Full Destination Wedding at Hungry Mother State Park

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Amy Atwood
  

Your wedding will be a day to cherish forever. A celebration of love in the presence of your family and friends. Hungry Mother State Park is a perfect setting for a romantic, memory filled event.  Our 108 acre lake surrounded by mountains and a white sandy beach are two of many locations to choose from.  We can accommodate parties from 2 to 300.
Our park provides a full destination wedding site.  We can assist you in making arrangements with local photographers, floral designers, and entertainment.  Hungry Mother’s cabins and lodges ensure there is ample room available for any size wedding party. 
                
With our full service catering staff, wedding parties can be assured that all of their expectations will be exceeded. Menus include food stations, buffets and elegant dinners.  Chef Lisa Mullen’s ability to create and customize any menu just for you is our specialty.
Hemlock Haven Conference Center is a full service wedding destination site located with-in Hungry Mother State Park.
Experience the Beauty and Romance of a Mountain Wedding in Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
     
 
Get an early start and avoid
the last minute rush.
Contact   John Stone at 1-276-781-7425         
John.Stone@dcr.virginia.com

Hungry Mother State Park Hosts Alternative Spring Break Group

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Amy Atwood
Grand Valley State University ASB group at Hungry Mother State Park

March brings many things like longer days and more sunshine.  It also means it is spring break time.  One group of college students is spending their spring break at Hungry Mother State Park volunteering.  They are a part of Grand Valley State University’s Alternative Spring Break program.  The school is located in Allendale, Michigan.

Lunch with Hungry Mother State Park staff and Friends of Hungry Mother.

After a first morning of orientation, the group was treated to a potluck lunch hosted by the park staff and Friends of Hungry Mother.  After lunch the work began.  Some of the projects the crew will be working on are creating fish habitat by tying cinderblocks to old Christmas trees, help the Friend of Hungry Mother pick-up trash along Hwy 16 leading into the park.  & to help the park to prepare for the busy season.  Their evenings are spent soaking up local culture and attractions.  They will spend one afternoon exploring Grayson Highlands State Park.

Preparing Fish Habitat

Alterative Spring Break is designed to give students opportunities to reach out to help people in different parts of country by serving with various types of organizations.  The students pay all the expenses for the trip and come to lend a helping hand.  Especially during these economic times, volunteers make a huge contributions to Virginia State Parks.  Many things would not happen without the effort of volunteers.

Thank you, Grand Valley State University for choosing to spend your Spring Break at Hungry Mother State Park.  

Sunny Southwest

Friday, March 5, 2010 by Amy Atwood

The weatherman has finally promised Southwest Virginia a weekend with sun and  temperatures in the 50’s, and  I find myself thinking of all the ways to enjoy the weekend.  I want to enjoy it to the fullest. 

What does that mean to you?  Possibly a relaxing walk along a winding trail is a great way to let go of stress. Bring out the bikes for the whole family and listen to the kids giggle as they ride along  and of course you have to include hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. 

Coffee House at Southwest VA Museum


If you simply can’t avoid the daunting tasks around the house during the day, then the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park's First Saturday Community Coffee House, may suit you better.   Bring the family out on Saturday evening, March 6 at 7p.m. to a relaxing atmosphere full of stories, songs, and even a few surprises for you and your family.  Be sure to get there by 6:45 p.m. so you don’t miss a minute of this refreshing program.
 

                     Shape Note Singing at Natural Tunnel State Park

On Sunday afternoon ,  a Shape Note Singing program will be held on Sunday March 7 at at Natural Tunnel State Park beginning at 2 p.m.  This program will teach you to sing four-part harmony without instruments and no experience is required.  There will be plenty of time before and after the program to enjoy and the afternoon of sunshine.

It doesn’t matter what your interests are, you can find them in a Virginia State Park.

Today is "Go Red for Women" Day

Friday, February 5, 2010 by Amy Atwood

Today is ‘Go Red for Women’ Day.  It is a day set aside by theAmerican Heart Association to draw awareness to the effects of heart disease in women.  People are asked  to wear red to show support of the on going fight against heart disease.

On its website, the American Heart Association lists ‘Life’s Simple 7’.  These are changes that any person can make to improve health.  These changes are not extreme or expensive but created to empower individuals to change their own heart health.

