Virginia State Parks is the first park system in the nation to install viewfinders for colorblind guests at all of its locations.
The EnChroma-adapted viewfinders are equipped with special lenses designed to help those with a red-green color deficiency to experience an expanded range of color.
The installation of the viewfinders at Virginia State Parks began in 2023 with Natural Tunnel State Park, an initiative that was led by a colorblind chief ranger. The remaining 42 locations received their viewfinders in 2024.
“This initiative underscores Virginia’s commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences for all visitors and sets a new standard for state parks nationwide,” said Matt Wells, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages Virginia State Parks. “We’re proud to play a role in opening up a world of vibrant color for colorblind individuals to experience nature like never before.”
While people with normal color vision see over one million shades of color, those with the red-green deficiency are estimated to see about 10 percent of hues and shades. To them, colors containing red and green can appear dull, washed out and indistinguishable.
One in 12 men (8 percent) and one in 200 women (0.5 percent) are colorblind. With more than 8 million people visiting Virginia State Parks annually, approximately 341,000 are estimated to be colorblind.
“Seeing the world in vibrant color is a gift many of us take for granted,” said Melissa Baker, Virginia State Parks director. “The EnChroma viewfinders help us create a one-of-a-kind experience for our red-green colorblind visitors and allow them to better enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our state parks.”
The purchase of the viewfinders was funded by donations received through the Round-Up for Parks program, allowing visitors to donate to Virginia State Parks when making a purchase online or at a park.
To find a state park near you, click here.
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Crystal Graham
