Gleaning the Good in People through Gardens

At the end of Julie Mendoza’s first season as a Fairfax County community garden plot renter, she couldn’t help but notice all of the tomatoes. Many of her fellow renters at McLean’s

Lewinsville Park in 2009 had extra tomatoes languishing on the vines.

Such a shame in this economy, thought Mendoza, who gardens because she loves food and loves to cook. She saw an opportunity to share the extras with people who need food and who would appreciate fresh produce. The logical step was to find a local food pantry, said Mendoza, who works on Capitol Hill when she’s not gardening. She contacted the Fairfax County Park Authority, which over-sees the Community Garden Plot program at nine parks, to get the ball rolling.

The county’s Garden Plot Coordinator, Pam Smith, also saw the opportunity. A volunteer herself at Food for Others, Smith met people who wanted fresh produce, not the canned and processed goods that are a staple of food banks. She had seen a lot of wasted produce when she inspected the plots, which is part of her job.

Smith told Mendoza, “Let’s work together.”

In July 2010, The Gardeners’ Share was born. It was created by the gardeners at Lewinsville to contribute a portion of what they individually grow to their local food pantry, SHARE of McLean, according to

Growing and Giving Back

NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY VOLUME 11, NO. 1 SPRING 2011

Fairfax County Park Authority • Fairfax, VA 22035 • 703-324-8695 • Fax 703-324-3996 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

continued on page 2

Generosity from Farmers Markets

The farmers who sell their produce at the county’s Farmers Markets

are generous to food banks. One organization that helps the hungry, Food for Others, gleaned almost 8,000 pounds of fresh produce from markets in Annandale, Fairfax and McLean in 2010, according to executive director Roxanne Rice.

“We all appreciate the high quality and good value offered by the fresh produce,” Rice said, adding that the or-ganization’s clients often go for the fresh food first. She said she would welcome donations from garden plots as well.

Farmers Market Coordinator Phyllis Ingram said the program pretty much runs on auto-pilot, driven by the farmers’ desire to donate. One farmer who sells at the Burke Farmers Market contacted Ingram last year because that market had no gleaners, and she said she would rather give away her extra produce than throw it on the compost pile.

By Lori K. Weinraub, Park Authority Volunteer

The Park Authority hosts nearly 700 garden plots at nine county parks in its Community Garden Plot program.

2 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

H O R T I C U LT U R E

Editor/Writer: David OchsPhotos: Don Sweeney, FCPA David Ochs Ed EderProduction: Joanne Kearney, FCPA

Published quarterly by the Fairfax County Park Authority, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035-1118

NATURAL RESOURCE AND HISTORIC SITES

BURKE LAKE PARK 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station

703-323-6600

COLVIN RUN MILL 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls

703-759-2771

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly

703-631-0013

FRYING PAN FARM PARK 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon

703-437-9101

GREEN SPRING GARDENS PARK 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria

703-642-5173

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER 7701 Royce Street, Annandale

703-941-1065

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield

703-451-9588

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria

703-768-2525

LAKE ACCOTINK PARK 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield

703-569-3464

LAKE FAIRFAX PARK 1400 Lake Fairfax Park, Reston

703-471-5414

RIVERBEND PARK 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls

703-759-9018

SULLY HISTORIC SITE 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly

703-437-1794

HISTORIC PROPERTIES RENTAL SERVICES www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/weddings.htm

703-827-0269

Need directions or more information? Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

the flier created by Mendoza. Even in a community as affluent as McLean, Mendoza said there is need, and she wanted the produce to be donated locally.

Encouraged by the success in McLean, Georgianna Hall set up a similar program last August at Pine Ridge Park’s Bo White Gardens in Annandale. Hall and other volunteers from Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church work a garden plot specifically for the church’s food pantry.

Smith hopes to formalize these efforts so it’s easy for other gardeners to donate their harvest. Her goal is to get a dona-tion program up and running at every garden plot location, but she said she would be happy adding just two more sites this year. Smith wants the gardeners at each location to run their own programs, with her support, and to partner with local pantries and food banks.

“My whole mission is to develop a greater sense of community spirit within each of the parks,” Smith said.

Lewinsville Park will serve as a model for other programs. A stand was set up in the park every Tuesday evening to collect fruit, vegetables and herbs. The items were taken immediately to SHARE and distributed the next day. “There’s no need to

make a commitment,” Mendoza wrote on the flier. “If you find that you have too many zucchinis, cucumbers or tomatoes one week, that might be the week that you’d like to share.”

Lemonade and cookies were provided as a “thank you” to the gardeners. By the end of the season, 24 of the 143 renters had contributed more than 240 pounds of fresh produce.

Mendoza hopes for even greater participation this year. She also said she hopes to create a system in which gardeners tend each other’s plots while they are away so that food doesn’t spoil.

Mendoza said that in a perfect world, all the parks would partner with a local food pantry. “People are generous,” she said, and “food is beautiful,” especially when it’s fresh.

Garden Plot Rentals are PopularThere are 673 garden plots rented at nine county parks: Lewinsville in McLean, Baron

Cameron in Reston, Bo White, Broyhill Crest and Eakin in Annandale, Franconia in Springfield, George Mason in Fairfax, Grist Mill in Alexandria and Nottoway in Vienna. Renters pay $65 a year for a large plot with water and $60 for smaller plots and plots without access to water.

There are waiting lists at all the parks. Garden Plot Coordinator Pam Smith says Baron Cameron, for example, has only 32 plots but more than 100 people on the waiting list. Folks have been renting plots for more than 20 years, but interest began picking up in the late 1990s. Since 1999, new renters have been limited to one plot. About 25 percent of renters are ethnic minorities. Renters live in all manner of housing, and for many it’s the only way they can have their own garden. Many of the 157 Bo White Gardens renters live in apartments across the street.

Farmers’ Markets participants support area food banks.

Gleaning, from page 1

3Spring 2011

PA R K F O U N D AT I O N

With the end of the school year

approaching, parents are finalizing summer camp plans for their children. Camps give kids opportuni-ties to pursue favorite sports, hobbies and crafts, to learn about nature,

to develop new interests and to make new friends. For working parents, camps for elementary school-age children are as essen-tial as child-care, providing safe and super-vised activities during the summer vacation from school.

But Fairfax County’s working poor have few summer camp choices. With weekly camp fees starting at $100 and climbing to $400 or more, these parents are priced out of the market, especially if they have more than one child or a child with disabilities. Too often these kids are left alone throughout the summer.

As every parent knows, a kid with noth-ing to do will get into trouble. The media regularly recount tragedies of unsupervised children with alcohol, drugs and firearms. Police tell us that gang recruitment begins with elementary school kids. Even children who avoid serious problems can waste the day with video games and TV. Inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to the obesity epidemic.

Bright Futures is the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s campaign to provide summer camp scholarships to elementary school chil-dren who are eligible for free and reduced-price school lunches.

The children are enrolled with other kids in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC summer camps - a six-week, seven-hours-

per-day structured recreation program. Last year, these camps were held at 48 sites throughout the county and served over 5,000 children. Camp activi-ties include fitness and nutrition, indoor and outdoor games, sports, nature, crafts, talent shows and community service projects. There are even special inclu-sion sites for children with disabilities.

The Park Authority subsidizes camp fees for low-income children, but private donations are needed to provide scholarships for the neediest kids. You can give a low-income child a week of positive, supervised summer activity for only $50 or a full six-week summer of fun for $300.

Make your tax-deductible gift online at www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/Bright-Futures.html, by mail to Fairfax County Park Foundation, 12055 Government Center

Parkway, Suite 404, Fairfax, VA 22035 or by calling 703-324-8581.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps pick up where tax dollars leave off in meeting community needs for parkland, facilities and services. Contributions to the Park Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Bright Futures for Fairfax County’s Neediest KidsBy Bobbi Longworth, Park Foundation Executive Director

Support a child this summer at camp through the Park Foundation’s Bright Futures scholarship program.

Spend a little more time in a park.

VOLUNTEER.

Join the hundreds of Fairfax County residents who volunteer, and spend more time in your beautiful, Gold Medal parks. For information,

call 703-324-8750, or learn about volunteering at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/volunteer.htm.

Kayla Blatman, at Frying Pan Farm Park, is one of hundreds of county residents who volunteer with the Fairfax County Park Authority.

4 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

The cornerstone date is 1911. The Old Floris Schoolhouse is 100 years old, and it played a key role in the creation

of one of the most popular parks in Fairfax County -- Frying Pan Farm Park, which is celebrating its own 50th birthday this year.

If you’ve been to Frying Pan for the children’s holiday shopping event, you’ve been in the schoolhouse. It provides the waiting and wrapping rooms for the holiday shopping at the nearby Country Store. The schoolhouse today serves Frying Pan Farm Park and the community as a family, farm-oriented preschool and a summer day camp managed by Katydid, Inc.

The four-room school was built in 1911 on the site of two previous schools. A one-room schoolhouse was constructed in 1876, followed by a two-room school in 1900. A fourth building that housed the Floris Voca-tional Technical High School on its third floor opened its doors later.

This was school for the Frying Pan/Floris Community for many years. By the 1950s, the Fairfax County School Board no longer needed the buildings, and the high school was torn down in the 1960s. Fairfax County Extension Agent Joseph Beard had the foresight to propose that the four-room schoolhouse, empty from 1954 to 1962, and its adjacent land be preserved. It became a youth center serving the Future Farmers of

America, 4-H Clubs and scouting groups and a site for fairs and community recreation.

In 1960, the 4.5 acres of land around the schoolhouse was deeded to the Fairfax County Park Authority. Subsequent events, land acquisitions, community interest and involvement led to the development of Frying Pan Farm Park, now 136 acres that has become one of the most popular of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 417 parks.

The site kicked off its 50th year as Frying Pan Farm Park in January with children’s party games, wagon rides and a birthday cake. The anniversary year will be acknowl-edged with production of a film, a public art contest, a fund-raising campaign, activities during other promotional programs and the singing of Happy Birthday at events all year long, peaking with a capstone event on December 3.

Information about programs at Frying Pan are available at Parktakes Online.

School Bells Ring in AnniversariesFrying Pan Farm Park and its schoolhouse share milestone years.

H I S T O R Y / V I S I T T H E PA R K S

The Old Floris Schoolhouse is 100 years old this year.

Hitch a RideWhen is the last time you took a

wagon ride? Bet it was fun.

Do it again this summer.

Hitch up the kids’ britches and head out to the parks for a ride this summer. Frying Pan Farm Park has daily rides from March through Halloween, Huntley Meadows will be offering rides in late May, on some summer weekends, eve-nings in August and on fall weekends. Contact Riverbend Park and Sully Historic Site for their wagon ride sched-ules. The folks at Hidden Pond Nature Center can give you information about the rides scheduled at Laurel Hill.

Wagon rides, long a popular feature of Frying Pan Farm Park, are expanding to other county parks.

Frying Pan Farm Park turns 50 years old this year.

5Spring 2011

Going in Circles at Frying Pan Farm Park

H I S T O R Y

Visitors to Frying Pan Farm Park, already going ‘round on the site’s traditional

wagon rides, soon will be able to spin back in time. An antique carousel is being installed on the grounds near the Country Store, playground and old Floris School-house.

If Lee District Park patrons think the carousel has a familiar look, their eyes aren’t deceiving them. The Allan Herschell carou-sel was moved from Lee to make room for a new Family Recreation Area featuring a spray park and accessible tree house that will open this spring.

The carousel had been turning at Lee since the early 1970s and is believed to have been manufactured in the 1920s or 1930s. That’s what makes it an ideal addition to Frying Pan. Park manager Tawny Hammond says it’s a “natural location” for the carousel since Frying Pan features “a preserved depression-era farm.” She notes that while a carousel would not have been found on a family farm or in a tiny farming community, carousels were a popular recre-ational pastime during that era and could be found at large parks like Glen Echo or Great Falls or in traveling fairs and carnivals.

Todd Brown, the Resource Management Division’s Operations Branch Manager, estimates the carousel will draw about 16,000 riders a year and produce $20,000 to $25,000 in annual park revenue.

Park Operations Division Facilities Support Manager Ron Pearson says a concrete pad and timbers needed to be installed at Frying Pan to support the carousel, and a safety fence was added. During the winter, repair work was done to get the carousel ready for its spring debut. Pearson says “we are antici-pating the ride to be available on April 1.”

Meantime, work is under way at Lee for a

planned Memorial Day opening of the spray park and tree house. Planning and

Development Division Director Dave Bowden says the fully accessible tree house will be “a unique addition to the Fairfax County park system.” It will give all children a chance to “play in the trees” at the park. The former carousel building is being renovated for use as a picnic shelter and also will be ready for

use on Memorial Day. Long-range plans call for the installation of a fully accessible carousel at Lee, once funding is available.

Accessibility also is an issue at Frying Pan. Gary Logue, the ADA Coordinator for the Park Authority, says a new path was needed at Frying Pan to make the carousel more accessible. Plans are being discussed to “retrofit any of the animals to ensure at least one of the features (or animals) is user-friendly to kids with disabilities.” How quickly that happens will depend on the costs involved.

Hammond says the carousel’s operating hours will be posted on the park’s website once they are deter-

mined. Riders must weigh less than 150 pounds to go for a spin.

All of the changes create an accessible family play area at Lee District, a fun carousel that fits the time frame of Frying Pan, a little more revenue for the Park Authority and a little more fun for county residents. So, join in Frying Pan Farm Park’s 50th anniversary celebration this year by going in circles in antique style.

By Carol Ochs, Park Authority Volunteer

The carousel that has been the center of celebrations at Lee District Park is headed to Frying Pan Farm Park.

Fairfax County and the Civil War Sesquicentennial

One hundred fifty years ago, great tensions were stressing the fabric of America’s democratic tapestry. Abraham Lincoln was about to be sworn in as president, southern states were about

to construct a confederacy and the tapestry was about to be torn by the Civil War.

Follow the anniversaries of Civil War events at http://virginiacivilwar.org/. If you are planning a Civil War commemorative event, team up with the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. Learn about the Civil War in Fairfax County online through the Visit Fairfax Civil War brochure and by visiting Ox Hill Battlefield Park.

www.fxva.com/includes/media/docs/Fairfax-County-Civil-War-Guide.pdf

http://virginiacivilwar.org/

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/oxhill/

6 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Colvin Run Mill has an addition to its historic Millard collection that comes with strings attached.

New in the exhibit is Louise Millard’s violin and bow, donated to the Fair-fax County Park Authority by her niece and nephew, Virginia

Rita and Ted McGavin. Virginia and Ted

are grandchildren of Sam Millard, who was the miller at Colvin Run until 1934.

Louise taught at several area schools, including

Franklin Sherman, whose website calls it “the county’s first consolidated public school.”

