Office of Student Life

Leadership and Community Engagement

Virginia: Natural Tunnel State Park

Engaging in wildlife rehabilitation and trail maintenance to promote ecosystem preservation and environmental appreciation 

Community Partner: Natural Tunnel State Park 

Trip Dates: March 9-16, 2024 

Location: Duffield, Virginia 

Number of Participants: 10 

Price: $500 

Apply for a Buck-I-SERV Spring 2024 trip today! 

Included in participant fee:

  • All logistical and travel expenses: Rental vehicles for roundtrip transportation (damage/insurance waiver included), overnight lodging for entire week (cabins on-site at Natural Tunnel State Park), gas for rental vehicles, parking for rental vehicles and toll fees incurred during travel.
  • Project/service fees OR donation for facilitating week of service/alternative break experience. 
  • Buck-I-SERV supplies/swag: Individual items (t-shirts, water bottles, pens, and reflection booklets for each group member) and group items (first aid kit, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, deck of playing cards, and thank you card for community partner). 
  • Buck-I-SERV Events and Training: Spring Kick-Off and Welcome Back events with catering and pre-trip education and training. 
  • Some meals and group activities: The group will be provided a small budget to use for group meals and group activities. Participants should plan to bring money for out of pocket expenses.  

Travel and Housing: 

  • Participants will drive to and from Virginia in rental vehicles. 
  • Participants will stay in cabins on-site at Natural Tunnel State Park for the duration of the trip. 
  • A packing list will be provided to participants and discussed during pre-trip meetings leading up to departure. 

What to expect: 

  • More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years 
  • Volunteers help with a variety of projects including group nature programs, wildlife rehabilitation, trail maintenance and nature displays. 
  • Activities may be physical and vary from month to month. Participants will volunteer from 8a.m. – 5p.m. each day. Expect to be outside for full days. 
  • Participants on this trip will enjoy hiking in the park during free time. It should be noted that cell service might not be available for the entire trip.