The Commonwealth of Virginia has a top-rated state park system.  Without a doubt it is one of the best in the country.  In 2001 the National Sporting Good Association's Sports Foundation Inc.  it the ppresented it with their presigious gold medal and state park award as the #1 state park system.

However, the budget to support Virginia's state parks ranks low among the 50 states.  It is amazing what can be done with the help of volunteers. 

Lake Anna State Park has a very active group of volunteers that supplement the tremendous job the park staff is doing.  In another post I will provide additional information on this group of volunteers called, Friends of Lake Anna State Park.

If you live within a comfortable driving distance from Lake Anna you may find this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some time outdoors in a beautiful environment while benefiting one of Virginia's special parks.  You will also get a chance to work along side some really special people.

From time to time I will share volunteer opportunities with you.  This is one that is coming up shortly.  If you or someone you know might be interested in helping out please get in touch with Cathy Corker, Kris Jarvis,  (their contact information is below) or with me.

"Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience" Field Day Planning Workshop
Friday, April 3, 10: a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park - Visitor Center

This workshop is designed for environmental educators, teachers and volunteers who will be providing field based learning stations to intermediate and middle school audiences at state parks or similar venues.  Participants will receive Project WET's "Healthy Water Healthy People" Educator's Guide.  Sessions will include watershed mapping, water quality monitoring, riparian buffer survey, historical land use patterns, litter analysis and fish populations.  Managing large groups and other field trip tips will be covered. 
 
To register for this free program, provide full contact information to Cathy Corker, Chief Ranger at 540-854-6245 or cathy.corker@dcr.virginia.gov or Kris Jarvis at kdjarvis@deq.virginia.gov  Participants should dress for field work and bring a bag lunch. 

Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend the training.  Other volunteers are needed to assist with the day festivities --photographer, group hosts, station monitors / assistants or just have fun learning with the students. If interested please email Cathy at cathy.corker@dcr.virginia.gov  Cathy is the Chief Ranger, Education Interpreter for the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation.  We are indeed fortunate to have Cathy assigned to Lake Anna State Park.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®.

Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com.  Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.