Outdoors Virginia Beach

First Landing State Park

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

Editor's note: Our post from yesterday detailed the current flooding conditions at First Landing State Park. We will have camping there (and the cabins are unimpacted). However, we will likely have fewer sites than normal so if you want to visit First Landing, be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible!

One of my favorite parks is First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. I have been camping and stayed in their cabins numerous times. If you plan on camping at First Landing be sure to ask for a spot closest to the beach because you cannot beat the ocean views, especially in the morning. However, I would suggest not setting up your tent in the sand. It may sound like a good idea at first, but trust me you will regret it later when the little bugs hiding in the sand are biting at your feet and the sand seems to be being dumped in your tent by the bucket. However, you really can't beat the views of the beach.

During our walk around the park we also discovered a campsite that may want to rethink leaving their food on the picnic table unattended. Well, at least the squirrel's got to eat too.

First Landing was also where I first learned that those little black sacks that wash up on the shore are actually shark eggs. It worried me a little in the beginning, but it got hot fast so I decided to take my chances.

The cabins at First Landing are also wonderful. They have the real feel and look of an old cabin hidden away in the woods and yet they are only a short distance from Virginia Beach's infamous boardwalk. I think that is why I like First Landing so much. They have everything you want when you plan a cabin or camping trip and yet if you don't like to be too far from civilization you can make your way to the beach for swimming or to the boardwalk for some shopping. You get the best of both worlds at First Landing State Park.

Winter Weather Wreacks Havoc on Spring Camping

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

At a time when we could sure use the revenue and our visitors sure could use an escape from cabin fever, the winter weather has conspired to put a damper on early spring camping.

Douthat State Park, one of our most popular campgrounds, is not going to be able to open for our traditional March 1 start of camping. While the park staff have done what they can to plow the roads in White Oak Campground, the turning radius will not accommodate large RVs. Top that off with the fact that the sites are snow covered, and there is just no way to accommodate campers. The site surface is such that traditional snow removal methods pretty much destroy the surface. Melting snow in the area will also likely cause flooding of the creek that the campground road crosses. Even in normal snowfall years, we have had campers stranded in the campground due to flooding. As soon as the snow melts and conditions improve, we hope to open the campground. For now, we have it closed until April 1.

The picnic tables give you an idea of where the actual sites are at Douthat State Park

Douthat's White Oak Campground on 02/23/2010

"Snowmageddon" in Washington DC received a lot of press. Westmoreland State Park due south of DC received record snow as well. Thanks to a nice weekend much of the snow has melted. However, some still remains. The campground is open but campers should be prepared for the conditions. The good news is that the gravel sites drain really well so as soon as the snow melts the sites should be fine.

Campground at Westmoreland State Park 2/23/10

Finally we have First Landing State Park. I know what you're thinking - "give me a break Virginia Beach didn't get that much snow." Snow is not the issue here. The problem at First Landing is the overwhelming rainfall since the fall. This isn't traditional flooding. The problem is the water table. After a while, the ground is saturated and there is just no place for the water to go. A lot of campsites are under water. To further complicate the situation the road to get to the campsites that aren't flooded is flooded so you can't get there.

First Landing Campground Road - our Park Ranger volunteered to give you some perspective

Another section of the campground loop road

Loop H, which is to the left of the contact station when facing the Bay, is the only loop we can open beginning March 1. Fortunately we have enough sites there to accommodate existing reservations through early May. Many customers may be getting free upgrades to larger sites or sites with electric and water in order to accommodate their reservations. We are cautiously optimistic about being able to accommodate other existing reservations including Memorial Day weekend. We will be following the situation closely. Once the roads are passable, we still expect to have a problem with a number of sites. We have had those sites blocked off. The end result will be fewer sites available for the immediate future.

Flooded campsite at First Landing - we're not talking a little bit of water

Another flooded campsite at First Landing State Park

Oh, and the picnic area and some trails are a problem as well. In this picture you can see our new water slide (joke). Another idea - we can deem some of the campsites as "waterfront" now and raise the fee (another joke). Sorry, sometimes you just have to laugh. Anyone building an Ark?

