If you’re a nature lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Virginia Beach has just the experience for you! Pack your weekender for a fun and educational getaway to Virginia Beach for the 2015 Winter Wildlife Festival. This unique festival takes place on new dates this year: February 5-8, 2015, and also has a new home base location: Great Neck Recreation Center, located at 2512 Shorehaven Drive in Virginia Beach. Read on for the details!
The following info was provided by the Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation. For more information, contact Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Outdoor Programs at 757-385-4461 or via email at outdoors@VBgov.com.
Photo by Jane Scott Norris
Presented by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation in partnership with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Winter Wildlife Festival includes educational workshops and engaging excursions that are sure to captivate outdoor enthusiasts, both novice and expert, for a nominal fee. Space is limited for the excursions and workshops, so register early to secure your spot. Download a registration form at www.VBgov.com/winterwildlife
The keynote presenter on Friday, February 6 at the MEO Central Library will be veteran wildlife photographer, tour leader and accomplished birder Kevin Karlson. New Jersey-based Karlson will discuss his latest project, “Visions: Earth’s Elements in Bird and Nature Photography,” a book set by the elements of the planet (earth, fire, air, and water) and includes an assortment of nature photographs, from exciting action and moody contemplation, that are connected to these elements. Register for the keynote event by calling 757-385-0426 or via email outdoors@VBgov.com
Be sure to stop by the Exhibit Hall on Saturday, February 7 to meet and chat with Winter Wildlife Festival partners and other exhibitors including the Virginia Aquarium, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia State Parks, Lynnhaven River NOW, and the Virginia Beach Audubon Society. Learn ways to get involved with local efforts, and find out what the environmental groups and businesses are up to. Observe skilled decoy carvers from the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum working. Tour fascinating oyster castles constructed by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation’s Project Green Teens. This year’s Walk-Up Workshops include topics “Black Bears 101,” “Fisheries in Back Bay,” and “Harbor Seals in Virginia Beach.” The Exhibit Hall and Walk-Up Workshops are free and open to the public, starting at 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday, February 7 at Great Neck Recreation Center. Enjoy food truck eats plus special children’s activities by the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For a full list of workshops and excursions and to download a registration form, please visit http://www.VBgov.com/winterwildlife. Registration ends Friday, January 30. For more information about the event, please contact Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Outdoor Programs at 757-385-4461 or send an email to: outdoors@VBgov.com.
About Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation:Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community. We are accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information, call (757) 385-1100 (TTY: 711 Virginia Relay), visit VBgov.com/parks or sign up for our email newsletters at Bgov.com/eNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VBParksRec.
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