Northern Virginia Nature

First Landing State Park is a truly unique camping destination.  It is a 2,888 acre natural area set within the coastal urban area of Virginia Beach.  Essentially, you get the best of both worlds---the great outdoors and nature programs as well as easy access to great restaurants and attractions.





As a long-time Virginia Beach resident, park employee, and local tourist---I've developed a "sample itinerary" for a weeklong camping stay at First Landing complete with insider tips related to traffic, sights, park programs, and what to bring.

Day One--Friday

Campsite check-in begins at 4pm.  The contact station is the "gatehouse" located at the park entrance.  Because we have a very short driveway, you will be directed to pull through, park your vehicle and come to the front window to get your site assignment.  Be sure to watch the informational video while you are waiting to get your site assignment. 

Once you get your site set up, you can stop by the park's Campstore for anything you need.  The Campstore stocks groceries, RV parts, fishing gear, charcoal, firewood, souveniers, and more!!  Be sure to pick up a "Sunny Day Guide" from the kiosks outside the campstore...it is chock full of coupons.



After dinner, spend some time on the park's beautiful Chesapeake Bay beach.  There are no lifeguards on duty, but the slow wave action and shallow water make it a great spot for small children to play in the surf.




Once the sun sets, you'll want to build your own campfire. Firewood is available at the campstore--please don't burn deadfall or cut trees in the park.  If you like, join the park's evening Campfire program where you might make a few new friends while you eat some S'mores. 


Did you know First Landing State Park hold the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest S'more??!!  Stop by the Chesapeake Bay Center to find out just how big it was and how many chocolate bars, graham crackers, and marshallows it took to make it!



As you settle in for the night, remember quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.  The main contact station is staffed 24 hours a day from mid-June through mid-August.  If you have any questions or would like to report any problems, you can let them know.  


Day Two (Saturday)


Good morning!! If you haven't already set up a screened tent over your picnic table, you ought to do that first thing this morning.  In the cooler morning air, mosquitoes and biting flies can be an inconvenience. 

Be sure to reset your tent stakes--the park is in a wetlands area and the moisture in the soil can loosen your stakes after the morning dew is absorbed.  Also, be sure to secure your RV and any valuables while you explore the park and the Hampton Roads area.

Busch Gardens Amusement Park, the Virginia Beach Aquarium, the Boardwalk, the Cape Henry Lighthouse at Fort Story, and the Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg) area are the Top 5 things most visitors like to do while in the Hampton Roads area. 

We'll visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse today and the other attractions later in the week when the traffic and crowds should be lighter.

First Landing State Park is named for the First Landing of the Virginia Company that went on to settle England's first permanent colony, Jamestown, in the New World.   Before setting off for the Lighthouse at Fort Story, stop by the park's Chesapeake Bay Center First Landing Museum where you can get some perspective on the Virginia Company and their New World adventures. 



Once you walk through the First Landing exhibit, you're ready to head over to Fort Story to see the cross and lighthouse.  Fort Story is a working military base so be prepared by having appropriate identification with you and be prepared for a vehicle search.  Access to the lighthouse is via the Atlantic Ave/88th Street gates--about 5 miles east of the park on Shore Drive. (Turn left out of the park's campground entrace!)



There are strict rules about climbing the lighthouse stairs.  Children must be 42" tall, children can not be carried up the staris, and not backpacks or frontpacks are allowed. 

After visiting the lighthouse, you'll probably be ready to spend the afternoon on the beach.  Be sure to check the park's program schedule for evening guide hikes or nature programs.  Every Saturday night, First Landing offers an excellent night hike--and it is FREE!


Day Three (Sunday)


Sunday morning in a great time to visit the Oceanfront/Boardwalk.  To get there, turn left out of the park's campground entrace, follow Shore Drive until it turn into Atlantic Avenue.  There is a parking garage at 31st and Atlantic. 


The huge King Neptune statue is a great meeting place if your group wants to split up and do separate activities.   There are also many excellent and affordable breakfast spots nearby.  Bike rentals and skate rental kiosks are located up and down the boardwalk.

Lifeguards are on duty for much of the main summer season along the Oceanfront/Boardwalk.  A flag system is also in place.  Be mindful of the riptide current and heavy wave action along this section of the Atlantic.  Red flags mean no swimming; yellow flags mean to be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS--wade only to your ankes; green flags mean it is safe to swim.  The area past 5th Street is designated for surfer's only.  There is an excellent handicap/stroller accessible playground for small children at 5th Street.


On Sunday afternoon, I recommend you take a leisurely drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  This 17-mile span is considered one of America's "Modern Marvels."  Just a few miles past the northern end of the bridge is Kiptopeke State Park.


Kiptopeke State Park has an excellent fishing pier and boat launch.  Kayaks are available for rent as well.


After working up an appetite fishing or hiking at Kiptopeke State Park, I recommend you stop by Stingray's for some great seafood and souveniers.

