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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 29, 2026
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Smith Mountain Lake State Park hosts special anniversary event

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Smith Mountain Lake State Park)

HUDDLESTON, Va. – Smith Mountain Lake State Park is turning 43 and invites the community to partake in its bird-themed celebration on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Happy Bird-day Nature Expo festivities will spotlight the incredible birdlife that makes this lakeside park such a special place for wildlife lovers.

Visitors can immerse themselves in nature with guided bird walks throughout the park, watch bird-netting demonstrations or climb aboard the park’s pontoon boat for a bird-watching cruise.

The celebration continues at the Discovery Center, where a bird-themed nature expo offers hands-on activities for all ages, including:

Owl pellet dissections
Build-your-own bird feeders
Bird photography insights
Avian taxidermy exhibits
Catch-and-release songbird demonstrations
Learn-about-ducks sessions
Live birds of prey
And much more

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to claim a free Smith Mountain Lake State Park birthday sticker, which is available while supplies last.

The Happy Bird-day Nature Expo is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists and the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

This event is free to attend; however, regular parking fees apply. To learn more, please call 540-297-6066 or go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake.

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About Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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