The violin joins other historic Millard family artifacts on exhibit in the miller’s house, such as the miller’s desk and the milk

pitcher given as a wedding present by one Millard sister to another.

The violin was made by luthier J.A. Baader of Mittenwald, Germany. The back and top are comprised of maple and spruce, and the bow is made of pernambuco, a Brazilian wood typically used for bows. The frog (the piece at the end of the bow nearest the hand) is made of ebony with inlaid mother-of-pearl.

After it was donated to the Park Authority, the violin was conserved at a local violin shop where it was fitted with a new bridge, sound-ing post, strings and tailgut. The violin and case were cleaned and polished, and the bow was cleaned and rehaired with white horsehair. The Millard violin has its original tailpiece. The pegs that tighten the strings and all other parts are original.

The violin is ready for performance, but Colvin Run has retired it and placed it on display in a case in the miller’s house parlor.

Rolling out the barrelsThe first floor of the mill is looking more as it would have in the early

1800s with the addition of five new flour barrels. Like the mill’s other reproduction flour barrels, these new barrels were custom-made by

Master Cooper Ron Raiselis of New Hampshire’s Strawbery Banke Museum according to the 1787 specifications of the Virginia Statutes. Raiselis also has made two wooden water buckets for Colvin Run Mill. They sit at the fireplaces in the basement and in the first floor miller’s office. They are watertight, masterfully crafted with nearly invisible seams in their oak staves and bound with metal hoops. Buckets like these would have been available for the miller and his workers to use whenever water was needed.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Collections Section funded the conservation of Louise Millard’s violin and purchased the flour barrels and water buckets.

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ResOURces

Learn about the events and resources in your parks. Subscribe to the quarterly newsletter ResOURces. We’ll send you an email with the link each time it’s published.

Exhibits Sing at Colvin Run Mill By Dawn Kehrer, Historian, Colvin Run Mill Historic Site

H I S T O R Y / C U LT U R A L R E S O U R C E S

Louise Millard’s violin is on exhibit at Colvin Run Mill courtesy of her niece and nephew. The Millard family operated the mill in the early 1900s.

Some of the new barrels on exhibit at Colvin Run Mill.

Learn about events, programs and services in your parks through your Facebook account.

The Fairfax County Park Authority now is on Facebook.

7Spring 2011

2011 is a celebration year at Colvin Run Mill. The historic site is marking its 200th anniversary.

The grinding season will open with the site’s gala anniversary event on Sunday, April 10. Celebration activities will be held that day from noon to 3pm. Visi-tors can see the miller grind the year’s first batch of cornmeal, tour the miller’s house, see blacksmith demonstrations and take part in children’s activities. Local dignitaries will be on hand for a short ceremony at 1pm.

Colvin Run’s anniversary year also will include a prestigious role in September as the host of the 2011 annual conference of The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. The international organization is dedicated to promoting and providing mill-related information.

The year’s anniversary events are designed to show that “historic site is a verb, not a noun,” said Site Manager Mike Henry. “That’s the whole point. These places are places of action, places of the future, not places of the past.”

Colvin Run Mill Marks 200 Years

H I S T O R Y

Park Authority Anniversaries in 2011

Lake Fairfax became part of the Fairfax County Park Authority 45 years ago. Colvin Run Mill in 1938

5 Years Ago

• Clemyjontri Park opened

• Invasive Management Area program established

20 Years Ago

• Frying Pan Farm Park Meeting House placed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places

• Hidden Pond’s Pohick Rangers program established

30 Years Ago

• Reconstruction of Cabell’s Mill completed

35 Years Ago

• Hunter House dedicated

• Wakefield Chapel acquired

40 Years Ago

• Land for Ellanor C. Lawrence Park given to FCPA

• Cabell’s Mill and Walney House acquired

45 Years Ago

• Park Authority purchased Lake Fairfax

50 Years Ago

• Floris Schoolhouse property named Frying Pan Farm Park

• Gates on the dam closed to form Burke Lake

100 Years Ago

• Floris Schoolhouse at Frying Pan built

200 Years Ago

• First commercial use of Colvin Run Mill

210 Years Ago

• Dairy at Sully Historic Site built

220 Years Ago

• Four-year-old slave Isaac sold by Sully owner Richard Bland Lee for one schilling

• Frying Pan Meeting House built (c. 1791)

The gates on the dam at Burke Lake were closed 50 years ago.

Frying Pan Farm Park is 50 years old this year.

8 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Everything in nature provides some kind of benefit to something else in nature, although I’ll grant that you can make a

pretty good argument against ticks holding up their end of the deal.

What about groundhogs? They’re often considered a nuisance because the burrows they dig can damage agricultural equipment or undermine building foundations. Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist Vicky Monroe says groundhogs rank in the “Top 3” of her call log for species questions or concerns. “I get quite a few requests for more information on long-term humane exclusion and repellency options.”

What about their benefits? Well, they give the kids something to do

in the back seat. The youngsters can count them while traveling along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Generous NeighborsGroundhogs help their fellow wildlife with

those burrows that wreak havoc in suburbs. Abandoned burrows provide homes for skunks, foxes and other animals. They also aerate soil, helping plants develop healthy roots.

Groundhogs are ground squirrels, the largest member of that family, and they are relatives of the yellow-bellied and hoary marmots that live in rocky, mountainous areas. Groundhogs spend most of their time on the ground, but they can climb and swim. Tip-of-nose to tip-of-tail, their length ranges from about one and a-half to two and a-half feet, and they tip the scale at five to 15 pounds. Their fur color ranges from brown to a yellow-brown that ap-pears almost red, and a heavy white under-coat gives them a frosted appearance.

Groundhogs live two to six years, hibernate in winter, breed in spring, and the young

are weaned in early or mid-summer. The youngsters head out that first year to find or construct their own burrows in grassy or open meadows or along woodland edges.

Monroe says groundhog burrows can be quite ornate, extending up to 30 feet under-ground with several entrance and exit holes to

escape danger. Ground-hogs are very tidy and dig a burrow chamber specifically for bathroom purposes. They will fill in the spot when it gets full and dig a new bathroom chamber.

Like their relatives, the tree squirrels, groundhogs store food for winter and build a sleeping chamber

with hay-like material. Their foods are those of an herbivore – soybeans, peas, alfalfa, beans, carrot tops, clover and grasses. A three-foot high fence of chicken wire, loosely wired so that it wobbles when climbed, will

protect your garden from groundhogs.

Blood meal fertilizer around the garden edges and cayenne pepper near the plants also may discourage the multiple-named groundhog/woodchuck/whistle pig.

The sound that earned the whistle pig moniker is a sharp whistle used to warn colleagues of danger. “Overall, groundhogs pose no threat to humans or their pets, and very little threat to their property or buildings,” Monroe adds. They’re naturally shy and easily frightened.

Whistle Pigs in Your Back Yard

N AT U R E

A heavy, white undercoat gives groundhogs their frosted appearance.

Photo by Sharon Chester/Wandering Albatross

Photo by Sharon Chester/Wandering Albatross

9Spring 2011

S T E W A R D S H I P / V I S I T T H E PA R K S

There is a monster in the skies over Fairfax County. It comes out at night, disrupts the natural life rhythms of animals, upsets plant growth, eats away human vision and devours stars.

We put it there.

It is light pollution, and the Park Authority hopes you will become a little more conscientious about your decisions in the dark. The agency has been educating its staff about dark skies through a program that began last fall, and public programs are being planned for this year.

The Park Authority heeds dark sky issues in its planning and operations. Proper lighting and security are considered when lighting is installed or replaced at fields, courts, parking lots and buildings. The agency is:

Reprint Articles,Promote Stewardship.

Reprint ResOURces articles. Go to ResOURces Online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/printpub.htm to pull articles. Let us know, and include “Reprinted courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority” with the article.

Elmore Farm Visitor Center at Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, 703-437-9101

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale, 703-941-1065

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks

Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield, 703-451-9588

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond

Horticulture Center at Green Spring Gardens,

Alexandria, 703-642-5173www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp

Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, 703-768-2525

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley

Walney Visitor Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,

Chantilly/Centreville, 703-631-0013www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl

Riverbend Nature CenterGreat Falls, 703-759-9018

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend

Retreat to a Park For your office or organization’s next business gathering

Nature and culture are at your doorstep when you rent a room in a Fairfax County nature center or visitor center for a meeting, training or team building.

• Fees from $50 to $80/hour

• 20% discount for non-profit organizations.

For details on capacity and availability or to reserve a meeting space, contact:

The Monster in the Dark

• Using LED lights

• Installing fixtures that eliminate or reduce light directed up into the sky

• Reducing parking lot lighting during non-use hours

• Improving maintenance plans

• Improving light timing systems

Look at the outside lighting around your home and learn what you can do to help tame the nighttime monster.

Park Authority wins NRPA Gold Medal

In the movie industry, it is the Oscar for Best Picture. In parks and recreation, it is the

National Gold Medal.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

and The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) presented the 2010

National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management to the Fairfax County Park Authority in October. The presentation was made at NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition in Minneapolis.

The Gold Medal is the highest honor in the parks and recreation field. It honors agencies that display excellence in program and professional development, partnerships, volunteerism, long-range planning, environmental stewardship, cultural protection, agency efficiency and accomplishments.

Informing his staff of the award, Park Authority Director John Dargle wrote, “It is your continued love, passion, commitment and hard work that makes us the best agency in the country in our best management practices, community and mission.”

Fairfax won in the Class I category for communities of 250,000 or more residents. The other three finalists were park agencies from Miami-Dade County, Mecklenburg County, N.C., and New York City.

Fairfax County Parks: Tops in the Nation

NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY VOLUME 10, NO. 4 WINTER 2011

Fairfax County Park Authority • Fairfax, VA 22035 • 703-324-8695 • Fax 703-324-3996 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Happy Anniversary!We’re celebrating on December 4 at Frying Pan Farm Park, and you’re invited!

The Fairfax County Park Authority is marking 60 years of service to Fairfax County residents. This year has brought colorful anniversary banners to park sites, 60th Anniversa-

ry mugs holding morning coffee, commemorative coins at the end of geocaching rainbows, anniversary gardens, Water Mine duck races, a Frying Pan Farm Park music festival and the return of the Riverbend Indian Festival.

Next up is the year-end finale. Join us December 4 at Frying Pan Farm Park. Activities include:

• Children’s holiday shopping at the Country Store

• Christmas on the farm

• Wagon rides

• Warming fires

• Indoor equestrian demonstrations

• Live music

• Food vendors

Come celebrate 60 years of the nationally accredited Gold Medal park agency that improves Fairfax County’s quality of life and makes living here fun.

continued on page 11

You never know who might join you on a hayride at Frying Pan Farm Park.

10 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

S T E W A R D S H I P

Help Thwart Invasives

The Early Detection and Rap-id Response (EDRR) program works to methodically survey

parkland to find new populations of select invasive plants so they can be quickly eradicated before they do serious damage. EDRR is

part of the agency’s successful Invasive Management Area program, which aims to create hotspots of local biodiversity in neighborhood parks. The larger goals of maintaining our natural areas and restoring the integrity of our native ecology depend on EDRR.

Trained survey leaders and volunteers are needed to help conduct surveys in Fairfax County and look for new populations of invasive plants. If we can find the populations before they become established, we can prevent them from becoming the next Japanese stiltgrass or garlic mustard.

Volunteers must be able to identify native and non-native plants and be able to walk off trail. During orientations, volunteers will learn how to lead, organize and manage a group of volunteers, conduct systematic surveys of designated parkland, identify targeted plant species, record their location via hand-held GPS units and log data into a website.

Training sessions will be held once a month this spring and

summer starting in March. If you are interested and would like more information, contact EDRR Coordinator Erin Stockschlaeder at (703) 324-5750 or Erin.Stockschlaeder@fairfaxcounty.gov. The EDRR calendar of events is online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/IMA/IMA-calendar.htm

A New Invader in the CountyBy Erin Stockschlaeder, EDRR Coordinator

Wineberry is another unwanted invasive plant that the IMA team keeps an eye on in county parks.

There’s an unwanted visitor in Fairfax County.

Java Dropwort (Oenanthe javanica), a non-native invasive, has been spotted by a volunteer with the Park Authority’s Early Detection and Rapid Response

(EDRR) team. The sighting was along a storm water management pond and in silt deposits in a drainage canal leading to that pond. The canal connects directly to Huntley Meadows Park, which has a large, sensitive wetland area. It also has

been spotted in the Holmes Run Stream Valley.

Java Dropwort is a popular vegetable throughout its native range of China, India, Indonesia, Japan and other East Asian countries. It is an emergent plant that seems to tolerate a lot of conditions.

If you find Java Dropwort in the county, contact EDRR Coordinator Erin Stockschlaeder at (703) 324-5750 or Erin.Stockschlaeder@fairfaxcounty.gov

Java Dropwort is a recently-introduced, non-native invasive plant. If you see this plant in a park, contact the Park Authority.

Some of the results produced by the Park Authority’s IMA team.

Photo by Ginny Yacovissi

11Spring 2011

V I S I T A PA R K

A parking donation program begins this spring at Huntley Meadows Park.

The Friends of Huntley Meadows Park (FOHMP), in coopera-tion with the Park Authority, will coordinate the pilot program, which is being conducted on the honor system. The suggested donation is $2 per car.

“This donation will only be asked of those who drive to the park, and there will be no tickets, no towing, no fines,” said FOHMP President Kathi McNeil.

There are no parking fees on a day-to-day basis for county residents at Fairfax County Park Authority sites.

A vandal-proof safe box will be used at the Huntley Meadows visitor center parking lot for the donations. Plans call for the program to be evaluated in April 2012.

Parking Donation Program Debuts at Huntley Meadows

with a Park Authority Gift Card!

http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/giftcards/

Picnic in a park! Bring a sandwich, a drink and curiosity. Toss the

sandwich wrap in a trash bin (no leftovers for the geese, please), recycle the can, and then play, look, listen and learn. You’ve just been a good environmental steward!

Care for your parks when you visit this spring.

Stewardship Brochures OnlineNeed some information? It’s just a click away.

Feel like this by getting out to a Fairfax County Park Authority park today.

The Huntley Meadows parking lot will be home to a pilot parking do-nation program coordinated by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park.

Visit and Care For a Park Today

The difference

between a regular,

happy-go-lucky

plant and an

invasive plant is

that an invasive

plant will aggres-

sively reproduce and

negatively affect the ecology of a natural area. Invasive species have

three main types of effects on native species:

� fewer native plants

� less healthy wildlife

� less predictability of how a natural area is going to react to a

fire, flood or management activity.

