A multi-year planning and fundraising effort for a new nature center at Beaverdam Park, Gloucester, will kick off with a spring festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the park.

Activities that day will include live music from Key’d Up and Planet Full Of Blues, face painting, badminton, cornhole, volleyball, a soccer relay, a guided nature walk, and a frog talk.

Information booths will be set up and include representatives from VIMS, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Gloucester’s Clean Community committee, the Virginia Herpetological Society, and Colonial Bee Keepers.

The first 500 families to enter the festival will receive free tree saplings.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase and families can bring their own picnic lunches. Folding chairs are suggested and no alcohol is permitted in the park.

Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the entrance; children under 13 are admitted free. Tickets are available for advanc...