From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Dig fossils and shipwrecks?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Come visit the discovery table to behold some of nature's most amazing treasures!

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snake that lives here in our Visitor Center.

Are you looking to get better acquainted with the outdoors?

Beneath fallen tree branches and layers of fallen leaves exists an abundance of exciting mushrooms and other organisms!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home or what those shells on the beach are called?

Read a tale as you walk the trail. Begin at the CCC Museum to find out which trail will have the story and then begin your exploration and storytime at your own pace.

Create your own Bear Creek Lake State Park souvenir while making memories.

The use of bows to shoot arrows has been a part of global history for thousands of years whether for defense, survival, or sport.

Turtle shells and feathers and fur oh my! You may have seen the turtles, foxes, deer, and other animals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur, or shells? Join a ranger to touch animal pelts, shells, feathers and learn about predator-prey relationships and the adaptations each species uses to survive.

Discover some of the beautiful fish that make their homes in the Potomac River with a Park Ranger using a seine net, one of humankind's oldest fishing tools. This is also a great chance to appreciate the important role that the Potomac River and its watershed has in our community.  Be prepared to have fun and get wet.  Be sure to bring water shoes and comfortable clothing.  For questions or inquiries, please call (703)583-6904 or send an e-mail to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Be on the lookout for a roaming ranger with a mini-program and learn something new.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

Watch park staff feed "Ranger Shelly," our resident pet turtle, and learn fascinating facts about these shelled reptiles.

What is a seed bomb?

Sunday Funday anyone?  Swing by our interpretive table in the picnic area to add some fun to your Sunday picnic!

Can you hear the park talking?  There are many tales and tails throughout Sweet Run State Park.  Some are visual, some are tactile, most don’t use words, so how does the park share its stories?  Park Interpreters will help you discover the park through hands on activities, artifacts and even some stories.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

What's the difference between a frog and a toad and why do they look the way they do?

Tour a replica of the Anderson Blockhouse as rangers provide information about the history of the building and area.

Leesylvania State Park makes its own worm compost!  Join rangers as we take a closer look at worms and how they can benefit your kitchen and backyard.

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!  Learn about different turtles that call Kiptopeke home and why it's important to keep wildlife wild.

Explore fascinating natural treasures at the Park Office, where a park ranger will showcase intriguing items you can see, touch, and learn about.

Of all the mammals, opossums are the most misunderstood. They are fascinating creatures with very unique characteristics.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Did you think their stink was all you needed to know about skunks?

Take a short walk with a ranger and explore the history of Douthat State Park.

Join Park Staff for a majestic kayak paddle along the waters of Back Bay by the light of the moon.

Do you love to interact with nature and learn about conservation and preservation?

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring a different life group every week, and Week 5 is Aquatic Ecosystems! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and/or wet are both strong possibilities! Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a snack and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nest boxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society.

What is wet, muddy, has lots of plants and animals, and kind of stinks?

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Toads, Turtles and Snakes- Oh my!

Perched upon a small hill overlooking the old Norfolk & Western railway station sits the old Foster Falls Hotel.

Come be a scientist for the day with our park rangers!

Douthat State Park is home to many mammals including black bears.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

Do you love art and nature?

Do you enjoy listening to the birds chirp outside and hearing the trees in the wind?

Did you know that water in our beautiful Shenandoah River eventually flows into the ocean?

Perched upon a small hill overlooking the old Norfolk & Western railway station sits the old Foster Falls Hotel.

Have you met the animals living at Hungry Mother State Park's Discovery Center?

Take a half of a hike with a park ranger.

Every Monday you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

How I wonder what you are...

Do you love to interact with nature and learn about conservation and preservation?

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Have you ever wanted to try camping, but didn't because it all seems so confusing and expensive?

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

We need your help.

Sometimes the best way to make new discoveries in nature is to play a game. I spy something round on the ground. I spy something blue up high. Can you guess what “I Spy” as we hike the River Bank Trail?  Come find out and play along.

Join us for Toddler Adventure Time at Holliday Lake State Park!

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

For ages 10+.

From the ashes of the old Fossil Beach has arisen a new, dynamic ecosystem.  The living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge is attracting interesting estuarine and marine creatures and plants.  Discover them and how living shorelines enhance and protect our waterfronts.

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

Are all snakes venomous?

A face only a mother could love?

First Landing’s swamp are truly special, largely due to a particular type of tree.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Put away your smartphone and plot a course for adventure with this introduction to the sport of orienteering.

Join as at the Visitor Center and let's venture out into ancient times!

In the bird world, wingspan means everything.

Join us as we comb the beach to discover what natural treasures await.  Great for all ages!  Meet at the south beach entrance. .

Leesylvania State Park is home to many different turtles!

Grab your gear and saddle up for a ride down the Cape Henry Trail, First Landing‘s longest multi-use trail.

Explore the various ways you can connect with the Earth through keeping a nature journal.

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Do you love to interact with nature and learn about conservation and preservation?

Try out freshwater fishing from the lake shoreline using our tackle.

This nature walk and talk is about the textures and aromas of three native forest species and their role in developing special relationships between plants and humans.

Put away your smartphone and plot a course for adventure with this introduction to the sport of orienteering.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

On this hike, all 5 of your senses will be stimulated as we immerse ourselves in nature.

For ages 10+.

Designed to introduce young participants to the wonders of the natural world and foster an appreciation for the environment.

Join a Virginia Master Naturalist and enjoy a one hour stroll on easy terrain looking for wildlife and plant life.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center for a feeding frenzy.  You will be able to observe a variety of animals in our saltwater fish tank while they eat.  Learn how to identify the different animals and what they all like to eat.  Great for all ages!   .

Fishing can be as easy as tying your shoes.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

The Let's Go Adventures staff will introduce you to the basics like, how to select a rod and reel combo, knot tying, and selecting the right fly for conditions and species.

Bear Creek Lake is a modest 40 aces in size yet has a many-faceted story to tell.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Every animal has unique features and traits that make them special and suited for their natural environment.

Do you think you have what it takes to build a shelter that will withstand the wind and the rain?

Getting out in nature has incredible benefits to our health and wellness.

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my!  Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.  Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect these fascinating creatures.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (703) 583-6904 or send an email to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.