Virginia State Parks

House made of pretzel sticks, salami roof, and olives on trim

Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Aren’t Plastic

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House made of pretzel sticks, salami roof, and olives on trimThis is a time of year when many are giving gifts, but the ideas can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, and other gift-giving opportunities year-round.  Instead of purchasing a physical gift that may never be used, there are so many options that are good for you, the recipient, and the environment!

  • Perk up someone’s day with GreenPods coffee for K-cup brewers from Guide Roasting Company – made and sold right here in Virginia!
  • Events are back! Consider gifting tickets to a local concert, museum lecture, historic home tour.  If you purchase a ticket for yourself too, it will be a nice experience to share together.
  • Subscription to a product of the month are a gift that keeps on giving, such as beauty and wellness products, meal kits, or even movie theater tickets.
  • Digital magazines and products are an easy and low-waste idea, such as Mother Earth News; apps like Headspace for mental health coaching and meditation; or even Netflix has gift card options.
  • Edible gifts are always a hit. Fill mason jars with homemade or store-bought candies; bake a batch of your favorite cookies to share. If you’re more likely to purchase than cook, Edible Arrangements has local stores across Virginia, or next-day delivery for online orders.  Grocery stores have nice fruit baskets and often have fresh flowers that you can pick up locally and bring to a gathering.  Or Instacart offers locations in Virginia that deliver trays and baskets of food:  Delivery or Pickup Near Me – Instacart

And for the person who has everything or insists they don’t want any gifts, you can always make a donation in their honor to a nonprofit whose mission they embrace.  You can make a donation to a Virginia Humane Society for a pet-lover,  Tech for Troops to honor a veteran, or the local Food Bank, for those who want to help people experiencing food insecurity.  For anyone who wants to help Keep Virginia Beautiful, if you send a donation of any amount we’ll give you a one-day free parking pass for any Virginia State Park for you to keep or gift.  For donations of $100 or more we’ll send you or anyone you choose a Deluxe Cleanup Kit.  Contributions can be made in honor of, or in memory of, a friend or loved one.

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!

Pony at State Park

State Park Profile: Grayson Highlands

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Pony at State ParkKeep Virginia Beautiful often partners with the Virginia State Park system. Virginia is blessed with beautiful parks that are environmentally conscious. We thought we’d take this time to share an example of what Virginia has to offer, while there’s still a little Summertime left and it’s good weather to visit.

(And remember, we are giving away a free one-day parking pass to any Virginia State Park with a donation of any size!)

Grayson County, Southwest Virginia, holds one of the jewels of the Commonwealth. Grayson Highlands State Park features sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and provides an access point to Virginia’s highest peak, Mt. Rogers, as well as the Appalachian Trail. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. And speaking of horses…

Grayson Highlands State Park and its neighboring Mount Rogers National Recreation Area are home to more than 100 wild ponies – that’s something to neigh about! Twenty ponies were introduced in 1974 to help graze patches of land that were cleared before the area was made into a park. Today, their populations have grown and 10-15 herds in the Highlands.  Though the herds roam free most the year, they are rounded up annually to be checked by veterinarians. At that time, some foals are separated from the herd and sold at auction. This is a humane way to keep the ponies from overpopulating, which would threaten both ponies and native wildlife.

The ponies are accustomed to being around humans at Grayson Highlands, but park officials warn against feeding or touching them. Human foods can be potentially fatal to ponies, and wild horses can become aggressive when overstimulated. They’ve been known to bite humans who get too close, so observing them from a safe distance is best. For those willing to follow these rules, they can be seen by taking the Rhododendron Trail across Wilburn Ridge to Rhododendron Gap, a favored pony hang out. This hike is considered moderately challenging, so be sure to bring some water and take frequent breaks.

Grayson Highlands has a lot to offer whether you’re interested in walking or wildlife. We encourage everyone to get outdoors and see some of the outdoor beauty in Virginia!

Free Entry Virginia State Park

How Often Do You Get a Free Pass?

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Free Entry Virginia State ParkThere is so much to love about Virginia, and our 39 State Parks is at the top of the list!  If you’d like a free one-day parking pass to visit any of them, you can support us through Shiver in Virginia (going on all through the month of March) to get one!