Newest Addition to DCR State Parks

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

Hello everyone! My name is Kristen Uerz and I am the new receptionist for the central office for Virginia State Parks. Even though I am new to this department I am not new to the state parks. I have camped and stayed in cabins at several of the state parks over the years, from my personal favorite Smith Mountain Lake tucked away in Huddleston, VA to the always exciting First Landing in Virginia Beach.

My main goal is to stay at every state park in Virginia and my next cabin trip to Occoneechee, at the end of February, will put me closer to that goal. While at Occoneechee I plan on geocaching and checking out a few of their trails. I was also introduced to the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest Program in which you can sign up for free and log your visits to the state parks. You are rewarded with prizes for visiting the state parks simply by finding the Secret Park Code and logging it on your account. I am excited to be a part of such a great department and I can't wait to share all of my stories with fellow state park lovers.

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

Bear Creek

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors

Visitor post from Roberta Lane, Virginia Beach, Virginia

We have been camping at Bear Creek for the last 15 years every October.I remember one of our first years tent camping it was in the middle of the night.I was awaken by a heavy breathing on the other side of our tent wall.It was right where my husband and I had our heads laying on our pillows.I nudged my husband and realized he was already awake listening also.Whatever it was it left after a few minutes.I have never been so scared in my life.I just kept thinking ...holly cow..this park was named Bear Creek for some reason!

Photo credit: Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation

Join the Tree Army at First Landing State Park

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Staci Martin

First Landing is facing a crisis related to the destruction of the park's natural forested area due to prohibited off-trail use and the creation of cut-throughs, short-cuts, and unofficial trails.

Trails are specially designed to minimize impacts and erosion. Trails are routed to avoid particularly delicate natural areas. When hikers go "off-trail", ride bikes on hike-only trails, or create cut throughs, it can cause safety issues, damage the ecosystem, and cause other people to get disoriented.

There are over 5 miles of unoffical trails in the park today!!!

First Landing State Park is seeking sponsors to help pay for new trees to be planted in these impacted areas to restore these unofficial trails to their natural, forested state. We need over 3,000 trees to restore these areas!!

You can sponsor 1 tree for $3, 2 trees for $5, or 5 trees for $10; checks payable to Friends of First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

The park is also seeking Tree Army volunteers to help plant these saplings on Saturday, April 24 from 10am-1pm. Tree Army volunteers will prep the area, plant seedlings, and wrap them with tree guards. Ongoing volunteer opportunities to water the new saplings through the year are also available.

For information on volunteering for the Tree Army call 757-412-2300 and ask for Pam Kern, Volunteer Coordinator.

Winter Wildlife Festival Cancelled due to Weather

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Staci Martin

The Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival scheduled for Saturday, January 30th has been cancelled due to forecasted Winter Storm Warning. All activities--exhibit hall, field trips, hikes at First Landing and programs at False Cape State Parks are also cancelled.

It's Showtime!

Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

Virginia State Parks kicked off the promotional show season with the Washington Camping and RV Show (Jan. 15-17) at the Dulles Expo Center. We had a lot of visitors to the State Parks' booth throughout the show. Many picked up the latest information on our parks with a show special 15% off their next camping reservation. There were also some great promotional giveaway items. We would like to congratulate Richard Weeks of Hollywood, Maryland whose name was drawn from hundreds of entries to win 2 FREE NIGHTS OF CAMPING. There will be more great giveaways at upcoming shows, so I hope you will stop by our booth and say hi and let us tell you about all the great things happening at our parks.

SHOW SCHEDULE

-Jan. 22-24, Tidewater Camping/RV Show in Virginia Beach

-Jan. 31, Kingsport Bridal Show

-Feb. 6, Healthy Lifestyle Expo, Richmond

-Feb. 12-14, Richmond Camping/RV Show

-Feb. 21, Roanoke Valley Bridal Show

-Feb. 26-28, Raleigh (NC) Camping/RV Show

-April 16-18, Richmond Southern Women's Show

Winter Wildlife Festival in Virginia Beach

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Staci Martin

The City of Virginia Beach is hosting a Winter Wildlife Festival in partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries on January 30, 2010 featuring field trips to False Cape and First Landing state parks. This festival is a great opportunity to get loads of outdoor recreation information, learn to identify wildlife habitats, and get to know your local parks.

