Save the date! More information coming soon!

Join us for the National Association of State Park Foundations Conference, September 8–11, 2024, at Pocahontas State Park, Virginia! Conveniently located near Richmond Airport, this two-day event features topics on partnerships, volunteerism, fundraising, accessibility, and more.

Together, we'll forge new partnerships and provide essential tools for conserving and stewarding our nation’s world-class state parks.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate—mark your calendar now! We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration is now LIVE! Please email vafparks@gmail.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at Occoneechee in May!

Schedule

Thursday, May 1

Throughout the day: VAFP Members Arrive

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Welcome Appetizers & Conviviality, with S’mores by Fireside

Friday, May 2

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Continental Breakfast, Compliments of the Friends of Occoneechee State Park

10:15 AM: Tour Staunton River Battlefield State Park (SRBSP)

12:15 PM: Boxed lunches at SRBSP

1:30 PM: Tour Staunton River State Park (SRSP)

3:30 PM: The State of Virginia State Parks by Dr. Melissa Baker, Director, Virginia State Parks at SRSP

5:30 PM: Dinner & Speakers at Bridgewater Bar & Grill

6:00 PM: Tara Tuck on The Benefits State Parks Provide to Surrounding Communities

6:30 PM: Dinner

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Conviviality at Occoneechee State Park (optional)

Saturday, May 3

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Continental Breakfast, Compliments of the Friends of Occoneechee State Park

9:00 AM: Welcome & Kick-off by Jim Klakowicz & Melissa Tedila, VAFP Annual Conference Committee Co-Chairs

9:15 AM: State of VAFP Report with Tim Kennell, VAFP President

10:00 AM: Advocating for Our Parks with VAFP Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs, Jessica Bowser & Michelle Schopp

10:45 AM: Volunteering in Virginia State Parks by Scarlett Stevens, Community Engagement & Volunteerism Manager

11:15 AM: Friends Groups by the Numbers & Best Practices via a Panel Discussion

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Other speakers + festivities TBA!

3:00 PM: Tour Occoneechee State Park via a visit to the Visitor's Center, an exploratory hike, and a fun hayride

5:30 PM: Dinner at Bridgewater Bar & Grill

8:30 PM: Dark Sky Program at Staunton River State Park

Sunday, May 4

Throughout the Day: VAFP Members Depart

Lodging

If you are interested in coordinating your own off-site lodging, we recommend the following: 

1. Clarion Pointe on the Lake Clarksville-South Hill West

Address: 103 2nd St, Clarksville, VA 23927

Phone Number: (434) 485-0557

2. Quality Inn - On The Lake-Boydton

Address: 101 Virginia Ave., Clarksville, VA 23927

Phone Number: (434) 374-8106

3. The Sunnyside Sisters Bed and Breakfast

Address: 104 Shiney Rock Road, Clarksville, VA 23927

Phone Number: (434) 362-1448