Day Four--Monday 

Traffic in Hampton Roads can be a challenge!  I recommend you hold off on Busch Gardens and the Historic Triangle until mid-week.  Since this is a tourist area and many people take long weekend trips, tunnel traffic westbound on Mondays can be very heavy.

Of course, you have to be flexible with the weather.  When I'm camping, I usually hold an indoor activity in reserve in case of rainy weather or severe sunburn from the previous day's activities.  The newly renovated Virginia Beach Aquarium makes for a great indoor activity!!

The Virginia Beach Aquarium has a IMAX movie theater, excellent outdoor walking trail, fabulous exhibits, a shark tank, seaturtle tank, and numerous touch tanks!  

First Landing State Park has an excellent partnership with the Aquarium.  Throughout the year, many rehabilitated sea mammals are released from the park into the wild.  While these events are unpredictable, you might get lucky and witness a seal release like this one that happened last year.



Day Five--Tuesday

Virginia's Historic Triangle is a unique area that bore witness to the settlement of the New World, the colonization of the New World and the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown that ensured victory for the American Revolutaries.   

As always, traffic approaching the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel can be heavy.  Tunnel back ups can sometimes reach 6 miles.  There are numerous signs that indicate the length of the back-up.  Bear in mind, on average, each mile of back up equates with a ten-minute delay.  I recommend that you leave early--before 7:30 a.m. and return late--after 7:30p.m. 

The bridge tunnel traffic is heaviest from 8am-10am and 3pm-7pm.  Use HOV lanes whenever possible.  Also, when traveling eastbound on your return trip--stay in the far left lane--it moves faster and allows you to avoid merging traffic.

There is so much to see and do in this area, I recommend you pick just one or two sites to focus on.  If you are looking to plan your visit with a timeline theme, you ought to visit the Jamestown sites first, then Colonial Williamsburg, ending with the Yorktown Victory Center and a visit to Riverwalk Landing for dinner or ice cream.

If Virgina's agrian history is more to your liking, take the ferry across the James River to Surry, Virginia and Chippokes Plantation State Park.  Chippokes Plantation State Park houses the Chippokes Farm & Forest Museum, the ante-bellum Stewart Mansion, and 18th century River House.  Don't forget your bathing suits for a dip in their olympic-sized swimming pool!



Once you return to the First Landing, check the program schedule for the Stargazing program times.  Stargazing is offered every Tuesday night!!


Day Five--Wednesday

It's Busch Gardens time!!  As a long-time annual passholder, I have a lot of experience with visiting Busch Gardens.  Even though it is mid-week traffic an be an issue near the Busch Gardens exit off I-64.  Arrive early and leave early evening  or arrive early afternoon and leave after the rides shut down. 

By going mid-week, you are avoiding the "locals crowd" that tend to visit Busch Gardens on the weekend and you are avoiding the "long weekenders" who visit on Mondays and Fridays.

Check out the Busch Gardens website for all the info you need to make the most of your visit.

If you return to First Landing in time, be sure to check out the Moonlight Movie offered every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. in the park's amphitheater.  The movie is always age appropriate and has a nature/wildlife theme.  The movie is always free and popcorn/soda/candy is available at the Campstore.


Day Seven--Thursday

Now that you've thoroughly explored the Hampton Roads area, it is time to thoroughly explore the park. 

First Landing has 20 miles of trails!  You can rent a bike at the Campstore and ride the 6-mile (one way) Cape Henry Trail down to the Narrows/Broad Bay area.  This small beach and wetland area is great for birdwatching.  You might see eagles, owls, osprey, egrets, and herons. 


On Thursdays at 2pm, the park offers a "What's in the Nets?" program at the Chesapeake Bay Center Boardwalk.  Park naturalists, with your assistance, will seine for small fish, shellfish, shrimp, and crabs.  You can get an up close look at all the different marine life in the bay's shallows. 



Then at 4pm every Thursday, park naturalists conduct a guided hike through the Bald Cypress Trail.  You absolutely have to bring your camera to this program!!


Departure Day--Friday

Enjoy the beach in the morning and then make ready to check out of your site by 3 p.m.  Be sure to take all your trash to the dumpster at the Chesapeake Bay Center and notify the contact station staff of your departure.


Remember the campground is open seasonally from early March to early December, but the cabins are available for reservation year-round.



Happy Trails!

By Kenny Morales, Media Representative, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, Atlantic Region, Class XVI, Raven Unit, Team V

While many young people are wrapping up their spring semester of school, a group of nine young adults are improving the over-all environment at Mason Neck State Park as part of their 10-month commitment to community service with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Mason Neck State Park is hosting the NCCC team, Raven 5, that has been assigned a six week commitment of service at the park.

Raven 5 has been deployed to clear unwanted undergrowth from 10.2 acres, remove invasive species, and construct a one-quarter acre wildlife pond. This entails hauling over 13 tons of debris and removing invasive trees.