The festival will focus on environmental education and wildlife and will feature excursions, educational sessions and outdoor oriented vendors--including a Virginia State Parks information booth.

The exhibit all will be open from 9am-3pm at the recreation center with educational excursions occuring throughout the day. Information on education sessions and excursions can be found at www.vbgov.com/winterwildlife.

The excursions to False Cape and First Landing are as follows:

12:30pm-4:30pm Ride in the Terragator along False Cape's remote beach observing shorebirds, whales, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an old Italian shipwreck. The return trip will feature a ride on the open air tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge where you'll see ducks, swans, and egrets.

8:30am-11:30am Take a guided hike along First Landing's shoreline to observe pelicans, sandpipers, and other shorebirds. The trip will also include a tour of the shoreline at Fort Story.

5:30pm-7:30pm Explore the night time woods of First Landing State Park looking and listening for noctural wildlife including owls and raccoons.

All of these programs require registration through the City of Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival website. visit www.vbgov.com/winterwildlife for registration information.

Claytor Lake is the Best!

Saturday, December 12, 2009 by Virginia State Park Visitors

Another park user contributed blog!

By: Anita Moore, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Our family LOVES a relaxing week at Claytor Lake. 2010 will be our 3rd annual week there and we can't wait! Boating and tubing are favorite things to do & we always rent a boat or two from Claytor Lake Watersports while we're there. Roasting marshmallows, laying on the dock at night stargazing and playing volleyball at the beach are just a few highlights. And we really enjoyed the new walking paths from the cabins to the conference center this year. We bring our dog and that's a plus, too. He enjoys walking and running and playing in the fresh mountain air (and chasing a squirrel or two). Can't wait to go back next year! :)

On Beach Camping Temporarily Suspended at False Cape State Park

Thursday, November 19, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

They finally got the barge full of hazardous material containers pulled away from the Sandbridge shore near Little Island City Park, but all is not right with the beach at False Cape State Park.

The November nor'easter (they really should name those because it was as bad as many hurricanes we have faced) really took a bite out of the beach.

Before:

After:

For those of you that have never camped at False Cape State Park, campers who rent the ocean side sites (sites 4-9) at Barbour Hill and False Cape Landing are generally allowed to either use the established sites on the west side of the dunes, or camp out on the beach next to the dunes.

You might also be unaware that there is some vehicular traffic on the beach. In addition to park staff, residents of the northernmost part of North Carolina down to near Corolla Light were grandfathered access to Virginia Beach via the beach when the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was formed. Coincidentally, my sister is married to one of those grandfathered residents. These folks drive on the beach between North Carolina and Sandbridge.

Usually as long as campers stay close to the dunes, even at high tide there is no problem with the traffic. But given what is left of the beach, we have now ruled that the beach camping is too dangerous. We hope this is just temporary but I have no projections on how long the prohibition will last. Camping in the established sites west of the dunes is still allowed.

I'd hate for my sister to run over a camper!

'Tis the Season....for Wedding Planning! Hold yours at First Landing State Park!!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Staci Martin

He asked. She said YES!

Where will they say, "I Do"?

First Landing State Park offers many unique outdoor locations that are the perfect setting to share your love for each and your love for the outdoors. Mix the traditional elements of a picture-perfect wedding with your own "out of the box" ideas to make your wedding day unforgettable!

Celebrate your joy with sand between your toes on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay for a classic beach wedding. Since our shoreline faces north, we are one of the only sites in Virginia Beach where you can have a sunset wedding on the water. Place a basket of flip-flops on the boardwalk for your guests to change into for their walk on the sand or have your wedding march on the boardwalk above the dunes. Hold your reception in our Chesapeake Bay Center courtyard or amphitheater and continue the beach theme with seashell table centerpieces and chocolates, beach-themed wedding attire, and a Jimmy Buffet cover band.

If deep southern charm is more your style, then hold your big event surrounded by Spanish-moss draped live oaks along the Bald Cypress Trail. Provide your wedding party with magnolias in full bloom, book the picnic shelter for a good old-fashioned southern BBQ themed reception, and wear a traditional ante-bellum wedding gown.

