ResOURces Newsletter by Fairfax County Park Authority

NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

VOLUME 11, NO. 1 SPRING 2011

Growing and Giving Back By Lori K. Weinraub, Park Authority Volunteer

Gleaning the Good in People through Gardens

t 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 oversees 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.

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he 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 organization’s clients often go for the fresh food first. She said she would welcome donations from garden plots as well.

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

Generosity from Farmers Markets

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

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.

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

H O R T I C U LT U R E NATURAL RESOURCE AND HISTORIC SITES

Gleaning, from page 1 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.

BURKE LAKE PARK 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station 703-323-6600

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.

COLVIN RUN MILL 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls 703-759-2771 ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly 703-631-0013

Smith hopes to formalize these efforts so it’s easy for other gardeners to donate their harvest. Her goal is to get a donation 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.

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

Editor/Writer: Photos: Production:

David Ochs Don Sweeney, FCPA David Ochs Ed Eder Joanne Kearney, FCPA

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

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“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.”

Farmers’ Markets participants support area food banks.

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 Popular There 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.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

P A R K F O U N D AT I O N

Bright Futures for Fairfax County’s Neediest Kids

By Bobbi Longworth, Park Foundation Executive Director

ith the end of the school year approaching, parents are finalizing summer camp plans for their children. Camps give kids opportunities 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 essential as child-care, providing safe and supervised 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.

per-day structured recreation program. Last year, these camps were held at 48 sites throughout the county and served over 5,000 children. Camp activities include fitness and nutrition, indoor and outdoor games, sports, nature, crafts, talent shows and community service projects. There are even special inclusion sites for children with disabilities. Support a child this summer at camp through the Park Foundation’s The Park Authority Bright Futures scholarship program. subsidizes camp fees for low-income children, Parkway, Suite 404, Fairfax, VA 22035 or by but private donations are needed to provide calling 703-324-8581. scholarships for the neediest kids. You can give a low-income child a week of positive, The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a supervised summer activity for only $50 or a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps pick full six-week summer of fun for $300. up where tax dollars leave off in meeting community needs for parkland, facilities and Make your tax-deductible gift online at services. Contributions to the Park Foundation www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/Brightare tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed Futures.html, by mail to Fairfax County by law. Park Foundation, 12055 Government Center

As every parent knows, a kid with nothing 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 children who are eligible for free and reducedprice 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-

Spend a little more time in a park. VOLUNTEER.

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

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. Spring 2011

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

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

he 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, farmoriented 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 oneroom schoolhouse was constructed in 1876, followed by a two-room school in 1900. A fourth building that housed the Floris Vocational 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 The Old Floris Schoolhouse is 100 years old this year. to the development of Frying Pan Farm Park, now 136 acres that has become one Wagon rides, long a popular feature of the most popular of the Fairfax County of Frying Pan Farm Park, are Park Authority’s 417 parks. expanding to other county 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 acknowledged 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.

Frying Pan Farm Park turns 50 years old this year.

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Hitch a Ride When 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, evenings in August and on fall weekends. Contact Riverbend Park and Sully Historic Site for their wagon ride schedules. The folks at Hidden Pond Nature Center can give you information about the rides scheduled at Laurel Hill.

HISTORY

Going in Circles at Frying Pan Farm Park By Carol Ochs, Park Authority Volunteer

isitors 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 Schoolhouse.

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 userfriendly to kids with disabilities.” How quickly that happens will depend on the costs involved.

If Lee District Park patrons think the carousel has a familiar look, their eyes aren’t deceiving them. The Allan Herschell carousel 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 recreational 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 anticipating the ride to be available on April 1.” Meantime, work is under way at Lee for a

The carousel that has been the center of celebrations at Lee District Park is headed to Hammond says the carousel’s Frying Pan Farm Park. operating hours will be posted on the

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

park’s website once they are determined. 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.

Fairfax County and the Civil War Sesquicentennial

ne 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/

Spring 2011

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

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

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

olvin 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 Fairfax 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 Louise Millard’s violin is on exhibit at Colvin artifacts on exhibit Run Mill courtesy of her niece and nephew. The Millard family operated the mill in the in the miller’s house, early 1900s. such as the miller’s desk and the milk pitcher given as a wedding present by one Millard sister to another.

