birds. We'll assist you in identifying, counting, and submitting the birds you see using the eBird or Merlin apps. The program will include a walk that will be up to one mile in length. We will move at an easy pace on moderate terrain with frequent stopping to look and listen for birds. The trail can be muddy at times, so please wear appropriate footwear.
Feb. 17, 2024. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
The "Prowl the Powell" nature series kicks off with a walk along the Greenbelt in beautiful Big Stone Gap. Led by park rangers and volunteers, this accessible and educational walk follows the Powell River on nearly three miles of paved pathway, where you're certain to see an abundance of Southwest Virginia's great backyard birds.
Feb. 17-18, 2024. Various times.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park will host multiple birding programs through the weekend. Join a ranger on a hike on our Birding Trail to view and count overwintering birds. Some field guides and binoculars will be provided, but are limited, so if you have your own, please bring them. Please dress for the weather. Also, discover the different owl species that call the park home. Let's see if we can talk their language and try to call some owls in.
Feb. 17, 2024. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mason Neck State Park
Birding is a wonderful hobby. By learning some of the characteristics birders use to identify birds, you will be better able to identify them. We will go over a few keys and guides that help even the seasoned birder to recognize and appreciate the variety of birds in the park and your backyard.
Feb. 17, 2024. 2 - 3 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Hike with a ranger on Big Poplar Trail to learn the basics of birding. We will go over identification tips and tricks to figure out what we are seeing and hearing. The winter season brings lots of migratory birds to Virginia, so we will utilize all of our resources. The path is considered moderate, with some roots and elevation changes, less than a mile long. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
More Events
Feb. 1-4, 2024. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Trek around the park while collecting hearts with your significant other or family. Follow the clues given at the Visitor Center. Once you have found all the hearts return to the visitor center for a special Valentine’s Prize. Adults prizes include chocolates. Youth prizes: Valentines Day Card and Candy.
Feb. 3, 10 & 17, 2024. 1 - 2 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
Is love for life, within the animal kingdom? In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Chippokes is offering a special themed program looking closely at monogamous behaviors and "mating for life" practices amongst particular animal species that call Chippokes their home. Join a ranger to learn about species of Virginia that do in-fact mate for life. Explore why some species mate for life, how it has evolved, and how it is beneficial to these animals.
Feb. 3, 2024. 7 - 9 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park
Join us at Belle Isle for the first Dark Sky themed talk of 2024 about star systems and galaxies with retired NASA engineer and astronomer Brad Perry. The program will be held rain or shine at the Visitor Center. Following the presentation and weather permitting, the group will move outdoors for telescopic viewing of star systems and galaxies.
Feb. 11, 2024. 1 - 4 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
The Virginia Master Naturalist Historic Southside Chapter will be hosting a guided hike and workshop experience for all experience-levels to attend and enjoy. Spend time exploring and observing with Master Naturalists in the field. Bring your smart phones, identification apps, binoculars, field guides, water, a friend or family member, and anything else you'll need to record and observe wildlife.
Feb. 22 & 29, and through May 16, 2024 . 4 - 6 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
WiseJAMS is a music program that seeks to preserve our important Appalachian mountain music heritage by offering low-cost classes in fiddle, old time banjo and guitar to small groups of students in after-school settings.
