Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 31, 2022
Contact: Dave Neudeck, Communications and Marketing Director, 804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov
Park Contact: Katie Shepard, Park Manager, Belle Isle State Park, 804-462-5030, katherine.shepard@dcr.virginia.gov

Belle Isle State Park Announces 2022 Walk on the Wild Side hiking series

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Photo opportunity alongside a trail at Belle Isle State Park)

LANCASTER — For 2022, Belle Isle State Park is holding its monthly “Walk on the Wild Side” hike on the second Thursday of each month. These two-hour monthly walks are led by local naturalists, experts and park staff. Each month, leaders choose a different trail and lead participants on a walk of discovery, discussing different aspects of the natural history of the park. The first walk will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. and meeting at the Camp Store. Each monthly walk will have a different focused theme.

For February, we will discover what's going on in winter at Belle Isle State Park. With a focus on winter wildlife and plants, hiking in the cooler months is a wonderful experience. Our volunteer naturalists will share a variety of natural history topics, point out aspects of the park's many habitats (ideal for plant and animal life viewing), and provide participants with nature-photography tips should they need assistance.

The walks will be conducted at a leisurely pace to allow stops along the way to observe and discuss seasonal aspects of what is happening at the park. Be sure to bundle up, dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes appropriate for walking and bring a water bottle. For more information or to find out where to meet for this month's hike, call the park at 804-462-5030.

Pre-registration for this program is required. Participants are asked to wear face masks to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff and other visitors. For a full list of monthly topics and additional details, please visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/events.

The park’s 892 acres are comprised of several distinct types of wetlands that are home to many predatory birds like blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles. White-tailed deer, turkeys, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, moles, reptiles and amphibians are also common. This biodiversity makes an excellent outdoor laboratory for environmental education – it also makes the park a great place to “Walk on the Wild Side” with nature, relax, and enjoy a stroll.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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