York River State Park Events & Activities

9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
Web Site: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river

York River State Park events and activities are listed below. The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests.

January 3

Waterfowl Watch
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What is the difference between a mallard and a merganser? Is the bufflehead drake really black and white? What are those ducks that seem to dive and surface in a precise order? Our Education Support Specialist will be on hand behind the visitor center to help you discover the wonders of our visiting waterfowl. You may also catch him on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from now until March to answer all things duck. No fee.

January 20

Three Rivers Three Peoples Hike
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This hike honors the shared history of African, European, and Native Americans who made their homes along the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers. The hike will be along the Woodstock Pond and Mattaponi Trails which are rated as easy. However, there is a section of the Mattaponi Trail that is not handicap accessible and will be a challenge for children in strollers. We will stop at certain points along the trails, in particular those that highlight the history of Taskinas Plantation (the colonial name for where our park is located) and other areas of historic significance. Of course, if something unique in the natural world captures our attention, we will share about that as well.

February 1

Fossil Frenzy
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea. Early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails all left traces of their existence which we now find as fossils. Join us in discovering relics of these very old creatures as we hike to a fossil beach. No Cost. Please call to make reservations, 757-566-3036

Waterfowl Watch
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What is the difference between a mallard and a merganser? Is the bufflehead drake really black and white? What are those ducks that seem to dive and surface in a precise order? Our Education Support Specialist will be on hand behind the visitor center to help you discover the wonders of our visiting waterfowl. You may also catch him on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from now until March to answer all things duck. No fee.

February 14

Great Backyard Bird Count
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual program of the Cornell University Ornithology Lab and the National Audubon Society. Seasoned and first time birders are invited to count the various species of birds at the park including eagles, song birds, and waterfowl. Spend as much, or as little time as you wish. For more information about this project, please visit the GBBC website at http://gbbc.birdcount.org.

February 15

Pink Flamingo Hike
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Professionally Ill-Advised, Naturally Highly Unlikely, Completely Fake in Every Way, Phony yet Factual Birding Adventure.
Of course there are no pink flamingoes native to or migratory in Virginia. But, we will see a few fake ones. Discover what birds live in the habitats along our waterways and woods and why they are much better adapted than the plastic imposters. Guests are welcome to bring binoculars and spotting scopes. No fee.