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The town welcomes groups to submit park project applications. Applications are considered based on the groups ability to to see the project through completion as well as provide ongoing maintenance of the item.
Contact Amy Novak with the Town of Smithfield to discuss your park project idea at 757-356-9939 . |
Compass Course
Wondering what these cool new markers are about? These are for our new Compass Course. Local Boy Scout, Kyle Rutherford, got the idea after seeing families, students, orienteering clubs, and other groups using the orienteering courses at Prince William Forest State Park.
When complete in November there will be 2 courses. Course #1 is shorter and covers the area north of Jericho Road. Course #2 is longer and covers the entire park. Each can be completed in 2 to 2.5 hours. We will post more information on our website when completed. Historic Site Restoration
The Town of Smithfield has committed $2 million to begin the restoration process of the manor house and its existing outbuildings and Smithfield Foods has agreed to give $1 million to the project. After the restoration, the Manor House and grounds will then be open for tours and be used to host meetings and private events. HISTORIC RESTORATION WINDSOR CASTLE PARK FOUNDATION Bluebird Houses |
Tree of Heaven Removal
The Trail Doctors are teaming with the town's Public Works Department to remove this invasive species from the park. Work has already begun in identifying specific trees for removal. TRAIL DOCTORS English Ivy Removal
A few of our Trail Doctors have been very busy removing invasive English Ivy. This plant uses healthy trees to climb to sunlight eventually choking off the tree with its heavy vines. The removal of these vines is vital to saving the pines, oaks and other varieties in our park. TRAIL DOCTORS |
These man-made boxes offer a substitute home for nesting eastern bluebirds and provide essential habitat for the breeding birds. Due to volunteer efforts such as this, these beautiful native birds are beginning to make a comeback after years of decline due to habitat loss and invasive competitive species. These boxes are monitored for scientific study in collaboration with the Virginia Bluebird Society. Built and monitored by The Virginia Master Naturalist Historic Southside Chapter and Tthe Isle of Wight Ruritan Club |
Oyster Gardening
Oysters play a vital role in cleaning the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. An adult oyster can filter 2 gallons of water per hour and 17,500 gallons a year. Oysters are estimated currently at 1% of their historic levels. Centuries ago there were so many oysters in the bay that they could filter all the water in the bay in less than a week, now it would take over a year. Small oyster cages have been installed by the park fishing pier and then will be monitored for 1 year until fully grown. After 1 year, the oysters will be given to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation who will then plant them on an oyster reef in the Chesapeake Bay. Project by Kelly Davis |
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