Virginia Association For Parks Virginia Association For Parks

What We Do

VAFPThe VAFP mission statement’s length belies the importance of the work we do: To support Virginia’s national, state and regional parks. We give voice to those who love our parks.

Recognizing the potential for strengthening volunteer park support organizations in Virginia, the Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP) was launched at a statewide park volunteer training conference held in November 1997. Since then, VAFP has grown to become the nonprofit umbrella organization for the respective citizen support groups (friends groups) and individual volunteers supporting the 41 state parks, 66 state natural areas, and the 22 national parks, monuments and historic sites throughout Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees Virginia’s state parks, publishes this useful guide, Volunteer Citizen Support Organization Manual, for those interested in forming friends groups.

The association advocates for park issues at all levels. It also offers free technical advice and assistance to those who wish to form a new support organization, and we conduct semi-annual conferences that include training sessions and networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas that work. In 2007, the VAFP was awarded the National Association for State Parks' President Award to recognize their commitment to supporting Virginia State Parks. Visit this page to learn more about the award.

Visit this page for recent news.

Friends Groups

Citizen support organizations vary by park and the supporters who make them up. Some groups coordinate volunteer projects, some raise funds for projects, and others work in the community to advocate for the park. All are valuable and the backbone of the Virginia Association for Parks. Visit this page for a list of state park friends groups. You can lend a hand at the local level, the state level or both.

Social media

Keep up with us by joining us on Facebook and check out our Flickr photo collection. 

Sign up for the Virginia State Parks newsletter.

Member resources

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees Virginia’s state parks, publishes this useful guide, Volunteer Citizen Support Organization Manual, for those interested in forming friends groups.

Officers

Mailing Address:

VAFP
PO Box 9205
Norfolk, VA 23505

(757) 619-0540
magnoliafarms@cox.net

 

 

Your voice for Virginia's parks.