Northern Virginia History

American Hiking Society Still Working Hard at Douthat State Park

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Tuscarora Overlook before volunteers cleared away brush.

Halfway through the work week and eleven volunteers from the American Hiking Society are still working hard at Douthat State Park doing trail work.

The group of volunteers were split up into two groups today to meet at Tuscarora Overlook, a scenic view of Douthat State Park, to clear trails along the way and clear brush around the overlook. Nine trees were cleared off the trails on the way up to the overlook and several hundred feet were cleared around the viewing area of Tuscarora Overlook.

Douthat State Park employees John Nicely and David Reynolds are leading the group this week through the volunteer projects.

Volunteers clearing brush at Tuscarora Overlook

The group of volunteers consist of: Brad and Jeanie Newcomer from Hagerstown, Md.; Brian Merrill from Depew, N.Y.; Caroline Neff from Fairfield, Ill.; Dan Krull from Washington, Va.; Greta Steber from Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Sandra Hart from Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Jenna MacFarlene from Charlotte, N.C.; Thomas Jones from Hawley, Pa.; Libby Wile from Arlington, Va.; and Tina Temple from Owensboro, Ky.

Any one interested in volunteering at Douthat State Park needs to contact the main office at 540-862-8100.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or email Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Va. 24460.

Volunteers and Park Employees after finished clearing brush at Tuscarora Overlook.

American Hiking Society Volunteering at Douthat State Park

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Eleven volunteers from the American Hiking Society are working at Douthat State Park this week and have started their first day of trail work.

The group of volunteers were split up into two groups to install new trail signs throughout the park. One group started at the intersection of Brushy Hollow Trail and Flat Run Trail and the other group started off of Guest Lodge Trail onto Mountain Side Trail. All volunteers will do an extensive amount of hiking this week.

Douthat State Park employees John Nicely and David Reynolds are leading the group this week through the volunteer projects.

Park Ranger John Nicely and Volunteer leveling trail sign

A lot of the volunteers have previously participated in American Hiking Society volunteer trips in the past. The group ranges from 21-years-old to 62-years-old.

Volunteers installing trail sign at Flat Run and Brushy Hollow Intersection

Finished trail sign - the first of the day!

What Did Colonial Kids Do for Fun?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 by Cyndi Juarez

The Women of Leesylvania

I love electricity, it powers just about everything I do at home and allows me to keep working well past dark. My kids love it too, they watch television, play video games, use the computer, etc. When we have power outages they are fun for about an hour or so. We pretend "camp" at home and everyone gets a bit closer until the power returns. Then it’s back to business as usual and we all go our own ways.

Just this week due to the unfortunate demise of my son’s Playstation we were discussing what it would be like to live without power, all the time like they did in the old days.

If you’ve ever wondered what kids did for fun or what it was like to manage a household long ago come to Leesylvania State Park this weekend and get a glimpse of the unplugged past.

The Women of Leesylvania program at Leesylvania State Park this Saturday from 11- 3 will have something for the entire family. Cindy Buck- Thompson, as Martha Fairfax will entertain and answer questions about famous past residents of the park.

Chief Ranger, Sarah Phillips has also arranged a "travelling trunk" filled with colonial clothes for today’s kids to try on for size. There will be period crafts to try and interesting displays to discover. Please drop in and join us. There is a small fee for this program and details can be found on our website

Governor's Budget Proposes Closure of Five Virginia State Parks

Friday, February 19, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

UPDATE: Both the House of Delegates and Senate reported their versions of the budget out on February 21st with no cuts or closures to parks. Thanks everyone for the overwhelming support!

In the midst of a state budget crisis, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell released his plans for balancing the biennial budget in a press release on Wednesday.

After two previous years of budget cuts to a budget that was already described as "frugal" Virginia's state parks must close 5 parks in order to reach the $500,000 per year proposed budget reductions. The five parks scheduled for closure July 1 are False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach; Caledon Natural Area in King George County; Mason Neck State Park in Fairfax; Twin Lakes State Park in Prince Edward County; and Staunton River Battlefield State Park in Halifax and Charlotte counties.

The State Parks budget is a precarious combination of the revenue we earn from operating our facilities and money we receive from the state's general fund. The biggest danger for us is reducing the service level at our parks so that our revenue is impacted. This would create a snowball effect that would bankrupt our parks. So at some point continued reductions means we have to close parks to keep the rest of the system viable.

Children participate in an environmental education program at Mason Neck State Park

The parks were selected based on a number of economic factors, including they have lower attendance and revenue than other parks, the cost of operation, number of staff, etc. Geographic considerations were made so that no one area would be impacted more than others and due to relatively close proximity to other state park locations. This is not optimal but the whole situation is not what anyone would want.

