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2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration -Machicomoco State Park
April 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration
Machicomoco State Park
April 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration! From 10am-3pm on April 18th, wander through Machicomoco’s meadows and explore what our partners have to offer. Come for hands on experiences, fun activities, cool new facts, and see what environmental work is being done. Terrestrial, aquatic, insectoid or environmental, they have it all! It’s a fun day for the whole family. Bring a lunch or purchase food from our food trucks! See our food truck offerings and our partners + what they are doing at the event here! Be sure to check it frequently for updates.
Monacan Indian Nation
The Monacan Indian Nation’s mission is to honor, preserve, and uplift the rich heritage, culture, and sovereignty of the Monacan people. Their primary objective is to safeguard the well-being, rights, and prosperity of their tribal community, both present and future.
The Monacan Indian Nation will be discussing carbon sequestration gardening, microscopy, and seed kits.
The Fairfield Foundation
A local 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization offering public archeology programs, research opportunities and outreach activities since 2000.
The Fairfield Foundation will be offering tours of the historic Timberneck House that is located within the park, as well as speaking on archeology and historical preservation.
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Women Group
The Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Women Group will discussing native plant life on the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Native Land, including long leaf pines, displaying Tribal Artifacts, and talking about the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) plackets leading to the Cattashow Town Path.
Batten School and VIMS
VIMS provides research, education, and advisory service in marine science to Virginia, the nation, and the world.
The Batten School and VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences) will be discussing their Chesapeake Bay Marine Science research, with an emphasis on Oyster reef habitat and the importance of the interconnectedness of oysters to Bay health.
Gloucester Clean Community
Clean Community provides tips on how to be greener, organizes community clean ups, and educates on community trash resources.
The Gloucester Branch of Clean Community will be discussing recycling and litter prevention.
Gloucester Bee City Committee
Gloucester Bee City Committee teaches the public ways to provide healthy habitats to native pollinators, with the need for native plants and fewer pesticides.
The Gloucester Bee City Committee will be talking about native bees and pollinators, and what you can do to help them.
Friends of Machicomoco
The Friends of Machicomoco is a non-profit citizen support organization that assists the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in providing a variety of volunteer, recreational, & educational opportunities & enhances park visitor experience.
The Friends of Machicomoco will be discussing conservation work done in the park, providing activity booklets and crafts, and have giveaways.
DCR- Natural Heritage
The Natural Heritage Program’s work focuses on science-based conservation to protect Virginia’s native plant and animal life and the ecosystems upon which it depends.
The Department of Natural Heritage will be discussing their work tracking and protecting rare, threatened, and endangered species and communities of Virginia.
Friends of Dragon Run
FODR’s mission is to preserve, protect, and encourage the wise use of Dragon Run and its watershed. They promote the preservation and protection of the watershed encouraging agricultural and forestry best management practices in the Dragon Run wetlands and along its streams.
The Friends of the Dragon Run will be discussing the Dragon Run watershed, conservation work, and species within it.
Virginia Department of Forestry
The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.
The Virginia Department of Forestry will be talking about treasure of the forest, and have activities like leaf rubbing and touch items.
Virginia Native Plant Society
The Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS), founded in 1982 as the Virginia Wildflower Preservation Society, is a nonprofit organization of individuals who share an interest in Virginia’s native plants and habitats. The Society and its chapters seek to further the appreciation and conservation of this priceless heritage.
The Virginia Native Plant Society will be sharing knowledge of Virginia’s Native Plants.
Gloucester Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
From walking trails to horseback riding trails, fishing to kayaking, soccer to softball, Gloucester County has parks for everyone.
Gloucester Parks and Recreation will be talking about local birds and have wingspan and coloring activities.
Machicomoco B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador
Machicomoco’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador educates others about proper pet etiquette in Virginia State Parks and more.
Our B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador, Percy, will be discussing dog waste pollution and pet leave no trace.
Northern Neck Sail & Power Squadron
Promoting boating safety through education, camaraderie, and support by boaters for boaters.
Northern Neck Sail & Power Squadron will be talking about Boating and Water safety education, boating safety equipment demonstrations, knot tying, lifejacket challenge, children’s lifejacket fittings, Vessel Safety Check sign up, plus Sea Vester, an interactive robotic sea eagle who educates children about safety around the water.
Middle Peninsula Master Naturalists
As members of a community-based natural resources program, Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginians conserve and manage natural resources and public lands
We strive to make our programming and special event opportunities accessible and inclusive to all. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our front office to speak with a ranger or contact us through the park email address. We will attempt to accommodate all individuals or families for their unique circumstances and can do so best with advanced communication.
About Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Virginia State Parks offers a range of special events and activities highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainability. Visitors are invited to participate in educational programs, guided nature walks, wildlife observation, tree plantings and service projects to help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the state’s 44 parks.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 804-642-2419
