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Haley Rodgers

Haley Rodgers

Hello, thanks for reading! As the content & social media manager for the Department of Conservation & Recreation (including Virginia State Parks), I'm passionate about inspiring you to explore Virginia's outdoors.

My passion comes from cherishing my own experiences outdoors. I grew up in Utah, hiking and camping nearly every weekend. I love the wild west deserts and mountains, but I'm equally fond of the forests and waterways of Virginia that I now call home.

I hope my words inspire you to explore Virginia State Parks! Use our hashtag on social media when you visit, so I can see your experiences: #vastateparks. It makes me happy to help others find joy in the outdoors. 

Blogger "Haley Rodgers"Clear, category "Educational Activities"Clear results in following blogs.

Virginia birds in The 12 Days of Christmas

By Haley RodgersPosted December 19, 2024
Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted December 04, 2024
We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park

How to have the best stargazing adventure in Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted February 22, 2024
Looking for the best places to stargaze in Virginia State Parks? A good place to start is to visit one of our four state parks that are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. Let us give you tips to make it a great experience!
A dark black sky filled with stars and a dense spot in the middle that glows orange

Experience a Star Party at Staunton River State Park

By Haley RodgersPosted March 01, 2023
Find out what it's like to attend a star party and why you should plan to attend one at Virginia State Parks. Staunton River State Park is one of our four Dark Sky Parks that host star parties that are out of this world.
A nighttime photo with stars shining above an half orange sky as the sunsets over Staunton River State Park

Virginia State Park Rangers Going Above and Beyond

By Haley RodgersPosted August 11, 2022
Enjoy five short stories about Virginia State Park rangers who deserve a shout out for going above and beyond at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, Hungry Mother, Wilderness Road, Westmoreland, and Fairy Stone State Parks.
A collage of pictures, the far left picture is of Ranger Lee Wilcox in his uniform smiling, top right is of the Hillsman House at sunset, and bottom two right are indoor Hillsman House shots.

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