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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 03, 2026
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Smith Mountain Lake State Park hosts second installment of Winter Lecture Series

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Winter Lecture Series)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Discovery Center)

HUDDLESTON, Va. – The Winter Lecture Series will return to Smith Mountain Lake State Park on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. This is the second installment of the four-part series and will feature Virginia Master Naturalist Bonnie Miles.

Miles will present an engaging program on one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures: bats. From 2012 to 2019, Miles served as a certified wildlife rehabilitator with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, specializing in the care of orphaned, ill or injured bats. Her work ensured these vital animals could return to their natural habitats.

In this lecture, attendees will learn about the threats causing declining populations among many bat species and discover practical ways to help these essential creatures survive.

The Winter Lecture Series is held in the park’s Discovery Center and also features programs on March 8 and April 12. Each lecture offers attendees the chance to learn from experts on topics related to nature, conservation and local history.

Ticket information:

Single ticket: $10; Season ticket: $30
Friends of SMLSP members: Single ticket: $8; Season ticket: $24

The cost of admission includes parking. Proceeds from the series support educational programs and projects at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. For more information, please call 540-297-6066 or go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/smith-mountain-lake.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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