Doing nothing could be expensive. Experts agree that

non-native, invasive species are the second most serious threat to the

quality of natural areas and their ability to support wildlife (habitat

loss is the top threat). Scientists estimate that invasive species are

present in over 100 million acres of the U.S., or an area roughly the

size of California, with 14 million new acres, or an area about half the

size of Virginia, infested

every year! Recent studies

have estimated the cost of

invasive species at more

than $100 billion a year.

Over the last 30 years,

invasive species have

slowly taken a firm

foothold in our area.

So What’s The Big Deal?

InvasiveBackyardPlants

If accommodations or alternative formats are needed, please call 703-324-8563.TTY 703-803-3354.

Printed on recycled paper with soy inks. 9/05

A carpet of pachysandra spreads acrossthe forest floor, pushing out the nativespecies and dominating the landscape.

Fairfax CountyStewardship

If not you, who?Don’t plant invasive species!

Ask before you plant or before

you allow someone else to plant

an unfamiliar species in your

yard. Invasive plants are often

labeled as “aggressive” or

“matures rapidly.”

�Care, Educate, InspireStewardship is about working together to care for the

environmental and cultural resources of Fairfax County.

People become stewards for different reasons.They

may want to help ensure clean water and air.They may

wish to share something with their children.They may

be inspired by spiritual beliefs.Whatever prompts our

commitment, it is easy to take an active role in stew-

ardship. It can be a small and simple thing, or it can be

much bigger. Either way, it all adds up to a Fairfax

County that looks to its past with pride and to its future

with confidence.

You can learn more about Fairfax County

Stewardship, the Board of Supervisor’s

20-year environmental vision and

the Fairfax County Park Authority at

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/stewardship

C. Bright

Fairfax County Park Authority stewardship brochures on those topics are online at

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/stewardshipbrochures.htm.

Beavers

Geese

Foxes

Invasive plants

Native backyard plants

Trails

Dark Skies

Pollen

Pets in Parks

Spiders

Snakes

Trees

Deer

Water

Wildlife and wildlife conflicts

Life underground

Thank a coach,

thank a teacher,

thank a friend

12 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

April is National Frog Month. Celebrate by checking out the award-winning Hidden Pond Nature Center Sounds of Spring podcast at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond/.

Historic Properties Rental Services

Make your own history at a Fairfax County Park Authority historic site. Rent any of these sites for your next corporate or social event:

vCabell’s Mill in Centreville

vClark House in Falls Church

vDranesville Tavern in Dranesville

vForestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls

vGreat Falls Grange in Great Falls

vHunter House in Vienna

vStone Mansion in Alexandria

vWakefield Chapel in Annandale

Call 703-827-0269 or see the sites at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/weddings.htm.

Hear What Spring Sounds Like

S T E W A R D S H I P / V I S I T T H E PA R K S

Listen to the sounds of this critter in the Sounds of Spring podcast online.

The Park Authority acquired Wakefield Chapel, one of the historic properties you can rent, 35 years ago.

Get out on your bike during National Bike to Work Week, May 16-20.

Take a liking to your parks.us on Facebook

Equal Access/Special AccommodationsThe Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to equal access in all programs and services. Special accommodations will be provided upon request. Please call the ADA/Inclusion Coordinator 703-324-8563 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada.htm

A Fairfax County, VA., publication

Spring 2011 13

S P R I N G E V E N T S

To Register: Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes. All fee programs require advance registration and payment. Please register online using the 10-digit code or call the park. For park addresses and phone numbers, see page 2. Weather cancellations for events at park facilities follow the closing policies of Fairfax County public schools.

Out-of-County Registration Fee: Add $15 per 10-digit coded program for programs priced $31 and up; all others add $2 for non-residents.

Subscribe to Parktakes and ResOURces.

Watershed Clean-Up DaySaturday, April 9, 9-11:30amBe part of the Potomac Watershed Cleanup. Wear boots and old clothes and bring gloves. Trash bags and appreciation provided. Help at one of these sites. Please call to reserve a section of the watershed.

Frying Pan Farm Park, 703-437-9101

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 703-941-1065 (Roundtree Park – Holmes Run)

Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588 (Pohick Creek)

Huntley Meadows Park, 703-768-2525 (Little Hunting Creek)

Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-3464

Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018 (Po tomac River)

Sully Historic Site, 703-437-1794 (Cain’s Branch)

Walney Visitor Center in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 703-631-0013 (Flatlick Branch, Big Rocky Run, Cub Run and Frog Branch)

EXCURSIONSWarblers Of Westmoreland April 29, Code: 274 289 0701, 7am-5pm, $40

(12 yrs. and up) Visit Westmoreland State Park and George Washington’s birthplace. Bring a bag lunch and binoculars. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Some moderate-level walking. Van leaves from Packard Center in Annandale District Park.

Shorebirds of the Delaware Bay May 13, Code: 274 289 1401, 7am-7pm, $48

(12 yrs. and older) Journey to the tidal marshes of the Delaware Bay at the peak of migration to view shorebirds, waterfowl, eagles and many other birds feasting on horseshoe crab eggs. Bring a bag lunch and binoculars. Van leaves from Packard Center in Annandale District Park.

Mountain Wildlife Camping TripJune 18, Code: 274 289 2501, 2pm and overnight-noon, $32

Meet a naturalist at Big Meadows camp-ground in the Shenandoah National Park. Visit the habitat called the Appalachian Cove forest. Learn some of the species that call this area home. For campground reserva-tions call (540) 999-3231. Additional $30 park entrance and camping fee payable to Shenandoah National Park at time of trip.

COLVIN RUN MILL HISTORIC SITE 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls (Off Route 7, west of Tysons Corner) 703-759-2771

Maple Syrup Boil-DownMarch 6, no reservations required, 12noon-2pm, $2

(3 yrs. and up) The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped. Now it’s sugaring time! Watch and learn as sap is boiled down into sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over fresh baked cornbread.

Mill Run Dulcimer Band ConcertMarch 20, April 17, May 15, no reservations required, 2-4pm, Free

Take a relaxing musical journey to the past and welcome the band back for the spring

concert series featuring your old-time favorite tunes. Donations accepted.

Tea & Chocolate Tasting at the MillApril 2, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $25Learn about the main growing regions and botanical aspects of the tea plant and cacao tree and how they were introduced to America. Taste diverse teas and styles of chocolate.

Colvin Run Mill’s Bicentennial Gala April 10, no reservations required, 12noon–3pm, Free (all ages) Celebrate 200 years of Fairfax County history down by the old mill stream where water has powered the millstones since 1811. Watch the miller demonstrate timeless techniques grinding the year’s first batch of cornmeal. Tour the miller’s house, enjoy 19th century music, children’s activi-ties and a blacksmith demonstration. During a short ceremony at 1 pm, local dignitaries and historians will highlight the importance of the mill’s past, present and future in Fairfax County.

Call to Arms! April 20, Code: 266 289 9301, 9am-1pm, $30(Boys 8-12 yrs.) Don’t know your rank from your file? Learn and practice basic drills and orders from the armies of the Civil War. Bring snack and lunch

Lend a hand on Watershed Cleanup Day on April 9

Colvin Run Mill has a busy spring schedule that includes the annual Maple Syrup Boil-Down on March 6 and a Bicentennial Gala on April 10.

14 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

S P R I N G E V E N T S

Yesterday’s Ways April 21, Code: 266 289 9401, 9am-1pm, $30

(Girls 8-12 yrs.) Master 19th century sur-vival skills from making butter to sewing and baking. It’s not all work and no play. Other activities include toy making, scrapbooking and games. Bring snack and lunch.

Set Sail at the MillMay 22, call park for reservations, 1-2pm, $10 per boat

(5 and up) Kids assemble and decorate a wooden sailboat, then test its seaworthiness on our mini-lake. Please bring an old shirt to protect clothes from paint.

Monday Mornings in May May 2, Code: 266 287 6001, 10:30-11:30am, $5May 9, Code: 266 287 6002, 10:30-11:30am , $5May 16, Code: 266 287 6003, 10:30-11:30am, $5May 23, Code: 266 287 6004, 10:30-11:30am, $5

(3-5 yrs.) Preschoolers and adults enjoy a new story each week, explore the historic site, make a craft, do finger plays and sing songs.

CUB RUN RECENTER 4630 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, VA 20151 703-817-9407

Globe at Night March 5, call Cub Run to register, 6:30-730pm, Free

(All Ages) This hands-on, family-friendly astronomy learning event helps you appreci-ate the night sky and teaches you how to measure and report light pollution by observ-ing the constellation Orion.

Animal C.S.I.March 31, Code: 192 271 2101, 2:30pm, $84

(8-10 yrs.) You’re on the case to solve wood-land mysteries. Learn investigative techniques with pretend situations including analyzing insects, measuring temperatures and examin-ing skulls, bones and teeth. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Family Astronomy: Saturn at Opposition April 1, Code: 192 288 9601, 7:30-8:30pm, $4

(3 yrs. and older) An introduction to the night sky that you can share with your children. Focus is on Saturn.

Ukrainian Easter Eggs April 4 and 11, call Cub Run to register, $10/per-son +$2 craft fee payable to instructor, (5-11yrs.) 2-3:30pm, (12yrs. and up) 4-6pmLearn Pysanky, an ancient Ukrainian art that uses natural materials to decorate Easter eggs. Dyes are used and designs are made using a special stylus and melted beeswax.

Dinosaurs Galore April 9, Code: 192 288 9301, 1:30-2:30pm, $6(3-8 yrs.) Follow a naturalist as you and your child dig into dinosaurs and explore this prehistoric world.

Science & Astronomy CampApril 18-22, Code: 192 222 3201, 9am-12noon, $165(7-10 yrs.) Experience the universe up close and personal. Learn about the constellations, visible planets, comets and other night sky phenomena.

Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders May 21, Code: 192 288 9401, 1:30-2:30pm, $5(3-8 yrs.) Immerse yourself in the exciting amphibian world. Meet some live animals and learn about their life cycles, habits and habitats. Dress for the mud.

Campfire Bats, Bugs, and Owls, Oh My! May 27, Code: 192 288 9501, 8-9pm, $5(3 yrs. and older) Learn about the critters that

only come out at night and their special adap-tations that help them thrive while we sleep.

Turtle Time June 4, Code: 192 2889701, 1:30-2:30pm, $5(3-8 yrs.) Spend some time with the natural-ist down by the pond and stream. Meet some live animals, enjoy a craft and learn about the world of turtles.

Animal Tracking CampJune 27-July 1, Code: 192 222 5201, 9am-12noon, $170August 15-19, Code: 192 222 5202, 9am-12noon, $170(9-12 yrs.) Be ready to get muddy and spend time in the great outdoors with our naturalist. Learn about the tracks and traces animals leave behind.

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures CampJuly 11-15, Code: 192 220 3601, 8am-5pm, $425 August 15-19, Code: 192 220 3602, $425(8-10 yrs.) Take part in a week of true ad-ventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-222-4664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures CampJuly 11-15, Code: 192 220 6601, 8am-5pm, $425August 15-19, Code: 192 220 6602, 8am-5pm, $425 (11-14 yrs.) Take part in a week of true ad-ventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-222-4664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Electronics LabAugust 31-Sept 1, Code: 192 223 1401, 9am-4pm, $179(7-12 yrs.) Build projects and conduct experi-ments using your own electronic kit to keep. This lab stimulates the mind with easy to understand experiments that increase knowl-edge of electronics.

Learn about owls like this snowy owl through programs at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park or Huntley Meadows in March, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in April or at Cub Run RECenter in May.

Spring 2011 15

S P R I N G E V E N T S

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK AND WALNEY VISITOR CENTER 5040 Walney Road Chantilly, VA 20151 703-631-0013Kids’ Korner March 10, Code: 274 187 8812, 1-2pm, $5 March 11, Code: 274 187 8815, 9:30-10:30am, $5 March 14, Code: 274 187 8809, 9:30-10:30am, $5 March 16, Code: 274 187 8810, 9:30-10:30am, $5 March 17, Code: 274 187 8813, 1-2pm, $5 March 18, Code: 274 187 8816, 9:30-10:30am, $5 March 23, Code: 274 187 8811, 1-2pm, $5 March 24, Code: 274 187 8814, 2-3pm, $5 April 4, Code: 274 289 2701, 9:30-10:30am, $5 April 13, Code: 274 289 2702, 1-2pm, $5 April 21, Code: 274 289 2703, 2-3pm, $5 April 29, Code: 274 289 2704, 9:30-10:30am, $5 May 2, Code: 274 289 2705, 9:30-10:30am, $5 May 11, Code: 274 289 2706, 1-2pm, $5 May 19, Code: 274 289 2707, 2-3pm, $5 May 27, Code: 274 289 270, 9:30-10:30am, $5 June 6, Code: 274 289 2709, 9:30-10:30am, $5 June 15, Code: 274 289 2710, 1-2pm, $5 June 23, Code: 274 289 2711, 2-3pm, $5 June 24, Code: 274 289 2712, 9:30-10:30am, $5

(3-5 yrs.) Preschool children learn a little nature and a little history once a month, accompanied by an adult. An outdoor activity and craft included. March=salamanders, April=chipmunks, May=bluebells, June=water snakes.

Wood Frogs!March 4, Code: 274 188 8701, 7-8:30pm, $5

(8 yrs. and up) The wood frogs are breeding in the vernal pools. Assist in collecting and releasing frogs and recording data for our amphibian survey. Wear waterproof boots and bring flashlights.

Owl CampfireMarch 12, Code: 274 187 1601, 6-7pm, $5

(Families) Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Meet our resident barred owl, listen for night sounds and then toast marshmallows around the campfire.

Nature Snoopers - Spotted SalamandersMarch 14, Code: 274 187 9801, 3-4pm, $5

(5-6 yrs.) Search for these awesome amphib-ians. Learn why they are important to us and the forest.

Go Green CampfireMarch 16, Code: 274 188 8901, 7-8pm, $5(Families) Meet at Cabell’s Mill for a hike to explore all things green in the meadow.

Fishing at Walney PondMarch 19, Code: 274 188 9001, 9-10:30am, $5(Families) Bring your fishing rods and bait to Walney Pond. Fish with a naturalist while you learn about native fish and their habits.

Bluebirds in Your BackyardMarch 20, Code: 274 188 9101, 9:30-11am, $15/kit(6 yrs. and older) Uncover the mysteries of these jewels of the spring through a short slide show and walk. Make a nest box for your own back yard. Bring a hammer.

Jr. Naturalists- Spotted Salamanders March 21, Code: 274 188 0001, 3-4pm, $5(7-11 yrs.) Search for our largest salamander. Learn why they are important to us and the forest.

A Walk through Time at Walney March 30, Code: 274 289 0001, 6:30-7pm, $6(4yrs. and up) Stroll among the buildings and features on the grounds of Historic Walney House. Learn about the many features of this farm during the 19th century.

