Plenty of gold was found in Central Virginia in the 1800s. Early pioneer miners had lots of clues to help them find gold. In a three-hour workshop (offered on two dates), participants will learn to look for these clues, practice using the equip-ment miners used, and then will put new-found knowledge to work along Holliday Creek to see if they can find some gold.

To get to a good spot, guest miners will canoe across Holliday Lake and up Holliday Creek a little ways to pan for gold. (Please note that each participant must be able to canoe about one mile and hike a short distance to get to the gold pan-ning site. Gold panning is not for the faint-of-heart.)

As a bonus, Dr. Jim Jordan, Park naturalist will share some of the rich history of the area with participants. He's col-lected “nuggets” of information about prehistoric times, the early 1800s, the American Civil War, and modern history that he will share along the way.

The workshop is being offered twice, Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, April 30. Each workshop will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $6 per person and includes the use of canoes and all the special tools necessary.

Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register for either workshop, contact Holliday Lake State Park at (434) 248-6308 or email: hollidaylake@dcr.virginia.gov