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While my 20 year career with Virginia State Parks makes me a bit partial, Virginians and visitors to Virginia have an amazing treasure in our state parks. And I do mean "our" because they belong to all of us. Here are some ways to show your support if you are so inclined.

Visit Virginia State Parks

This is the ultimate "twofer." You and your family or friends get a great experience in nature or immersed in history and we can demonstrate the popularity of our parks with the people who decide what our funding levels will be. Also, every dollar you spend to visit our parks goes right back into operating our parks. More than half our operating funds come from our collected revenue. There are 37 completely different experiences to choose from. 

Consider Volunteering

Whether you come out for a one time volunteer event or make it a regular commitment, we have many ways you can help. The special volunteer events are listed on our events database. If you want to look into specific opportunities, check out or online application and volunteer opportunities. If you have other ideas on how your talents may be able to help us, each park has an opportunity called "contact the volunteer coordinator." Also, feel free to email our statewide volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers help make history come alive

Join the Park's Friends Group

If you have a favorite park, consider joining their Friends group. Nearly every park has one (and those that don't are looking to help park lovers start one). While some Friends groups are committed volunteers, others also work to raise funds for projects and to advocate for the park in the community and with state legislators. You don't even have to live near the park to be a member. Dues are very reasonable.

Friends groups help with fundraising for special products like the
audio-visual system at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Nature Center. The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park
also raised money for a pontoon boat to take visitors on the lake.

Support the Virginia Association for Parks

The VAFP is our statewide non-profit support organization. Consider joining. The Associate Membership is free with additional membership levels available beginning at just $10. You can also support the VAFP and our Virginia State Park projects when you shop at Amazon or Kroger and if you are a state government employee the VAFP is part of the Combined Virginia Campaign (the CVC code is 03891). Currently they are working on general advocacy for our parks and helped develop this publication with important facts about Virginia State Parks. They are also behind the new SmartParks initiative.

Tell Your Friends

Regardless of how much we spend to market our great Virginia State Parks, word of mouth is still the number one way people find out about us. So, tell your friends about how much you enjoy your visits. Share your favorite parks. Forward them a weekly enewsletter. Share our social media posts. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn and Pinterest. Subscribe to our weekly enewsletter and read our blog. On Twitter, be sure to include @vastateparks and on Instagram use #vastateparks. The VAFP also is on Facebook and Twitter.