Walk with a Naturalist April 10, Code: 274 288 9901, 7-8:30am, $6(2 yrs. and older) Explore the sights and sounds, flora and fauna of the park with an early morning walk.

Garden Green Up April 10, Code: 274 289 010, 12noon-3:30pm, $5(8 yrs. and up) Investigate the plants and field crops grown on the property today and in the past. Try your hand using colonial era farming tools.

The Moon and the Stars April 14, Code: 274 288 9801, 7:30-8:30pm, $5(2 yrs. and older) Meet at Cabells Mill and talk moon and stars around a warm campfire. Then head into the meadow with a naturalist to learn to identify early spring constellations.

Bluebell Hike April 17, Code: 274 289 0201, 1-3pm, $6(10 yrs. and older) Enjoy an afternoon learn-ing about our beautiful native wildflowers. Bring field guides and hiking shoes.

Nature Snoopers - ChipmunkApril 18, Code: 274 289 0301, 3-4pm, $5

(5-6 yrs.) Come learn about one of our cutest small mammals, the chipmunk.

Dinosaur DaysApril 18-21, Code: 564 222 3101, 9am-12noon, $130

(5-8 yrs.) Explore the world of dinosaurs as campers become junior paleontologists.

Amphibian Campfire April 21, Code: 274 289 0401, 7-8pm, $5

(2 yrs. and older) Gather around a campfire to learn about our native amphibians.

Earth Day Celebration April 23, Code: 274 289 0501, 10-11:30 am, $5(2 yrs. and older) Celebrate Earth Day by getting dirty. Act locally by planting native trees and shrubs on public lands. Mulch and repair the park trails to prevent erosion.

Jr. Naturalist - ChipmunkApril 25, Code: 274 289 0601, 3-4pm, $5

(7-11 yrs.) Learn about one of our cutest small mammal the chipmunk.

Feeding Day May 1, Code: 274 289 0801, 1-2pm, $5

(2 yrs. and older) See the Walney animals eat their daily/weekly meals. Help feed the park’s animals and learn how the animals hunt their food in nature during a predator-prey game. Make a bird feeder to take home.

Nature Snoopers - BluebellsMay 2, Code: 274 289 0901, 3-4pm, $5

(5-6 yrs.) Take a hike to learn about one of the most famous flowers in Virginia.

Campfire with the Constellations May 5, Code: 274 289 1001, 7:30-8:30pm, $5

(2 yrs. and older) Meet at Cabell’s Mill and talk stars around a warm campfire. Head out into the meadow with a naturalist to learn how to identify early summer constellations.

Breakfast With The Birds May 7, Code: 274 289 1101, 8-10:30am, $8

(12 yrs. and older) Enjoy a continental breakfast before a two-mile hike through varied habitats to observe and hear colorful spring migrant and resident songbirds. Bring binoculars and field guides.

16 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

S P R I N G E V E N T S

Mothers Day Campfire May 7, Code: 274 289 1201, 7-8pm, $5

(2 yrs. and older) Enjoy an evening campfire with mom as we investigate the hard work that goes into raising young. Toast marshmal-lows around the campfire.

Jr. Naturalist - BluebellsMay 9, Code: 274 289 1301, 3-4pm, $5

(7-11 yrs.) Take a hike to learn about one of the most famous flowers in Virginia.

Creating Herbal Vinegars May 14, Code: 274 289 1501, 1-2pm, $5

(2 yrs. and older) Visit our herb garden to find the best herbs for flavored vinegars. Learn how to make herbal vinegars.

Old Fashioned Lawn Social May 15, Code: 274 289 1601, 2-3:30pm, $6

(4 yrs. and older) Enjoy a lemonade social on the lawn of historic Walney House. Take part in Colonial era games. Hear the latest community gossip from costumed interpreters while you snack on ginger snaps. Women aren’t required to wear their best bonnets, but a small door prize will be awarded to the crowd favorite.

Walk with a Naturalist May 15, Code: 274 288 9902, 10-11am, $5

(2 yrs. and older) Explore the sights and sounds, flora and fauna of the park with a mid-spring walk.

Dairy Farming at Walney: Butter and Cheese May 18, Code: 274 289 1701, 6:30-7:30pm, $6

(4 yrs. and older) Taste hand-churned butter and sample chesses while learning about the importance of the dairy industry at Walney. Tour the historic dairy and try your hand at milking a ‘cow’.

Copperheads and Black Racers May 21, Code: 274 289 1801, 9-11am, $8

(8 yrs. and older) Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey.

Pond Life June 4, Code: 274 289 1901, 10am-noon, $8

(2 yrs. and older) Meet a naturalist by Walney Pond. Bring boots that can get wet and get ready to find out who is living under the water at the pond’s edge.

Nature Snoopers - Water SnakesJune 6, Code: 274 289 2101, 3-4pm, $5(5-6 yrs.) Visit the pond’s edge searching for water snakes. Learn how to identify one of nature’s best fishermen.

Dairy Farming at Walney: Ice Crèam June 12, Code: 274 289 2001, 2-3:30pm, $5(4 yrs. and up) Explore the dairy farm history of Walney while touring the ice house and ice pond. Try your hand at ice making tools and picking up an ice block. Make and eat hand-cranked ice cream.

Jr. Naturalist - Water SnakesJune 13, Code: 274 289 2201, 3-4pm, $5(7-11 yrs.) Visit the pond’s edge searching for water snakes. Learn how to identify one of nature’s best fishermen.

Bats June 15, Code: 274 289 2301, 8:30-9:30pm, $5(2 yrs. and older) Walk the meadows and for-est edges to see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to hear echolocation.

Father’s Day Campfire June 16, Code: 274 289 2401, 8-9pm, $5(2 yrs. and older) Begin Father’s Day week-end with a hike, campfire and s’mores. Learn about some of nature’s best fathers. Moms invited, too.

Fishing by the Pond June 22, Code: 274 289 2601, 7:30-8:30pm, $5(2 yrs. and older) Join a naturalist at the pond and go fishing. Receive tips on equipment and techniques. Beginners welcome. Bring your own fully-rigged fishing rods; worms provided for bait.

FRYING PAN FARM PARK 2709 West Ox Rd. Herndon, VA 703-437-9101

Frying Pan Farm Park has indoor and outdoor riding arenas, trails and jump equipment. Please call for availability. COST: (with your own horse) $8/horse per hour or $13/hr. with instructor. Frying Pan Farm Park does not provide riding lessons or rent horses.

Down on the FarmMeet draft horses, chickens, peacocks, rab-bits, sheep, goats, cows and pigs at Kidwell

Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park’s working farm of the 1930s. See website for hours. Call for further information.

Wagon RidesSit back and enjoy a 20-minute wagon ride through the woods and fields of Frying Pan Farm Park. Call for exact dates and times.

Raise the Rafters and Game Day – Who’s on First Bass?March 13, 2-3 p.m. Free(6 yrs. and up). Find out how music and sports can go together

Therapeutic Horseback RidingMarch 26, Code: 282 285 0803, 6pm, $576March 28, Code: 282 285 0801, 6pmMarch 29, Code: 282 285 0802, 6pm(3 yrs.-Adult) Riders will learn safe and ef-fective horsemanship in an inclusive setting. Each lesson is tailored to the abilities of the rider. Therapeutic riding students may need physician’s approval to participate in classes. Eight one-hour lessons.

Virginia Hunters Horse Show SeriesMarch 26 and April 9, 9am, No reservations required. Spectators freeBeginner horse show. Classes include hunt-ers, ponies, equitation and more.

Putting the Animals to Bed March 22, Code: 282 186 2501, 8pm, $6 March 24, Code: 282 186 2502, 8pm, $6March 29, Code: 282 286 2501, 8pm, $6March 31, Code: 282 286 2502, 8pm, $6Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour and learn how our farm animals settle down for the night. Dress for the weather.

One of the friendly folks waiting to meet you dur-ing programs this spring at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Spring 2011 17

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Kite Fun Day at the Farm March 26, Code: 282 288 0501, 10:30-12:00pm, $6/childMarch 26, Code: 282 288 0502, 1-2:30pm, $6/child

Make and decorate a kite; then watch it soar.

Little Hands on the Farm (2-3 yrs.) March 28, Code: 282 286 2301, 9:45-10:30am, $7April 11, Code: 282 286 2302, 9:45-10:30am, $7April 25, Code: 282 286 2303, 9:45-10:30am, $7May 9, Code: 282 286 2304, 9:45-10:30am, $7May 23, Code: 282 286 230, 9:45-10:30am, $7June 6, Code: 282 286 2306, 9:45-10:30am, $7June 20, Code: 282 286 2307, 9:45-10:30am, $7

(3-5 yrs.) March 28, Code: 282 286 2401, 11-11:45am, $7April 11, Code: 282 286 2402, 11-11:45am, $7April 25, Code: 282 286 2403, 11-11:45am, $7May 9 , Code: 282 286 2404, 11-11:45am, $7May 23, Code: 282 286 2405, 11-11:45am, $7June 6, Code: 282 286 2406, 11-11:45am, $7June 20, Code: 282 286 2407, 11-11:45am, $7

Join us in the barn and meet a farm animal, enjoy a story, craft or game, and pretend to be the famer with fun “chores”.

Dog Obedience IMarch 29, Code: 282 275 1102, 8:15pm, $87March 30, Code: 282 275 1101, 7pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) Includes home management, discipline and problem solving. Methods em-ployed are affection and restraint. Dogs must be at least six months old. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Dog Obedience IIMarch 29, Code: 282 275 1201, 5:30pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) Prepares owner for off-lead work with the basic commands. For dogs at least eight months old who have successfully completed at least one basic course for both dog and owner. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Competitive Dog Agility IMarch 29, Code: 282 275 2601, 6:45pm, $158

(14 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Dogs Obedience I or equivalent. Dogs must have one primary handler for the entire session. This class focuses on basic skills needed to succeed in agility and to make agility a game your dog will love. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Rally ObedienceMarch 29, Code: 282 275 3901, 7pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Dog Obedience II or equivalent. Rally obedience exercises and corresponding signs from the beginner through expert level. The handler-dog team practice a new course each week. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Competitive Dog Agility IIMarch 29, Code: 282 275 2701, 8pm, $158

(14 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Competitive Dog Agility I. Dogs and handlers build on the skills introduced in Level I such as clicker train-ing, building focus, attention and teamwork, targeting, basic handling and obstacle skills. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Puppy KindergartenMarch 30, Code: 282 275 1001, 6pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) Puppies 10 weeks to 6 months learn the socialization and discipline funda-mentals. Puppy owners learn how to address problems such as housebreaking, chewing and jumping. Puppies should wear a buckle collar and be up to date with shots. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Dog Obedience Combo ClassMarch 30, Code: 282 275 3101, 8pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) For owners and pets who have already had at least one session of dog obe-dience classes and wish to progress or brush up on levels II, III, and IV. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Dog Agility for the Fun of It March 30, (9-13 yrs.), Code: 282 275 2201, 5:30pm, $158March 30, (13-Adult), Code: 282 275 3201, 8pm, $158

Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed an introductory obedience class and be one year old. Class is an introduction to the sport of dog agility for young handlers. Eight 55-min-ute lessons.

Dog Agility for the Fun of It IIMarch 30, Code: 282 275 3401, 7pm, $158

(13 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Agility for the Fun of it I or Dog Agility I. More fun with agility sequences and obstacle performance. Dogs must know obedience behaviors sit, lie down, stay and come and be reliable off leash. Eight 55-minute lessons.

Flyball BasicsMarch 31, Code: 282 275 2001, 7:30pm, $87(14 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Dog Obedience I. For dogs at least one year old, any breed, no aggression. Dogs will work on all the flyball basics: the catch, retrieve, jumps, and the box in preparation for competing in flyball tournaments.

Horseback-Silver in SaddleApril 1, Code: 282 285 0901, 6pm, $672This class, geared for seniors, includes 30 minutes of horse care and safety information, 30 minutes of ground work and 30 minutes mounted in the saddle. Eight lessons.

Easter Eggstravaganza (4 yrs. and under) April 9, Code: 282 288 3801, 11am-11:45am, $6 April 9, Code: 282 288 3802,12pm-12:45pm, $6 April 9, Code: 282 288 3803,12:45-1:30pm, $6 April 9, Code: 282 288 3804,1:30-2:15pm, $6 (5-7 yrs.) April 9, Code: 282 287 0001,2:15-3pm, $6 April 9, Code: 282 287 0002,3:15-4pm, $6 Hunt for eggs that contain treats and prizes.

Contacts, Weaves and TeetersApril 14, Code: 282 275 4001, 8pm, $99(14 yrs.-Adult) Prerequisite: Competitive Dog Agility I or II or equivalent skill level with permission from instructor. Class helps dog/handler teams gain the skills and training criteria for consistent performance of the con-tacts, weaves and teeter. Emphasis is on the training steps and required behaviors. Five 55-minute lessons.

Farm Baby DayApril 16, 10am-3pm, Free(all ages) Greet the new babies at Frying Pan Farm Park. Donations welcome

Farm Hand CampApril 18-22, Code: 282 223 1601, 8am-4pm, $300(10-14 yrs.) Aspiring young farmers, if you’d like to learn how to milk a cow or goat, tend to the crop fields, care for the farm animals and explore what being a farm hand is all about, this camp is for you.

Around the World Adventures on the FarmApril 18-22, Code: 282 222 3001, 8am-5pm, $260April 18-22, Code: 282 222 3002, 9am-3pm, $200(5-12 yrs.) Hands-on demonstrations and

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daily farm visits. Activities include crafts and games from around the world. Bring snack, lunch and drink.

Great Zucchini Magic Show April 20, Code: 282 287 3701, 10am-10:45am, $4April 20, Code: 282 287 3702, 11:30-12:15pm, $4(2 years and older with paying adult) Join Washington’s premier children’s entertainer for a funny, lively and interactive magic show.

Spring Farm DayMay 14, 10am-3pm, $5(all ages) Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, puppet shows and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals.

Frying Pan Meeting House Home-comingMay 15, Code: 282 287 2801, 1-4pm, $15(6 yrs. and older) Song will ring out again at the Frying Pan Spring Meeting House. Celebrate the rich history and diverse culture of this National Historic Register Property. All proceeds will benefit cemetery restoration.

Botball RoboticsJuly 6-7, Code: 282 223 1301, 9am-4pm, $179(7-12 yrs.) Build and take home your own Botball Robot! The soccer-playing, remote-control Botball can kick, move forward/back-ward, turn left/right and make a complete circle.