Be sure to plan ahead and book one, or all, of our twenty cabins for your wedding party and guests. These rustic cabins have amenities such as hot showers, air-conditioning, covered porches, and full kitchens. We also have event-sized tents, tables, and chairs available for rent. We even allow outside caterers, event planners, and rental companies so you can customize your wedding to fit your personality, theme, and budget.

First Landing State Park has an Event Coordinator on staff to offer suggestions about your wedding and guidance in filling out the required "Special Use Permit" application. To request information and a "Special Use Permit" application, please call 757-412-230 or send an email to firstlanding@dcr.virginia.gov.    There is a $10 fee to process your permit. Fees for facility rental vary, but are very reasonable. Be sure to ask for a pricing sheet when you request your permit application.

Here's what others have to say about weddings at First Landing State Park.

"I've performed more than 100 wedding at First Landing State Park and just love it! As both wedding photographer and officiant, I view wedding venues with the eye of a photographer and have found First Landing to be top notch. It offers an abundance of natural scenery such as sand dunes, natural sea grasses, and a great view of the sunset. First Landing is an ideal destination wedding location."

                                                                                  ---Frankee Love, Beach Weddings, Virginia

"We want to thank you for talking to us about our beach weddings, helping with the paperwork, and making us feel comfortable with this desitnation. You gave me peace of mind that I had not felt at other places we had visited."

                                                                                             ---Pam and Curtis (Bride and Groom)

"First Landing State Park is one of the area's best kept secrets for weddings on the Chesapeake Bay. The pristine coastline, coupled with the natural surroundings and beautiful sunsets make this spot ideal for our brides. With the ability to host the wedding and reception at the same location with our team of Event planners and Culinary Professionals or have the wedding on the bay and then the reception in one of our spacious ballrooms located nearby, the brides love the many options available to make their wedding dreams a reality."

                                                  ---Ann Christie, Grand Affairs, www.grandaffariscatering.com

"Kudos to your staff. We truly appreciate all your help in making our daughter, Amber's, wedding so great. She and the groom delcared the day "PERFECT"!! Everyone was so helpful and kind. Thank you so very much."

                                                                                        --Lynn and Sid (Parents of the Bride)

Are You a Budding Les Stroud?

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

If you said Who? to the title of this post then you have never seen the great Discovery Channel show Survivorman. A short description of who he is and what he does is: "No food, no shelter, no fresh water .... no camera crew. One man - alone in the wilderness for seven days. I love the show curled up in my bed with all the conveniences of modern living.

If you have ever dreamed of BEING Les Stroud, get the basics from Vickie Shufer, False Cape State Park's well known naturalist and edible food guru in this popular program, Wilderness Survival Weekend scheduled for November 20-22, 2009. You may have noticed that the park has offered a similar program that lasted several hours. Well, participants wanted MORE.

Wash Woods Environmental Education Center from Back Bay

False Cape State Park invites the entire family for a fun-filled weekend of hiking and exploring Virginia’s Outer Banks while discovering tricks and tips on how to survive in the wilderness. The group will identify coastal native plants and discover how they can be used for survival, how to purify water, build shelters, make fire without matches and track wild animals. Participants stay at False Cape's Wash Woods Environmental Education Center.

The cost is $150 and includes food, lodging, education materials and transportation in and out of the park. To register, call 1-800-933-PARK.

False Cape State Park is one of the truly wild places in the state and when you are transported in from Sandbridge, the southmost point of Virginia Beach, you might feel like Les does when his crew abandons him. But don't worry, Wash Woods has all the conveniences of home and Vickie will take good care of you.

You could almost be on a deserted island

Fall in Virginia Beach - A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

Virginia Beach is a great destination year round and First Landing State Park makes an excellent base for visiting that resort city and the surrounding cities. Summer might be over, but how can you miss views like this one?

This great picture was taken by one of our visitors, Michael Stuart, As if the lighting isn't enough, the dolphin makes it perfect.

First Landing offers year round rentals of cabins and the campground is open from March 1 until the first Monday in December. Call 800-933-7275 for reservations or make them on line here.

