Community Spotlight: Friends of SML State Park
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Celebrating 30 years of volunteer-driven impact, programs and stewardship
The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park marked a major milestone this year, celebrating 30 years of supporting one of the region’s most treasured outdoor spaces. What began as a small group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts has grown into an active, volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to conservation, education and community engagement within the park.
Throughout the year, the group hosts and supports a wide range of events that bring people into the park and help fund its ongoing programs. Annual favorites like the Osprey 10K run and 5K walk each April, along with the popular Music in the Park series from May through August, not only draw crowds but also generate support for park improvements and educational initiatives.
The group’s impact is easy to see in the steady stream of activity taking place at the park. From school field trips and guided boat tours to lecture series and family-friendly events, the Friends help make the park a vibrant destination for all ages.
Volunteers also play a hands-on role in maintaining park’s trails and the butterfly garden, monitoring bluebird nests each week and organizing seasonal events like last fall’s Owl-O-Ween Trail, which welcomed more than 200 participants. Many of these programs, including boat tours and community awareness days on topics like “Why Insects Matter,” are free and open to the public.
The group is also helping shape the park’s future. A project underway is the construction of a new kayak launch, designed to enhance access and improve the experience for paddlers and water enthusiasts.
“Volunteers play a huge role, and many of these programs simply wouldn’t happen without them,” said member Carla Esarey.
As the organization looks ahead, attracting new volunteers remains a top priority. The Friends meet at 9:30 a.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Discovery Center and welcome anyone interested in getting involved.
To learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or current projects, visit smlstateparkfriends.org.
Amy Dye
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amy has enjoyed countless happy days with friends and family at Smith Mountain Lake. She’s written stories about lake people and places, and put together special event calendars and guides for local publications. Amy’s novel “Moonshine Serenade” pays homage to her Franklin County roots including a chapter devoted to a sweet summer day spent on Smith Mountain Lake.
