Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Community Awareness Day: The Importance of Insects - Earth's Keystone Species

Location of Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Discovery Center
Main Park Address: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104.

When

March 21, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This event is more than a festival - it is a shared message to our community: Insects matter, all of them, and our planet depends on them. Spend the day at the park exploring the tiny world of these amazing creatures. Experts from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Ferrum College, Bedford County Parks & Recreation, Piedmont and Peaks of Otter Beekeepers Associations and several other organizations will have family-friendly activity stations with fun hands-on activities. Each organization represented has a unique and powerful perspective to share, and together we will help families, children, and visitors understand why insects are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, from pollination and soil health to food webs, forests, and water quality. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be guided insect walks led by professors from Ferrum College and an entomologist from the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Please dress appropriately for the weather as most of the activities will be held outside. For more information, please contact event organizer, Catherine Eubank at One Forest School, Huddleston, VA.

Praying mantis at SMLSP, August 2015

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-297-6066
Email Address: smlake@dcr.virginia.gov