The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Virginia State Parks will celebrate Earth Day not only on April 22, but during April 17-26 to allow more time for visitors to engage in activities and enjoy more time outside this spring giving back at a state park.
All locations will host a variety of special programs and activities that spotlight conservation and sustainable living. Visitors can join guided nature walks, wildlife viewing, educational workshops, tree plantings and hands-on service projects aimed at protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity found across all 44 state parks.
Earth Day’s 2026 theme, ‘Planet vs. Plastics,’ calls attention to the global push to reduce plastic consumption and its impact on ecosystems and people. Park cleanups make a real difference for the environment as well as the animals that rely on these protected spaces.
Consider visiting your local park to participate in one of the many activities or service projects offered including:
- Art in the Park at New River Trail, Holliday Lake, Twin Lakes, First Landing and Mason Neck
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Regatta at Pocahontas
- Power Up Ranger Station at Bear Creek Lake
- Ecobricks: Reduce, Reuse and Rebuild at Hungry Mother
- Vernal Pool programs at Douthat, Powh
atan, Widewater, Shenandoah River and High Bridge - Leaf it Clean Challenge at Smith Mountain Lake
- Astronomy programs at Staunton River, James River, Caledon, Chippokes, Sky Meadows, Natural Bridge and Natural Tunnel
There are so many more activities to partake in so visit the event’s webpage for the full list of Earth Week events.
“Virginia State Parks provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities for visitors to experience conservation in action and understand how it shapes the environment we depend on,” said Chief of Education and Interpretation Katie Shepard. “We hope you’ll join us outdoors for some fun while making a lasting, positive impact on our planet.”
About Virginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.
