Good morning Prince William - Happy National Volunteer Week! Thanks for all you do- we live in a wonderful community because of you!

· Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers to spruce up the fishing pier by replacing boards and power washing the pier. This pier affords fisherman year round access as well those early birds up to watch the sunrise. Please email Ben at: [email protected] to learn more.

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In a recent online list, Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge was ranked as one of the most "lesser known" parks in Virginia.

The park is located along the Potomac River in Woodbridge. It's the site of the home of Major-Gen. Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee who served in the Revolutionary War and as the ninth governor of the state. He was also the father of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

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Good morning Prince William - Happy Halloween! Historic Manassas is looking for volunteers to help with their Haunted Happenings event on Saturday, October 29th from 9am-12noon. Duties include helping with fun games for the children in costume. You don't want to miss the fun- please email [email protected] to learn more.

· SERVE is looking for youth groups to distribute flyers in their neighborhood about collecting TP when they trick or treat- yep you got it everybody could use a little extra TP especially families in need. Call Navara at 571-748-2536 to learn more.

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Good morning Prince William - The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program recognizes outstanding young people in grades 5-12 for their great volunteer service to the community. Teens will be judged by their initiative, effort, impact and personal growth. Nominations due by November 8th at their website: spirit.prudential.com.

· The Out of Darkness Walk to support suicide prevention needs walkers on Sunday September 18th at the Harris Pavilion. Check-in is 11am and the walk begins at 12:30pm. Please register to walk or support one of the many walkers already registered at: afsp.org.

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NOTICE

ABANDONED WATERCRAFT

Notice is hereby given that the following watercraft has been abandoned for more than 60 DAYS on the property of Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191:

1993 Ebbtide, Fiberglass, Open, 22′ long, Hull Number: ETC30835d393.

Application for Watercraft Registration/Title will be made n accordance with Section 29.1-733.25 of the Code of Virginia if this watercraft is not claimed and removed within 30 days of the first publication of the notice. Please contact the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with questions.

From the Virginia Governor's office: 

WOODBRIDGE - Governor Terry McAuliffe highlighted Virginia's successes in land conservation and water quality today at Leesylvania State Park in Prince William County. The event honored the many partners behind the Potomac Heritage Trail and the under-construction living shorelines at the park.

"Investing in Virginia's natural resources is critical to ensuring future generations can enjoy the same fresh air, clean parks, and clear waters that we have today," said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at today's event. "Since 1980, Virginia has spent hundreds of millions of dollars improving our water quality and my administration is bolstering this commitment. We have directed $30 million for land conservation and over $84 million for agricultural best management practices and technical assistance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Every dollar we spend is an investment in this $1.1 trillion dollar economic asset and the results are plain to see: increased blue crab abundance, improved habitat, and a healthier bay for all to enjoy."

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Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe will speak at Leesylvania State Park on Tuesday.

He’s expected to make a budget announcement that will have to do with the funding of conservation efforts in state waterways and on land, according to a Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation spokeswoman.

Leeylsvania State Park is home to an effort called the Living Shoreline project — an effort to stop the erosion of land by the Potomac River.

The Governor is also expected to laud the many partnerships involved with the half-million project, to include members of Dominion Virginia Power, The College of William and Mary, and Friends of Leesylvania State Park.

McAuliffe is scheduled to speak at the park at 11 a.m.

From Leeslyvania State Park Manager Karen Lambey: 

Leesylvania’s attendance numbers for this past 4^th of July weekend were 26,744 for the four-day holiday weekend stretch.  This is up significantly from last year and follows a several year trend of substantially higher numbers of park guests coming out to visit.

Due to the variable weather, not many park guests braved the rain on Monday, July 4, but a number of families came out on both Saturday and Sunday.  The park experienced off and on showers on Sunday, but that did not dampen spirits. 

A number of guests brought their own shelters, set them up in the picnic area, and spent the entire day cooking out and enjoying the park together.  

On major holiday weekends, such as for Independence Day, shelters are not available for advance reservation and are instead first-come, first-serve for any park guests arriving upon opening.

The Woodbridge park is not alone. Attendance at state parks over the July 4 holiday was up across the state: 

From Virginia State Parks: 

Virginia State Parks hosted a star-spangled holiday weekend with increases over last year in visitation and revenue.

Despite intermittent rainy weather in some parts of Virginia, attendance increased by 74,816, a 36 percent increase over last year’s holiday weekend.

Overall revenue for the weekend was up 43 percent, with increases in cabin rentals, swimming fees, merchandise sales and nearly every other category of visitor spending.

“We’re really pleased,” said State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “It was a great weekend despite sporadic rain events throughout the state. The weekend of the 4^th is our traditional  mid-point to the summer season, and guests took advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in their state parks to include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking and mountain biking to name a few.”

Overall attendance is up 16 percent in 2016.

Submitted by Leeslyvania State Park Manager Karen Lambey:

Music at the Marina is Leesylvania State Park's outdoor summer concert series featuring live military and local bands performing against the backdrop of the Potomac River.  Starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until about 8:30 p.m., this year's dates are Saturday, June 25; Saturday, July 23; and Saturday, August 27.  Everyone is invited out to enjoy a fun and family-friendly evening of music.

Everyone may attend Music at the Marina.  The event is free, however there is a parking fee of $7 for Virginia residents and $9 for out-of-state guests.

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