What's next? The Governor's proposed amendments now goes to the General Assembly for their review. They are responsible for passing a budget bill. The legislature could accept or reject the Governor's proposed amendments. Given that these five parks generate more than $5.6 million in local economic impact, legislators are faced with a choice of closing parks that stimulate ouitdoor recreation and tourism spending in their local communities. We would hopefully know the outcome by mid-March.

Historical re-enactment at Staunton River Battlefield State Park

December Fun at Mason Neck State Park

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by Jodi Bucknam

Regardless of falling temperatures or even falling snow, Mason Neck State Park is a great

place to visit in December. Bring a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa and enjoy a brisk hike along our trails, or just watch the songbirds flocking to the Visitor Center birdfeeders as well as the ducks congregating nearby on Belmont Bay. Winter is a wonderful time to explore nature. If you're lucky enough to be here after a snowfall, you might even see the tracks of elusive animals such as red fox, turkeys, deer and more.

We also offer guided interpretive programs on weekends most of this month, except on the 26th and 27th. You can go birdwatching for winter waterfowl, try your hand at Geocaching, or look for the ever-popular bald eagle. The following programs are held on Saturdays and Sundays this month.

Even if you can't make a guided program, come visit us this month. Parking fees always apply: $3/car on weekdays, $4/car on weekends and holidays. We're located in northern Virginia, in the southeast corner of Fairfax County. We hope to see you soon!

SATURDAYS (December 5, 12, 19)

10:30-11:30 am Wild for Winter Waterfowl
Join us as we observe swans, ducks and other migrating waterfowl that reside in Belmont Bay during the winter months. We’ll have a spotting scope available for public use. FREE. Meet at Bay View Trail head.

12:30-2:30 pm GPS Adventures
Join us on this one mile hike with park GPS units. We’ll explore nature while searching for hidden caches! This program is most appropriate for ages six and up. Maximum of ten participants. First come, first served. $3 per person or $8 for the family. Meet at the Visitor

Center.

3:30-4:30 pm Majestic Eagles
Look for bald eagles with us, and discover their fascinating lives. FREE. Meet at the Visitor Center.

SUNDAYS (December 6, 13, 20)

10:30-11:30 am Wild for Winter Waterfowl
Join us as we observe swans, ducks and other migrating waterfowl that reside in Belmont Bay during the winter months. We’ll have a spotting

scope available for public use. FREE. Meet at Bay View Trail head.

3:30-4:30 pm Majestic Eagles
Look for bald eagles with us, and discover their fascinating lives. FREE. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Fort Belvoir Children Discover Mason Neck State Park

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Cyndi Juarez

Just last week there was another article about the stress of war taking a toll on military children. Along with the usual lifestyle challenges, military children are also coping with parents being deployed at an increased rate to support two wars. At Virginia State Parks we believe our parks are a tonic for the mind, body and spirit. This is one of the reasons we were very happy to partner with the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network to create an exciting adventure camp for children who's parents are stationed at Fort Belvoir.

Captain John Smith Explorers Camp provided an opportunity for military children to get outside and connect with northern Virginia history, northern Virginia outdoors and have some fun.
Fort Belvoir children got to know Captain John Smith and the local area he first explored more than 400 years ago.

Learning about Capt. John Smith's travels

Through hands-on activities, hiking, and exploring, children are learning what it must have been like for Captain John Smith and his crew when they first arrived on the shores of Mason Neck in 1608. Captain Smith kept a journal with detailed descriptions of his surroundings. He and his crew spent several weeks in the Mason Neck area searching for gold and dodging Indian arrows.

Children that participated in this project spent one week learning about that experience and making important connections with the past.

Through a cooperative agreement between the state and national parks the program was free and camp size was limited to ensure a high quality program.

While having fun was one of the main objectives, the program was also intended to create lifelong stewards of the Chesapeake Bay and the area’s cultural and historical heritage. Teachers Kelly Evans and Paige Hutchinson designed a curriculum to meet program goals while engaging children in actively discovering the natural world around them.

Some of the activities included: nature journaling, plant and animal identification, water testing and canoeing. Children were given a Mason Neck hat and a certificate upon graduation. Camp sessions were July 5th through August 14th.

Kelly, Page, Kelsey and Frank -Camp Leaders

The camp staff was outstanding. We were so fortunate to have such dedicated, knowledgeable and caring teachers leading the program.

It's all over now, the children have their memories and they also have an increased understanding of the place they call home while stationed at Fort Belvoir.

Mason Neck State Park is in Fairfax County on High Point Road. The park is located 7 miles northeast of Woodbridge. Take US Route 1, then turn east on State Route 242 (Gunston Road) for about 4 miles. Park Entrance is on the right.