September at False Cape State Park

Thursday, September 3, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

The calendar may say September, but the days are still hot (and so are the programs) at False Cape State Park. Check out these great opportunities to visit this natural wonder at the edge of Virginia Beach:

Early Bird Kayak Paddle
Saturday, September 5, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 26, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak and observe birds and other wildlife in and around the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up
Cost: $16/person

Sunset/Moonrise Kayak Paddle
Sunday, September 6, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Take a paddle by moonlight and listen to the night sounds as nocturnal wildlife emerges. Kayak equipment is provided and no paddling experience is necessary. Cost is $16/person. Reservations are required; please call (757)426-7128 to sign up.

Sunset Kayak Paddle
Monday, September 7, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 13, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 27, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak at False Cape State Park as the sun is setting over the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up
Cost: $16/person

Wild Women Weekend at False Cape State Park
September 18-20, 2009
False Cape State Park invites women to discover the natural and cultural history of Virginia's Outer Banks during a weekend dedicated to women in the outdoors. Explore and learn new skills by participating in activities such as beachcombing, wild food sessions, nature walks, yoga and kayaking. Lodging and all meals are provided at the Wash Woods Environmental Education Center, which overlooks Back Bay. This weekend is open to women 21 years and older. For registration information and a weekend schedule, call False Cape State Park at (757) 426-7128. Cost for the weekend is $150. Space is limited, so register early!

International Coastal Cleanup
Sunday, September 20, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Come join us for the 24th International Coastal Cleanup. Guests will be picked up at Little Island City Park at 9am and returned at 2 pm. Space is limited; please call the park to sign up. There is no fee to attend this event.

September Song

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is great in September and October

I can't believe that this is the last weekend in August already. When you are in the Parks business, the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are loaded with activities and there is so much to do you can barely catch your breath. Since my husband and I do not have children, it has made a lot of sense for us not to take vacations in the summer when my job is so chaotic.

But let me tell you a big secret - in Virginia September and even October have weather that in many ways beats the summer months! We usually vacation around September 17th since it's my husband's birthday and our anniversary (ladies, you see the testament that I am a clever woman combining those dates). This year, we are going a little earlier. But I will be blogging about my vacation plans later (naturally in a State Park).

This is when you need to start thinking about your cabin or camping getaway for the Fall.

For example, if you have tried to get camping and cabin reservations at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach this summer, you most likely have been disappointed or very lucky. But once Labor Day rolls around, you will find plenty of availability, especially during the week, and wonderful weather to enjoy Virginia Beach. Weekends may still be tough, but the longer in advance you can plan, the better.

Tye River Overlook at James River State Park

Same goes for that fall foliage mountain trip you have always wanted to do. It may already be too late for a weekend cabin at Douthat State Park but there is plenty of availability during the week. Or try our new cabins at James River State Park.

Not sure where you want to go? Call our reservation center and have the resevation counselor check for availability for the type of site you are interested in and the dates. He/she can tell you what is available and what the amenities are at the park.

Our reservation center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 800-933-7275. Or you can search for availability and make reservations on line.

The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail Celebrates Its Five Year Anniversary with Statewide Celebrations

Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries began development of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail program in 2001. With the dedication of the Piedmont Phase in September of 2004, they completed America's first statewide wildlife viewing trail.

Since then they have sent trail guides to all 50 states and 126 foreign countries. They have
added over a dozen new sites to the Trail have been featured in national publications, many national newspapers and every major travel publication and newspaper in Virginia. There are 670 sites on the trail now, including every Virginia State Park, and hundreds of species of wildlife across Virginia to see. Over 640,000 people visit the Trail annually.

Four events are scheduled statewide to celebrate the fifth birthday of this trail.

September 25, 2009 8:00am - 1:00pm
Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, Nelson County

October 23, 2009 8:00am - 1:00pm
Virginia Creeper Trail Park, Abingdon

November 6, 2009 8:00am - 1:00pm
The Link, Sperryville

January 30, 2010 (Time TBD)
Winter Wildlife Festival, Virginia Beach

Each event will start with a morning bird walk at 8:00am at a nearby Birding and Wildlife Trail site, then return to the host site around 10:00 am for a quick update about the Trail Program, an update from the local tourism and host staffs and then share some hors d'oeuvres and birthday cake.

