Shellie Anne

I'm the blog editor for Virginia State Parks, and part of the marketing team as one of the social media marketers. But I don’t just work for Virginia State Parks, I love them.

From the time I baited my first squirming worm on a hook and reeled in my first bluegill as a little girl, to looking back and fondly recalling the sound of our daughters giggling around an open fire, roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Almost all of my favorite memories have been made at the parks, outside.

At the end of my life I don’t want to look back and say I spent it all inside, or lived vicariously online, I want to claim those Kodak moments in real time.

As one of the Facebook team, I enjoy interacting with you, Park'rs in real time. When you discuss specific parks, I feel I have the experience as an avid park visitor (mom, wife, and now grandma) myself to understand where you’re coming from.

I'm grateful to my Dad who took every opportunity to get us outdoors growing up; from Dad I learned a respect and appreciation for nature, and to never take it for granted.

As an adult I adopted a conservation attitude and lifestyle, and in 2012 became a Virginia Master Naturalist, and it is from these experiences I write.

Back at home, when I’m not enjoying my job at Virginia State Parks, I am busy hiking and exploring other natural areas in search of awesome scenery and wildlife with my husband Tony, our dog and a sturdy zoom lens.

I hope to see you outside soon, life happens out there ...