Congressman Gerald E. Connolly recently said in a post on his website, “The work these young people will perform in Mason Neck State Park will ensure it remains the best place in Northern Virginia to observe bald eagles and many other species of birds and wildlife located in this gem of protected open space, without the help of the federal government and the labor of these dedicated young people, it is questionable whether the Commonwealth would have had the resources to get this needed work completed in the park,”  Connolly said.


Mason Neck is the only state park in Fairfax County and the closest state park for residents of Fairfax and Arlington Counties, Alexandria, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church.  It serves approximately 2 million residents of Northern Virginia. The park is a natural habitat for migratory birds, and is a one of the few safe havens for the American Bald Eagle.


Marc Ingramm, a Park Ranger at Mason Neck and sponsor for the NCCC team, has been leading Raven 5 in their time at the park and teaching them aspects of natural resource management. 


“It is enjoyable working with this NCCC team,” says Ingramm. “We are glad to host this year's team in Mason Neck State Park.” Raven 5 is the fifth NCCC team to spend part of their service year at Mason Neck.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a leadership program for young people ages 18 to 24. In exchange for completing 1,700 hours of service during a 10-month term, these young people receive an education award of over $5,000, plus a living stipend, housing and more. AmeriCorps programs are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency. Interested applicants and project sponsors are encouraged to learn more by visiting www.americorps.gov or calling 1-800-942-2677. For additional high resolution photos of the Raven 5 NCCC Team click here.

11:00 am-12:00 noon The Wonders of Nature
Come step into the changing world of nature.  Soaring eagles, sunbathing turtles and many other creatures may be seen as we hike the one mile loop of the Bay View Trail.  We’ll watch animals feeding, flying and swimming, search for their tracks and explore springtime in our park.  Fee: FREE.  Meeting location: Bay View Trail head.

1:00-2:00 pm Pond Patrol
Explore our frog pond up close using our dip nets and buckets.  See if you can catch minnows, crayfish, and other fascinating critters that live at the edge of the pond.  Fee: FREE.  Meeting location: large pond by the Car Top Boat Launch.

3:00-3:30 pm Got Butter?
Make and eat delicious fresh butter with us.  It's easier than you think, and you’ll love the pure creamy taste on saltine crackers.  George Mason and his family never had it so good!  Fee: FREE.  Meeting location: Picnic Area.

5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles
Use our binoculars and spotting scope to look for bald eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks.  We’ll admire these magnificent raptors as they soar over Belmont Bay, and discover their fascinating lives.  Fee: FREE. Meeting location: behind Park Office (follow the construction fence around to your left).         

                                              


11:00 am-12:00 noon  Birding By The Bay
Take a one-mile hike with us and look for songbirds, waterfowl and of course the bald eagle.  Fee: FREE. Meeting location: Bay View Trail head.

1:00-1:30 pm Buggin’ Out
Help us identify some of the cool flying and crawling insects that live in Mason Neck State Park.  Then use pipe cleaners and other supplies to create your own bugs to take home.  Fee: FREE. Meeting location: Picnic Area.

2:00-2:45 pm Makin’ Tracks
Discover tracks from animals native to Mason Neck State Park, and then make some plaster casts you can take home.  Fee: FREE. Meeting location: Picnic Area.

5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles
Use our binoculars and spotting scope to look for bald eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks.  We’ll admire these magnificent raptors as they soar over Belmont Bay, and discover their fascinating lives.  Fee: FREE. Meeting location: behind Park Office (follow the construction fence around to your left).

If you have any questions about these programs, or need additional information, please call Mason Neck State Park's Visitor Center at 703-339-2380 or email mninterpreter@dcr.virginia.gov.

 Chief Ranger, Sarah Phillips at Leesylvania State Park is one of my park heroes. No matter how busy she is or how much she has on her plate Sarah is unfailingly positive and focused on the mission of the park. She is truly a superstar. She's also very modest and doesn’t really enjoy being the center of attention. Sarah will undoubtedly blush when she sees herself being described as a superstar.

Yet I have witnessed many of her accomplishments. Sarah has grown the park's volunteer program, organized numerous successful special events and developed important relationships with other environmental organizations to serve our visitors even better. Park Manager, Ken Benson knows when he asks Sarah to do something; it will get done and most likely better than he would ever have expected.

Sarah has been with Virginia State Parks for just over three years. She came from Western Michigan University where she majored in Elementary Education. Originally Sarah had considered a career in teaching but when she took a job working for parks in Michigan, she loved it.
In 2005 she moved to Virginia to be closer to her family. She was hired in November 2006 and was sent to Law Enforcement Academy in January 2007. Sarah now reflects on Law Enforcement Academy as something she is glad she did. It wasn’t easy and in fact she even failed a critical session. But she didn’t give up, she went back and the instructors worked with her and helped her until she aced it. While it’s not something she says she’s proud of, Sarah says it showed her how comprehensive the training is and the level of commitment required both by the participants and the trainers. These days, thanks to a promotion Sarah is the Chief Ranger in charge of interpretation and visitor services at Leesylvania. As with all of our Chief Rangers her job can include just about everything from teaching First Aid/ CPR classes to organizing Easter egg hunts.

