Read Our Blogs
Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year
Posted April 22, 2025
Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.
Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks
Posted February 24, 2025
Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.
December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park
Posted December 12, 2023
Guest blogger Glen Mitchell shares the view from his kayak during a trip to Fairy Stone in December, 2019 with his wife.
How to enjoy Virginia State Parks in winter
Posted January 13, 2023
How can we make the most of the winter season? Whether at home or in a park, we can explore nature! By taking a hike, creating a nature craft or playing in the snow, we can experience winter to the fullest.
Wildlife Surviving Winter
Posted January 11, 2022
Have you ever wondered how our favorite little creatures survive winter in the wild? Guest blogger Monica shares her findings with us and invites you to Virginia State Parks to learn more.
Making the Most of Our Trail Quest Adventure
Posted December 28, 2021
Debra Ryder shares her experiences of completing Trail Quest with her partner RJ Meade. They started 2021 by going on a First Day Hike which kicked off their journey to visiting all 41 Virginia State Parks in under one year.
Exploring the Winter Wildlife
Posted December 08, 2020
Guest Blogger Monica Hoel shares some tips and tricks on how to spot wildlife in the colder months.
Virginia Is For Wildlife Photography Lovers
Posted November 23, 2020
Barbara J. Saffir, Author of "Walking Washington, DC," Virginia Master Naturalist, and founder of Nature Photography DC/MD/VA discusses the natural treasures that lie within Virginia State Parks.
5 Reasons to visit Twin Lakes this Winter
Posted December 23, 2019
Whether you're looking for a little solitude or a new perspective, winter is a great time to rediscover Twin Lakes.
7 reasons to go winter birding at Mason Neck State Park
Posted November 29, 2019
Mason Neck State Park offers winter birding at its best.