Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 03, 2003
Contact:
Strike gold April 19 in Lake Anna State Park
(RICHMOND) - Catch "gold fever" and prospect for gold at Lake Anna State Park, Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Avid prospector Dr. George Chirkinian will discuss 19th century prospecting and mining methods used in Virginia's gold mining region, as well as equipment used to recover gold, panning techniques, and how to 'read' a stream. Virginia was the nation's third-leading gold producer before the famous California Gold Rush in 1849.
Participants will pan for gold, so wear durable clothing, waterproof boots or hip waders and expect to get dirty. The class also includes a visit to the remains of the park's abandoned Goodwin Gold Mine.
The program costs $50 per person, and participants should bring a picnic lunch and drinks. The workshop must have a minimum of 10 people but is limited to 20 people. Participants must be at least 15 years old. For more information call Lake Anna State Park at (540)854-5503.
To register for this workshop, call 1-800-933-PARK.
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