In 5 of the 7 categories, healthy activity was listed as a key to improvement.  Only in the categories ‘Eat Better’ and ‘Stop Smoking’ was activity not listed as a practice to obtain the goal of better heart health..  The benefits of general healthy activity can not be denied.  It helps you lose or maintain weight, control blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.  And one thing not listed but I know from personal experience is the help activity can be in handling stress. 

So today as you notice people wearing red, think about your own health.  Do you get enough activity to improve your health?  If not, what could you do to improve your health? 

Since you are reading this on the Virginia State Park’s blog, you can probably anticipate one suggestion would be to get out to a park.  There are many activities to participate in  at your local.  Hiking is the obvious activity but what about biking, canoeing, kayaking, or even playing.  Just remember, something is better than nothing especially if it is play.  We do suggest a visit to your doctor to discuss major exercise changes. 
The choice is in your hands.

  

Fall Fear Bike Race at Hungry Mother State Park

Monday, October 19, 2009 by Amy Atwood

Fall Fear Bike Race at Hungry Mother State Park

The Friends of Hungry Mother will again be sponsoring Hungry Mother State Park’s Fall Fear Bike Race on Oct 24, 2009.  Racers will pick from 3 categories – beginners, sport, expert/pro.  There is a division for men and women in each category.  Each of the three courses is new in 2009. 

The main route will go in the reverse direction on the Lake Trail. 

The Sport Category will do a figure-8 type loop with the CCC Trail and the Expert/Pro Category will be using Raiders Run Trail, Old Shawnee, and Molly’s Knob Trails. 

The Beginner loop will be just less than 6 miles, the Sport will be approximately 10 miles and the Expert/Pro will be approximately 12 miles.              

Pre-registration is open until 11 am Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.  On race day, registration will be from 8:00 – 9:45 am, the pre-race meeting at 9:45 am and the race beginning at 10:00 am.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of Hungry Mother, Hungry Mother State Park, Arnold’s Exxon, Adventure Bikes of Wytheville, and R&R Station and Lucky Dog Deli of Marion. 

For more information on the race please call 276-781-7400 or visit the website.

Coming Soon!! Grayson Highlands Fall Festival

Monday, September 14, 2009 by Amy Atwood


Making apple butterDuring the last full weekend in September, each year Grayson Highlands State Park plays host to the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival.  The community festival celebrates Virginia’s unique, traditional mountain heritage. 

The sound of bluegrass/old time music, the smell of sorghum molasses and barbequed chicken and a touch of fall in the air are only the beginning of what you can expect from this festival.  Many craft demonstrations are available for visitors to get a taste of what life was like for the pioneers who settled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. 


Grayson Highlands Fall FestivalThe Grayson Highlands Fall Festival is sponsored by the Rugby Rescue Squad and Ladies Auxiliary. There is a $6 per vehicle fee for parking.   The wild pony sale, sponsored by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, will take place at 2 pm on Saturday.  For more information about this festival, please email graysonhighlands@dcr.virginia.gov or call (276) 579-7092.

Grayson Highlands offer camping but sites go fast for this premier event. Alternately, Hungry Mother State Park is a good base and has both cabins and camping. To check availability or make reservations, call our reservation center at 800-933-7275, or try our on line reservations.

2nd Annual Appalachian Folk Life Festival

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Amy Atwood

Southwest VA Museum Historical State Park
 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a mountain dulcimer?  Or how a beekeeper keeps from getting stung?  Would you like to learn how to make a corn shuck doll or a hunting knife, just like your ancestors did? 

On Saturday, September 19  12:00 noon to 5:00 PM, come to the Southwest Virginia Museum’s Folk Life Festival and visit with area artisans who can answer your questions and demonstrate the skills necessary to practice a variety of traditional mountain crafts.
 

Exhibitors will display their goods and share their expertise in quilting, carving, metal working, instrument making, wood-turning, beekeeping, corn shuck crafts and more.  There will be a hands-on children’s area where kids of all ages can try butter churning, weaving and quilting; old-time games and children’s crafts will also be available. 
 