Although Virginia has beautiful scenery and places all year round, the COVID restrictions have made the winter less pleasant this year.  We are all looking forward to Spring more than ever.  And with the weather already warming up in many areas, you might be happy to know that camping season is open at Virginia State Parks!

There are twenty-nine state parks that offer camping in Virginia.  Just some of the amenities include 306 cabins, 50 yurts and 1,677 campsites!  Some of the larger parks provide sites with electric and water hook-ups, to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers.  Most park campgrounds are pet-friendly, so there’s no need to leave your furry family behind.  You can even sign up for their Customer Loyalty Program to earn points for free overnight stays.

If you’re not willing or able to stay overnight, there are plenty of options for day visits.  Fishing, playgrounds, and swimming are just a few options.  Not to mention trails — there are over 670 miles of trails!  And you don’t have to get lost in the woods (unless you want to) because they offer trail maps that include facility guides and trail guides that you can print before you go.  You can also be assured that DCR (the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation) is keeping up with the times.  They offer geo-referenced PDFs for all of their parks, using an app that’s available for Apple and Android devices.  Who knew?

Check out the Virginia State Park Guide to find the perfect destination for you.  You can bet it will be beautiful.

And don’t forget your free one-day parking pass through Shiver in Virginia!

Clean Up with Mask

Are You Shivering Yet?

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Clean Up with MaskWith much of the state affected by rain, we had a wet kick off for our Shiver in Virginia Challenge on Saturday!  Thanks to all who have registered for the challenge, and especially those who were able to get outside to pick up litter, or do other beautiful acts!  While we certainly missed gathering with everyone for our annual Shiver in the River festival, as we have in the past, the good news is that this year the challenge continues throughout the month of March.  You’ve still got plenty of time to register for Shiver in Virginia – join in any time, and do as much or as little as you want.

Our Shiver in Virginia Challenge is a fun way to get outside to safely pick up litter wherever you live, work, or play — even if you’re shivering just a little!  Our Mission Challenge interactive map page has a path of 2,021 miles around the Commonwealth, and for each bag of litter picked up and reported on the Challenge page, we’ll advance one mile along the path.  Everyone who registers will receive a FREE one-day parking pass to any Virginia State Park.

You can do more than just pick up litter too.  Check out the other ways that you can help us log miles on the map by doing beautiful things:

Join the challenge to help us accomplish our mission.  And send pictures!

Shiver in Virginia Challenge Logo

Are You Ready To Shiver?

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Shiver Challenge MapUsually this last week of February we’re on the final stretch to our biggest fundraising event of the year, Shiver in the River.  Here’s a cool drone video from Creative Dog Media that you can check out from the past, and remember what we have to look forward to in 2022!

We always host a huge community cleanup at Historic Tredegar with about 500 volunteers on the morning of Shiver in the River.  It’s amazing, and we usually end up with over a ton of litter and recycling that’s been removed from the landscape of Richmond!

This year will be different, with COVID restrictions, but there’s a silver lining!  Now you can make a difference in YOUR community, wherever you live, work, or play in Virginia!

We’re hosting Shiver in Virginia, where together we will strive to clean up a 2,021 mile path around the state of Virginia.  You can record the number of bags of litter you clean up (one bag equals one mile on the path) on your phone or on a desktop website to track our collective progress. You can also do beautiful things like graffiti removal, recycling, plant native plants — one beautiful act equals one mile on our path too! You’ll be able to post pictures, share on social media, and see who’s on the leaderboard.

NEWS FLASH!!  Everyone who registers will receive a FREE one-day parking pass for any Virginia State Park!  And you’ll be entered to win cool prizes along the way too, like a guided kayak adventure for two, a ropes course experience for two, or admission to gardens and other beautiful places across Virginia!  Take a look at the sponsors and prizes listed at the bottom of our Shiver in Virginia webpage.

Shiver in Virginia will kick off on February 27th, the original date for Shiver in the River, and it will run through March 31, 2021.  You can register at any time, and do as much or as little as you like throughout the month of March!  You can even get geared up with an individual Cleanup Kit that includes a trash grabber, safety vest, washable gloves, and trash and recycling bags, so that you can stay safe while you clean up.