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 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.

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

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, sounding 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 barrels The 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

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HISTORY

Park Authority Anniversaries in 2011 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 The gates on the dam at Burke Lake were closed 50 years ago.

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

Frying Pan Farm Park is 50 years old this year.

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

Colvin Run Mill Marks 200 Years 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. Visitors 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.”

200 Years Ago • First commercial use of Colvin Run Mill 210 Years Ago • Dairy at Sully Historic Site built

Lake Fairfax became part of the Fairfax County Park Authority 45 years ago.

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)

Colvin Run Mill in 1938

Spring 2011

N AT U R E

Whistle Pigs in Your Back Yard

Photo by Sharon Chester/Wandering Albatross

verything 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 Neighbors Groundhogs 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-ofnose 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 appears almost red, and a heavy white undercoat gives them a frosted appearance. Groundhogs live two to six years, hibernate in winter, breed in spring, and the young

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A heavy, white undercoat gives groundhogs their frosted appearance.

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 underground with several entrance and exit holes to escape danger. Groundhogs 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

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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. Photo by Sharon Chester/Wandering Albatross

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

The Monster in the Dark

Retreat to a Park

For your office or organization’s next business gathering

here 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: • 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.

NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

VOLUME 10, NO. 4 WINTER 2011

Fairfax County Parks: Tops in the Nation Park Authority wins NRPA Gold Medal

n 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. continued on page 11

Happy Anniversary!

• Children’s holiday shopping at the Country Store

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

• Christmas on the farm

he 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 Anniversary 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:

• 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.

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

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.

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: 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, 703-642-5173 www.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, 703-631-0013 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl Riverbend Nature Center Great Falls, 703-759-9018 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend

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

Spring 2011

STEWARDSHIP

A New Invader in the County By Erin Stockschlaeder, EDRR Coordinator

here’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.

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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.

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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.

Help Thwart Invasives

he Early Detection and Rapid 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.

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

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

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

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

V I S I T A PA R K

Parking Donation Program Debuts at Huntley Meadows

So What’s The Big Deal? The difference between a regular, happy-go-lucky plant and an C. Bright

A carpet of pachysandra spreads across the forest floor, pushing out the native species and dominating the landscape.

invasive plant is that an invasive plant will aggressively 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

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Fairfax County Stewardship

Care, Educate, Inspire Stewardship 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 stewardship. 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.

Invasive Backyard Plants

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

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

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.

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

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

labeled as “aggressive” or “matures rapidly.” Printed on recycled paper with soy inks.

9/05

Stewardship Brochures Online The Huntley Meadows parking lot will be home to a pilot parking donation program coordinated by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park.

Need some information? It’s just a click away. Beavers

Pets in Parks

Geese

Spiders

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

Foxes

Snakes

Invasive plants

Trees

Native backyard plants

Deer

“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.

Trails Dark Skies

Wildlife and wildlife conflicts

Pollen

Life underground

parking donation program begins this spring at Huntley Meadows Park.

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.

Water

Fairfax County Park Authority stewardship brochures on those topics are online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/stewardshipbrochures.htm.

Visit and Care For a Park Today Thank a coach, thank a teacher, thank a friend with a Park Authority Gift Card! http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/giftcards/

icnic 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 Feel like this by getting out to a Fairfax you visit this spring. County Park Authority park today.

Spring 2011 11

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

Hear What Spring Sounds Like

Historic Properties Rental Services

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

v Cabell’s Mill in Centreville v Clark House in Falls Church v Dranesville Tavern in Dranesville v Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls v Great Falls Grange in Great Falls v Hunter House in Vienna v Stone Mansion in Alexandria v Wakefield Chapel in Annandale

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

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

pril 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/.

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

Take a liking to your parks.

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

A Fairfax County, VA., publication

Equal Access/Special Accommodations The 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

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www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

SPRING EVENTS 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 nonresidents. Subscribe to Parktakes and ResOURces.

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

Tea & Chocolate Tasting at the Mill

(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.

April 2, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $25

Learn 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.