At 2:00 PM, Tyler Hughes and the Generation Gap will perform a variety of old-time, country and bluegrass tunes on traditional mountain instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, autoharp, guitar, and mountain dulcimer.
 

All of the day’s activities are free and open to the public.  For more information, please call the museum at 276-523-1322. 

Women's Wellness Weekends: Recreating You!

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Amy Atwood
Westmoreland State Park


What would you do if you could do anything for yourself?  That was a question asked in a recent women’s group I attend.  I was completely stumped!  I hadn’t given much thought to doing anything just for me in years.  But it made me think. 

Recently, our oldest began her freshman year in college.  The next two will be grown and out the door before you know it.  Then what?  It really is time to begin to process what I want to do for me.  I remember as a young woman, I enjoyed being outdoors and the peace that came with being outside.  I loved spending time with friends.  I enjoyed trying new things.  I am not an invincible young woman any longer, so what does that mean for me now?

Then I realized, it is all right here in front of me.  Virginia State Parks is offering the 2nd Women’s Wellness Weekend the last weekend in September at Westmoreland State Park.  The whole program is designed to help women, like me, to gain the basic knowledge and experience in a variety of topics.  Normally, to try a new activity would require the purchase of equipment, but who really wants to do that when you may hate the activity?  At the Women’s Wellness Weekend, the equipment is provided, class sizes are small enough for one-on-one instruction and the weekend is full of new confidence building experiences.  At Westmoreland’s program, there are even classes to help women identify and handle basic car and home maintenance issues. 

If trying new things, building your knowledge base and meeting new people sounds like fun, come and join us at Westmoreland State Park on Sept 25 – Sept 27.  For more information on this exciting weekend go to www.virginiastateparks.gov  or to make reservations call 1-800-933-7275.  Hope to see you there.

Women's Wellness Weekend, HMSP : Fly-fishingWomen's Wellness Weekend, HMSP: Geo-caching

Because You Deserve It - Women's Wellness Weekends

Monday, August 10, 2009 by Amy Atwood
View from Westmoreland State Park

We all learned about the “Golden Rule” as children.  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  That was our standard by which to live.  As women, we are taught that our responsibility is to take care of everyone else.  Family, friends, clubs, & church all come first.  We cook, we clean, we plan, and we run, but do we ever consider making the effort to “Do unto ourselves as we would have others do unto us”?  We rush around trying to meet the needs of everyone around us, neglecting our own needs.  In today's world, women are caring for their children, grandchildren and now more than ever before their aging parents.  How can we do our best to take care of those around us if we can’t or won’t take care of ourselves?

Does this sound like you? 

Virginia State Parks recognizes that our health and wellness directly effects the care giving we are able to provide.  And in response has developed the Women’s Wellness Weekends.  The weekend of Sept 25-27, 2009 at Westmoreland State Park in Montross VA, the second Women’s Wellness Weekend will be offered by Virginia State Parks.  This is a program developed to help women, relax and re-energizee   The weekend will be packed full of opportunities to remind yourself of your worth by learning new skills and brushing up on some skills that may not have been used in a while.  The following are some of the programs being offered: Yoga, Tai Chi, Aroma Therapy, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Greening Your Life, and Meditation Walk.  These sessions are geared to enable beginners as well as peak the interest of the more experienced participant. 

 
Women's Wellness Weekend, April 09       Women's Wellness Weekend, April09        Women's Wellness Weekend, april09 

Reservations can be made for this affordable weekend by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275).  It is a fabulous opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, & spirit because you are worth it. Reinvest in you. 

“Surviving” the River

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Amy Atwood

Submitted by Forrest Atwood


Lex Van Den Berghe and family on the New River         "Big" Tom Buchanan and family on the New River

 

The guests and staff of the weekly “Canoe the New” program at Hungry Mother State Park were in the company of celebrities Tuesday. “Big Tom” Buchanan and Lex Van Den Berghe of CBS’s Survivor fame attended the program with their families. The Van Den Berghe's as they "Canoe the New"“Big Tom” lives just across the mountain in the community of Rich Valley with his wife Sandy. Lex who resides in Santa Cruz, California, was visiting his Survivor ally this week. The two became friends while appearing on Survivor Africa and the Survivor All-Stars. During Survivor Africa, which aired in 2001, the two held a close alliance which carried them all the way to the final four. The pair also appeared on Survivor All-Stars which aired in 2004, where both made it to the final merge and onto the jury. Unfortunately neither won the million dollars.

