April
As April springs forth with a bevy of events, winter’s chill is but a memory. Get to a park to check out the emerging wildflowers in the daytime or the emerging stars at night – April is Dark Sky Month and we have four parks that feature stargazing. The fish are biting, too, and you can cast your line from a shore or a watercraft. Take a hike, have a picnic, and remember that Earth Day is April 22!
Events sampler:
April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Celebrate Spring with activites and participants can take a quick dunk into the cold waters of Holliday Lake.
April 1, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Calling all young anglers; kids 12 and younger get free admission and can fish for free during this annual event. Cedar Creek, which runs under the Natural Bridge, will be stocked with rainbow trout.
April 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Celebrate Spring with some of our favorite ephemeral wildflowers! Ephemeral wildflowers grow early in the season, often flowering and dying back to the ground before the trees leaf out.
April 7, 2023. 12-4 p.m.
Caledon State Park
A short nature hike and a chance to collect driftwood and other natural objects will follow our wagon ride to Jones Pond. The park rangers will provide us with supplies to make and take our own unique craft from our objects.
April 8, 1-3 p.m.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
Join us at the Historic Overton-Hillsman House for an exciting day of demonstrations as we bring history alive.
April 1-May 31
Southwest Virginia Museum
In its 26th season, this annual quilt show exhibit honors both past and present quilters and features quilts from the Museum’s collection and from members of the community who display quilts from their own collections.
April 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Join the rangers for a short discussion of fishing techniques and of the fish commonly found in our lake. This event is for beginners as well as accomplished fisherman. A practice casting area is provided as well as equipment and bait.
April 22, 1-3 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
A Garden Tea is being sponsored by the Friends of Chippokes at the Jones – Stewart Mansion. Guests can enjoy sweet and savory treats, as well as several types of tea, on the Jones-Stewart Mansion’s side porch.
April 22, 2023. 12-5 p.m.
James River State Park
Join us for our inaugural event and explore what life was like here in the 1920s. Discover the technology, life and history of this area with historic displays, equipment, music and reenactors.
Various days throughout April. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Experience Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on a 4-hour guided tour! Spot wildlife on the Blue Goose Tram and uncover the history of this spectacular area. In addition, hike through pristine maritime forest to the historic Wash Woods church and cemetery.
Easter Events:
- Birding events – from morning bird walks to presentations by Master Naturalists – something for every birder
- Fishing events – April is an excellent month for fishing and there are many events for beginners to the most experienced anglers
- Astronomy and Stargazing events – events popular at parks where the skies are the darkest in Virginia
MORE APRIL EVENTS