Shorebirds of the Delaware Bay

Colvin Run Mill’s Bicentennial Gala

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 Trip June 18, Code: 274 289 2501, 2pm and overnight-noon, $32 Lend a hand on Watershed Cleanup Day on April 9

Watershed Clean-Up Day Saturday, April 9, 9-11:30am

Be 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, 703-9411065 (Roundtree Park – Holmes Run) Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-4519588 (Pohick Creek) Huntley Meadows Park, 703-768-2525 (Little Hunting Creek) Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-3464 Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018 (Potomac 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)

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

Meet a naturalist at Big Meadows campground 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 reservations 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

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 activities 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

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

Maple Syrup Boil-Down March 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 Concert March 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

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.

Spring 2011 13

SPRING EVENTS Yesterday’s Ways

April 21, Code: 266 289 9401, 9am-1pm, $30

(Girls 8-12 yrs.) Master 19th century survival 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 Mill

May 22, call park for reservations, 1-2pm, $10 per boat

Ukrainian Easter Eggs

April 4 and 11, call Cub Run to register, $10/person +$2 craft fee payable to instructor, (5-11yrs.) 2-3:30pm, (12yrs. and up) 4-6pm

Learn 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

only come out at night and their special adaptations 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 naturalist down by the pond and stream. Meet some live animals, enjoy a craft and learn about the world of turtles.

Animal Tracking Camp

(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.

(3-8 yrs.) Follow a naturalist as you and your child dig into dinosaurs and explore this prehistoric world.

June 27-July 1, Code: 192 222 5201, 9am-12noon, $170 August 15-19, Code: 192 222 5202, 9am-12noon, $170

Science & Astronomy Camp

Monday Mornings in May

April 18-22, Code: 192 222 3201, 9am-12noon, $165

(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.

May 2, Code: 266 287 6001, 10:30-11:30am, $5 May 9, Code: 266 287 6002, 10:30-11:30am , $5 May 16, Code: 266 287 6003, 10:30-11:30am, $5 May 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

(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.

Globe at Night

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

March 31, Code: 192 271 2101, 2:30pm, $84

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.

(8-10 yrs.) Take part in a week of true adventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/ canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-2224664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

July 11-15, Code: 192 220 6601, 8am-5pm, $425 August 15-19, Code: 192 220 6602, 8am-5pm, $425

Animal C.S.I.

Family Astronomy: Saturn at Opposition

July 11-15, Code: 192 220 3601, 8am-5pm, $425 August 15-19, Code: 192 220 3602, $425

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures Camp

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

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

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures Camp

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.

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

14 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

(11-14 yrs.) Take part in a week of true adventures with rock climbing, caving, outdoor survival and natural living skills, kayaking/ canoeing and our Team Development Course at Hemlock Overlook. To register: 703-2224664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Electronics Lab August 31-Sept 1, Code: 192 223 1401, 9am-4pm, $179

(7-12 yrs.) Build projects and conduct experiments using your own electronic kit to keep. This lab stimulates the mind with easy to understand experiments that increase knowledge of electronics.

SPRING EVENTS

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK AND WALNEY VISITOR CENTER 5040 Walney Road Chantilly, VA 20151 703-631-0013

Kids’ 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 Campfire March 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 Salamanders March 14, Code: 274 187 9801, 3-4pm, $5

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

Go Green Campfire

Nature Snoopers - Chipmunk

(Families) Meet at Cabell’s Mill for a hike to explore all things green in the meadow.

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

Fishing at Walney Pond

Dinosaur Days

March 16, Code: 274 188 8901, 7-8pm, $5

March 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 Backyard March 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. NaturalistsSpotted 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.

April 18, Code: 274 289 0301, 3-4pm, $5

April 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 - Chipmunk

April 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) Explore the sights and sounds, flora and fauna of the park with an early morning walk.

(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.

Garden Green Up

Nature Snoopers - Bluebells

(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.

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

The Moon and the Stars

(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.

Walk with a Naturalist

April 10, Code: 274 288 9901, 7-8:30am, $6

April 10, Code: 274 289 010, 12noon-3:30pm, $5

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 learning about our beautiful native wildflowers. Bring field guides and hiking shoes.

May 2, Code: 274 289 0901, 3-4pm, $5

Campfire with the Constellations

May 5, Code: 274 289 1001, 7:30-8:30pm, $5

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.