And if this is not the kind of event that you’re interested in participating in this year, you can still support us with a donation of $20.21, or any amount!  You’ll still get the free one-day parking pass for any Virginia State Park to keep or to share.

If you’re ready to jump in (figuratively speaking this year), you can register for Shiver in Virginia now!

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Keep Virginia Beautiful has The Prettiest State

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A California travel writer made a list of what he considered the top 5 prettiest states in America.   Guess what?  We made the list!

“What stunning scenery, backwoods horse country, dense woods and green, green green pasture land as far as the eye can see.”

It may be our State Parks.  As you may know, Keep Virginia Beautiful  just launched a project with Dominion Virginia Power and Virginia Green to place recycling bins in all 35 of our Parks.  Our parks are, after all, how many visitors see our State for the first time.  Today we thought that we’d take a look at some.

Perhaps we should start at the ocean and work our way west.

False Cape State Park near Virginia Beach is one of the Atlantic coast’s last undeveloped shores.  You can’t drive there but you can ride the Terra-Gator.  False Cape got an early reputation as a ship graveyard because early sailors thought it was Cape Henry and tried to come into port.  It’s a great place to camp and is filled with wildlife.

About 2 hours west of Richmond is Holliday Lake. Its just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House where Lee surrendered to Grant.  Back in those days it was cleared for farmland.  Fish Pond Creek was dammed up in the 30’s to create the lake.  Today it boasts trails, camping, an awesome swimming area, and some great trout fishing.

In the mood for a National Historic Landmark?  Head to Staunton River. Bordered by the Dan and Staunton rivers it has the largest lake in Virginia.  A great spot for camping and hiking it also boasts some modern amenities like an Olympic sized pool but stays true to its roots as a 30’s era CCC project.  Staunton River State Park is still recovering from some nasty damage due to April’s tornadoes but is worthy of a visit.

If you need a break from the water go west to Grayson Highlands.  Established as a State Park in 1965 it is a great way to beat the heat, as it stays pretty cool at elevations as high as 5,089 feet.  Many of the areas in and around the park were named for early settlers of the area who lived in small homesteads and made, grew or gathered what they needed from the lands around them.  You can still see remnants of some of these old homesteads.  While not a boater’s paradise you can still put your feet in the water at spots like Wilburn Branch or the beautiful Cabin Creek.

 

 

Swim, canoe, hike, bike or fish.  Virginia State Parks have been offering us great things to do and views of the prettiest of Virginia.  Pay them a visit soon!  And while you’re there, use one of our recycling bins and help to Keep Virginia Beautiful!

 

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You Own It. Treat Virginia Wisely.

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Our Commonwealth stretches from the salty spray of the Atlantic Ocean to the cooling breezes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Almost 500 miles from East to West of remarkably diverse habitat that features marshes, fields, rivers, mountains, and forests. We have uplands, lowlands, wetlands, and farmlands.  From almost 6,000 feet at Mount Rogers to sea level at Kiptopeke, Virginia has something for everyone.

And do you want to know the best part?  You own it.

Sure, you think.  Tell that to the neighbor who keeps grousing about your dog.  Tell that to the farmer who won’t let you have at his apple tree.  Tell it to the guy who just towed your improperly parked car.

You’re missing the bigger picture with that sort of attitude.  Every time that you step outside, or wipe the Virginia pollen from your windshield, or look into the sky to determine the weather, you’re experiencing the joy of ownership.

In some cases, you kind of DO own Virginia.  When Governor George Peery dedicated Hungry Mother State Park to initiate our statewide system of parks, he said,

“State parks are for all the people, and not only will they afford recreation for our own people but will bring tourists from other states … I believe these parks will contribute greatly to the national good as we go forward to the splendid destiny that awaits in the future.”

When President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated Shenandoah National Park, he said,

“In bygone years we have seen the terrible tragedy of the age-the tragedy of waste.”

Those words are still appropriate today.  He went on to say of the people destined to visit,

“Once more they will lay hold of the perspective that comes to men and women who every morning and every night can lift up their eyes to Mother Nature.”

We’re kind of fond of F.D.R. for that.

If Virginia were a car, you would change the oil, rotate the tires, and give it the occasional bath.  If our state were a home, you’d give it a fresh coat of paint, fix some leaky faucets, and plant some flowers around the mailbox.  If the Commonwealth were a dog, you would be inclined to feed it, rub it behind the ears, and take it for a walk.