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures CampJuly 25-29, Code: 282 220 6601, 8am-5pm, $425August 15-19, Code: 282 220 6602, 8am-5pm, $425(11-14 yrs.) Take part in a week of true ad-ventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-222-4664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures CampJuly 25-29, Code: 282 220 3601, 8am-5pm, $425August 15-19, Code: 282 220 3602, 8am-5pm, $425(8-10 yrs.) Take part in a week of true ad-

ventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-222-4664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Mystery Rock WorkshopAugust 8-9, Code: 282 222 9601, 9am-4pm, $179

(7-12 yrs.) Excavate gems, fascinating rocks and ancient fossils. All are yours to keep. Experience the thrill of discovery and learn how to identify your finds.

GREEN SPRING GARDENS 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312 703-642-5173

Family Fun: Worm WorkshopMarch 5, Code: 290 188 3401, 2-3pm, $6 without kitMarch 5, Code: 290 188 3402, 2-3pm, $25 with kit

Nature discovery for kids (5 and up) with pay-ing adult(s). Explore the dark and wonderful world of worms in our indoor compost bin.

Workshop: Pruning for the Homeowner March 5, Code: 290 188 4501, 9:30am-noon, $30

Learn how to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a pleasing natural shape and abundant flowering. Hands-on training.

Energy-Wise Landscape Design March 6, Code: 290 188 4201, 1:30-3pm, $10Learn how to design your landscape to save energy and contribute to a healthier environ-ment.

Garden Sprouts: One Potato, Two PotatoMarch 7, Code: 290 188 3101, 11am-noon, $5

Preschool children (ages 3-5) with accom-panying adult(s) learn about potatoes. Make potato prints, taste taters and plant some in our garden.

Basic Gardening: Grow Plants from Seeds March 12, Code: 290 188 5001, 9:30-10:30am, $10

Master Gardeners present seed starting basics.

The King’s Gardener March 13, Code: 290 188 4301, 1:30-3pm, $10

History comes alive as you meet America’s first botanist, John Bartram, a traveler, col-lector and father of the nursery industry in the original 13 colonies. Kirk Brown, as John Bartram, takes us back to a time when the new field of plant discovery and identification lead to the development of America’s first public gardens.

Urban Small Space Gardening March 19, Code: 290 188 5601, 10-11:30am, $18

Creative ways to cope and maximize space. Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Maga-zine’s Editor/Publisher, provides a glimpse at lovely gardens in the area.

Basic Gardening: Gardening for Birds March 25, Code: 290 188 5101, 1:30-2:30pm, $10

Learn how to attract a variety of birds to your landscape by providing elements necessary to develop a backyard bird habitat.

New Trends in Floral Design March 26, Code: 290 288 4601, 10am-12:30pm, $30 registration and $20 supply fee

Tweak the traditional rules to create unique floral designs. Northern Virginia Community College instructor and professional floral designer Bruce Nash demonstrates new techniques and stunning possibilities.

Book Discussion Group March 30, Code: 290 287 4301, 12:30-2pm, $5May 25, Code: 290 287 4302, 12:30-2pm, $5

Join us for a book discussion. Light refresh-ments served.

Watercolor Workshop: Farms and Barns April 2, Code: 290 289 3701, 9:30am-3:30pm, $72

(18 yrs. and up) Enjoy a day with artist and teacher Carolyn Grosse Gawarecki painting farms and barns in watercolor. Class geared to intermediate and experienced beginners. Bring a bag lunch.

Oh Deer: Deterring Damage in the Garden April 2, Code: 290 289 2901, 9:30-11am, $15

Take home deer management strategies from Green Spring Gardens horticulturalist Nancy Olney and gardener Laura Moroz.

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Green Spring Garden MarketsApril 2 and 9, 9am-1pm.

Local growers provide you with shrubs, native plants and wildflowers, ornamental grasses and unusual perennials and annuals.

Family Fun: One Potato, Two Potato April 2, Code: 290 289 4401, 2-3pm, $6

Kids (5 and up) with paying adult(s) learn about potatoes. Make colorful potato prints and try some tasty taters.

Garden Sprouts: Dirt Dwellers April 4, Code: 290 289 4101, 11am-noon, $5

Preschool children (ages 3-5) with accompa-nying adult(s) explore how dirt dwellers help gardens grow.

Basic Gardening: Vegetable Garden-ing Basics April 9, Code: 290 289 3301, 9:30-10:30am, $10

Enjoy the rewards of fresh, nutritious veg-etables produced in your own yard. Master Gardeners present the basics on how to plan, plant and grow your own food.

Silk Flower Pin Craft Workshop April 16, Code: 290 289 3801, 9:30-11:30am, $22

Learn how to craft your own silk flower pins to jazz up an outfit, handbag or hairstyle.

Arts al FrescoApril 18-22, Code: 290 222 8001, 9am-12noon, $165(8-12 yrs.) Let nature be your classroom as you experiment outdoors with different art mediums: sketching, painting, journaling, photography and crafts. Fee includes supplies and light snacks.

Basic Gardening: Composing Colorful Containers April 23, Code: 290 289 3401, 9:30-10:30am, $10Master Gardeners will show you how to com-bine tender perennials and annuals to make a splash on your front porch or patio.

Botanical Design April 30, Code: 290 289 9001, 10am-12:30pm, $30 registration and $20 supply fee.Add a little spring cheer to your home. Bruce Nash, Northern Virginia horticulture instructor and professional floral designer, shows you how to design a spring tabletop garden.

Garden Sprouts: Planting Pole Beans May 2, Code: 290 289 4201, 11am-noon, $5Preschool children (ages 3-5) with accompa-nying adult(s) listen to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and then plant some mystery beans to take home.

Basic Gardening: Edibles & Orna-mentals-Mix it Up! May 7, Code: 290 289 3501, 9:30-10:30am, $10Master Gardeners help you discover the basics of incorporating edibles into the orna-mental landscape.

Family Fun: Build a Bean Teepee May 7, Code: 290 289 4501, 2-3pm, $6 without kitMay 7, Code: 290 289 4502, 2-3pm, $12 with kitKids (5 and up) with paying adult(s) learn how to build a bamboo teepee for pole beans to climb.

Spring Garden DayMay 14, 9am-3pm. More than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants to fill your spring gardening needs.

Basic Gardening: Ornamental Grasses May 21, Code: 290 289 3601, 9:30-10:30am, $10Master Gardeners show you how to select, plant and maintain the best ornamental grasses available.

Family Fun: Solstice Celebration and Do-It-Yourself Workshop June 4, Code: 290 289 9201, 2-3pm, $6 without kitJune 4, Code: 290 289 9202, 2-3pm, $12 with kit

Kids (5 and up) with paying adult(s) celebrate the coming summer solstice. Learn how to build a sundial and how to tell time by the shadows.

Designs from the Garden June 4, Code: 290 289 9101, 10am-12:30 pm, $30 registration and $20 supply fee.

Arranging cut flowers and foliage from the garden. Learn the basics of floral design and see floral masterpieces you can duplicate.

Garden Sprouts: Sunshine and Shadows June 6, Code: 290 289 4301, 11am-noon, $5

Preschool children (ages 3-5) with accompa-nying adult(s) learn fun facts about the earth and make a sunny craft.

Workshop: Hanging Container Garden June 11, Code: 290 2893001, 9:30-12noon, $20 registration and $25 supply fee.

(18 yrs. and up) Bring a colorful scheme to your home and garden and provide an eye-catching display of flowers and foliage for empty and dull areas.

Covering Shady Ground: Ground Covers for Shade June 18, Code: 290 289 3101, 9:30-11:30am, $15

Find just the right plants to cover a barren patch of soil, control erosion on a hillside or create a new garden under a tree.

Arts al Fresco (6-8 yrs.)June 27-July 1, Code: 290 222 3901, 9am-12noon, $165

(8-12 yrs.)July 18-22, Code: 290 222 4001, 9am-12noon, $165August 8-12, Code: 290 222 4002, 9am-12noon, $165

Let nature be your classroom as you experi-ment outdoors with different art mediums: sketching, painting, journaling, photography and crafts. Fee includes supplies and light snacks.

Basic gardening programs this spring at Green Spring Gardens will bring color to your yard with displays like the one at this townhouse garden.

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Teas

HISTORIC GREEN SPRING Historic Green Spring tea programs can be arranged by reservation (703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.) Schedule a private tea pro-gram for your next bridal shower, birthday or other special occasion. Private tasting parties also available.

An Afternoon with Julia ChildMarch 19, call park for reservations, 1-3:30 pm, program only: $12; Program + tea: $32(13 yrs. and up) Award-winning actress Mary Ann Jung performs as Julia Child, the witty Queen of Cuisine.

A Fashion ShowApril 3, call park for reservations, 1-3 pm, $27(13 yrs. and up) Travel to Japan with our slideshow showcasing the fabulous collection of one of the world’s leading repositories of haute couture, the Kyoto Costume Institute.

Garden Stroll & TeaApril 14, May 12 and 26, June 9 and 23, call park for reservations, 1- 3pm, $27(13 yrs. and up) Take a docent-led stroll through the demonstration gardens and enjoy afternoon tea at the Historic House.

Mother’s Day TeaMay 7 and 8, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27/adult $18/child 12 and under (6 yrs. and up) Raise a toast to mothers around the tea table.

A Jane Austen Tea PartyJune 26, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27(13 yrs. and up) Step back into Regency England as we entertain you with a treasury of tea-drinking quotations, anecdotes and recipes from Austen’s novels.

TastingsJapanese Tea Tasting March 26, Code: 290 288 5901, 10:30am-12noon, $22(13 yrs. and up) In honor of the Cherry Blos-som Festival, we’ll taste a selection of the finest Japanese green teas.

White Tea Tasting June 18, Code: 290 289 4001, 10:30am-12noon, $22(13 yrs. and up) White teas are subtle and often mysterious to western tea drinkers.

Learn all about the world’s least processed and most healthful teas.

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER 7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003 703-941-1065

Spring Discovery BagDaily, except Tuesdays. Available during nature center hours. $1 (Families) Enhance your enjoyment of the 1/3-mile Old Oak Trail, which loops behind the nature center. Each bag contains activities and learning enhancements ideal for young child and parent.

Spring Scavenger HuntAvailable during nature center hours. $1(All ages) Enjoy outdoor self-guided scavenger hunts.

Nature PlayceDawn to dusk. Free(Families) Get outside and enjoy unstructured outdoor play in our 1/3-acre woodland area.

Your Art in the Park Available during nature center hours. $20 (All ages) Create your own nature design on paper, and we’ll transfer it to a ceramic, four-inch square tile for our permanent foyer display. Funds used for Nature Playce.

Monday Bird Walk Mondays, 7-9am, Free(All ages) Discover the resident birds of the Accotink Stream Valley. Bring binoculars. Meet at Eakin Community Park, Prosperity Ave. parking lot.

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday ExtravaganzaMarch 6, Code: 308 188 270, 12-3:30pm, $6(4 yrs. and older) Naturalists share the tales of Yertle the Turtle, Gertrude McFuzz and more and show that real woodland creatures share some of the same talents.

Mad Hatter’s Tea PartyMarch 20, Code: 308 188 2801, 1:30-2:45pm, $15(5 yrs. and older) Parents and children sip tea, enjoy butterfly-shaped sandwiches and join the crazy fun of Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter and his friends.

MeteorologyMarch 28, Code: 308 271 6401, 3pm, $42(5-10 yrs.) Ever wish you could forecast the weather? Learn about the interdisciplinary study of weather processes and forecast-ing through observations, experiments and demonstrations. Build your own weather forecasting tools. Learn to watch wildlife for clues. Five 55-minute lessons.

Zoology: Science behind AnimalsMarch 30, Code: 308 272 2801, 4pm, $42(6-10 yrs.) Study the biology and habits of the birds, mammals, reptiles and insects of the Mid-Atlantic region. Activities include hikes, observations, videos, art projects and more. Five 55-minute lessons.

Fossils, Bones, Rocks & TeethApril 1, Code: 308 271 2701, 3:45pm, $42(6-12 yrs.) Children explore the clues scien-tists use to study ancient life. Students look at animal characteristics that get preserved and what they reveal about that animal. Students also learn about rocks and their clues about the life and times of dinosaurs. Five 55-min-ute lessons.

Natures’ April Foolers Campfire April 2, Code: 308 289 6501, 7-8pm, $5(4 yrs.and older) With live animals and sto-ries, join a naturalist in learning how animals use trickery to get a meal or to keep from being a meal.

Pooh Bear’s Friends’ Tea Party April 3, Code: 308 289 6601, 2-3:30pm, $12(4 yrs. and older) Families enjoy honey, tea and cookies in a Pooh-style tea while learning about Virginia’s brown bears and whether heffalumps and wuzzles are native to Fairfax County. Bring your favorite stuffed animal.

Goodnight Walk: Owls April 8, Code: 308 289 6701, 7:30-8:30pm, $5(4 yrs. and older) Learn to recognize the calls and features of local owls, make a craft and enjoy a night hike with a naturalist.

Spring Eggstravaganza Puppet Show April 10, Code: 308 289 6801, 2-3pm, $5/child(4-8 yrs.) Celebrate spring with an egg-cellent puppet show, stories and crafts, and meet live animals while learning

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about the awakening of many woodland creatures.

Forest FledglingsApril 11, Code: 308 286 7001, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Mice are Nice

April 18, Code: 308 286 7002, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Eggciting Eggs

April 25, Code: 308 286 7003, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Turtles are Terrific

May 2, Code: 308 286 7004, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Spring Flowers

May 9, Code: 308 286 7005, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Animal Moms and Babies

May 16, Code: 308 286 7006, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Lovely Ladybugs

May 23, Code: 308 286 7007, 9:45-10:30am, $5, Lots of Legs(3-5 yrs.)New topic each week for parent and child (quiet siblings welcome.) Stories, crafts and nature activities leading to outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather.

Little AcornsApril 11, Code: 308 286 7101, 11-11:45am, $5, Mice are Nice

April 18, Code: 308 286 7102, 11-11:45am, $5,Eggciting Eggs

April 25, Code: 308 286 7103, 11-11:45am, $5, Turtles are Terrific

May 2, Code: 308 286 7104, 11-11:45am, $5, Spring Flowers

May 9, Code: 308 286 7105, 11-11:45am, $5,Animal Moms and Babies

May 16, Code: 308 286 7106, 11-11:45am, $5, Lovely Ladybugs

May 23, Code: 308 286 7107, 11-11:45am, $5,Lots of Legs(2-3 yrs.) Preschoolers and their adult begin sharing the wonders of nature in this interac-tive class. Dress for the weather.

Dinosaur Egg Hunt April 16, (3-8 yrs.) Code: 308 289 6901, 10:30-11:30am, $6/childCode: 308 289 6902, 12:30-1:30pm, $6/childCode: 308 289 6903, 2-3pm, $6/childEnjoy a dinosaur-themed program and outdoor egg hunt while visiting dinoland in Nature Playce.