Spring 2011 15

SPRING EVENTS Mothers Day Campfire

Nature Snoopers - Water Snakes

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

June 6, Code: 274 289 2101, 3-4pm, $5

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

(5-6 yrs.) Visit the pond’s edge searching for water snakes. Learn how to identify one of nature’s best fishermen.

Jr. Naturalist - Bluebells May 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.

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

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 handcranked ice cream.

Jr. Naturalist - Water Snakes

June 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 forest 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 weekend 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 Farm Meet draft horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows and pigs at Kidwell

16 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

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

Wagon Rides Sit 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 Riding

March 26, Code: 282 285 0803, 6pm, $576 March 28, Code: 282 285 0801, 6pm March 29, Code: 282 285 0802, 6pm

(3 yrs.-Adult) Riders will learn safe and effective 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 Series March 26 and April 9, 9am, No reservations required. Spectators free

Beginner horse show. Classes include hunters, ponies, equitation and more.

Putting the Animals to Bed

March 22, Code: 282 186 2501, 8pm, $6 March 24, Code: 282 186 2502, 8pm, $6 March 29, Code: 282 286 2501, 8pm, $6 March 31, Code: 282 286 2502, 8pm, $6

Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour and learn how our farm animals settle down for the night. Dress for the weather.

SPRING EVENTS Kite Fun Day at the Farm

Rally Obedience

Flyball Basics

(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.

(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.

March 28, Code: 282 286 2301, 9:45-10:30am, $7

Competitive Dog Agility II

Horseback-Silver in Saddle

April 11, Code: 282 286 2302, 9:45-10:30am, $7 April 25, Code: 282 286 2303, 9:45-10:30am, $7 May 9, Code: 282 286 2304, 9:45-10:30am, $7 May 23, Code: 282 286 230, 9:45-10:30am, $7 June 6, Code: 282 286 2306, 9:45-10:30am, $7 June 20, Code: 282 286 2307, 9:45-10:30am, $7

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

This 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.

March 28, Code: 282 286 2401, 11-11:45am, $7

Puppy Kindergarten

April 11, Code: 282 286 2402, 11-11:45am, $7 April 25, Code: 282 286 2403, 11-11:45am, $7 May 9 , Code: 282 286 2404, 11-11:45am, $7 May 23, Code: 282 286 2405, 11-11:45am, $7 June 6, Code: 282 286 2406, 11-11:45am, $7 June 20, Code: 282 286 2407, 11-11:45am, $7

(14 yrs.-Adult) Puppies 10 weeks to 6 months learn the socialization and discipline fundamentals. 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.

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

March 26, Code: 282 288 0501, 10:30-12:00pm, $6/child March 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.)

(3-5 yrs.)

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

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

Dog Obedience II March 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 I March 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.

March 29, Code: 282 275 3901, 7pm, $87

March 29, Code: 282 275 2701, 8pm, $158

March 30, Code: 282 275 1001, 6pm, $87

Dog Obedience Combo Class

March 30, Code: 282 275 3101, 8pm, $87

(14 yrs.-Adult) For owners and pets who have already had at least one session of dog obedience 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, $158 March 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-minute lessons.

Dog Agility for the Fun of It II

March 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.

March 31, Code: 282 275 2001, 7:30pm, $87

April 1, Code: 282 285 0901, 6pm, $672

Easter Eggstravaganza (4 yrs. and under)

(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 Teeters April 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 contacts, weaves and teeter. Emphasis is on the training steps and required behaviors. Five 55-minute lessons.

Farm Baby Day

April 16, 10am-3pm, Free

(all ages) Greet the new babies at Frying Pan Farm Park. Donations welcome

Farm Hand Camp

April 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 Farm

April 18-22, Code: 282 222 3001, 8am-5pm, $260 April 18-22, Code: 282 222 3002, 9am-3pm, $200

(5-12 yrs.) Hands-on demonstrations and

Spring 2011 17

SPRING EVENTS 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, $4 April 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 Day

May 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 Homecoming May 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 Robotics

July 6-7, Code: 282 223 1301, 9am-4pm, $179

(7-12 yrs.) Build and take home your own Botball Robot! The soccer-playing, remotecontrol Botball can kick, move forward/backward, turn left/right and make a complete circle.

