Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Media Center - News Release

استفسارات وسائل الإعلام: يرجى الاتصال بديف نيوديك، dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

للإصدار الفوري
التاريخ: نوفمبر 21, 2025
اتصل بـ ستار أندرسون، أخصائية العلاقات العامة والتسويق، 540-460-1540 ، starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Late Natural Bridge State Park volunteer honored with Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: CREDIT REQUIRED Official Photo by Lori Massengill, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin)

Natural Bridge, Va. – Natural Bridge State Park is proud to announce that the late Bob Gilbert, longtime member and former president of the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, has been posthumously honored with a 2025 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award in the senior volunteer category.

The award was presented to Gilbert’s wife and daughter by Governor Glenn Youngkin during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion.

Gilbert passed away on Feb. 18, 2025, leaving a legacy of service that created a lasting impact on Natural Bridge State Park and the surrounding community. As president of the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, he led numerous initiatives that enhanced the park’s accessibility, preservation and community engagement.

His leadership helped establish the park’s Children’s Discovery Area and disc golf trail, creating opportunities for recreation and learning for generations to come.

In addition to his work with the park, Gilbert was a dedicated member of the Natural Bridge Ruritan Club and the Rockbridge County School Board, embodying a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and community betterment.

“Bob’s contributions to Natural Bridge State Park and the greater Rockbridge community are immeasurable,” said Park Manager Jim Jones. “This award is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to ensure that others could enjoy and learn from the natural beauty of this special place.”

The Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards, presented annually by the Office of the Governor in partnership with Serve Virginia, recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of service across the commonwealth.

To learn more about the awards, go to https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/november/name-1071312-en.html.

For more information about Natural Bridge State Park, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge.

-30-

تدار متنزهات ولاية فرجينيا من قبل وزارة الحفظ والاستجمام في فرجينيا. لمزيد من المعلومات حول أنشطة ومرافق متنزهات ولاية فرجينيا أو لحجز واحد من أكثر من 1 أو800 مواقع التخييم أو 300 الكبائن التي يمكن التحكم في مناخها، اتصل بمركز حجز متنزهات ولاية فرجينيا على 800-933-PARK أو قم بزيارة www.virginiastateparks.gov.

شارك هذا البيان الصحفي