Wild Things Puppet Show April 20, Code: 308 289 7001, 10-11am, $5/child(4-10 yrs.) Three puppet shows plus the Native American legend of how butterflies came to be.

Salamander Hunt April 21, Code: 308 289 7101, 10-11am, $5/child

(5-12 yrs.) After a puppet show, learn about native salamanders and search with a natu-ralist guide under logs for red and lead back salamanders.

Rabbit: Fact & Fable April 22, Code: 308 289 7201, 10-11am, $5/child

(3-10 yrs.) Meet a rabbit and learn how the tradition of the Easter Bunny began.

Trillium Trek April 26, Code: 308 289 7301, 9am-3pm, $24

(Adult) Travel by van to Linden, VA for a glorious display of trilliums and other spring wildflowers. Wear hiking shoes.

Pink Lady’s Slipper WalkApril 30, Call park for reservations, 1-1:45pm, Free

(All ages) Join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll to a natural display of wild orchids at Roundtree Park in Falls Church.

May Day Baskets May 1, Code: 308 289 7501, 1:30-2:30pm, $5/child

(4-8 yrs.) Join the tradition of making a May basket and fill it with flowers to hang on the front door of friends or neighbors as a May Day surprise.

Dinofest in Nature Playce May 7, Code: 308 289 7601, 1:30-2:30pm, $6/child

(3-8 yrs.) Explore dinoland and unearth a real fossil to keep, compare your height and length to that of dinosaurs.

Beyond the Old Oak Trail May 8, Code: 308 289 7701, 12:30-2pm, $5

(All ages) Nestled inside of Annandale District Park, discover over 2.5 miles of trails within the 52-acre park. Stroll with a naturalist to explore les traveled trails and see evidence of pre-Civil War activity. Bring binoculars.

Natural Science through LensesMay 9, Code: 308 272 1001, 3pm, $42

(5-8 yrs.) Experience how magnifying glasses and microscopes enhance nature observation and study. Five 55-minute lessons.

Spring Bird CountMay 10, Call the park for reservations. 7-9am, Free

(14 yrs. and older) Assist park staff with the spring bird count for Annandale District Park. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

Natural Wonders: Kids ClubMay 11, Code: 308 271 2801, 4pm, $32

(6-8 yrs.) Enjoy outdoor, hands-on

Learn how friendly nature can be to kids in a Nature Playce program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

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explorations of the natural habitats (forests, streams and wetlands). Look for animals in the wild and learn about the ways of natu-ral things such as trees and flowers. Five 45-minute lessons.

Snakes, Turtles and ToadsMay 12, Code: 308 271 4401, 4pm, $42

(5-8 yrs.) Through hands-on activities, nature “safari” hikes, and visits with live animals, students investigate the characteristics and habits of local reptiles and amphibians. Five 55-minute lessons.

EarthkeepersMay 13, Code: 308 272 2901, 2pm, $32

(6-10 yrs.) Discover how the earth works through a study of geology and watersheds, and discover how each of us impacts the environment. Five 45-minute lessons.

Goodnight Walk: Hop To It May 13, Code: 308 289 7401, 7:30-8:30pm, $5

(14 yrs. and older) Celebrate National Frog Jumping Day with a hop, skip and jump dur-ing our evening trail walk.

Celebrate Urban Birds May 14, Code: 308 289 780, 11:30-2:30pm, $5/person

(All ages) Start a lifelong hobby with the fun of watching backyard birds. Learn how to identify common species and attract song-birds to your yard.

Frog Chorus at Eakin Pond May 14, Code: 308 286 4801, 7:30-8:45pm, $5/person

(14 yrs. and older) Meet at Eakin Park on Prosperity Rd., Fairfax, to join a naturalist-led walk to the pond to identify frogs by sound and features.

Save the Frog Celebration Day May 15, Code: 308 286 740, 11:30-2:30pm, $10/child

(Families) To celebrate National Frog Month, make a toad abode for your backyard and learn how to make your garden frog friendly.

Miss Spider’s Tea Party May 21, Code: 308 286 750, 11:30-3pm, $15/person

(4-7 yrs. with adult) You’re invited to tea with Miss Spider, Miss Ladybug and other wildlife friends celebrating spring in the forest.

Singles Campfire & Night Hike May 28, Code: 308 286 7801, 7:45-8:45pm, $5/person(Adults) Enjoy toasting s’mores over a camp-fire after a naturalist-led night hike which highlights nocturnal animals of the urban woodland. Meet other singles at the hottest spot in town - the campfire.

Snake & Turtle Feeding May 29, Code: 308 286 7301, 1:30-2:30pm, $5/person(All ages) Enjoy a brief presentation and dem-onstration by our animal caretaker staff.

Sounds of the Night Campfire June 3, Code: 308 288 7101, 8-9pm, $5/person(4 yrs. and up with adult) Learn about animal sounds and take a night-time stroll along the Old Oak Trail to practice our new listening and identifying skills.

Hidden Oaks’ Treasures Hunt June 4, Code: 308 288 7201, 2-4:15pm, $5/person(All ages) Follow your treasure map to collect clues leading to treasures along 1/2 mile of woodland and stream trails. Groups leave every 15 min.

Venomous Snakes & Poisonous Plants June 11, Code: 308 288 7301, 1-3pm , $5/person(All ages) Learn what you need to watch out for in the fields and forests of Fairfax County.

Campfire Stories and Songs June 11, Code: 308 288 7401, 7:30-8:30pm, $5/person(4 yrs. and older with adult) Gather ‘round the campfire for storytelling, traditional campfire songs and making s’mores.

Butterfly Gardening June 12, Code: 308 288 7501, 2-3:15pm, $5/person(Adult) Enjoy a presentation by Dr. Dexter Hinckley on 15 species of butterflies, host plants for their caterpillars and nectar plant suggestions.

Campfire Stories and Songs June 18, Code: 308 288 7402, 7:30-8:30pm, $5/person(4 yrs. and older with adult) Gather ‘round the campfire for storytelling, traditional campfire songs and making s’mores.

American Indian Games & Crafts June 18, Code: 308 286 5401, 2-3:15pm, $5(4 yrs. and older with adult) Play traditional games of skill and luck of eastern woodland Indians during the period of first European contact. Enjoy oral storytelling.

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER 8511 Greeley Boulevard Springfield, VA 22152 703-451-9588

Nature Quest-Vernal Pools March 7, Code: 332 189 2801, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Explore the world of a vernal pool to see what animals call such habitat home.

Ponderings-Vernal Pools March 11, Code: 332 189 4601, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(6-10 yrs.) Trek through the Pohick Stream Valley forest to see what is happening at the vernal pools.

Wildlife Wednesdays-Frogs March 16, Code: 332 189 4701, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Frogs are hopping all over the wetlands at the park. Listen to what they sound like and see what they look like in their natural habitat.

Nature Quest-Mice and Other Small Mammals March 21, Code: 332 189 4801, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) The most plentiful mammal species of the Pohick Stream Valley forest are mice, voles and shrews. Visit their habitats, meet some live ones.

Wildlife Wednesday-Turtles March 30, Code: 332 289 4901, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Turtles are some of the most popular wildlife species found at Hidden Pond Park. Meet some of them and see others in the wild.

Nature Quest-Frogs and Toads April 4, Code: 332 289 5001, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Learn what is out and about in the amphibian world at Hidden Pond.

Spring Wildflower Walk April 9, Code: 332 289 5401, 10:30am-12noon, $5

(All Ages) See wildflowers in bloom along the Pohick Creek and in the surrounding forest.

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Nature Quest-Turtles April 11, Code: 332 289 5101, 10-11am, $4(3-6 yrs.) Turtles are the topic of this pro-gram, which includes live animals for you to meet. Help the naturalist feed them.

Wildlife Wednesdays-Snakes April 13, Code: 332 289 5201, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(3-6 yrs.) A close look at some of the local snake species and their habitat requirements.

Ponderings-Amphibians April 15, Code: 332 289 5301, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(6-10 yrs.) Naturalist Brian goes all out in his effort to explore the park’s amphibian world.

Nature Quest-Snakes April 25, Code: 332 289 5501, 10-11am, $4(3-6 yrs.) The naturalist is anxious to show the younger naturalists some of the snake species which can be found in the park.

Wildlife Wednesdays-Flower Power April 27, Code: 332 289 5601, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(3-6 yrs.) Flowers may not be wildlife, but a lot of wildlife needs those flowers. See which flowers are in bloom, and see which animals are attracted to them.

Lake Accotink Wildflower Walk April 30, Code: 332 289 570, 10:30am-12noon, $5(All Ages) A Hidden Pond naturalist will lead a walk at Lake Accotink to show off some of the beautiful species found at this wonderful park.

Nature Quest-Pond Study May 2, Code: 332 289 5801, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Explore the pond with a net. Catch some of the critters that live there and our friendly naturalist will help identify them.

Ponderings-Reptiles May 6, Code: 332 289 5901, 4:30-6pm, $6

(6-10 yrs.) Naturalist Brian talks about rep-tiles and shows you some of the center’s live specimens.

Nature Quest-Nesters May 9, Code: 332 289 6001, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) The naturalist will show the group some of the bird species making their nests.

Wildlife Wednesdays-Pond Life May 11, Code: 332 289 6101, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Younger naturalists get to explore the pond through netting for what lives there.

Nature Quest-Worms May 16, Code: 332 289 6201, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) One of nature’s most important creatures gets the full attention of our natural-ist as the group searches for the various worm species that can be found in our area. The group will use a worm clanger to help draw out worms down deep in the earth.

Ponderings-Lizards May 20, Code: 332 289 6301, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(6-10 yrs.) Join Naturalist Brian for a mega-lizard safari hike into the wilds of the Pohick Stream Valley.

Wildlife Wednesday-Dirt May 25, Code: 332 289 6401, 4:30-5:30pm, $4

(3-6 yrs.) See dirt, explore dirt and enjoy dirt as you study what lives in it and how it is important to our world.

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK AND VISITOR CENTER 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22306 703-768-2525

Evening Wildlife Walk March 5, Code: 340 188 1401, 5:30-7pm, $6

(Adults) Explore the Hike/Bike Trail in hopes of discovering calling frogs and owls, migrat-ing waterfowl and displaying American woodcock. Bring optics and a flashlight.

Birding for Beginners March 6, Code: 340 188 1501, 8-11am, $6 (Adults) Sharpen your waterfowl identification skills while birding with a park naturalist.

Leave it to Beaver March 6, Code: 340 188 1601, 5:15-6:30pm, $6(6 yrs. and older) Families will look for signs of beavers and, if we’re lucky, catch a glimpse of these nocturnal engineers.

Birds and Bagels March 12, Code: 340 188 1701, 8-10:30am, $8(Adults) Enjoy the end of winter during this morning search for waterfowl.

Park Manager Walk and TalkMarch 12, 4-6pm, Free(Adults) Join park manager Kevin Munroe on these monthly walks. Find out about the wetland restoration project and learn about the wildlife for which the park is known.

Evening Walk March 19, Code: 340 188 1801, 5:30-6pm, $6(Adults) Join park naturalist PJ Dunn to hike the trails after dark, listening for owls and frogs and watching for beaver activity.

Young Explorers - Backyard BirdsMarch 21, Code: 340 188 1901, 3:15-4:30pm, $4(6-9 yrs.) Through indoor and outdoor activi-ties, learn more about these ubiquitous and necessary Virginia resources.

Cuddle up with nature during spring programs at Hidden Pond Nature Center.

Beavers play key roles in wetlands. Learn about their influence on Huntley Meadows through programs and wagon rides at the site.

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Nature Detectives - Backyard Birds March 23, Code: 340 188 2001, 10-10:45am, $6March 23, Code: 340 188 2003, 1:30-2:15pm, $6March 24, Code: 340 188 2002, 10-10:45am, $6(3-5 yrs.) Through story, activity and a craft, learn about these ubiquitous and necessary Virginia resources.

Dazzled By Dragonflies April 2, Code: 340 289 9501, 3-4:30pm, $6(Adults) Ever wonder how dragonflies can hover, dive and zoom at 40 mph? What do they eat, who eats them and what kind of courtship do they have? The answers are bizarre and surprising.

Birding Equipment for Beginners April 3, Code: 340 289 9601, 8-11am, $6(Adults) Learn about optics and field guides as you bird watch with a park naturalist.

Nature for Tiny Tots April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10, 17, 24Code: 340 287 5401, 9:30-10:15am, $69 Code: 340 287 5402, 10:45-11:30am, $69 (24 to 36 mos.) An eight-week series in which children and their parents learn about the plants, animals and habitats of the park through songs, crafts and activities. $5 materials fee is due to the instructor at the first class.

Eco-Savvy ExpoApril 10, 12-4pm, Free(All ages) Local experts and park staff will send you home with shade-gardening tips, rain garden plant lists, wildlife brochures and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about attracting local native wildlife. Small fee for some presentations.

Young Explorers – Amphibians April 11, Code: 340 289 9701, 3:15-4:30pm, $4(6-9 yrs.) Through a story and walk, learn about these slippery jumpers and bumpy bumblers.

Nature Detectives – Amphibians April 13, Code: 340 289 9801, 10-10:45am, $6 April 13, Code: 340 289 9802, 1:30-2:15pm, $6 April 14, Code: 340 289 9803, 10-10:45am, $6(3-5 yrs.) Through a story, activity and craft, learn about these slippery jumpers and bumpy bumblers.

Café CattailApril 15, 7-9:30pm, Free(All ages) Welcome to Huntley Meadows’ very own coffeehouse! Enjoy a relaxing evening applauding our community’s talents. Musi-cians, dancers and poets are encouraged to share their arts with a nature theme. Reser-vations required for performers only.

Park Manager Walk and TalkApril 23, 4-6pm, Free(Adults) Share questions and concerns about the park as you walk with park manager Kevin Munroe.

Wetlands Awareness DayMay 1, 12-3pm, FreeEnjoy an afternoon of wetland interpretation, wildlife presentations and a fun fair for kids. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the importance of wetlands to wildlife and you. Small fee for some activities.

Off-trail Birding at South King’s Highway May 7, Code: 340 289 9901, 7-9:30am, $6(Adults) Search for neotropical songbird migrants. Dress for going off trail. Binoculars and field guides are recommended.

Park Manager Walk and TalkMay 14, 5-7pm, Free(Adults) Share questions and concerns about the park as you walk with park manager Kevin Munroe.

Young Explorers – Reptiles May 16, Code: 340 287 4001, 3:15-4:30pm, $4(6-9 yrs.), Through a story and walk, learn about these unusual, scaly animals.

