Virginia Association for Parks

08/19/2026

Today is World Photography day! 📸

Today we are taking a moment to appreciate the photos that help tell the story of our public lands and the people who explore, protect, and love them.

What’s your favorite photo you’ve taken in a Virginia park? Share it with us for a chance to be featured!

08/18/2026

Let’s meet another board member- Robert Williams 👋

Robert was a founding Co-Chair of the Virginia Association For Parks (VAFP) and hosted the organizing state-wide conference to create VAFP in November 1997. Robert founded Friends of Caledon (State Park), two national park Friends groups, and assisted with the founding of Friends groups for other national parks, state parks, and Phelps Wildlife Management Area. In 2025 Robert retired from a 21-year career at US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) headquarters, having served in the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, the Division of Natural Resources, the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) Division of Budget, and the Infrastructure Management Division.

Robert served in several Acting leadership roles including Chief of the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Chief of FWS Budget Formulation and Policy, Deputy Chief of the NWRS Office of Budget, Chief of Wildlife Resources, and Deputy Manager of Great Dismal Swamp and Nansemond National Wildlife Refuges in Virginia. During the George W. Bush Administration, Robert served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, the office that oversees national policy for the National Park Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Robert has served in an advisory capacity on boards and commissions for local, state, and national governments, and served on numerous nonprofit boards primarily in the areas of public lands management, cultural, historic, and natural resources management, performing arts, public safety, recreation, and transportation.

08/15/2026

Happy National Honey Bee Day! 🐝 Today we are celebrating the tiny pollinators that make a big difference in our parks, gardens, farms, and natural spaces. Honey bees help to pollinate many of the plants that we depend on, and they are an important reminder of just how connected our ecosystems are. Here’s to protecting the places that keep Virginia buzzing! 🍯🌼

08/13/2026

Virginia Association for Parks is seeking a treasurer!
If this could be you, please read through the description below and email [email protected].

Help us by sharing this post with those in your network who may be or know a perfect fit.

Thank you all for your support!

Virginia Association for Parks is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Directors!



Description:

The Treasurer shall serve as custodian of all funds, maintain the financial records, deposit all funds in a financial institution approved by the Executive Committee, disburse funds as required by the annual budget and/or as approved by the Executive Committee, and present financial reports at each meeting and/or at the request of the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall also maintain membership records with the assistance of the Program Coordinator.



Expectations

- Serve as a volunteer

- Pass a criminal background check

- Possess professional qualities of integrity and strong work ethic

- Attend Board meetings monthly

- Interact timely with the Executive Administrator and Board members

Experience

- Minimum 2 years as full-charge bookkeeper or accountant with banking, payables, general ledger and purchasing responsibilities, OR

- Equivalent work experience as a financial auditor

- Prefer work with a nonprofit organization

- Production of standard financial reports including profit and loss, balance sheet and budget status

Skills

- Proficiency with personal computer and common office software

- Working knowledge of comprehensive general accounting software

- Working knowledge of spreadsheet software

- Working knowledge of internal controls and records management

- Good communication abilities

If you are interested in joining VAFP in the vital role of treasurer, please email your resume and letter of interest to [email protected].

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

06/23/2026

Please welcome Darlene Griffis to the board!

“As a dedicated outdoor enthusiast and lifelong volunteer, I have spent my years fostering a deep connection with the natural world—a bond rooted in my Native American heritage.

Today, I am proud to serve as the President of the Friends of Widewater State Park, where I channel my passion for conservation and community into protecting the landscapes that keep us grounded. My philosophy is simple: wellness begins with nature.

As a Proper Human Diet advocate and doTERRA Wellness Consultant, I empower others to embrace a chemical-free lifestyle through intentional nutrition and holistic living. When I’m not teaching or volunteering, I’m often behind the lens as a freelance photographer, capturing the quiet beauty of the earth. Above all, my heart belongs to my family. As a single mother and a proud “Nana” to two grandsons, they are the “why” behind everything I do. Whether I’m exploring a trail or sharing a healthy meal, I am driven by a mission to leave a vibrant, healthy legacy for the generations to follow.”

06/21/2026

Today is all about getting outside, exploring, and making memories in Virginia’s parks and natural areas.

Time spent outdoors supports physical health, mental well-being, creativity, and connection with nature and with each other!

Adventure is waiting just outside your door!

06/16/2026

Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger recognized the 90th anniversary of the Virginia State Parks system — celebrating nine decades of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and community impact across the Commonwealth.

With 44 state parks stretching from the Cumberland Gap to the Eastern Shore, every Virginian is within an hour’s drive of a state park. We invite you to visit often, relax, and enjoy all they have to offer.

06/12/2026

Introducing another new board member- please give a warm welcome to Esther Nizer, VP of Friends Capacity Building!

Esther M. Nizer of Elkton holds a BS in Health and Physical Education from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Education in Adult Education/Human Resource Development from James Madison University. She retired in 2020 from James Madison University after more than 20 years of service as an Information Technology Training and Development Manager, training over 8500 faculty and staff.

A dedicated civic and community leader, Esther has served on the Board of Directors for Elkton Area United Services (EAUS), the Elkton Cemetery Commission, and the Elkton Downtown Revitalization Corporation (EDRC). She served four years as President and two years as Treasurer of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham NAACP. Esther also completed six years of service on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Board, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and is Chair of the Friends of the Seven Bends State Park Committee. In addition, she is the volunteer coordinator for the Elkton Progressive Improvement Committee (EPIC) and serves as Vice President of the Elkton Lions Club.