Don’t forget your binoculars when you visit the beautiful, 810-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area. The four-mile trail leads hikers, bikers, fishermen, dog walkers, families and birdwatchers to a tidal wetland, meadow, a freshwater pond, swamps and a tidal lagoon. It is here that you will find sunken barges, bald eagles, deer, a heron rookery and a bounty of environmental treasures. If you explore all of the spur trails, you can extend your hike to nearly six miles. There is access to the James River at the boat ramp or by foot along the trails. The Lagoon Water Trail is Chesterfield County’s first water trail and it invites water lovers to explore the lagoon by kayak or canoe. Paddlers learn about the intriguing history and ecology of the lagoon while visiting sites such as the ''graveyard'' and ''labyrinth.'' Wildlife programs, water tours, hikes, retreats and many other programs are available through the county’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Free admission. Open dawn to dusk.
251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA 23836
804-318-8735 or visit www.chesterfield.gov/parks

A Day At... is brought to you by Meghan F. Coates, MS, Special Events Coordinator, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation.

Drewry’s Bluff, a Civil War site in the county, reached national prominence in 1862 when Confederate forces built Fort Drewry there. The fort was vital in blocking the U.S. Navy from progressing up the James River toward Richmond. A three-hour battle on May 15, 1862, finally ended the Union’s naval threat to the capital. Drewry’s Bluff later became the location of the Marine Corps Camp of Instruction and the Confederate Naval Academy.

Drewry’s Bluff is now part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. Located eight miles below Richmond, the well preserved fort rests 90 feet above the James River with breathtaking views of the water. The site also offers a one-mile walking trail, exhibits, interpretive signs, an artillery piece and occasional living-history interpretations.

At Drewry’s Bluff, visitors have the opportunity to experience a diverse Civil War story, learning not only about the battles, but also about science and technology and the home front.
7600 Fort Darling Road, Richmond, VA 23237
Park battlefields are open sunrise-sunset.
For more information, call
804-226-1981or visit www.nps.gov/rich/index.htm.