The competition this day however, was who could catch the most smallmouth bass and who could keep their canoe afloat! The fishing contest ended in a dead heat with both contestants landing two fish. As for the boating contest, Lex prevailed as “Big Tom” went down with his ship within sight of the take-out point. All in all the whole group enjoyed a beautiful day on the scenic New River.

The park conducts “Canoe the New” programs each Tuesday June thru August. Trips for groups can be booked other days of the week according to staff availability. If you would like to schedule a trip down the river, please call the Hungry Mother State Park office at (276) 781-7400.
 


The Legend of Hungry Mother as told at the Campfire...

Monday, June 29, 2009 by Amy Atwood
Each Sunday night through the summer, the interpretive staff of Hungry Mother State Park greets the visitors with the traditional campfire.  They cover many different topics including wildlife information, sing-a-longs, and roasting marshmellows. 

One of the most asked questions at the park is about the Legend of Hungry Mother.  
So, of course, it is one of the topics of the campfire. 
I thought I would share the legend through the eyes of a campfire guest.


CAmpers act out Legend of Hungry Mother

Legend has it that a New River Settlement south of the park was home to
Molly Marley, her husband and their young child. 
 

Then one night the settlement was attacked and destroyed by some local Native Americans. 

Campers act out the legend of Hungry Mother

Molly's husband was killed and she and her small child were taken captive.

Campers acting out the Legend of Hungry Mother

One night as the captors were sleeping, Molly and her young child escaped!!

Campers act out the Legend of Hungry MotherCampers acting out the Legend of Hungry Mother

They ate berries as they wandered through the woods. 
Finally, Molly collapsed and her child wandered down a creek until help could be found.

Campers acting out the Legend of Hungry Mother

The only words the child could utter were "Hungy Mother". 
But, by the time the rescue team made it back to Molly, she had died. 
Today, the mountain is called Molly's Knob and the stream Hungry Mother Creek. 
When the park was built in the 1930's the creek
was dammed up to form Hungry Mother Lake.

Dog Show at Hungry Mother State Park

Monday, June 29, 2009 by Amy Atwood


Hungry Mother State Park will be partnering with Promised Land Animal Rescue on July 3, 2009,  to bring Waggin’ at the Lake. 

It is the newest community event in Marion, VA.  The event is a dog show featuring 15 categories including Best Senior (8 years or older), Cutest Pup (4 months – 1 year), Best Eyes, Best Trick, and of course a Pet/Handler Look-alike category. 

The cost is $2 per dog per category or $25 per dog for all categories.  All participating dogs must be non-aggressive and spayed or neutered.  According to Virginia State Park policy, all dogs must be kept on a 6’ leash.  Registration will be held at Hungry Mother State Park beginning at 5:30 pm on the day of the show.  Waggin at the Lake will be held at the Boat Ramp Area of the park (off of Mitchell Valley Rd). 

There will be treats available to purchase for both human and canines.  There will also be a raffle with prizes ranging from Barter Theater Tickets to a tent for your pet.   All proceeds from Waggin’ at the Lake will benefit Promised Land Animal Rescue.  

Promised Land Animal Rescue is a no-kill animal shelter in Atkins, VA. Their mission is to provide love and care to neglected, abused or homeless animals.

“With the love and support from our community we have made some BIG steps in the creation of this rescue,” said president of Promised Land Animal Rescue.”
 

For more information about this event, please call Amy Atwood at 2760-781-7412 or Katie Ellis at 276-685-6310.

 

 

Hungry Mother State Park and the Youth Conservation Corps

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 by Amy Atwood

     

In 2001, Hungry Mother State Park hosted it’s first Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew.  No one knew exactly what to expect.  It didn’t take long for the crewmembers to bond with the park staff. 

Each day of the program was filled with a new challenge, a new excitement, and a new awakening.  The look on their faces as they conquered each new project rewarded the staff as much or more than the crewmembers themselves.  

Most years since 2001, Hungry Mother has been a host site for a YCC crew. Regardless of the specific projects, one goal the staff continued throughout the years was to give the crew projects they could take pride in and would be able to return to the park one day with their own family and show off a lasting project. 

