What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks

March

As the weather warms up, so does our state parks events calendar. From the emergence of wildlife in our parks to the budding of plants and trees, there’s lots to see on a nature hike. And in the warmer evenings, you can enjoy stargazing in comfort. There’s so much to learn, from tree grafting to hearth cooking. Get outdoors and fly a kite or cast a line. Easter is at the end of the month! Check out our events below and plan your visit! 

March Special Events

True Art Showcase & Children's Contest

March 1-22, 2024. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park

True Art, named in the honor of the Museum's first curator, James True, features the works of today's local artist in a show that celebrates the creativity and talents of our friends and neighbors.

Pretty Problem in the Park

March 2, 2024. 2-3 p.m.

Natural Tunnel State Park

Join us for a volunteer opportunity in honor of Invasive Species Awareness Week. Multiflora Rose is a beautiful - but damaging - plant native to East Asia that has found its roots here in Virginia. Join rangers in an effort to eradicate this “pretty” problem in the park. All equipment will be provided but is limited.

Earth and Sky Adventures

March 2, 2024. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Sweet Run State Park

Dusk is a magical time at the park. Join us at the main parking lot at 5:30 p.m. for an easy-paced hike where we'll be treated to the sights and sounds of nature at sunset. The Interpretive Center, aka the Barn, will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities. At 7:00 p.m. we'll gather behind the Interpretive Center for Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) members to orient us with a brief sky tour and look at deep space objects through their telescopes.

Winter Lecture Series: The Changing Climate

March 3, 2024. 3 - 4 p.m.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Our Winter Lecture Series explores a current controversial subject. Dr. Michael Bentley, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, will delve into the issue of climate change. Dr. Bentley is a retired professor from the science and environmental education faculty of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Winter Lecture Series is presented by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Proceeds go to help fund educational programs and projects in the park.

Women of the Parks

March 8, 2024. 12-1 p.m.

Natural Tunnel State Park

Celebrate International Woman’s Day at Natural Tunnel State Park. Join our women rangers and explore the history of women in parks from the hills of Virginia to the glaciers of Montana.

Light up the Lake

March 9 & 22, 2024.

Claytor Lake State Park

Take a stroll along our lake shore as you visit several mesmerizing lights that have been placed in or along the lake. Animals of all sizes and varieties may be drawn to the lights. Identification brochures may be picked up at the beginning of the program and a ranger will be on duty to assist with identifying anything seen. Bring a strong flashlight if you want to search the waters between the lights.

Volunteer Kickoff Event

March 9, 2024. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Powhatan State Park

If you love working outdoors, sharing your nature knowledge with others, and meeting new and interesting people then you are going to want to find out how to volunteer at Powhatan State Park! Come learn how you can be a part of the volunteer team while earning benefits towards your Virginia State Parks recreation at the same time.

False Cape Beach Clean-Up

March 16, 2024. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

False Cape State Park

Join False Cape staff and volunteers in helping keep our beaches pristine by picking up shoreline debris. Dress accordingly based on the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, bring a lunch, and support False Cape's attempt in making the beach a more beautiful place.

Staunton River Star Party - Spring 2024

March 4-10, 2024

Staunton River State Park

The Spring 2023 installment of the Staunton River Star Party will be sponsored by CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) and hosted by Staunton River State Park. This week long astronomy festival has gained the attention of astronomers from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond. Registration is required. The public night will be March 8, from 8-10 p.m.

Tree Grafting Workshops

March 12 & 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Southwest Virginia Museum

In collaboration with the Wise County Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency the park will be hosting tree grafting workshops.Grafting, or graftage, is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. If participants have old varieties they'd like to graft, they're welcome to bring their own scion cuttings. Registration required.

Brick Kitchen: Hearth Cooking

March 16-17, 2024.

Chippokes State Park 

Enjoy historical interpretation inside the Brick Kitchen to learn more about this ancient, practical, and culinary craft tradition that is at the center of European cuisine. Let us travel back in time, to a period where preparing meals and cooking for the entire family was done without the aid of modern luxuries and advancements. When meals were flavored by the fire with deeper, stronger and richer flavors.

Virginia Legends of Lost Confederate Gold

March 16, 2024. 1-2 p.m.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park 

Join us for an informative and entertaining look at the legends of what happened to the Confederate Treasury, which has been a popular topic in many books, movies, and newspapers for nearly 160 years.

Spring into Birding

March 2 & 16, 2024. 9-10 a.m.

Powhatan State Park 

This is prime time for bird watching since the trees haven't yet grown their new set of leaves; the birds are now more visible when perching on branches. Some winter migrants may still be visiting from far up north, while others are year-round residents. Take a guided walk with a ranger alongside meadow and forest to find out who is out and about.

Spring Break at Sky Meadows

March 23 - April 7, 2024. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sky Meadows State Park 

Enjoy Spring Break at Sky Meadows State Park! Self-guided opportunities are available at our Visitor Center every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the park's Geocaching adventures using, using a personal GPS device, or sign out one of our three Discovery Backpacks to explore the park with the whole family.

Outdoor Cooking with The Friends of Twin Lakes State Park

March 30, 2024. 1-3 p.m.

Twin Lakes State Park 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook in the outdoors with no electricity? Join the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park members where they will be showing off their outdoor cooking and fire making skills.

Kid's Fishing Day

March 30, 2024. 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Douthat State Park 

Help children 12 and under get hooked on the thrill of fishing and discover the fun of being outdoors. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Camp Carson Picnic Shelter and fishing is from 9 a.m. to Noon.