For more information on the celebrations or the trail, contact Jeff Trollinger at 804-367-8747 or jeff.trollinger@dgif.virginia.gov.

False Cape State Park Events August 1-15

Friday, July 24, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

There will be lots of paddling going on at False Cape State Park the first half of August with three different programs offered on seven different dates. Add Nature Tales, a Turtle Program, Star Gazing and a GPS activity, and you have a great excuse to visit unique and spectacular False Cape State Park.

Moonlight Kayak Paddle
Saturday, August 1, 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Take a paddle by moonlight and listen to the night sounds as nocturnal wildlife emerges. Kayak equipment is provided and no paddling experience is necessary. Cost is $16/person. Reservations are required; please call (757)426-7128 to sign up.

Sunset Kayak Paddle
Sunday, August 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak at False Cape State Park as the sun is setting over the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up.
Cost: $16/person

Nature Kids
Tuesday, August 4, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
False Cape State Park invites kids ages 7-12 to come out and connect with nature by playing games, making nature crafts and exploring False Cape’s natural communities.
Cost: $10/child

Turtle Tales
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Find out which sea turtles use Virginia’s outer banks for nesting, when to look for turtle crawls, and how you can help protect these endangered species.
Cost: $8/person

Early Bird Kayak Paddle
Sunday, August 9, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 13, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak and observe birds and other wildlife in and around the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up
Cost: $16/person

Stars of Tonight
Saturday, August 15, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Observe the night sky without the bright city lights on the remote beach at False Cape State Park and look for stars, meteors, planets, and constellations with park staff. Program meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge for transportation into False Cape. Pre-registration is required; please call (757) 426-7128 to sign up.
Cost: $10/person.

Finding Your Way
Saturday, August 15, 1-4:00 p.m.
Learn to navigate in the outdoors using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology! Finding Your Way is an introduction to using a GPS while discovering False Cape State Park. A great family program, fun for both kids and adults! After learning the basics, there will be games and activities that use your new skills. GPS units are provided. Pre-registration is required; please call (757) 426-7128 to sign up.
Cost: $10/ person

All fees include transportation to and from the park - an experience in and of itself. Be sure to call the park in advance to sign up for these great programs.

Kayaking on Back Bay at False Cape State Park

Adventures at False Cape State Park

Thursday, July 16, 2009 by Nancy Heltman

False Cape State Park is truly a unique visitor experience in a park system filled with exceptional experiences. What makes False Cape unique?

Pristine Atlantic ocean shoreline with no visible development
No direct vehicular access for visitors
Maritime forest of oak and pine
Barrier Spit that features a diverse habitat of beaches, dunes, wooded swamps, marshes and Back Bay
History of settlement by shipwreck survivors
Fantastic wildlife viewing

Late July and early August programs give visitors of all ages an opportunity to explore this special park.

Nature Kids
Tuesday, July 28, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Tuesday, August 4, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
False Cape State Park invites kids ages 7-12 to come out and connect with nature by playing games, making nature crafts and exploring False Cape’s natural communities.
Cost: $10/child

Sunset Kayak Paddle
Friday, July 31, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak at False Cape State Park as the sun is setting over the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up.
Cost: $16/person

Moonlight Kayak Paddle
Saturday, August 1, 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Take a paddle by moonlight and listen to the night sounds as nocturnal wildlife emerges. Kayak equipment is provided and no paddling experience is necessary. Cost is $16/person. Reservations are required; please call (757)426-7128 to sign up.

Turtle Tales
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Find out which sea turtles use Virginia’s outer banks for nesting, when to look for turtle crawls, and how you can help protect these endangered species.
Cost: $8/person

Early Bird Kayak Paddle
Sunday, August 9, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Explore Back Bay and its marshes by kayak and observe birds and other wildlife in and around the bay. Kayaks and equipment are provided – no paddling experience is necessary. Trip meets at Little Island City Park in Sandbridge. Reservations are required; please call the park at (757) 426-7128 to sign up
Cost: $16/person

If you are particularly adventurous, check out our primitive camping at the park.

See these related posts:

The Other Side of Virginia Beach; Bird Watching Heaven; Tour Virginia's Southeastern State Parks; Nature Observations at Virginia State Parks