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

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