Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Take a look back to 1937 — when Virginia State Parks introduced its very first official brochure.
This early publication marked the beginning of a legacy that has grown from six state parks to a statewide system of 44 state parks dedicated to conservation, recreation and public service.

In 1937, Chairman Wilbur C. Hall said: “The principal idea behind the development of these areas has been to provide — at a moderate cost — places where men, women and children may enjoy even a day of rest and recreation and get back to nature.”

Nearly nine decades later, designs have evolved, but our commitment to connecting Virginians with the outdoors remains unchanged.

View this historical document in full here:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dcr100/document/VirginiaStateParks-1937.pdf

Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger recognized the 90th anniversary of the Virginia State Parks system — celebrating nine decades of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and community impact across the Commonwealth.

With 44 state parks stretching from the Cumberland Gap to the Eastern Shore, every Virginian is within an hour’s drive of a state park. We invite you to visit often, relax, and enjoy all they have to offer.

Join us in wishing Virginia State Parks a happy 90th Anniversary!

On this day, June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire system of state parks on the same day, launching a legacy of outdoor recreation, public access and cultural preservation that still thrives today.

Since 1936, our parks have connected millions to the outdoors and created memories that span generations. Here’s to nine decades of exploration — and many more to come.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. Protecting Virginia’s natural and cultural treasures every step of the way.

Plan your visit to one of Virginia State Parks today: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

Parks pictured in order include Douthat State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Westmoreland State Park, First Landing State Park and Staunton River State Park.

In 1933, opportunity and vision converged during a visit with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Camp Rapidan. Virginia’s conservation leader William E. Carson made a bold suggestion: put the new Civilian Conservation Corps to work building a system of state parks.

Roosevelt agreed but only if Virginia could show the nation what such a system could mean to a state. Less than a year later, the Commonwealth had secured the land for its first six state parks: Douthat State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Seashore State Park (Known today as First Landing State Park), Staunton River State Park and Westmoreland State Park.

On this day, June 13, 1936, Virginia State Parks held an opening ceremony at Hungry Mother State Park. Thousands attended for concerts, a water pageant and more, all in anticipation of the public opening of the state park system planned for two days later.

Learn more about the history of Virginia State Parks here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history

Photo courtesy of Smyth County, Virginia

Please join us in welcoming our newest Law Enforcement Rangers. Their swear-in ceremony not only marked the moment they took their oath but also served as a meaningful reminder of the purpose behind their service and their commitment to uphold the mission of the Public Safety & Law Enforcement Staff: Preserving the Past – Protecting the Future.

New Law Enforcement Rangers and the parks they will be serving:

Samuel Lovell, Fairy Stone State Park
Robert Moss, Lake Anna State Park

Are you interested in becoming a Law Enforcement Ranger? Learn about this important role at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/public-safety-law-enforcement/.

Calling all kids curious about bugs, birds and other animals: Bring your parent to a free walk to learn about field zoology with one of our experts!

📍Varina LandLab in Henrico County
📅 Saturday, June 20, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 21.
ℹ️ Space is limited and registration is required. For all the details, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/eventsdetail-youthzoology.

This event is part of the year's celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Virginia Natural Heritage Program.

Thanks to the Capital Region Land Conservancy's Varina LandLab conservation area for hosting this special event!

Now available: grants through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, awarded in the categories below.

🌾Farmland preservation — such as the farmland surrounding Bacon's Castle in Surry, pictured here
🌲Forestland preservation
🌱Natural areas
📜Historic preservation areas
🛝Open spaces and parks

Additionally, the remainder of a mitigation fund from Dominion Energy's Surry-Skiffes Creek project at Jamestown is available.

Visit our website for the application deadline and other details: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/land-conservation/vlcf

Photos by Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Celebrate National Cave and Karst Day by exploring the remarkable Virginia Cave and Karst Trail! With more than a dozen stops across the state, the trail gives visitors the chance to learn about and appreciate Virginia’s outstanding caves and karst features.

Many trail stops are located in Virginia’s scenic Ridge and Valley Province, each offering something unique—whether it’s a fee-based cave tour, an interpretive program, a scenic overlook, or a self-guided experience. A few sites even include hiking trails for deeper exploration.

View the Virginia Cave and Karst Trail brochure here:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/document/nhcavetrailbroch.pdf