The year-long 80th anniversary celebration of Virginia State Parks kicks off with a new customer loyalty program and more workshops and activities for visitors.

The Customer Loyalty Program will reward visitors who stay overnight in cabins, lodges, campsites, yurts, camping cabins and camping lodges. Points can be redeemed for free accommodations.

“It is appropriate that as we celebrate our 80th anniversary of Virginia State Parks, we launch a program that rewards our customers and assists them in their pursuit of creating moments and memories in Virginia State Parks,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver.

In launching the new program, customers who signed up during January will received 50,000 bonus points added to their accounts in February.

Customers with existing reservations will receive credit after registering and after the stay.

Also in 2016, visitors will have more workshops, activities and ranger-led interpretative programs.

In 2015, more than 456,000 visitors participated in programs as varied as guided hikes, kayaking, stargazing, wilderness survival skills, and plant and wildlife education programs.

Participation in 2015 was an increase of 22 percent over 2014.