YCC 2008 working on overlook along Molly's Knob Trail         First visitors on the newly built overlook platform

On June 21, 2009, Hungry Mother State Park will host another crew of youth wanting to make a difference in their world.  This year’s group will clear corridors on two trails, stain Hungry Mother’s environmental education facilities, install split rail fence, participate in a lake shore clean up, do some trail work and help with environmental programming including the Great American Backyard Campout.  The group will also attend park programs like ‘Trick Your Stick” where they will make their own walking sticks, Music in the Park which highlights local music groups, and they will Canoe the New River with the staff of Hungry Mother. 

The three weeks spent in the parks are not easy weeks.  However, many crewmembers of the past have said the experience teaches them about nature, others, but mainly about themselves. 





EVERYBODY NEEDS BEAUTY AS WELL AS BREAD, PLACES TO PLAY IN AND PRAY IN, WHERE NATURE MAY HEAL AND GIVE STRENGTH TO BODY AND SOUL. 
~JOHN MUIR




The Youth Conservation Corp is a program where youth ages 14-17 are given the opportunity to come into one of Virginia’s State Parks to live and work for 3 weeks.  Each crew consists of 10-12 youth and at least 2 supervisors and an intern.  Upon graduation each participant is given a stipend for their work. 
 

Character Accomplishments rewarded at Hungry Mother State Park

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by Amy Atwood



Throughout the year the 5th grade classes at Marion Intermediate School, Marion, VA have been working on qualities that make up good character.  All 5th graders and their parents were invited to Hemlock Haven at Hungry Mother State Park to celebrate the accomplishments of the 5th graders at the first Character Day Picnic.  These are the comments of just a few of the students.

Yesterday at Character Day at Hemlock Haven, I leaned about good sportsmanship at a game of kickball.  Teamwork at a game of human juggle.  Honesty at a game of trustwalk and that one was also trustworthiness.  Caring is when my friend and I played a game with rackets and birdeys.  Also we got our graduation certificates.  We had fun.
          Angelica

What I learned on our trip was trustworthiness, character, teamwork.  We played kickball and learned about sportsmanship.  It helped me to learn about all these.  I think it also helped everybody else learn as well, because of how people acted I know it helped.  This is a good idea because of what it did for us and everyone had a lot of fun.
          Jeremy

When I went to Hungry Mother for the 5th grade field trip at Hemlock Haven I learned about trustworthiness, responsibility, teamwork, communication, caring, honesty, sportsmanship, and accomplishment.  When we did the trust walk we learned about trustworthiness.
          Cody

When the 5th grade class went to Hemlock Haven.  I learned about trustworthiness, responsibility, and teamwork.  They had fun games for us to play.  It was very fun!
My favorite activity was kickball.  We had to show sportsmanship and teamwork.  Next it was human juggle.  It was so fun!  We learned teamwork.  I learned a lot!
          Lakyn

Yesterday at Character Day at Hemlock Haven, I learned you can make up activities to have a fun day.  You can make games like keep the balloon in the air or remember and catch or there fun games but you have to be responsible for all the parts of the game.   
          Mason
 Yesterday at the lake I learned how to be able to trust more people and how to do more teamwork.  But it was fun too there was also or responsibility.  I know a lot more now about trustworthiness.
      Shelby
 Hi, my name is Mary and what I learned yesterday at the park was to be honest, respectful, caring.  We played all sorts of games.  But they all taught us something.  One game we had to pick a person to throw the ball to and each time we added a ball we had to throw it to the same person.  It a person had two balls in their hand we had to  wait until they had at least got one ball out of their hands.  After all the games we had we ate and then went back to school and went home.
       Mary
 Yesterday at Character Day at Hemlock Haven I learned lots of things.  Trustworthiness is when you have trust in each other.  Honesty is when you tell someone the truth, that’s when your honest.  Teamwork is when you work together.  Caring is when you care for another person, or yourself.  An accomplishment is when you succeed in something.  Well, that what I learned on Character Day.
          Kiera

           

Thank you to the teachers for planning this event.  Most people remember rewards they have received and why they received them.  This picnic is a wonderful way to encourage our youth to practice good character.  Hungry Mother State Park is honored to be part of this event.