For Sarah the thing she enjoys most about her job is planning events. She gets a lot of satisfaction in getting everything ready and having events come out perfect. One of Sarah’s finest accomplishments is coordinating a northern Virginia nature program, CAST for Kids. This event pairs special needs children with Bass fisherman for a day of fishing and fun at the park.
Eventually Sarah would like to be a Park Manager. But right now she has plenty to keep her busy and continues to learn so she’ll be prepared and knowledgeable when she gets the job.

There's nothing like the chaos and traffic of the Washington D.C. and northern Virginia area to leave residents screaming for a good dose of nature and the outdoors. This winter's amazing snow fall just made it worse.


Sky Meadows State Park is a short trip west on Interstate 66 and is just what the doctor ordered.  Back in December Ian Edlind from Trail Voice (@TrailVoice on Twitter) contacted me about a recommendation for hikes in the park. The staff at Sky Meadows recommended some and I forwarded them on.

The resulting blog post on Trail Voice is a great piece that shows off the hiking potential of this park. Ian had asked me when the best time to visit the park would be and I have to admit that winter did not jump into my mind. But his pictures show that nature's wonders abound in all seasons. I'm hoping Ian will visit some of our other parks soon and share some more great hikes in Virginia State Parks.

If you are planning a hiking trip, be sure and check out the new Virginia Outdoors website. The great trail information we have on our kiosks at the parks is also available on line at this site including detailed maps and a narrated slide show of what the various trails have to offer.

For directions to Sky Meadows State Park, click here.

The crew at Shenandoah River State Park has got to be looking forward to spring! After recently coping with clean-up from the flooded river with help from their Friends group, park staff was just beginning to get things back to normal.

Then Mother Nature delivered another surprise. Let's just say it’s been quite an unusual winter for the staff and volunteers at Shenandoah River State Park. While the northern Virginia Park nestled between the Massanutten Mountains to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east is used to snowfall in the winter, they’ve never seen anything like this!

Washington’s famous “Snowmageddon” February 12th and 13th dropped over 30 inches on top of snow left behind from a system earlier in the week. Snowmageddon Part 2 later in the week left another 6” or so for the hardworking crew to clean-up.



During the “big one” the park lost power for over three days. This includes power to the residence of the Park Manager, Tony Widmer and his two sons Josh and Ben. The family found themselves literally snowed in at the park and cut off from the outside world. That’s when they set to work. Josh and Ben logged many volunteer hours working with their dad and using the park’s equipment to begin clearing the roads.



The family worked tirelessly to clear the way for employees to get to work and reopen the park. Josh and Ben even recruited another friend, Kenny Burke to help with the effort. Then instead of a hot shower at the end of the day they were roughing it without power at home. Tony says it wasn’t all that bad though they even cooked eggs and bacon on a cast iron skillet in the fireplace and I’m sure they had worked up an appetite.





VDOT showed up at the park on Tuesday and assisted with clearing the main roads. By Friday afternoon the park was reopened to the public. While its probably not a time I'd enjoy mountain camping in Virginia. Tony says there have been a few cross country skier out to enjoy the unique Northern Virginia outdoors opportunity provided by the back to back snowfalls.






See Related post Rivers Flood

Outdoor Photography Workshop

Volunteers are incredible people!   Especially Virginia State Park Volunteers!  They never cease to amaze me.  One of those special people is Matt Asai.  He has been photographing the State Parks for a while now.  As a volunteer photographer, he has photographed events and facilities at seven state parks in the northeastern and northern half of Virginia.  Matt also taught Outdoor Photography sessions for the Women’s Wellness Weekend at Westmoreland State Park. From there he offered to hold workshops for not only the public but staff.  Classes will be first offered at the State Parks in the Northern Neck and later in Northern VA.

Matthew Asai has been an avid photographer for over 35 years.  35mm photography was his main medium until he switched to digital photography about five years ago.  His passion is landscape photography.  To hone his skills he attended the Andsel Adams Gallery Advanced Landscape Photography seminar in Yosemite National Park.  He has also photographed numerous weddings throughout the years and enjoys doing portraits.

His work has been published in Virginia Wildlife, The Bay Journal, Free Lance Star and the Virginia State Park E-news.  His photos can be viewed at  www.mattasai.com

The first work shops will be held the last weekend in January:
The class will be a two-hour program for digital photography and will cover:
Your camera; composition & artistry; tools & settings. Techniques & shooting modes
In the field – advice and critique.

Bring your camera and something to take notes.  Part of the class will be outside, weather permitting, please dress appropriately. The two-hour class is free but parking fees will apply and participants will be asked to share photos taken with the park. Also, donations to help support programming can be made to the “Friends” support organization of each park.

