Virginia State Parks in the News
Richmond, Va. (June 27, 2011) – In honor of the 75th anniversary of 35 state parks as Virginia Green attractions. The Virginia State Park system is consistently rated among the best in the nation. This greater focus to enhance environmentally-focused activities such as recycling and conservation will lead to all 35 state parks being registered as Virginia Green attractions by the end of 2011.
The Virginia Green program, launched in 2008, is a partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA). Virginia Green leads businesses to commit to reducing harmful effects on the environment in the tourism industry. The program targets travel and tourism businesses including hotels, restaurants, attractions and museums. To date, Virginia Green has 1,000 participants statewide.
“Virginia’s state parks are indicative of the natural beauty found throughout Virginia,” said Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The steps the parks are taking to become Virginia Green will have a positive impact on the environment and promote the preservation of Virginia’s natural beauty for generations of visitors.”
Virginia Green participants commit to ensuring that voluntary activities such as recycling, optional linen service, water and energy conservation, green cleaning, purchasing environmentally friendly products, and a number of other steps will be taken to reduce the amount of unsafe environmental activity.
Convenient recycling at Claytor Lake State Park
“Our state park system was created 75 years ago by people committed to conserving and sharing Virginia’s abundance of natural resources and scenic beauty,” said Joe Elton, state parks director with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Participating in Virginia Green is just one way we are proud to carry on that tradition of conserving and protecting our precious natural resources.”
Virginia State Parks diversity and exciting outdoor offerings make for an ideal family vacation getaway. With 88 picnic shelters, 20 visitor centers, 11 swimming beaches, five swimming pools, 1,608 campsites and more than 200 cabins, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Many parks have beautiful lakes with swimming areas, canoe and boat rentals and excellent fishing. Family hiking trails run along lakeshores and through woodlots and meadows providing a great chance to see a multitude of wildlife species.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. For more information on the state’s Virginia Green destinations visitwww.Virginia.org.
ContactRichard LewisPublic Relations Manager forVirginia Tourism Corporationif you have any questions or comments on this news. Contact ph: (804) 545-5574 or email Richard at[email protected]
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