April 22, 2013 will mark the 43rdcelebration of Earth Day a global, grass roots environmental awareness event celebrated in 175 countries. All 35 Virginia State Parks will offer programming or volunteer events during “earth week,” April 16-22, 2013 to celebrate our commitment to the planet.
Earth Week Logo (1970 Earth Week Committee of Philadelphia, Creative Commons 3.0)
Reduce, reuse, recycle is a foundation of sustainable living and the reduction of our collective carbon footprint. Virginia State Parks’ mission includes providing both direct environmental education and an appreciation for the natural world through programs and outdoor recreation to our more than 8 million annual visitors.
In June 2012 Virginia Green, Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout its tourism industry, the program was introduced last fall on America Recycles Day at three state parks. Earth week will mark the full “roll out” of these new containers.
Recycling container grant and partnership celebrated on America Recycles Day
Earth week programs represent a combination of self-guided and ranger-led programs along with volunteer opportunities such as litter and debris cleanups from trails and shorelines. Mason Neck State Park’s Eagle Festival is a great celebration of America’s success protecting our nation’s proud symbol.
Governor McDonnell poses with youth attending the 2012 Earth Week event
at Pocahontas State Park
programs and events search tool to find programs based on location, date or type of program.
Plan your Virginia State Parks visit for Earth Week now. Most parks offer camping or cabin rentals. For more information about lodging and availability, contact our Virginia State Parks reservation center at 800-933-7275 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Or book on line any time.