An online guide to the ​natural resources of Windsor Castle Park.​

Presented by the Historic Southside Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists and the town of Smithfield, Virginia, ​"Nature in the Park" is a "virtual stroll" through the lush natural world of Windsor Castle Park, located in downtown Smithfield.
The website was developed and is maintained by the Virginia Master Naturalist Historic Southside Chapter and its sponsoring organizations. 
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Virginia Master Naturalists - Historic Southside Chapter

Historic Southside Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program

The Historic Southside Chapter is part of the Virginia Master Naturalist program, a corp of volunteers, providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. The ​chapter was chartered in 2011 and serves the counties of Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex, and the city of Franklin. 
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Photo: ©2019 Bonnie Horne, Banner Photo: ©Bob Barnes

Windsor Castle Park,
Smithfield, Virginia

Dedicated in May of 2010, the 208-acre riverside park features a woodland trail system, picnic areas, dog park, kayak/canoe launch (and seasonal outfitters), fishing pier, mountain bike path, scenic overlooks, children's natural playscape, and a historic manor house.Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle Farm was originally part of a 1450 acre parcel patented in 1637 by Arthur Smith, an ancestor of the town's founder, Arthur Smith IV.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE.
Our online guide is easy to follow from home or while you're in the park. There are four sections to the guide, described below.
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©2019 Bonnie Horne

INTRODUCTION

The introduction includes a quick overview of the guide, as well as a linked table of contents to use if you're looking for specific information on a particular topic.
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©2019 Bonnie Horne

FOUR HABITATS

This section will explore the four habitats found in the park: the marsh, forests, open fields and creeks. Here you'll find information and images on each of the habitats.
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©2019 Bonnie Horne

ORGANISMS

This section will introduce the diverse living things found in Windsor Castle Park including the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as the park's plant life.
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©2019 Bonnie Horne

GEOLOGY

This section will offer an overview on the rich geology of Windsor Castle Park, the vital foundation for the four habitats and the many organisms that live and thrive there.

Interested in learning more about the Master Naturalist Program?

The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg. If you are a person with a disability and require any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Isle of Wight Extension Office at 757-365-6261 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.  *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.