Reservations are required. Space is limited so please choose your location and make
reservations as soon as possible.

Westmoreland State Park – January 30th – 9-11am
Brad Ramsey, Chief Ranger – (804)493-8821
Brad.Ramsey@dcr.virginia.gov

Belle Isle State Park – January 30th - 1:30-3:30pm
Charlene Talcott, Chief Ranger Interpreter – (804) 462-0162
Charlene.Talcott@dcr.virginia.gov

Caledon Natural Area – January 31st – 1:30-3:30pm
Sammy Zambon, Chief Ranger – (540) 663-3861
Sammy.Zambon@dcr.virginia.gov

For directions visit www.virginiastateparks.gov



 

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.

Leesylvania Elementary school children are invited to get outside and experience Northern Virginia nature at this weekend’s Turkey Trot. At Leesylvania State Park we are raring with excitement over the first ever Leesylvania Elementary Turkey Trot! This event is the result of a wonderful, past employee, current volunteer and all around star, Erin.

Erin was a Junior Ranger leader for the park for several summers. After Erin left the park she started working in the Leesylvania Elementary P. E. Department. Erin works every day to make being active and fit fun for all of the school’s students. She’s also an avid outdoors person and I often see her riding her bike or hiking Leesylvania’s trails and doing her best to keep them clean and well maintained.


Knowing all of this it only seems natural that Erin would think about how much her students would enjoy getting outside and running through the park, especially at this time of year. So, the Leesylvania Turkey Trot was born. This Saturday November 21 at 9:00 AM families will gather at Shelter 2 for the activities to begin.


The Turkey Trot will actually consist of a series of races of varying distances on the trails and gravel parking lots around the picnic ground.  The 4th -5th graders will run a mile, the 2nd-3rd graders will run a half mile, the K-1st will run a quarter mile, and for younger brothers and sisters there will be an Itty Bitty Kiddy Dash.


Erin measured the courses and made sure all of them are very spectator friendly so families will be able to watch and cheer for their student. All of the children that participate will be given a goodie bag and trophies will be awarded to the first and second place boys and girls in grades K-5.



As I mentioned at the beginning of this post we are very excited about the event at the park and look forward to welcoming our young visitors.
We are also very thankful to have a wonderful volunteer like Erin whose caring commitment to children in nature helped make this special event possible.

Take a hayride to the Potomac River through a Virginia old growth hardwood forest. You never know what kind of wildlife you will see along the way! The gift shop and visitor center will be open. Coolers and outside food and alcohol are not permitted within the festival grounds. 

The Caledon Art and Wine Festival is November 7, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasting is $7 per person and includes a commemorative John Shaw wine glass. You must be 21 years or older to taste wine and have your ID showing age with you. Parking is $3 per vehicle. If you are not tasting, there is no additional fee to enjoy the festival.

Caledon Natural Area, designated a National Natural Landmark, provides visitors the unique opportunity to view bald eagles in their natural habitat. Caledon and the surrounding areas are the summer home for one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles on the East Coast. As many as 68 eagles have been spotted on the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River.

Education and programming is the primary focus of the natural area. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Caledon by hiking and picnicking in a hardwood forest. Hiking trails in the eagle area are closed April 1st – October 1st to allow young birds undisturbed time to perfect their hunting and fishing skills. Limited tours of the eagle area are offered, however, mid-June through August by reservation only.

Park guests can learn more about the natural history of Caledon, the American Bald Eagle, bats, owls, swans and other interesting wildlife. Located in King George County, near the Dahlgren Military Base, Caledon is beautiful drive from Fredericksburg, Maryland, Richmond and the Northern Neck. Click here for a Google map and directions.
 
Campsites at nearby Westmoreland State Park are still available. Call 800-933-7275 to reserve or book on line.

October is a great time to explore Northern Virginia nature at Mason Neck State Park.  Much of our summer wildlife is still here, and some of the early winter residents have begun to show up.  In addition we’ve got many transient species moving through, from warblers to ducks to the last few monarch butterflies.  It’s a wildlife watcher’s haven, yours for only $4/car parking fee.  How can you beat that?

You can also enjoy the lovely fall weather while you participate in one of Mason Neck's free interpretive programs.  Every Saturday and Sunday we present guided nature programs.  Join our park interpreter Saturday mornings for Birding By the Bay, to look for seasonal migrants, early winter arrivals, and of course our signature Bald Eagle.  Or try GPS Adventures, where you explore nature as well as GPS technology, hunting for secret caches with the park interpreter.  As a matter of fact, October is your last chance to experience the GPS program for free; starting in November, GPS Adventures will cost $3/person. 

See the schedule below for all the programs we offer this month.  Hope to see you at Mason Neck soon! 


10:30-11:30 am Birding By The Bay. Join this one-mile walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl and of course the bald eagle.  Meet at the Bay View Trail head.