Douthat State Park Beach Bash Wrap-Up

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Jaimie Lomasney

Big Country 101 Annual Back to School Beach Bash was held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, beginning at 11 a.m. at Douthat State Park.

The day was a big success at Douthat’s beach complex. To kick off the morning at 11 a.m. was the toilet paper toss. One guest threw the toilet paper and the partner caught it blindfolded while sitting on the toilet. First place went to Matt and James Wright of Bedford, Va. catching eight rolls.

Lunch was served at noon compliments of Douthat State Park. Two-hundred hotdogs were given out along with sweet tea and lemonade.

2009 Hula Hoop First and Second Place Winners

The hula hoop contest started around 12:30 p.m. and was a competitive competition. It came down to three contestants. Third place was 11-year-old Carly Ritter from Midlothian, Va. with 36 minutes. Second place was 7-year-old Allison Bora from Fincastle, Va. with 42 minutes and 15 seconds, and first place as 14-year-old David Aronson from Greensboro, N.C. with over 42 minutes.

At 1 p.m. the limbo contest took place with 8-year-old Olivia Martin from Covington, Va. taking second place and 10-year-old Jacob Burdette from Clifton Forge, Va.

The sand sculpture contest was judged at 1:45 p.m. Honorable mention sculpting a zoo was Stone Russel. Third place created a sea turtle was 11-year-old Gabriella Moore from Roanoke, Va.

Second place created an octopus and sea turtles roasting marshmallows over a fire was Lizzy Galliger. First place created an alligator eating a fish was Alison Gozora from Inwood, WVa.

2009 Biggest Splash Winner - Kenny Hiner

The diving contest started at 2 p.m. Best belly flop was 14-year-old Michael Morgan from Goshen, Va. Most creative dive was 16-year-old Melissa Wakefield from Richmond, Va. Biggest splash was 45-year-old Kenny Hiner from Monterey, Va. Best dive was Lane Williams.

Most Creative Dive Winner - Melissa Wakefield

The water balloon toss started at 2:30 p.m. and the last two standing with their water balloon was 14-year-old Matt Wright and 46-year-old James Wright from Bedford, Va.

The day came to an end with the Cardboard Boat Regatta. The boats were first judged for Best in Show. Eight-year-old Darin Ryder from Hot Springs, Va. won Best in Show by creating a swordfish.

First place in the boat race was 12-year-old Logan Gunsallus from Charrlottesville, Va. Logan spent three weeks creating his boat and used eight rolls of duck tape to complete it.

2009 Boat Regatta Winner - Logan Gunsallus

2009 Water Balloon Winners - James and Matt Wright

Second place in the boat race was 18-year-old Collin Chadduck from Alexandria, Va. Collin spent two hours on his boat and used three rolls of duck tape. He had help from the Fochee Family of Columbus, Ohio.

Third place in the boat race was 15-year-old James Hancock from Roanoke, Va. James spent three days creating his boat and used 10 to 15 rolls of duck tape to complete it.

There were a total of eight cardboard boats in the competition.

Several volunteers participated throughout the day. Big Country 101 staffed the event along with McDonald’s volunteers Virginia Faber, area supervisor, and Tammy Arrington, store manager, and Jiena Hollandsworth a Douthat volunteer.First National Bank was a sponsor for the event and Ntelos provided prizes along with Douthat State Park.

There were 450 guests who bought swim passes for Saturday and 217 camping and cabin guests.

For more information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or email Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460.

Country Current Comes to Leesylvania State Park

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by Cyndi Juarez

Music at the Marina

You have a perfect opportunity to see the United States Navy Band's "Country Current" country-bluegrass group performing at Leesylvania State Park this Saturday at 7:00 PM. They are the Navy's premier country music ensemble. This seven-member group formed in 1973 and quickly established itself in all aspects of country and bluegrass music. The group is under the direction of banjoist Senior Chief Musician Keith M. Arneson.

Touring the country each year in support of Navy Recruiting, they have performed with such artists as Boots Randolph, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and David Ball. Other credits include the Grand Ole Opry, Wheeling Jamboree and the Academy of Country Music Awards show.

The group's latest recording, Country Current LIVE, was released in the fall of 2004. The group received national acclaim during "Operation Desert Storm" for an original composition entitled "We Are With You", which aired on ABC's "Good Morning America, TNN's "Nashville Now" and over 500 radio and television stations.

Country Current has appeared on CBS's "This Morning" and was featured for four consecutive years on the Department of the Interior's "Salute to America Independence Day Radio Program" airing on over 1,600 stations nationwide.

