Friends Group Supports Sailor's Creek in a Big Way

Our Friends Groups are all about supporting our state parks. The Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park demonstrated their support for the park by donating funds they have raised in support of two important projects.
 
The Battle of Sailor's Creek was the last major battle of the Civil War before Appomattox and the battle that sealed the fate of the Confederacy marking the loss of 7,700 men including eight generals. Demonstrations and re-enactments are an important part of telling the history of the park. Being able to demonstrate the use of historic black powder weapons is an important component. The National Park Service offers training in historical weapons safety and program management but because of budget reductions and limits on out of state travel, we were not going to be able to send anyone to this important training. The Friends of Sailors Creek to the rescue - they are providing just under $1,000 to send Chief Ranger Christopher Joyner to this course.


Thanks to the 2002 State Park and Natural Area Bond, we now have a brand new LEED-certified Visitor Center on site to help us tell the story of the Battle. Unfortunately, there was not enough money in the project to cover the exhibits which will likely run in the neighborhood of $175,000. One piece of the exhibit will be a hologram virtual storyteller. The Friends have donated $9,000 toward the $30,000 cost of that piece. If you are interested in helping raise money for the exhibits, see information here. You can even donate through that link.


The commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War (150 years) officially runs between 2011 and 2015 although some kickoff events were held in 2009 to mark historical events leading up to the Civil War. The Friends and park staff are working to ready the park for visitors from around the world who will visit for the Sesquicentennial.

If you have a love for Civil War History and would like to support the park by becoming a member of the Friends organization, please contact Bobby Wilcox at (804) 598-2901.

Spring Wellness Weekend Planned for Fairy Stone State Park

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary spring fever is a listless, lazy, or restless feeling commonly associated with the beginning of spring.  Over the past several weeks, I’m finding myself daydreaming about warmer climates and the upcoming spring season in Virginia. This anticipation of blooming flowers and temperatures above 60 degrees was shattered when I learned Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we were told to look forward to six more weeks of winter!  I’ve decided to take a different approach to this situation and look at it as only SIX MORE WEEKS TIL SPRING!  I’m ready for spring fever and all the silliness that goes along with it. 

I’m also ready for the upcoming Women’s Wellness Weekend hosted by Virginia State Parks this spring  at Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart.  This weekend is a perfect opportunity for women of all ages to treat themselves to a weekend of pampering and fun activities.  Fairy Stone is a picturesque setting where you can unwind and regain balance in your life.  For the entire weekend, a wide variety of workshops, programs and outdoor activities will be offered.  The only decision you’re need to make is what programs to attend.  Participants will enjoy choosing between hiking, fly fishing, canoeing, yoga, aroma therapy, searching for fairy stones and outdoor photography just to name a few.  But don’t worry, there will be lots of time to socialize, relax and have fun.

The weekend begins on Friday, April 23rd with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, April 25th at noon. And it’s affordable.  The commuter program is $149 and includes dinner on Friday, three meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.  The full package includes meals plus two nights lodging and ranges in price from $180 to $332 depending on cabin size and the number of people in a cabin.  You can also bring your RV or camp in the campground. So call your girlfriends and make your reservations today.  Cabins go quickly!
 

 

If you are unable to attend this session, don’t worry the next Women’s Wellness Weekend will be held at Bear Creek Lake State Park the weekend of October 15th – 17th, 2010.  

For more information or for reservation, call 800-933-7275 or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
 

Trail Section Closed For Bridge Installation

A section of trail at High Bridge Trail State Park will close on Wednesday, February 24th due to installation of a vehicular bridge by Longwood University.  Park closures will take place between Farmville Train Station and Buffalo Creek.  Temporary closures will also occur periodically until March 3rd.  

The Lancer Park project was developed by Longwood University to provide a safer, shorter and more visually appealing commute for students who live at Lancer Park, a community made up of townhouses and apartments.  Installation of a pedestrian bridge (see photo) was recently completed.
 

The pedestrian bridge walkway will connect to a vehicular bridge that consists of two lanes, a pedestrian sidewalk and deceleration lanes.   This vehicular bridge passes over High Bridge Trail and will be the new entrance to Lancer Park. Completion of the project is expected sometime in late May 2010.

2010 Ad Campaign for Virginia State Parks

We have had a partnership with the Virginia Association of Broadcasters for more than ten years to run television and radio ads in February and March to increase awareness and generate business for Virginia State Parks. This year's theme is: "I Love Virginia State Parks." I thought you would all enjoy seeing the two television spots.




 

Winter Wilderness Survival at False Cape

Come on out to False Cape for an outdoor adventure in a wild winter wonderland.






























False Cape is offering a Winter Wilderness Surival course on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 from 1pm-4pm.   During the workshop, participants will learn essential survival skills such as how to make rope from fibrous plants, how to find shelter from the cold/wind, which plants are edible, and how to start a fire without matches.

Cost is $10 per person.  Pre-registration is required at 757-426-7128.

Transportation is by open air tram.  Dress appropriate for weather and activities.