Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Join the Division of Natural Heritage in celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026! We are offering special events throughout the year to highlight who we are, what we do, and what we are passionate about. Events from guided hikes, short lectures, and work-day opportunities will be held from far Southwest Virginia to the Eastern Shore.
Finalized events are open for registration and are listed below in chronological order. They are shown on the map in blue. Trip details and sign-up instructions are provided for each event under ‘view details.’
Events still under development are also listed below after the finalized list. They are shown on the map in yellow. Check back often as new opportunities will be added throughout the year.
Date: August 14, 2026, 9:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m.
Location: Southside Savanna Natural Area Preserve, Halifax Co. Virginia
Visit one of DNH's newest and largest preserves, not yet formally open to the public, during the biggest meteor shower of the year for a night sky program and an introduction and viewing of moths by a DNH expert.
Date: August 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Bull Run Natural Area Preserve, Fauquier/Prince William Co's., Virginia
See the "High Point" section of the Preserve normally closed to visitation plus rare forests and woodlands along the way.
Date: September 9, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Locust Springs/Laurel Fork area, Highland Co.
Explore rare high-elevation plants, animals, and communities with DNH's Natural Areas Biologist.
Date: September 2026 - For beginners, boats will be provided
Date: September 2026
Location: Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve, York Co. Virginia
Join a guided tour led by a Natural Heritage steward with intimate knowledge of the seasonal depression pond habitats and one of the rarest plant species present and its ongoing recovery.
Date: fall 2026
Location: Cypress Bridge Natural Area Preserve, Southampton Co. Virginia
A rare chance to view some of the oldest and most unusual trees in eastern Virginia with Byron Carmean, one of VA's most accomplished and dedicated champion tree documentors.
Date: fall 2026
Location: Cherry Orchard Bog Natural Area Preserve, Sussex/Prince Geroge Co. Virginia
Virginia's largest patch of flowering Turtleheads (Chelone cuthbertii) will be on display on this field trip led by a Natural Heritage steward and regional expert.