First Landing State Park - Vacation Spot for Dog Lovers

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Amy Atwood
Money is tight.  I think that is true for all of us.  Free time is as tight as money is for the most.  The only thing I know is nearly everyone has an excess of stress.  My family is no different.  This year, my husband and I decided we deserved a vacation.  

Budget, of course, was not the only factor in determining the success of our vacation.  There are several other things to take into consideration.  Ya see, my husband has three daughters and we have three dogs.  The girls were easy; they went to their mother’s house.  The two small dogs weren’t hard;  I always have volunteers doggie sit for them.  But, a two-year-old, 85 pound, lab-mix is a different story.  

Most people are a bit intimidated by his stature and excitement level.  At two-years-old, he still has some puppy in him.  Walking him or playing with him seems formidable to most.  For that reason, we decided to venture into the unknown and take him along with us.  

Weather was another consideration.   We live in Southwest Virginia and spring is just now springing for us.  It has rained most of 2009 and we wanted to warm up and to be able to get out.  So, after researching our options, we decided the biggest “bang” for the buck was Virginia State Parks.  There are several state parks located along the shoreline of Virginia.  We decided First Landing State Park had the perfect mix of quiet restfulness and rejuvenating energy to meet our needs.

I booked a two-bedroom cabin with a full kitchen and bath.  The full kitchen allowed us to cook our own meals and not have to pay to eat out every meal.  The full bathroom gave me the pleasure of not having to hike to the bathhouse with every urge.  And the large open deck permitted us to unwind and enjoy nature from the comfort of our own cabin.

Although the cabins are not waterfront, we were right on the water in a matter of minutes.  We could have even walked along the cabin road or trails that make their way to the waterfront area or we could have just drove.  In less than two minutes we were face-to-face wit all the peace the ocean provides.  What a refresher.  

The park is 100% pet friendly too.  The volunteer group, Friends of First Landing, have stations available where they provide bags for picking up after your dogs.  They were so useful.  In fact, the entire city of Virginia Beach was dog friendly.  

The really cool thing about the park is that it is just a short drive from the boardwalk of Virginia Beach yet you have the feeling of being out in the woods far away from everything.  They have to make a special effort to keep that feeling to the park.    First Landing State Park has all the ingredients to be the perfect affordable vacation destination.

Our Feathered Friends To Soar Into Wilderness Road State Park

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Amy Atwood
Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, VA will host a special birding program on Saturday, June 6 at 5 PM., entitled Our Feathered Friends.  

Activities include a PowerPoint presentation, viewing of actual birds, and a bird-watching walk along the Wilderness Road Trail, a Virginia certified Birding Trail.  The trail runs 8 miles along an old railroad bed.  The program is free of charge, although regular parking fees do apply.  Participation will be limited to the first 50 visitors to register. Interested visitors can register by calling the park office at 276-445-3065.

The PowerPoint presentation will showcase the most common local birds, fun facts about our feathered friends, the do’s and don’ts of bird feeding, and the benefits having them in your back yard.  

“Most people enjoy seeing the vivid colors of birds and listening to their various songs, but having birds in your yard can be very beneficial,” explained Mike Brindle, concessions manager at Wilderness Road State Park and co-presenter of the program.  “Hummingbirds help to pollinate flowers and fruit trees; Bluebirds and Wrens eat insects, bugs and spiders; Robins help to maintain a healthy lawn by eliminating grubs and other pests; and woodpeckers save thousands of trees each year by eating bugs and insects that would otherwise kill the tree."

Brindle adds that the program will be presented by bird enthusiasts, not scientists.  

“We are not Ornithologists, we are simply bird lovers that wish to share our knowledge of something we feel very deeply about,” he says. “We want to cover everything from how to identify birds by sight and sound to how to attract particular birds to your yard and how we can help to conserve one of nature’s most treasured gifts.”

Administrative Specialist Karen Southerland, who came to work at Wilderness Road State Park in 2005 after moving from England with her mother and son, will present a comparative retrospect between birds in the United States and those she grew accustomed to in England while employed at the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

“I have always been an animal lover,” said Southerland.  “Working as a wildlife conservationist at The Lost Gardens of Heligan just added fuel to my passion. Many of the birds that I have come to know and love since living here, remind me of those back home. I just wanted to be able to share some of my knowledge and past experiences.”