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures Camp July 25-29, Code: 282 220 6601, 8am-5pm, $425 August 15-19, Code: 282 220 6602, 8am-5pm, $425

Adventure Links Ultimate Adventures Camp

July 25-29, Code: 282 220 3601, 8am-5pm, $425 August 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: 703-2224664; for info: 1-800-877-0954. Once registered, go to www.adventurelinks.net to complete required camp forms.

Mystery Rock Workshop

August 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 Workshop

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, collector 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 Magazine’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

March 5, Code: 290 188 3401, 2-3pm, $6 without kit March 5, Code: 290 188 3402, 2-3pm, $25 with kit

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

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

New Trends in Floral Design

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, $10

Learn how to design your landscape to save energy and contribute to a healthier environment.

Garden Sprouts: One Potato, Two Potato

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, $5 May 25, Code: 290 287 4302, 12:30-2pm, $5

Join us for a book discussion. Light refreshments served.

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

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

(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.

Basic Gardening: Grow Plants from Seeds

Oh Deer: Deterring Damage in the Garden

Master Gardeners present seed starting basics.

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

March 7, Code: 290 188 3101, 11am-noon, $5

March 12, Code: 290 188 5001, 9:30-10:30am, $10

18 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

April 2, Code: 290 289 2901, 9:30-11am, $15

SPRING EVENTS Arts al Fresco

April 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, $10

Master Gardeners will show you how to combine 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.

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

Green Spring Garden Markets April 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 accompanying adult(s) explore how dirt dwellers help gardens grow.

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

Enjoy the rewards of fresh, nutritious vegetables 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.

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, $5

Preschool children (ages 3-5) with accompanying adult(s) listen to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and then plant some mystery beans to take home.

Basic Gardening: Edibles & Ornamentals-Mix it Up!

May 7, Code: 290 289 3501, 9:30-10:30am, $10

Master Gardeners help you discover the basics of incorporating edibles into the ornamental landscape.

Family Fun: Build a Bean Teepee May 7, Code: 290 289 4501, 2-3pm, $6 without kit May 7, Code: 290 289 4502, 2-3pm, $12 with kit

Kids (5 and up) with paying adult(s) learn how to build a bamboo teepee for pole beans to climb.

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

Spring Garden Day

(8-12 yrs.)

More than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants to fill your spring gardening needs.

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

May 14, 9am-3pm.

Basic Gardening: Ornamental Grasses

May 21, Code: 290 289 3601, 9:30-10:30am, $10

Master Gardeners show you how to select, plant and maintain the best ornamental grasses available.

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.

Spring 2011 19

SPRING EVENTS

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 program for your next bridal shower, birthday or other special occasion. Private tasting parties also available.

An Afternoon with Julia Child

March 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 Show

April 3, call park for reservations, 1-3 pm, $27

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

Meteorology

March 28, Code: 308 271 6401, 3pm, $42

7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003 703-941-1065

(5-10 yrs.) Ever wish you could forecast the weather? Learn about the interdisciplinary study of weather processes and forecasting through observations, experiments and demonstrations. Build your own weather forecasting tools. Learn to watch wildlife for clues. Five 55-minute lessons.

Spring Discovery Bag

Zoology: Science behind Animals

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER

Daily, 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.

(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.

Spring Scavenger Hunt

Garden Stroll & Tea

Nature Playce

Available during nature center hours. $1

March 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 & Teeth

April 1, Code: 308 271 2701, 3:45pm, $42

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

(6-12 yrs.) Children explore the clues scientists 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-minute lessons.

Your Art in the Park

Natures’ April Foolers Campfire

(6 yrs. and up) Raise a toast to mothers around the tea table.

(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.

(4 yrs.and older) With live animals and stories, join a naturalist in learning how animals use trickery to get a meal or to keep from being a meal.

A Jane Austen Tea Party

Monday Bird Walk

June 26, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27

Mondays, 7-9am, Free

Pooh Bear’s Friends’ Tea Party

(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.

(All ages) Discover the resident birds of the Accotink Stream Valley. Bring binoculars. Meet at Eakin Community Park, Prosperity Ave. parking lot.