Nature Detectives – Reptiles May 18, Code: 340 287 5201, 10-10:45am, $6May 18, Code: 340 287 5202, 1:30-2:15 pm, $6May 19, Code: 340 287 5203, 10-10:45am, $6(3-5 yrs.) Through a story, activity and craft, learn about these unusual, scaly animals.

Seasonal Birding for Beginners May 21, Code: 340 287 5301, 8-11am, $6(Adults) Identify birds that are seasonal high-lights while walking with a park naturalist.

Wild Side Wagon Ride May 21, Code: 340 286 4901, 12:30-2pm, $6 May 21, Code: 340 486 4902, 2:30-4pm, $6 May 21, Code: 340 486 4903, 4:30-6pm, $6 May 28, Code: 340 486 4904, 12:30-2pm, $6

May 28, Code: 340 486 4905, 2:30-4pm, $6 May 28, Code: 340 486 4906, 4:30-6pm, $6 (Families with children ages 4 and older) Take a 90-minute tractor ride with a park naturalist to parts of the wetland that are difficult to reach on foot. Look for and learn about songbirds, wildflowers, butterflies and waterfowl, and stop for a snack at the obser-vation platform.

RIVERBEND PARK 8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls, VA 22066 703-759-9018

Corn Hole (All ages) Available during visitor center hours. Rent this fun game to play with family or friends. It only takes a minute to learn. Equipment and game directions provided. $5/2-hour rental

The Potomac River Gorge Trail – A Globally Rare Environment(8 yrs. and older) Daily 7 a.m.-dusk, picnic area by the visitor center. Enjoy a self-guided, 2.5-mile hike along the Potomac River and find out why The Nature Conservancy named this area “one of the most significant natural areas in the eastern United States.” Free

Scavenger Hunt(All ages) Available during visitor center hours. Check out the scavenger hunt packet and follow the clues as they lead you through the park in search of cool nature facts. $1/packet

Wagon Rides on Request(All ages) Book your family outing, play group, school group or birthday party wagon ride. Minimum 11 people, maximum 20 people. Call for available dates. $5/person

Night Sky FestivalMarch 12, Group reservations required, 7-9pm, $5/person(All ages) Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope and listening to ancient stories about the constel-lations around the campfire. Saturn is this event’s featured planet.

Amphibians After Dark March 18, Code: 357 188 7601, 7:15-8:45pm, $7/person

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(7 yrs. and up) Assist park naturalists with a calling amphibian survey.

Fishing Fun March 26, Code: 835 280 1801, 2pm at Lake Fairfax, $137 May 23, Code: 357 280 1801, 3:30pm at Riverbend, $137(7-11 yrs.) Learn the basics of fishing while having fun. Improve fishing skills with spin-ning and closed-faced reels. Learn safety, catch-and-release fishing and protecting the environment. All equipment is provided. Four one-hour, 25-minute lessons. Supply fee of $20 payable at first class.

Fly Fishing March 26, Code 357 280 1504, 9am, $52 April 9, Code: 357 280 1501, 9amMay 14, Code: 357 280 1502, 9amJune 18, Code: 357 280 1503, 9am(13 yrs.-Adult) Introduction to fly fishing. Bring your own fully-rigged rod or rent one from the instructor at first class for $50. Supply fee of $5 payable to instructor at class.

Four-hour lesson.USPS Boating Safety CourseApril 5, Code: 850 280 4101, 7pm, $51Course covers the basics of safe boat han-dling and operation, including navigation and digital charting. Course meets VA, DC, MD and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators certification requirements and satisfies educational requirements of most jurisdictions that require boating educa-tion before operating a watercraft. Supply fee of $48. Eight two-hour lessons at Lake Accotink.

Fly TyingApril 13, Code: 850 280 2201, 6:30pm, $42

(13-Adult) Students will learn proper fly tying techniques to create nymphs, streamers and dry flies for smallmouth bass and trout. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Two two-hour, 25-minute lessons.

Wagon Ride – Wonderful Wildflowers April 13, Code: 357 289 8101, 10-10:45am, $5/personApril 26, Code: 357 289 8102, 10-10:45am, $5/person(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Climb aboard for a wildflower scavenger hunt.

Riverside Campfire - River Revelry April 15, Code: 357 288 8301, 6:30-7:30pm, $4/person(Families - only people 2 yrs. and older pay) Enjoy a fun-filled evening of stories and games. Learn about otters, beavers and other animals that call the Potomac “home.” S’mores provided.

Bluebells and Bloodroots April 16, Code: 357 288 7701, 9:30-11:30am, $5/person(Adults) Learn to identify Riverbend’s beautiful spring ephemerals and discover the folklore that has grown up around them.

Animal VetsApril 18-22, Code: 357 222 8701, 9am-3pm, $215(7-11 yrs.) Spend the day with our exhibit animals. Check their health, weight and size; clean and refresh their tanks. Enjoy some fun activities and games. Bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. Wear old clothes.

The Simple Beauty of Backpacking April 20-May 4, Wednesdays, Code: 561 288 6301, 7-9pm, $48(13 yrs. and older) In this three-week class, learn core skills and principles that will en-able you to get the most from an overnight backpacking trip.

Evening Wagon Ride April 29, Code: 357 288 7901, 7:30-8:30pm, $6/person(All Ages) Ride through the park at twilight and be serenaded by frogs.

Wagon Ride - Journey to the Pond May 5, Code: 357 289 8001, 2:30-3:15pm, $5/person(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Frogs, tadpoles and water critters abound in the pond. Journey to see what’s hopping, splashing and swimming.

Riverbend Bird Stroll – Warblers May 7, Code: 357 288 8001, 8a-10am, $7/person(Adults) Hike with a naturalist during peak warbler migration. Discover why Riverbend is an important stopover and nesting area that attracts so many species.

Riverside Camping May 14, Code: 357 286 3501, 6p-9am, $12/person(Families - only people 3 yrs. and older pay) Enjoy a family night in the park with a campfire and night hike. Bring your camping gear, toasting sticks and a dinner to cook on toasting sticks over the campfire. Campfire, s’mores and light breakfast provided.

Wagon Ride - Animals Abound May 17, Code: 357 288 8501, 2:30-3:15pm, $5/personMay 27, Code: 357 288 8502, 10-10:45am, $5/person(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Take a ride on the wild side and search for animal babies, animals waking from hibernation and other animals flying in from sunny Florida.

Touch Tank Campfire May 20, Code: 357 288 8401, 6:30-7:30pm, $4/person(Families - only people 2 yrs. and older pay) Meet some wiggly, squiggly and squirmy animals, play games and enjoy s’mores.

Fishing Fun Birthday PartiesMid-May through September, $175(5-12 yrs.), Celebrate your birthday by fishing with your friends and family.

Jon boat and kayak rentalsMay 20 through August: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. September to October 10: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Rent a jonboat or kayak and get out on the water this summer at Riverbend Park.

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Kayak Rental Qualification Class May 20, Code: 357 280 4601, 4pm, $26May 27, Code: 357 280 4602, 4pm, $26June 3, Code: 357 280 4603, 4pm, $26June 4, Code: 357 280 4604, 11:30am, $26June 10, Code: 357 280 4605, 4pm, $26June 11, Code: 357 280 4606, 11:30am, $26June 17, Code: 357 280 4607, 4pm, $26June 24, Code: 357 280 4608, 4pm, $26(14 yrs.-Adult) Class qualifies students to rent Riverbend’s kayaks. Course covers river kayaking basics. Fee includes equipment and half-day kayak rental. One 30-minute lesson

Kayaking for FitnessMay 25, Code: 357 280 2402, 6pm, $137May 26, Code: 357 280 2403, 6pm, $137

(14 yrs.-Adult) This beginning kayak class will teach the basics of flat and moving-water kayaking while increasing fitness. Helmets, personal floatation devices, paddles, and kayaks are provided. Four 85-minute lessons.

Wagon Ride - Animals Abound May 27, Code: 357 288 8502, 10-10:45am, $5/person(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Take a ride on the wild side and search for animal babies, animals waking from hibernation and other animals flying in from sunny Florida.

Stand Up Paddleboarding May 29, Code: 357 280 0801, 9am, $55May 29, Code: 357 280 0802, 11am, $55June 3, Code: 357 280 0803, 6pm, $55June 4, Code: 357 280 0804, 9am, $55June 4, Code: 357 280 0805, 11am, $55June 11, Code: 357 280 0806, 9am, $55June 11, Code: 357 280 0807, 11am, $55June 12, Code: 357 280 0808, 9am, $55June 12, Code: 357 280 0809, 11am, $55(14 yrs.-Adult) Beginner class with low student/instructor ratio to allow for personal instruction. Personal floatation devices and helmets provided. Boards and paddles avail-able to rent for $15. Two-hour lesson

Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, Co. classes are held at either Fort Washington Marina in Fort Washington, Maryland, or at Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River south of Alexandria.

Kayak Nature Tour Piscataway May 15, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 3001, 9am, $64 May 15, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 3002, 1pm, $64 June 12, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 3003, 9am, $64June 12, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 3004, 1pm, $64

(5 yrs.-Adult) Explore a quiet tributary of the Potomac River. Enjoy diverse plant life and abundant wildlife. Includes a brief introductory lesson, all equipment and a guide. Three-hour session.

Kayak Nature Tour Dyke MarshMay 17, Belle Haven Marina, Code: 559 280 4401, 7pm, $64June 15, Belle Haven Marina, Code: 559 280 4402, 7pm, $64

(5 yrs.-Adult) Explore the waterways and islands of Dyke Marsh near Alexandria. Enter the world of a tidal freshwater marsh with beaver lodges, osprey nests and cattails. Two-and-a-half hour lesson.

Intro to KayakingMay 28, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 2101, 9am, $79May 28, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 2102, 1pm, $79

(12 yrs.-Adult) Learn about different kay-aks, paddles, personal flotation devices and safety gear. On the water, learn to move the boat using a variety of strokes and stopping maneuvers. Three-hour lesson.

Kayak Rescue & SafetyMay 29, Atlantic Canoe, 492 280 2501, 9am, $79

(12 yrs.-Adult) Safety and rescue course for the novice or a good refresher for those with some experience. Three-hour lesson.

Fishing Guide at Riverbend ParkJune 1-September 30, Thursday-Monday, $85

(5 yrs. and up plus adult) Go with a park naturalist on a two-hour boat trip in search of sunfish and smallmouth bass. Maximum three people.

Wagon Ride - Journey to the Pond June 1, Code: 357 289 8002, 2-2:45pm, $5/person

(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Frogs, tadpoles and water critters abound in the pond. Journey to see what’s hopping, splashing and swimming.

Children’s Fishing Fun DerbyJune 4, Call park for reservations. 9:30-10:30am or 11:30-12:30pm, $7/child

(5-17 yrs.) Fishing activities, including casting and rigging your own fishing rod. Games conducted throughout the event. Participants rotate through stations. Mini bank fishing tournaments for kids at 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Program meets the requirements for Wolf Scout fishing.

Kayak Tour Island Secrets June 5, Code: 357 280 4501, 9am, $55

(14 yrs.-Adult) Discover the natural and cultural secrets of the islands as we tour this scenic section of the Potomac. This is not a whitewater tour. No previous experience required. Kayaks provided. One two-hour session.

Parent & Child Fishing by Boat June 9, Code: 357 380 4801, 6pm, $10

(5 yrs.-Adult) Follow a naturalist to favorite fishing spots on the scenic Potomac River. No previous experience required. Boats and personal floatation devices provided. Fishing rod rentals available.

Kayak Tour-River Exploration June 12, Code: 357 280 4301, 9am, $55

(14 yrs.-Adult) Discover the island cut-through where the current goes upstream to the hid-den inlet of Beal’s island. This is not a white-water tour. No previous experience required. Kayaks provided. Two-hour lesson.

Fishing for Parent and Child June 16, Code: 357 280 4001, 5:30pm, $38

(6-17 yrs.) This introductory course starts you with the basics, including how to rig and use a fishing rod, safety, environmental aware-ness and fishing. Rod/reel rentals available for $5. Two-hour lesson.

Riverside Campfire - Fishing Fun June 17, Code: 357 288 8201, 6:30-7:30pm, $5/person

(Families - only people 2 yrs and older pay)

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Fish from the river bank and learn about the fish world. S’mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast.

Breeding Bird Survey June 18, Code: 357 288 7801, 7-9am, $7/person(13 yrs. and older) Hike with a naturalist and assist with a breeding bird survey in the park.

Kayak Tour Seneca to Riverbend June 19, Code: 357 280 3201, 8am, $112(14 yrs.-Adult) This 8-mile river journey includes riffles and small rapids. Previous kayaking experience required. Kayaks pro-vided. Six-hour session.

Electronics LabAugust 22-23, Code: 357 223 1401, 9am-4pm, $179(7-12 yrs.) Build projects and conduct experi-ments using your own electronic kit to keep. This lab stimulates the mind with easy to understand experiments that increase knowl-edge of electronics.

Mystery Rock WorkshopAugust 24-25, Code: 357 222 9601, 9am-4pm, $179(7-12 yrs.) Excavate gems, fascinating rocks and ancient fossils. All are yours to keep. Experience the thrill of discovery and learn how to identify your finds.

Group Kayak Tours (14 yrs. and up) Riverbend Park offers kayak tours on request. No previous experience required. This is not a whitewater tour. Kayaks provided. Weekdays only. Two-hour program. One to six people $312, $52/each additional person, maximum 10.

Fishing Classes at Riverbend ParkFishing programs for children and families and fly fishing programs for teens and adults are offered throughout the season. Schedule is online.

Group Canoeing OrientationA three-hour session covering basic survival swim test in a pool, use of personal flotation device (PFD) and safety skills. Perfect for scout troops and other groups planning canoe trips. To schedule, call any RECenter.

Small-Group Canoe Workshops(8 yrs. and older) Schedule your group of eight or more youth and/or adults to experi-

ence the great outdoors while having fun and getting a great workout. Call to reserve a date. Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285, $12

For more boating and fishing classes, check Parktakes Online. Listings are updated daily.

PROGRAMS AT CLARK HOUSE, DRANESVILLE TAVERN, GREAT FALLS GRANGE AND HUNTER HOUSE:Treemendous! March 9, Code: 561 188 6801, Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6March 15, Code: 556 188 6801, Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Discover fun facts about local and exotic trees through preschool activities and stories.

Return of the Amphibians March 17, Code: 557 188 6901, Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6March 24, Code: 563 188 6901, Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Hop over and meet a toad, find out what’s for lunch and participate in amusing amphibian activities.

A Night in the WoodsMarch 23, Code: 561 188 7001, Clark House, 7-9pm, $16

(13 yrs.-Adult) Through an entertaining and interactive workshop, learn and practice some of the most important skills needed to tackle your first night out in the woods. Workshop includes choosing gear, food and a campsite or shelter.

