Reopening and dedication of the Green Pastures Recreation Area and historic signing of a Shared Stewardship Agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Thanks to continued preservation efforts spearheaded by community activists, a proposal was made that called for the restoration and reopening of Longdale Recreation Area under its historic names, Green Pastures.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has taken on a 30-year lease with the U.S. Forest Service for the area. Under the agreement, 133 acres will be preserved, maintained and operated by Virginia State Parks as an outpost of Douthat State Park.
Once restoration and work are completed, Green Pastures will once again provide opportunities for visitors to gather with family and friends and enjoy a connection with the outdoors while learning about the significance this park has played in history. The park’s goal is to interpret the complicated and often painful history of segregation in the South and Virginia State Parks, while providing recreational opportunities that allow visitors to interact with these resources in a sustainable and enjoyable manner.
Green Pastures Recreation Area
201 Green Pasture Trail
Clifton Forge, VA 24422
540-862-8100
An outpost of Douthat State Park, Green Pastures is located within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
Amenities
HIKING, BIKING
8.3 miles of hiking and biking trails
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Park Leadership
Secretary of Natural and Historical Resources: Ann Jennings
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Director: Clyde Cristman
Virginia State Parks Director: Dr. Melissa Baker
Western Field Operations Director: Dave Collett
Shenandoah District Manager: Nathan Younger
Park Manager: Charles Conner
Additional Resources
Public domain images of the park are available to view and download at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vadcr/sets/72157719931192436/
Please use the credit line "Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks".
To request additional information, contact:
Dave Neudeck
Public Communications and Marketing Director
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov
or
Kara Asboth
Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
Virginia State Parks
540-460-1540, kara.asboth@dcr.virginia.gov