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Claytor Lake

Logo for Claytor Lake's Izaak Walton League of America with the drawn image of water, fish, deer, trees, and birds.

$1,000 Award Goes to Claytor Lake Chapter Izzak Walton League

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Logo for Claytor Lake's Izaak Walton League of America with the drawn image of water, fish, deer, trees, and birds.Claytor Lake Chapter Izzak Walton League in Pulaski is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address environmental concerns in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

The Izaak Walton League of America, founded in 1922, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations that’s dedicated to the protection of natural resources and the promotion of outdoor recreation. The Claytor Lake Chapter has focused its efforts on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Virginia’s natural resources. Their work encompasses the preservation of forests, soil, water, and wildlife, supporting both local ecosystems and the broader environmental health of the region.

Each month, the Claytor Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosts dedicated workdays, where volunteers come together to help clean up the local roadways leading into the campground and the surrounding waterways. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Claytor Lake and the surrounding areas experienced significant damage, with debris from upstream flooding flowing into the cove where their campground is located. The flooding has pushed even more materials downstream into a nearby creek that runs through the community, further expanding Photograph of Claytor Lake with still blue water, grasses in the foreground, spit of land with trees, blue skythe area in need of cleanup.

The Chapter needs basic tools and equipment to help sustain these efforts.  Green Grant funds will be used to purchase battery-powered chain saw, gas-powered chain saw, safety vests, as well as grabbles and ropes for removing debris from the waterway. 

These tools will greatly enhance our Chapter’s ability to clean up Claytor Lake and the surrounding roadways. Not only will they make the work easier and safer for our volunteers, but they will also allow the organization to more effectively serve the community by removing hazardous debris and restoring the natural beauty of the area. With the help of these grant funds, the Claytor Lake Chapter can continue its important mission of environmental stewardship.

Maple syrup bucket on a Maple tree

Sappy Saturday, Naked Trees, and Other Winter Fun

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Maple syrup bucket on a Maple treeAs we say good-bye to January and usher in another month of winter, there are many ways to get out to see all the beauty around us in the Commonwealth.  One of the best places to look is Virginia State Parks.

Here’s a sweet idea:  have you ever wondered how maple syrup is made?  Or wanted to try making maple syrup at home?  Head to Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin, Virginia, on February 11, 2023 for a 2:00 p.m. start time and they’ll show you what you need to make and enjoy Virginia maple syrup.  No reservations required, just meet by the maple trees in the field in front of the Howe House/Park Office.  The presentation is for adults only.  Standard parking fees apply.  If you aren’t able to join them for “Sappy Saturday” or want a sneak peak about the process here’s a How to Make Maple Syrup guide.

Or you can take a walk on the wild side at  Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster, Virginia.   Each month, park volunteers and members of the Northern Neck Master Naturalists share a variety of natural history topics, point out aspects of the park’s many habitats (ideal for plant and animal life viewing), and provide participants with nature-photography tips should they need assistance.  On February 9, 2023 from 9-11:00 a.m. the topic will be “Naked Trees.” Winter is a good time to view trees that have shed their leaves, revealing their shape, identity, and beauty.  Children are welcome, and standard parking fees apply.  The walk will be conducted at a leisurely pace to allow stops along the way.  Group size is limited, pre-registration is requested. Please call the camp store at (804) 462-5030 for more information or to let them know you’re coming!

If you’re the brave, sturdy type, camping in the offseason, weather permitting, can be a nice reprieve from the summer crowds and offers a unique opportunity to explore the parks and see them in a new light. There are four parks that have full service, year-round availability: Pocahontas State Park, Shenandoah River State Park, Douthat State Park, and Hungry Mother State Park.

Or if you’d rather head to a milder part of the state, you and your family can enjoy a ride through the park at False Cape State Park, in Virginia Beach.  Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl. In addition, enjoy a 1-mile guided hike through nature to learn about the history of False Cape State Park. Save your spot by calling the park at (757) 426-7128. Reservations are required, the tour is $8 per person, and standard parking fees apply.  Children are welcome.

And lastly, here are some very important tips for visiting any Virginia State Park:

  • It’s a good idea to check with the state park you plan to visit, especially in winter, to learn about the weather conditions and any park closures. There is a Know Before You Go webpage with helpful guidelines.
  • Virginia State Parks participate in the 7 Principals of Leave No Trace, including disposing of waste properly.

Would you like to attend these fun programs, but skip the parking fee? We offer a one-day free parking pass for those who make a donation of any size to Keep Virginia Beautiful!  Help us help you enjoy a visit to a Virginia State Park, and know that your donation helps keep our Commonwealth clean, green, and beautiful!