12:30-1:15 pm Feathers and Furs.  Do you know what a fox skull looks like, or what beaver fur feels like?  Come check out real furs, skulls, and bones of animals that live in the park.  Meet in the Picnic Area.

3:00-4:30 pm GPS Adventures.  Come take a one mile hike using park GPS units.  We’ll explore nature while searching for hidden caches.  Ages six and up, please.  Maximum of 10 participants—first come, first served.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles.  Look for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and migrating osprey, and discover their fascinating lives.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

SUNDAYS

1:00-1:45 Got Butter?  Try your hand at making real fresh butter, and then eat the delicious results. George Mason’s family never had it so good!  Meet in the Picnic Area.

3:00-4:30 pm GPS Adventures.  Come take a one mile hike using park GPS units.  We’ll explore nature while searching for hidden caches.  Ages six and up, please.  Maximum of 10 participants—first come, first served.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles.  Look for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and migrating osprey, and discover their fascinating lives.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

Did you know that Mason Neck State Park publishes a quarterly e-newsletter, the Eagle Eye?  Four times a year we release a PDF containing news about the park, natural history articles and information about current and upcoming interpretive programs.  It's a great way to keep up with seasonal events at the park, and with Northern Virginia nature as well.

The Eagle Eye is an easy and free way to keep in touch with Mason Neck's park and nature news.  The program schedules will help you make the best of your visits. Even if you can't visit as often as you'd like, reading the descriptions of nature and wildlife in the park will help you feel like you're here.

The fall 2009 issue includes a report on Mason Neck's bluebird nesting boxes, introduces several fall-flowering plants in the wildlife garden column, and lists upcoming dates of interest, such as the expected arrivals of certain migrating birds. 

If you would like to subscribe to the Eagle Eye, signing up could hardly be easier.  Just send an email to masonneck@dcr.virginia.gov with Eagle Eye in the subject line.  We’ll send you the current issue and add you to our mailing list.

What do children with special needs, bass boat fishermen, volunteers, and community business sponsors from Northern Virginia have in common?   On Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all of these folks will converge at Leesylvania State Park on the Potomac for the Fourth Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Virginia.



“C.A.S.T.” stands for “Catch a Special Thrill.”  C A.S.T. For Kids was organized to partner volunteers who love to fish with special needs children for a day of fishing in the great outdoors.
At Leesylvania State Park this Saturday 25-30 children with special needs from northern Virginia will be joining Tournament Bass Fishermen for a Virginia outdoor adventure. The fishermen will seat their special guests in their boats to head out on the Potomac where there is some of the best fishing in Virginia and hopefully catch a fish or two.




After that, everyone will enjoy lunch and an awards ceremony. Boat Captains will present the children with engraved plaques and congratulations for their participation.  In addition to fishing opportunities for the participating children during the day, other activities are planned on-shore for all who attend. It will be a great day for connecting children in nature at this Virginia State Park.



Many state park volunteers will be contributing their time and expertise to make sure its a day these children will never forget. Federal and local agencies, community-minded businesses and the Lions Clubs will also be providing their support.  Our corporate sponsors; The Centech Group, Wal-Mart, and LOWES  generously donated in order to make this day possible.

If you would like to help or find out more about C.A.S.T., please contact Sarah Phillips, C.A.S.T. for Kids Virginia Coordinator, at (703) 730-8205, or at Sarah.Phillips@dcr.virginia.gov

This is the second installment of several posts chronicling my vacation at Shenandoah River State Park. At this writing the park has a small tent campground (only ten sites) but new cabins and a campground are scheduled to open in 2010.

Plans for our fourth day at Shenandoah River State Park included a trip to the new visitor center to say hello to Donna Smith, the park’s office admin person. Donna is from Warren County and lives very close to the park. She is one of the most friendly and generous people I know. Donna is getting settled in her new digs at the VC. Up until its construction, the “headquarters” for the park consisted of an extra large contact station at the park’s entrance. Staff had been crammed into that small space for so long that they are really appreciating the new space.

The visitor center is set unobtrusively amid trees. In fact, it looks like a mighty crane plopped it into the middle of a treed landscape. We are awaiting LEEDS certification of the facility. The good news is that we actually have funding for exhibits for this visitor center. In fact we just recently held a pre-bid meeting.

Our next stop was a trip down to Luray, twenty minutes south, and a visit to one of the greatest show caves in America, Luray Caverns. David and I both took our cameras. I had been to Luray Caverns when I was ten on a family vacation in early July. My mother was six months pregnant with my youngest sister and it was hot. From the vacation I remember curvy mountain roads that made me feel queasy (there was no interstate system to speak of yet and my father hated major roads anyway), a room at a Holiday Inn that had no windows that we refused to stay in, and two things from Luray Caverns: the “Stalacpipe” Organ and the sunny side up fried eggs.

