Welcome to the Spring 2009 updated
 Friends of Occoneechee State Park website.  

The friends are a group of volunteers registered with Virginia State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to support the park, its staff and the public users.

Friends serve as volunteers at events and activities, as a non-profit fund-raising arm for improvements not funded by government, and, to help keep the park and the community in sync.

Memorial Day Weekend Interpretive Events

            Memorial Day weekend will be an exciting time at Occoneechee State Park, with interpretive events that will keep everyone busy, happy, and learning!

On the 22^nd at 2:00 pm, park visitors can participate in a Nature Hike. This will include a walk through the Plantation Trail, discussing the different effects of erosion, human interaction, and observing different animals and plants. At 4:30 pm, there will be a craft program called “Leather Bags”. During this craft, park visitors can create a medicine pouch made from leather that is similar to the leather bags that the Native Americans made. At 6:00pm, meet our park interpreter at the Visitor Center for a Hayride. You will learn about the park, the Occoneechee Plantation, and play nature based games. At 8:30pm, we will have “Campfire 101” where we will teach guests how to build a campfire, then at 9:00pm we will have  a Campfire and tell the stories about the Occoneechi Indians and roast marshmallows.

On the 23^rd at 2:00pm, children can participate in a program called “Tree Cookies”. This program will help guests learn about tree rings and make their personalized tree cookie. This program will happen at a nearby picnic shelter. At 3:30 pm, there will be another craft program entitled “Dream Catchers”. The park visitors of all ages will hear two Native American legends behind the dream catchers, and then have an opportunity to make their very own dream catcher to hang above their bed. At 6:00pm, we will be hosting another Hayride, but this time the riders will learn about the Occoneechi Indians, and play fun nature games. At 9:00pm, there will be an Owl Calling program. If we get lucky, the different species of owls will answer our calls. Meet at the Terrace Gardens near Campground B.

Occoneechee State Park will provide many programs through the summer that will educate people about the park, its history, and nature through fun games and exciting activities. Look out for more entertaining and educational events!

Fees may apply. Call Occoneechee State Park main office for details. (434) 374-2210

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FRIENDS OF OCCONEECHEE CONTINUE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PARK

At the recent Pow-Wow & the Jazz by the Lake Festival, members of the Friends of Occoneechee State Park raised funds selling water, drinks, and snack concessions. Weather, temperature and sunlight play a part in the sales, but the group has been enthusiastically working for special project funds like improvements to the Occoneechi Plantation Site on the park property.  Plans are in the works to set representative plantings around what was the plantation house and also improve terrace plantings.