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.

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.

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.

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

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

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

Paddling a kayak gives you a new perspective of the world and lifetime of adventures.

Come along on a hike through Kiptopeke's trails to learn about the nature in our park. Meet at picnic shelter #2. The hike is roughly 2 miles long. Great for all ages!

Hop on over to learn the calls and search for some of Virginia's native frog species.

Practice your netting skills to find out what lives in the Bay using techniques dating back to ancient times!

Come experience the beautiful James River on this guided kayak tour. The trip includes a brief overview of paddling safety and techniques, as well as on-the-water interpretations of natural and cultural features.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Join us down by the RV campground for a campfire!

Become a Junior Ranger at James River State Park!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

Come on out to the park and test your paddling skills.

This week's theme for Junior Rangers is Animals and their Habitats.

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

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Been itching to go fishing?

Have you ever wondered what lies under your feet?

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for treasure hunters all over the world.

Come across our Ranger outposts stationed at a lesser-known part of First Landing State Park: the Narrows Beach!

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

Are all snakes venomous?

Join us as we explore the wonders of nature.

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Tree species can be identified by looking at several different features: leaves, bark, twigs, flowers, fruit, and seeds.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

Christmas has come early at the park!

Did you know owls don't chew their food?

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

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

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

Join us for an immersive adventure!

There are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

Not all bees live in hives.

What's under that rock?

Have you ever wanted to see one of the park’s many reptile residents up close?

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

See one of the crown jewels within the park.

The Chesapeake Bay provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the sunset and sounds of the waves.

Join our ranger in some night fishing!

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Silent and spooky, the owl is a magnificent animal.

Become a Junior Ranger at James River State Park!

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

Join Yoga instructor, Kelly Blevins, to experience the calming benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Mussels play a huge part in our watershed.

Calling all homeschoolers and curious kiddos of all kinds!

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

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

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of butterflies with our Citizen Science Series, "Exploring Nature with eButterfly." We will explore how to utilize eButterfly, a cutting-edge citizen science platform, to identify, document, and contribute to butterfly research. Discover the rich diversity of butterflies in their local ecosystems and gain valuable skills in butterfly identification, observation, and data collection.

How many animal inhabitants of First Landing can you identify?

Can you shout out BINGO first?  Join us for birding bingo, a guided birding hike along the Bluebell Trail.

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 along with our resident Eastern box turtle.  Learn how to identify the different species and what they all like to eat. Great for all ages! .

Do you know the differences between wasps and bees?

Plastic, a wonder material with many forms and uses but is it a blessing or a curse?

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

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

What would your shell say about you if you were a box turtle?

What even are watersheds?

Meet local 'shellebrity', Ranger Shelly, our Red-eared Slider turtle as she suns herself and enjoys some enrichment at the beach area.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Forest Trails are not just for bikers.

Meet Natural Tunnel's wildlife ambassador, Popcorn the corn snake.

Get hooked on fishing at False Cape State Park.

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.  Create your own masterpiece!  Great for all ages. .

Learn all about birds and their homes.

What is a gundalow?  These long wooden flatboats were used to haul merchandise down the Shenandoah River.

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

Stop by the beach to see some cool critters, hold some interesting artifacts, and have your nature and history questions about Douthat State Park answered.

Want to know more about how our animal friends parented their young?

Take your camping skills to the next level in this camping workshop!

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?  Join us on the fishing pier while we show you just how easy and fun it is.  $2 a person.  Great for all ages! .

Can not seem to get your campfire lit?

This program is all about learning how to identify wild animals by the tracks that they leave behind.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Discover how fire affects our world and how we attempt to harness its power.

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.

It's all fun and games at the campfire.

You are invited to participate in a guided hike with an interpretive ranger to learn about the medicinal plants of central Virginia.

Come join the party!

Enjoy a peaceful wagon ride through the park while listening to the relaxing sounds of Caledon's night life.  We'll identify some of the many frogs, insects, and nocturnal creatures that call the park home, and keep an eye out for glow worms in the woods.

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome to the park, camping tips, and fun activities.  Marshmallow's will be provided for roasting.  Great for all ages. .

Fire has been a part of human history since cavemen roamed Earth, with many different uses. Learn how to build a campfire using different methods or enjoy a game of trivia by the glow of the fire.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park.

Bring your family and friends and join a park ranger for a campfire on the water’s edge at the beach amphitheater.

As dusk draws near, lightning bugs appear!

What do you hear in the woods at night?

Come for the s’mores, stay for the fun!