DCR, Hungry Mother State Park celebrate 90th anniversary of Virginia State Parks
DCR is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Virginia State Parks in June, marking nine decades of conserving and stewarding the Commonwealth’s natural, scenic, cultural and historic resources.
Efforts to establish a statewide park system in Virginia were led by the State Commission on Conservation and Recreation in the 1920s. The commission brought together leaders who understood the importance of protecting Virginia’s natural resources.
Their early vision for the park system came to fruition on June 15, 1936, when Virginia opened six state parks simultaneously. Today, the park system has grown to 44 parks, and the commission, now known as the Department of Conservation and Recreation, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“Virginia’s state parks are built on the idea that our natural and cultural treasures should be protected and accessible to everyone,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “As we celebrate these milestones, we honor the people who initiated this journey and recommit ourselves to ensuring Virginia’s outdoors continue to inspire and serve future generations.”
To honor the anniversary of Virginia State Parks, the system will host History and Culture Weekend on June 13 and 14. This statewide event gives visitors the chance to explore the park system's legacy through engaging, family-friendly programs held across the Commonwealth.
Each participating park will highlight its unique cultural heritage, historical significance and the communities that helped build and sustain it.
Hungry Mother activities
Hungry Mother State Park will be celebrating the anniversary with a full lineup of activities.
On Saturday, June 13, Hungry Mother will feature:
Flint Knapping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Local artisan Gene Blevins will teach participants how early humans shaped stone into tools and weapons. See the skill and patience needed for this ancient craft. Meet at the Discovery Center for this free activity.
John Alexander will lead a program on traditional basket weaving, broom and toy making from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Watch as natural and everyday materials are transformed into tools and toys. Meet at the Discovery Center for this free program.
At 1 p.m. volunteer Chris McElraft will teach participants about what to do when you encounter a bear in the woods. This bear aware program is also free. Meet at the beach.
At 3 p.m. meet at the historic First Aid building in parking lot 1 to learn about how the Civilian Conservation Corps built the cabins at Hungry Mother. See a live demonstration of how their tools were used in hewing a log for the cabin walls. Then, walk to Shelter 1 to see the actual hew marks made by axes back in the 1930s.
At 8 p.m. join a campfire with wildlife rehabilitator Darin Handy and his live animals. Learn about the “3 L’s of Animal Care: Look at ‘em, learn about ‘em, and leave ‘em alone”.
On Sunday, June 14, at 9 a.m. take an early morning kayak tour with an interpreter. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Meet at the Dock ‘n’ Shop. The fee is $10 per person.
At 10 a.m. join volunteer Tina Hayes to take part in Forest Therapy Practice. Meet at Raider’s Run Trailhead. The program is free.
“For 90 years, people from all walks of life have found meaning, inspiration and community at Virginia State Parks,” said Dave Collett, acting assistant director of park operations. “We're honored to carry forward a legacy that has protected and shaped the outdoor experience in Virginia for decades.”
To learn more about History and Culture Weekend or to find other special events, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history-culture-day.