After descending the stairs to the cave proper and the display that marks the initial discovery of the cave in 1878, I knew that I had not appreciated the cavern then. Magnificent is about all I can say. David and I each took more than 200 pictures and the amazing thing is we don’t have a lot of the same pictures. We experimented with and without flash. Mostly the natural light is sufficient to take good pictures if you have a steady hand or a tripod. Luray employs an audio tour system that was great and much better than a guide since we could take our time marveling at the formations and taking camera shots from a variety of angles. Staff are on hand along the way to help with extra questions. According to the recorded guide, the fried eggs formation is one that folks tend to remember the most, so I felt a little better. As wonderful as our pictures are, they still don’t do the magnificent Cavern justice.

There are other Caverns in the area as well. Skyline Caverns are less than ten miles north of Shenandoah River State Park. We have been there before and enjoyed it immensely. It is the only Cavern with anthodites, a rare crystal formation discovered at Skyline Caverns and to this day never found anywhere else on earth. The tour for Skyline is less strenuous than Luray as well. I highly recommend you take in Skyline Caverns while visiting the park.

We arrived back in the park around 6 p.m. and had time for a quick tour of the cabin and campground construction since the contractors had finished for the day. We took a slight detour to the Cullers Overlook at the park. Since the sun was low in the western horizon, pictures south down the river were not the best as we were direct into the sun. But the northern views were pretty decent.

The infrastructure for the new facilities was extensive. The road alone comes along a ridge and I know we had a devil of a time finding a site that could accommodate the drain field necessary to support the cabins. They are all under roof at this time and feature the stone faced foundation that is prevalent with most of the park’s construction. The park will have nine 2 bedroom cabins and one each 3 bedroom and 6 bedroom family lodge.

The campground bathhouse is already in place and the road mostly finished. In several places the massive retaining wall we constructed as we carved the campground into the ridge is apparent. The open area lends itself to a great view of distant mountains. I have no doubt that this campground will be welcomed as a modern camping facility so close to Interstate 66, a direct link to Washington, DC and northern Virginia. We will have 33 sites with electricity and water and two camping cabins.


We finished our day with steaks on the grill, another campfire, and a few hours of examining our day’s photos. Tomorrow – a side trip to Sky Meadows State Park and surrounds.

This is the first installment of several posts chronicling my vacation at Shenandoah River State Park. At this writing the park has a small tent campground (only ten sites) but new cabins and a campground are scheduled to open in 2010.

My husband and I are blessed to live where nature is abundant. Our home is on a man made pond and our yard is a certified backyard habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. Nonetheless, as David and I sat on the edge of the Shenandoah River last Friday we wished we could trade it all for this special place.

I asked David what made Shenandoah River State Park different and his answer was quick – because where we live the nature was developed, here it was created. I knew what he meant. Our little neighborhood has nature but Shenandoah River State Park, especially the part of the Cullers Tract where we were sitting, is pretty much untouched. Well, as much as anything that man visits or passes through can be untouched.

As I sat and watched the River flow lazily north I knew my enjoyment was more than the beauty of the nature but the very thought that I was sitting immersed in nature and away from work and the everyday responsibilities at home. I spend my days (and way too much overtime) helping other people enjoy their visits to Virginia State Parks in many indirect and some direct ways, and now I was getting to enjoy one myself. The “being away from it all” feeling was compounded by the fact that my Blackberry has not the faintest signal at this rural retreat.

We just finished our third day at the park – my husband David, dog Yoda, and I. We had a campfire on the river bank this evening after a special dinner off the grill but let me share the highlights so far. We arrived early evening on Friday, unpacked the car and left poor Yoda in a strange place while we went for dinner and some limited grocery shopping. We drove south on Rt. 340 to Luray and ended up at Brookside's a family restaurant on the outskirts of Shenandoah National Park on Rt. 211. I was disappointed that they had just sold their last slice of blueberry upside down cake. David enjoyed the blackberry cobbler.

Saturday we relaxed over breakfast. It was hard to pull myself away from the view of the river, but we finally got under way. We drove the rest of the length of the Cullers Tract to the edge of the construction area and back to Route 613. It was a beautiful day for the drive. We also crossed the low water bridge across the river, mainly so we could take pictures of the river from the bridge. Then we headed into Front Royal, visited the quaint historic area, had lunch, and found a grocery store. While David shopped I confess I booted up my laptop and checked my e-mail and Twitter. While online I scoped out the local wineries and found one just a few miles south of Front Royal on Rt. 522.

Chester Gap Cellars affords a beautiful mountain view and their tasting room, which appeared relatively new, leads out to a great deck with a mountain and vineyard view. We tasted six wines. We bought two bottles. The winery cat and dog relaxed on the deck with the fabulous view. My husband is not that fond of wine but he humors my enjoyment of visiting wineries. Chester Gap Cellars is open weekends most of the year and is worth a stop.