And it isn’t just the cool things like our National and State Parks.  It might be that grassy median strip.  It might be the stream behind your neighborhood.  It might be the sidewalk in front of your office.  It might be your own front yard.

As we inch closer to Earth Day, the Great American Cleanup, and our second 30 in Thirty program, we ask of you:  what are you going to do to maintain your ownership?

Maya Bee by Jenn Mayhew

I’m not Green. I’m more of a Liver color.

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Maya Bee by Jenn MayhewMy human generally doesn’t like for me to use her computer.  She gets irritated when my claws click on the keyboard.  She just got an iPad and she’s taking a nap so here I go.

Human says I’m a “Green” dog but I think I’m more of a liver color.  I do know that she likes taking me outside and I’m fine with that.  We live in Virginia and there’s a ton of cool places for her to take me to smell some beautiful Virginia scenery.  Let’s face it:  Dogs like parks.

Pretty much all of the Virginia State Parks are open for me.  There are some trails and beaches that she has to call ahead and check out beforehand, but we usually jump in the car and go.  The same is true of Shenandoah and some of the National Parks.  Some rules before we go, though.

If I go to a park with Human I have to behave and stay on my leash.  I’m lucky because Human likes to hike so I get to smell some pretty cool Virginia.  I have to mind my tongue, I get in trouble if I get frisky with strangers, and Human has to bring the Dispoz-A-Scoops.  They’re a scoop and a bag in one, and 99% biodegradable.  Like my poo!  I also have to curb the desire to chase some of the tasty little creatures that we encounter along the way.  The rangers get pretty miffed if I chow down on an endangered species.

Human and I prepare for these journeys too!  Sometimes we go to a State Forest.  Some of these places allow hunting.  If they have guns there I don’t want to go.  I look silly in an orange vest.  We also look at the terrain.  I’m pretty agile but I’m not into a whole lot of rock climbing.

Human and I started training when I was a puppy.  Every once in a while we see a real tourist like a bulldog or a chihuahua.  Some dogs are made for the great outdoors, some aren’t.  What can I say?  I’m used to it because Human and I stay pretty active but some of my friends are too out of shape for some of my favorite trails.

Human also tries to keep me out of unfamiliar water.  She lost me in the James River one day near Richmond.  I was fine the whole time but watching me run the rapids kind of freaked her out.  Human also says that all water is not good to drink.  I don’t believe her but until I can read the reports I’ll take her word for it.  If she won’t drink it she won’t let me either.  She has a neat stainless water bottle that she carries for me and I’ll share for as long as she lets me.Maya Bee by Jenn Mayhew

Now I can run all day but Human likes to rest from time to time.  It works out pretty good, though.  One time she was resting and I was having some quality S & S (smell and see) time, and as she rubbed me she found a tick.  I hadn’t noticed but now she gets pretty serious about bugs and parasites.  We were in the mountains another day and I stepped on a rock.  Messed my pad up pretty good.  Couldn’t chase Cat for a week.  What a bummer THAT was!

Human keeps me responsible inside the house too!

Do you feed your dog in one of those fancy plastic bowls? Are you too lazy to give your dog fresh water and have one of those “auto-bowls”?  Lets face facts:  I’m a dog.  I like to chew.  Even after a satisfying meal there’s still some tasty on the bowl, so I’m going to lick and chew until it doesn’t taste good anymore.  A plastic feed dish is going to get funky pretty fast for a dog like me so do like my Human did and get me a stainless bowl.  When it starts getting funky I nose it over to the sink and Human throws it in the dishwasher.  She even has a ceramic bowl for that furry waste that she calls “Cat”.  My dish is bigger.

My collar is pretty fancy and it’s made by this company called Earthdog.  It’s made of hemp.  Rumor has it that some of the early important humans in Virginia like Jefferson and Washington grew hemp.  Human got me a pretty cool leash from Earthdog too.

She found me this really cool toy to keep me from chewing up her hiking boots.  It’s by West Paw and its made of this crazy stuff called Zogoflex.  It has no nasty chemicals, no BPA, and best of all:  when I really mess it up human can send it back to them, they’ll recycle it and send me a new one!  Human puts a little treat in it, gives it a toss, and away I go!