We are thrilled to welcome them to Music at the Marina, a Virginia outdoor concert series at Leesylvania State Park. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM. Feel free to pack a picnic dinner or purchase dinner from our Breakwater Marina Grill. Either way, you will be able to relax on the shores of the Potomac and enjoy this critically acclaimed group.

You might want to come earlier in the day and experience some northern Virginia history on our Lee's Wood Trail self guided hike. Another possibility for family fun is to rent kayaks for kayaking trips on Powell's Creek. Fishermen or women in the group will enjoy taking advantage of fishing in VA at this riverfront park.

There really is something for everyone at the state parks in Virginia and I hope to see you in the park!

For more inforamtion about the concert please call 703-583-6904.

Making a Difference at Mason Neck State Park

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Cyndi Juarez

Summer Intern at Mason Neck State Park

With the prices at the pump going higher almost everyday, when was the last time you read a blog that had something nice to say about a gas company? I'll bet you didn't think you'd read it here in a Virginia State Park blog. However, at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Virginia we are very grateful this summer to ExxonMobil and their Community Summer Jobs Program.

The ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program provides full-time college students with an eight-week paid internship that allows them to gain experience in a wide range of nonprofit community organizations. It supports selected agencies during peak summer months and encourages nonprofit service among students viewed as community leaders of future.

Through an ExxonMobil grant received by the Virginia Association for Parks we were able to hire Kelsey to assist with another grant project this summer, Captain John Smith Explorer Camp.

Kelsey will be a Junior this Fall at Sweetbriar College majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology. She was originally interested in this internship opportunity at Mason Neck State Park for an opportunity to work hands on with kids and be outside.

She'll get plenty of both of these with Captain John Smith Explorer Camp! This free, half- day, week long camp is a partnership with the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. It will provide an opportunity for at risk youth to learn about Chesapeake history and Chesapeake bay nature. The program aims to connect children in nature and let them explore a Gateways location while engaging their imagination and building a lifelong ethic of stewardship for the Chesapeake Bay and its many wonders.

Kelsey has impressed the staff at Mason Neck State Park with her willingness to jump in and help out wherever she is needed. She is extremely efficient and has amazed Park Manager, Jess Lowry more than once with her ability to get things done.

Captain John Smith Explorer Camp begins on Tuesday and I will keep you posted on how it goes. Kelsey has been busy coordinating with the camp teachers, ordering supplies and observing other interpretive programs to make sure the participants at the camp have the best experience possible.

Thank you very much ExxonMobil for the opportunity to work with this bright, talented young woman and watch as she makes a difference this summer bringing Northern Virginia history to life for our young campers!

National Trails Day and Clean The Bay Day at Mason Neck

Thursday, May 28, 2009 by Jodi Bucknam

On June 6th and 7th we’ll be very busy here on the Mason Neck peninsula. On Saturday, June 6th, Mason Neck State Park will be hosting the American Hiking Society’s and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s official kickoff for National Trails Day. We are joining forces with the AHS and the Fish & Wildlife Service for a fun event that will encourage stewardship and enjoyment of the land. Then on Sunday, June 7th, we’ll be hosting a shoreline cleanup event for Clean The Bay Day in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Potomac River National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management’s Meadowood area, and Mason Neck State Park have trail construction or maintenance projects arranged for Saturday. Groups such as the Occoquan Watertrail League and American Canoe Association (www.americancanoe.org) will also provide support for the event.

All the work projects will begin at 9:00 am at the respective trails. Also at 9:00, Mason Neck State Park will host a ceremony to celebrate the parks and our volunteers. Ceremony attendees and participants will join the trailwork in progress afterward. Visitors may also enjoy hiking on the peninsula’s many trails as part of the celebration. For further details, please call Ranger McClevey at 703-490-4979.

Then on Sunday, June 7th, Mason Neck State Park will also host a Clean The Bay Day event. The Izaak Walton League of America (Arlington Fairfax Chapter) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will partner with us to conduct a shoreline cleanup along Belmont Bay. Sunday’s event will run from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers will gather trash and debris that has drifted onto our shore. Equipment such as gloves and trash bags will be provided at the Visitor Center.

The Izaak Walton League has led several other shoreline cleanups at Mason Neck, including one on January 10th, 2009. One of the more unusual discoveries that day was the corpse of a Northern Snakehead washed up onshore. It was left to feed a hungry bald eagle or other scavenger. In 2008, Clean The Bay Day volunteers found such oddities as a mangled paddleboat, a toilet and a bathroom sink. Who knows what we’ll find this year!

Saturday’s and Sunday’s events will take place rain or shine. Come join us as we enjoy and protect some of Northern Virginia's natural beauty.