Pres. Franklin Roosevelts establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 had lasting conservation impacts across the nation. Virginia joined this effort when Will Carson of the Virginia Conservation Commission convinced Roosevelt to use the Civilian Conservation Corps to build a state park system. Virginia is distinguished as the only state in the nation to open a system of state parks on one day. On June 15, 1936, the first six state parksDouthat, Seashore (present day First Landing), Hungry Mother, Fairy Stone, Westmoreland, and Staunton River State Parkswere opened. From these humble beginnings, the commonwealth has developed over 35 diverse, award-winning state parks. From seashore to mountains, take a journey across Virginia through a vast array of landscapes and unrivaled natural and cultural resources.

Teachers' guide containing 40 activities for grades K-12 to learn about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, through field trips to seven of Virginia's state parks and natural areas.