Sunday we spent a lazy day. The highlight was a delightful afternoon wading in the river. David had procured a cheap pair of athletic shoes for the purpose and I had my pool shoes from the Y. Yoda seemed happy with his bare paws. The bottom is very rocky with some sand and the river not very deep here. I enjoyed watching folks in canoes, kayaks and tubes routinely get stuck on the rocks in this bend of the river. I enjoyed wading to my waist and staying close to the shore. David and Yoda ventured half way across. David found a rock ledge that made a nice chair in the water. Yoda enjoyed swimming and taking rests on the rocks. I managed a few pictures of the river while I was wading but had to put the camera away for its protection.

Monday, Labor Day, we headed into Front Royal and picked up brochures in the Visitor Information Center on Main Street. We had lunch next door in the Old Mill Restaurant/Main Street Tavern. We have eaten here before and always enjoy the food. Today was no exception. David did some more shopping. [Ok, we live one mile from the store at home and don’t do a very good job of picking up all we need in one trip]. I snuck in a few minutes on line.

The rest of the afternoon we enjoyed thirty miles of the Skyline Drive. We stopped at every overlook between the northern terminus in Front Royal to the exit at Thornton Gap on Rt. 211. It was not a clear day – lots of haze – but we both took many pictures. We chanced on a young man doing some rock climbing at one overlook and watched him take a variety of routes thirty to forty feet up a rock face. We have some nice pictures of his fun. I enjoyed the fact that it was Shenandoah National Park so I didn’t have to worry whether what he was doing was kosher or not. In spite of the haze we had a delightful drive. There is a $15 fee for a 7-day pass so we plan to go back and hopefully find some clearer views.

Nestled on Virginia's Northern Neck, in Lancaster County, and on the Rappahannock River with 7.5 miles of shoreline on the River and Deep and Mulberry creeks, Belle Isle State Park may be one of Virginia State Park's best kept secret.

We acquired Belle Isle State Park with the 1992 General Obligation Bond. Thanks to the 2002 State Park and Natural Area Bond we have added facilities that transcend the park from a mostly day use park to a full service park.

We brag about the staff at all of our parks, but time and again we get comments from the public about how exceptional the Belle Isle staff are. They go out of their way to make every visitor's stay memorable. The park has a Chief Ranger Interpreter who manages nature and cultural programming appropriate for all ages. Click here to search for programs by park, date, and type. But you don't have to take my word for it, check out this blog post by a family who recently visited the park and participated in the Junior Ranger program. Here are pictures the family took of their stay at the park and their participation in the program.



For overnight accommodations, the park offers 28 campsites with electric (up to 50 amp service) and water hookups. The sites are spacious - can hold up to a 45 foot RV - and great for tents, pop ups or large RVs. There is lots of buffer vegetation which means privacy. The bath house is our new design that features family shower and changing rooms. Opening soon will be our Camping Lodge, a facility we use for our Youth Conservation Corps and other volunteer groups. The Camping lodge sleeps up to 14 on bunk beds and uses the campground bath house. It isn't fancy but it's great for groups who want a slight step up from a camping experience.

We also rent the Bel Air Mansion and Guest House. These facilities make a popular venue for weddings and parties (see the Park Office about special use permit requirements) but they are wonderful for family vacations as well.

The park's motor boat launch area features a screened-in shelter, grills and rest rooms, and docking is permitted during daylight hours. Annual passes for the boat launch are available at the park office or by calling our reservation center at 800-933-7275. If you don't have your own boat, the park offers a number of rental options for canoes, kayaks and motor boats so you can explore the waterways around the park.

There is a car top launch for canoes and kayaks on the other side of the park adjacent to the fishing pier and boardwalk trail on Mulberry Creek. Unfortunately a recent storm took out part of the boardwalk trail loop, but we hope to have that repaired in the near future.

On land, rent a bicycle to explore the park or set off on foot to experience the multi-use trails that expose the visitor to seven types of wetlands and coastal agricultural fields. When I was there a few weeks ago, the corn crop reminded me of that song from the musical Oklahoma - the corn was as high as an elephant's eye! The park also features multi-use trails that permit equestrian use along with a horse trailer parking area.

Click here for a park map that includes detailed trail information. Stop by our information station, located next to the camp store, to view and print detailed trail maps. The camp store sells gift items, fishing licenses, bait and drinks. The park is a great venue for a picnic by a group or family with picnic shelters available for reservation and tables overlooking the river and adjacent to the park's playground.

The park's new visitor center will be another great asset to the park. It is located with a great view of the River and access to a nature trail for environmental education. Unfortunately, we don't have any exhibits at this time but it serves as a great base for some of our environmental programs. The diversity of the park's ecosystems make it a great backdrop for quality environmental education.

A summer concert series sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle State Park is a great way to spend a summer evening. The park is also home to the annual Bay Seafood Festival in early September. There is lots to see and do in the area around the park as well.

For reservations for camping or the Bel Air mansion and guest house, book on line or call the State Park Reservation Center (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 800-933-7275. Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling the Reservation Center.