Sometimes I get a little smelly (you know, like a cat) and Human likes to give me a wash.  Not my favorite thing in the world, because being a dog I enjoy a little rustic essence, but it is what it is.  When the occasion does arise she uses this stuff from Australia called Herb Doctor.  Human knows that when she gives me a rinse it goes right into the creeks and rivers that I like to splash in so the ingredients are important to me.  This stuff is organic, has no genetically modified stuff, and no chemical smells or funky artificial colors.  I like to be a natural dog.   Aloe Vera and Lemon Myrtle is so much nicer than cetyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Now for the obvious.  I poo.  I poo a lot.  Human did two really smart things, though.  Human has been really good about using a canvas bag when she goes shopping.  If she finds herself without a bag she always asks for paper, which is not always the best vehicle for gathering and disposing of my by-product.  The first thing that Human did was to help me dig a big hole in the back yard.  I dig faster, but she put the hole to good use.  She got this thing from the Department of Agriculture and built us a composter especially for me!  There are certain things that she cannot use my stuff for, like things that she or I eat, but it keeps the yard cleaner and even I don’t like smelling it that much.  She adds stuff like sawdust to it, keeps it moving, and ultimately it can be used in her flowers.  Better that than ending up in groundwater or in my favorite creek.

Gotta go now.  Human is starting to make noises.  I heard her on the phone earlier talking about another hike.  She’ll probably take me.  Maybe I can find something to roll in and she’ll quit calling me a “green” dog!  But I guess her being color-blind is a small price to pay for all of the Beautiful Virginia she lets me smell!

I’m Maya Bee.  Look for me on the Facebook.  Maya Bee by Jenn Mayhew

all photography by Jennifer Mayhew

shencamping

5 Ways to Travel Green this Summer!

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Now that the weather is warm and the kids are out of school, it’s time for summer travel!  Consider making your next family vacation a green one.  We’ve got 5 tips for you to be environmentally friendly when you this summer – Travel Green.

1.  Before going on vacation, you can save money and paper by researching trips online or at the library rather than purchasing a guide book.  Visit our partners at Virginia Green for ideas on green tourism in Virginia.  When surfing the internet remember to only print important information needed while traveling, such as hotel confirmations or tickets.  Consider looking into modes of public transportation offered in the city you plan to visit.  Bus systems, subways, bike paths, or trolley cars are all more sustainable ways to get around than by car.  Not to mention you don’t have to deal with high gas prices or parking!

2.  While you’re searching the internet for vacation ideas, research eco-tourism.  This type of tourism focuses on local cultures and promotes environmental awareness.  Eco-tourism draws attention to environmentally sensitive areas around the world and pumps money into the economy of localities visited.  Some ideas for eco-tourism include visiting sea turtle preserves in Mexico, taking a tour of the Amazon in South America or visiting wildlife preserves in South Africa.

3.  If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on an international vacation, look no further than your closest state park.  Virginia is home to 48 state parks, so you should be able to find one to fit your interests.  Hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing and camping are all fun, cheap outdoor activities.  Most state parks offer canoe rentals at affordable prices.  You can also try purchasing used gear to save money and reduce waste.  Find your local sports consignment store to purchase gently used equipment or sell the old gear you no longer use.  After any trip, make sure you leave no trace.  Anything you brought to the park should be properly disposed of either as recycling or trash.  By spending time outdoors and admiring Virginia’s natural beauty, it is easy to instill an appreciation for nature and promote environmentalism to your entire family.  In honor of their 75th anniversary this year, Virginia State Parks are offering three free days for you and your family.  Make sure you visit the park of your choice on June 21st, September 24th or November 11th -13th to visit the park for FREE!

4.  Whether you are traveling by airplane or camping an hour outside of town, make sure you take green measures before leaving home.  Unplug appliances to reduce the amount of standby power used.  Close the shades to keep the house cool and adjust the thermostat to a few degrees warmer since no one will be home.  Set your lights to timers to reduce wasting energy and make it look like someone is home!  If you are going on a long trip, stop your newspaper delivery.  This will save you money and reduce wasted paper.

5.  Above all, the most important things to remember about summer travel are to go green and have fun!

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