Natural Bridge State Park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
The status requires approval from the International Dark-Sky Association.
The status has been granted to about 130 parks around the world.
“With the designation of Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows, Virginia State Parks has a total of four dark sky parks and Virginia has a total of five, more than any other state east of the Mississippi,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “The designation represents years of hard work and dedication by the staff and volunteers at both parks. Our commitment to providing visitors with unique opportunities to enjoy and learn about our natural resources is at the forefront of this project.”
Natural Bridge is the fourth Virginia state park to receive the designation. Other state parks in Virginia with the designation are the Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County, the James River State Park and the Staunton River State Park.
Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Great news – Virginia State Parks now has FOUR IDA Dark Sky parks! The International Dark Sky Association announced that Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows state parks join Staunton River and James River with International Dark Sky status.
More details here: https://t.co/Xz9DhEpnmR pic.twitter.com/5ipcA7CtW8
— Virginia State Parks (@VAStateParks) April 7, 2021
