Walton Park, Town of Mineral

Walton Park has been a fixture in Mineral civic life since 1965. Elizabeth Trice Walton wanted to donate the land to the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department but because the department was unincorporated at the time, it was deeded to the Town of Mineral. The park has played host to many events over the years, the most famous of which is the Mineral Bluegrass Festival, last held in 2016. The land was officially turned over to the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department in 2020. Between events, Walton Park is a quiet getaway except for the raucous Carolina chickadees and tufted titmice clambering around the canopy. Many of central Virginia’s resident species such as white-breasted nuthatches, Carolina wrens, cedar waxwings, and American robins are common. Migrants like black-throated green warblers and yellow-throated vireos can be also be found here.

During the winter visitors are in a prime position to spot birds without any leaves obscuring their view. Check any dead wood for red-bellied or downy woodpeckers, northern flickers and perhaps yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Once spring returns and the wildflowers begin to bloom, turn your attention to the identifying marks of red-spotted purple butterflies or curious-looking American snouts which are often brave enough to use you as a perch.