The comparison and contrast feature will include birds in England that resemble birds in the United States.

"Karen has shown me several pictures of their birds, and I was surprised to see that several of their birds closely resembled our birds here in America,” explained Brindle.  “For instance, their Robin looks very similar to our Bluebird, while our Robin looks very similar to their Blackbird. Also, their buzzards are like our hawks, they are birds of prey, whereas our buzzards eat roadkill and other dead animals.”
    
Information about back yard bird feeding will comprise of what types of food to offer and what they will attract as well as what feeders to use and how to keep them clean.  
“My dad got me interested in feeding birds many years ago,” Brindle explains. “I remember getting so excited when certain birds would find my feeders and immediately call to tell him. We are always asking each other, ‘have you had one of these type birds’ or ‘have you seen one of these?’  If you have never fed birds before, now is a great time to start and discover just how fun, exciting and educational it can be.”

For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065 or e-mail us at: WildernessRoad@dcr.virginia.gov.


 

Students rewarded with trip to Hungry Mother State Park

Friday, May 15, 2009 by Amy Atwood

So many times we are too eager to jump on the bandwagon of bashing teenagers.  Today, a group of 134 students from Chilhowie Middle School in Chilhowie, VA, proved not all teens are lazy or careless.  This group came to Hungry Mother State Park as a reward for perfect attendance for the last 2 six-week grading periods. 


They spent a couple of hours in the park.  They went on a nature walk, had a small snack and just enjoyed being outside.  Everyone, students and teachers alike, enjoyed themselves.


The staff of Hungry Mother State Park would like to congratulate the students on their accomplishment.  We would also like to say ‘thank you’ to the school administration for recognizing nature as a reward.

Slithern' Snakes Adenture at Wilderness Road State Park

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 by Amy Atwood
Slithern' Snake  Adventure at Wilderness Road State ParkOne of Wilderness Road State Park’s most popular programs returns on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1 pm with Slitherin’ Snake Adventure. Join Sgt. Stephen Sutphin of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as he explains how to identify poisonous snakes in Virginia, provides information on what to do in case of a snakebite and allows participants to interact with a live Corn Snake. This program is free of charge, but normal parking fees do apply.

“Last year, Mr. Sutphin was kind enough to offer this program in response to some concerns one of our nearby residents had about poisonous snakes in our area,” says Mike Brindle, Concessions Manager at Wilderness Road State Park. “We were hoping for a good turnout, but were overwhelmed at the attendance we had. More than 120 visitors participated in the program, far surpassing Mr. Sutphin’s expectations as well as the park’s. With so much interest in the program, we approached Mr. Sutphin about doing another program this season and he was very happy to oblige.”

That large turnout also had its drawbacks. “We were not expecting that big of a crowd, so some of our visitors were unable to fully enjoy the experience,” explained Brindle. “This year, we are going to limit the participation to the first 50 people to register. If the program again draws a lot of attention, we may work out a second program that would begin at 3 pm the same day.”

Snakes have always been a fascination to people, with Sutphin hoping to squash myths about snakes while also trying to educate the public about the risk and rewards of the reptiles. Only three poisonous snakes are found in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Copperhead, Rattlesnake (Timber and Canebrake) and the Cottonmouth. The Timber rattler is found in the Western portion of the state while the Canebrake is located in the marshy lowlands of the East. Once thought to be two different types of rattlesnakes, scientists now recognize the two as one species.

 “I think everyone left here very pleased with the program, we received nothing but huge compliments from our visitors,” added Brindle. “Corny (the live Corn Snake) proved to be the hit of the show, but I think everyone had a good time and learned a lot. Snakes, like sharks, are far too often misunderstood. The large majority of snakebites that occur in Virginia are caused by carelessness and misinformation. That is why I encourage those interested to register early and prepare for a great show!”

A PowerPoint presentation, along with a question and answer session will also be included in the program. For more information, or to register, please call the Wilderness Road State Park office at 276-445-3065 or email us at: WildernessRoad@dcr.virginia.gov.