Life SciencesMarch 31, Clark House, Code: 561 271 5101, 1:30pm, $42

(9-11 yrs.), nvestigate changes, cycles and patterns in the living world. Explore the dynamic relationships that occur in nature among plants, animals and their environment. Five 55-minute lessons.

Earth ScienceApril 6, Hunter House, Code: 563 271 5601, 1:30pm, $42

Dig into the study of the earth. Explore and experiment with plate tectonics, the rock cy-

cle, atmosphere and weather, and the climate of our planet. Supply fee payable to instructor at first class. Five 55-minute lessons.

Enthralling Estuaries April 6, Code: 561 289 8201, Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6April 12, Code: 556 289 8201, Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Meet the magnificent animals of the Chesapeake Bay through games and stories.

Under the Hedge April 14, Code: 557 289 8501, Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6April 28, Code: 563 28 98501, Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Learn about squirrels, mice, rac-coons and other backyard wildlife and how they have adapted to suburban life.

Spring Babies May 4, Code: 561 289 8301, Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6May 10, Code: 556 289 8301, Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Meet some spring babies and learn through activities, games and stories how they adapt to their new world.

A Night in the WoodsMay 5, Code: 563 288 7001, Hunter House, 7-9pm, $16

(13 yrs.-Adult) Through an entertaining and interactive workshop, learn and practice some of the most important skills needed to tackle your first night out in the woods. Workshop includes choosing gear, food and a campsite or shelter.

EcologyMay 11, Code: 563 271 6001, Hunter House, 1:30pm, $42

(9-11 yrs.) Explore how plants, animals, water and weather work together in the natural world. Activities include hikes, observations, videos and art projects. Five 55-minute lessons.

Life SciencesMay 12, Code: 561 271 5001, Clark House, 1:30pm, $42

(5-8 yrs.) Investigate changes, cycles and patterns in the living world. Explore the dynamic relationships that occur in nature among plants, animals and their environment. Five 55-minute lessons.

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Runners, Walkers and Belly Crawlers May 12, Code: 557 289 8401, Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6May 26, Code: 563 289 8401, Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6 (2-5 yrs.) Meet fascinating reptiles that live in Fairfax County. Learn how they move, live and catch their lunch.

SULLY HISTORIC SITE 3650 Historic Sully Way Chantilly, VA 20151 703-437-1794

Sully StorytimeMarch 12, Code: 381 188 6101, 10-11am, $3(3-5 yrs.) Bring out your budding historian with stories for preschoolers and hands-on crafts.

Coffee and Chocolate: Warming up Winter March 19, Code: 381 188 6201, 1-2pm, $15March 19, Code: 381 188 6202, 2-3pm, $15Learn to make a proper cup of coffee or tea and see how chocolate was prepared 200 years ago.

Make a Spring Scarecrow March 20, Code: 381 189 8701, 1-2pm, $6March 20, Code: 381 189 8702, 2-3pm, $6March 20, Code: 381 189 8703, 3-4pm, $6(All ages) Make a scarecrow for your garden. Bring old clothes and a pair of panty hose, we will provide the straw and a homemade hat.

Squirreling Around on a Spring Day March 26, Code: 381 289 8601, 11am-12:30pm, $6(6-12 yrs., must be accompanied by regis-tered adult) In the early 1800s the Lees had a pet white squirrel. Children can find squirrels throughout the house and make their own white squirrel to take home.

Lace Easter Eggs April 2, Code: 381 289 8801, 1-2:30pm, $7April 2, Code: 381 289 8802, 3-4:30pm, $7(8 yrs. and up) Add a bit of Victorian charm to your Easter basket. Decorate an egg with lace and flowers and create a new tradition for your family’s Easter celebration.

Wagon Ride at Sully Historic SiteApril 4 – June Call to schedule a date for your family out-ing, school, scouts, birthday party or other

group of 10 or more people. Travel around the site by tractor-drawn wagon to see archaeological evidence of past residents or choose a nature theme and find out about plants and creatures that make Sully their home today. Dress for the weather. $5/per-son. For available dates, call 703-437-1794.

Easter Egg HuntApril 9, call site for required reservations, 1-3pm, $5(3-7 yrs., must be accompanied by adult. Adults free) Bring your baskets and hunt for Easter eggs. Participate in an egg roll. Visit baby animals and create an Easter craft to take home.

Mosby in Fairfax CountyApril 12, call site for reservations, 7pm, suggested donation $5(12 yrs. and older) Spend an evening with Don Hakenson, native of Fairfax County, award-winning author and Civil War histo-rian. Learn about the exploits of Confederate guerilla chieftain Colonel John S. Mosby and his rangers.

Scout Day April 18, call site for reservations, 11am-4pm, $15Outdoor stations will fill the grounds as scouts earn badges or achieve electives for Tiger Scouts, Bear Scouts, Wolf Scouts, Boy Scouts, Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadets.

Spring Break Tours - Do My Eyes Deceive Me?April 18-22, no reservations required, 11am–4pm, $7/adult, $6/student, $5 senior and child(5 yrs. and older) Sully tours take a twist. Use your sleuthing skills to guess the items on the “what’s it” table, then spy the modern objects that don’t belong to Lee’s time.

Spain in the American Revolution, April 15, no reservations required, 12noon-4pm, $7/adult, $5/childRe-enactors from the Spanish Louisiana Regi-ment demonstrate musket and cannon firing. Try fencing and play games.

Cookin’ at the QuarterApril 21, no reservations required, 1-4pm, $8(5 yrs. and older) Visit the slave quarters to find out what’s cooking and how the slaves spent their time away from the work of the farm. Learn to make corn pone.

Antique Car ShowJune 19, no reservations required, 10am-3:30pm. $9/adult, $8/senior, $6/child(All ages) Celebrate Father’s Day at Sully’s Annual Antique Car Show co-sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority and The Model A Ford Club of America. More than 400 antique and classic cars fill the grounds. Buy the car of your dreams at the Car Corral or search for the perfect accessory in the Flea Market with more than 100 vendors. Treat Dad to a delicious lunch and get your toes tapping to the music of Jumpin’ Jupi-ter. Tour of the first floor of the 1794 house included.

SCOUTS (Call the parks for more information. See page 2 for numbers and addresses)

Geology Merit BadgeMarch 26, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0201, 9am, $16April 4, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0201, 9am, $16

(11-17 yrs.) One four-hour lesson

Reptile & Amphibian Merit BadgeApril 2, EC Lawrence Park, Code: 274 274 1801, 9am-11am, $8April 20, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 1801, 1pm-4pm, $12

Environmental Science Merit BadgeApril 2, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 0701, 10am, $21April 4, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0701, 9:30am, $21April 20, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0702, 10am, $21(11-17 yrs.) One five-hour session

Mark your calendar now for Sully Historic Site’s annual car show on June 19.

Spring 2011 29

S P R I N G E V E N T S

Bird Study Merit BadgeApril 4, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0001, 9am, $16

(11-17 yrs.) One four-hour lesson.

Art Merit BadgeApril 7, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 2001, 9am, $25

(11-17 yrs.) One four-hour lesson.

Fly Fishing Merit BadgeApril 9, Huntley Meadows, Code: 340 274 2201, 9am, $50

(11-17 yrs.) One nine-hour lesson.

Wilderness Survival Merit BadgeApril 10, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 1901, 12:30pm, $12

(11-17 yrs.) One three-hour lesson.

Animal Science Merit BadgeApril 12, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1101, 4pm, $8May 10, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1102, 4pm, $8June 14, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1103, 4pm, $8

(11-17 yrs.) One two-hour lesson

Scout DayApril 18, 11am-4pm, Sully Historic Site. Outdoor stations will fill the grounds as scouts earn badges or achieve electives for Tiger Scouts, Bear Scouts, Wolf Scouts, Boy Scouts, Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadets. For a list of badges for your group please call. $15/scout, Sully patch available for $4

Nature Study Merit BadgeApril 19, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0601, 1pm-5pm, $16April 21, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0601, 1pm-4pm, $12Soil & Conservation Merit BadgeApril 20, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0801, 1pm, $16

(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson.

Weather Merit BadgeApril 20, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 2101, 9am, $16

(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson.

Fish & Wildlife Merit BadgeApril 21, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0901, 1pm, $16

(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson.

Astronomy Merit BadgeApril 29, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0101, 6pm, $12(11-17 yrs) One three-hour lesson.

Insect Study Merit BadgeMay 21, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0501, 9am, $16(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson.

Mammal Study Merit BadgeMay 21, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1201, 10am, $8June 11, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1202, 1:30pm, $8(11-17 yrs) One two-hour lesson.

Fishing Merit BadgeJune 11, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 1301, 8am, $41(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson, All equip-ment and supplies provided.

Forestry Merit BadgeJune 24, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0301, 9am, $16(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson.

DAISIESUsing Resources WiselyMarch 28, 2-3pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scoutApril 11, 2-3 or 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout

Make the World a Better PlaceMay 9, 3:30-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $6/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

BROWNIESBrownie Nature Scout FestivalMarch 5, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 1:30-4pm. Earn one to four Try-Its for Animal, Earth and Sky, Eco-Explorer and Watching Wildlife. $10/scout or sibling

Brownie Try-It - Eco-ExplorerApril 2, 3-4pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scoutMay 23, 3:30-4:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It – AnimalsApril 4, 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scoutApril 25, 2-3pm or 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scoutMay 2, 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Water EverywhereApril 16, 10-11am, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Walney Pond, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Senses April 25, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

Brownie Try-It - Watching WildlifeMay 2, 3:30-4:30pm, Riverbend Park, $4/scout, Riverbend patch $3.15/scoutMay 28, 1:30-2:30pm or 3-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It – PlantsMay 2, 3:30-4:30 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Earth and SkyMay 9, 2-3 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Listening to the PastMay 11, 4-5:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/scoutMay 23, 3-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout, $5/adult taking tour and Sully Patch $4.20

Brownie Try-It – Outdoor Adventurer May 16, 2-3 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $4/scout

Brownie Journey Helper- WOW wonders of waterMay 23, 3-4:30 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTSJunior Girl Scout – ArchitectureApril 4, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20June 13, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

Junior Girl Scout - Earth Connections April 13, 4-5:30pm, Riverbend Park, $6/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Finding Your WayMay 2, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Horse FanMarch 26, 1-2:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scoutApril 9, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scout

Junior Girl Scout – Outdoor Sur-roundingsJune 4, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Plants & AnimalsApril 30, 3-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scout

30 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

S P R I N G E V E N T S

Junior Girl Scout - Rocks Rock May 16, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Science DiscoveryMarch 27, 2-3:30pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Sky Search May 6, 7:30-9pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - ToymakerApril 30, 10am-12pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scoutMay 9, 3-5:00pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Water Wonders May 23, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Weather WatchersApril 25, 3-4:30pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scouts - WildlifeMay 9, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout May 22, 1:30-2:30pm or 3-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scout

Junior Girl Scout – Your Outdoor Sur-roundingsJune 4, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/scout

CADETTES AND SENIOR GIRL SCOUTSCadette/Senior Scout – All about Birds (IPP)March 19, 9:00am-noon, Cub Run RECenter, $12/scout

Cadette/Senior – Journey Helper: It’s Your Planet-Love It! May 14, 9-11am, Cub Run RECenter, $8/scout

Cadette/Senior Scout - Uncovering the Evidence (IPP)April 4, 1:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $10/scoutApril 9, 10-12:30pm, Cub Run RECenter, $10/scout

Cadette/Senior Scout - Wildlife (IPP)June 4, 10am-12:30pm, Cub Run RECenter, $10/scout

TIGER SCOUTS Tiger Scout - Fresh Baking June 6, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

Tiger Scout - 1G Go See it: House Tour May 16, 3:30-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $6/

scout, $5/adult taking tour and Sully Patch $4.20

WOLF SCOUTSWolf Scout - 8D Cooking and EatingJune 20, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

Wolf Scout FishingJune 4, 9:30-10:30am or 11:30am-12:30pm, Riverbend Park, $7/scout or $12/scout if entering tournament at 10:45am or 12:45pm. Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout.

Wolf Scout - Machine Power ElectiveApril 14, 4-5:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/scout

Wolf Scout - Your Living World 7B,C,&DApril 11, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

BEAR SCOUTSBear Scout - World Conservation AwardMarch 26, 1:30-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $10/scout or sibling

Bear Scout - Sharing Your World with WildlifeMarch 30, 4-5pm, Riverbend Park, $4/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout

Bear Scout – Take Care of Your PlanetMay 2, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $8/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

WEBELOSWebelos - Citizenship March 28, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $8/scout, $5/adult taking tour and Sully Patch $4.20

Webelos - ForesterApril 9, 1-2pm or 3-4pm, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, $4/scoutApril 30, 1:30-2:30pm or 3-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scoutMay 16, 3:30-5pm, Riverbend Park, $6/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scoutMay 21, 3:30-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/scout

Webelos – GeologistApril 9, 1:30-3pm or 3:30-5pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $6/scoutApril 25, 2:30-4pm , Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Webelos - Naturalist April 17, 1:30-2:30pm or 3:30-4:30pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scoutApril 25, 3:30-5pm, Riverbend Park, $6/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scoutMay 22, 1-2pm or 3-4pm, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, $4/scout.

WEBELOS AND CUB SCOUTS (TIGER, WOLF AND BEAR)Wildlife Conservation (academics pin and belt loop)June 6, 2:30-4:00pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Colvin Run Mill offers the following scout programs to meet your schedule. Call 703-759-2771 for information and reservations. $5/scout

Brownie Try-Its: Listening to the Past, Wave the Flag and Outdoor Adventurer.

Junior Girl Scouts: Folk Arts, Local Lore, Women’s Stories, United We Stand and Food, Fibers and Farming.

Bear Scouts: What Makes America Special?

Cub Run RECenter can arrange badge pro-grams for groups of 10 for ages of boy and girls scouts. Badges not listed also offered. See the website or contact Tammy Schwab.

Hidden Pond Nature Center can arrange scout programs for ten or more. Programs are available for Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts as well as Cub Scouts and Webelos.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES Audrey Moore RECenter: 703-321-7081 Burke Lake Park: 703-323-6600 Colvin Run Mill Historic Site: 703-759-2771 Cub Run RECenter: 703-817-9407 Frying Pan Park: 703-437-9101 George Washington RECenter: 703-780-8894 Lake Accotink Park: 703-569-0285. Lee District RECenter: 703-922-9841 Mt. Vernon RECenter: 703-768-3224 Oak Marr RECenter: 703-281-6501. Providence RECenter: 703-698-1351 Riverbend Nature Center: 703-759-9018 Sully Historic Site: 703-437-1794