Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail or grab a garbage bag and help clean the shore this weekend at your favorite Virginia state park.
On Saturday (June 2), all 37 of Virginia’s state parks will participate in the American Hiking Society’s annual National Trails Day, according to a press release. State parks will offer special programming or volunteer projects to help maintain some of the 600 miles of state hiking, biking and horseback trails.
In addition to hiking activities, state parks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will take part in the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day on Saturday with awareness programs and volunteer projects.
York River State Park in James City County will mark the day with a full range of activities including a children’s fishing tournament from 9 a.m. to noon, a past plantation tour from 1 to 3 p.m. and an osprey hike from 4 to 6 p.m.
The park also is seeking volunteers to help clean the shoreline of the York River on Saturday. To register, call 757-566-3036 or e-mail yorkriver@dcr.virginia.gov.
Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County also will offer a variety of programs on Saturday including geocaching, special hikes and Clean the Bay activities. A full listing can be found at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website.
Gov. Ralph Northam declared June Great Outdoors Month in Virginia. More than 10 million people visit the commonwealth’s parks annually.
“June is always a busy time for Virginia State Parks, but we’re planning for even more visitors this year with special programs, projects and activities,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “From swimming to camping, cabins to hiking, yurts to mountain biking, and even a new spray ground at Occoneechee State Park, there’s so much for visitors to see and do.”
In addition to Saturday’s programs, the Virginia State Parks Get Outdoors Challenge is in full swing. Those who visit five parks between May 19 and June 30 can earn an annual parking pass.
Also, the Get Outdoors Photo Contest continues through June 30. Photographers who submit pictures are eligible for grand prizes up to $500.