April 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 Tea

May 7 and 8, call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27/adult $18/child 12 and under

Tastings Japanese Tea Tasting

March 26, Code: 290 288 5901, 10:30am-12noon, $22

(13 yrs. and up) In honor of the Cherry Blossom 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.

(All ages) Enjoy outdoor self-guided scavenger hunts. Dawn to dusk. Free

Available during nature center hours. $20

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Extravaganza March 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 Party

March 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.

20 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

April 2, Code: 308 289 6501, 7-8pm, $5

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 eggcellent puppet show, stories and crafts, and meet live animals while learning

SPRING EVENTS about the awakening of many woodland creatures.

Forest Fledglings

April 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 Acorns

April 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

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

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 naturalist 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

(2-3 yrs.) Preschoolers and their adult begin sharing the wonders of nature in this interactive class. Dress for the weather.

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

Dinosaur Egg Hunt

Pink Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Slipper Walk

April 16, (3-8 yrs.) Code: 308 289 6901, 10:30-11:30am, $6/child Code: 308 289 6902, 12:30-1:30pm, $6/child Code: 308 289 6903, 2-3pm, $6/child

Enjoy 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.

April 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 Lenses May 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 Count May 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 Club May 11, Code: 308 271 2801, 4pm, $32

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

Spring 2011 21

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

Snakes, Turtles and Toads

May 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.

Earthkeepers

May 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 during 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 songbirds 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

Singles Campfire & Night Hike

May 28, Code: 308 286 7801, 7:45-8:45pm, $5/ person

(Adults) Enjoy toasting s’mores over a campfire 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

(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

Sounds of the Night Campfire

Nature Quest-Vernal Pools

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.

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

Venomous Snakes & Poisonous Plants

(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.

(All ages) Learn what you need to watch out for in the fields and forests of Fairfax County.

Nature Quest-Mice and Other Small Mammals

Campfire Stories and Songs

(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.

June 11, Code: 308 288 7301, 1-3pm , $5/person

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.

Miss Spider’s Tea Party

Campfire Stories and Songs

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

June 18, Code: 308 286 5401, 2-3:15pm, $5

(All ages) Enjoy a brief presentation and demonstration by our animal caretaker staff.

(Families) To celebrate National Frog Month, make a toad abode for your backyard and learn how to make your garden frog friendly. May 21, Code: 308 286 750, 11:30-3pm, $15/person

American Indian Games & Crafts

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.

22 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

March 21, Code: 332 189 4801, 10-11am, $4

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.

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

Nature Quest-Turtles

April 11, Code: 332 289 5101, 10-11am, $4

(3-6 yrs.) Turtles are the topic of this program, 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.

(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 naturalist 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 megalizard 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

Lake Accotink Wildflower Walk

Evening Wildlife Walk

April 30, Code: 332 289 570, 10:30am-12noon, $5

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

(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.

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

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

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 Talk March 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 Birds March 21, Code: 340 188 1901, 3:15-4:30pm, $4

(6-9 yrs.) Through indoor and outdoor activities, learn more about these ubiquitous and necessary Virginia resources.

Spring 2011 23

SPRING EVENTS Nature Detectives - Backyard Birds

Café Cattail

May 28, Code: 340 486 4905, 2:30-4pm, $6 May 28, Code: 340 486 4906, 4:30-6pm, $6

(3-5 yrs.) Through story, activity and a craft, learn about these ubiquitous and necessary Virginia resources.

(All ages) Welcome to Huntley Meadows’ very own coffeehouse! Enjoy a relaxing evening applauding our community’s talents. Musicians, dancers and poets are encouraged to share their arts with a nature theme. Reservations required for performers only.

(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 observation platform.

March 23, Code: 340 188 2001, 10-10:45am, $6 March 23, Code: 340 188 2003, 1:30-2:15pm, $6 March 24, Code: 340 188 2002, 10-10:45am, $6

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, 24 Code: 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 Expo

April 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.

April 15, 7-9:30pm, Free

Park Manager Walk and Talk April 23, 4-6pm, Free

(Adults) Share questions and concerns about the park as you walk with park manager Kevin Munroe.

Wetlands Awareness Day May 1, 12-3pm, Free

Enjoy 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 Talk May 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.

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

Nature Detectives – Reptiles

(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

(3-5 yrs.) Through a story, activity and craft, learn about these unusual, scaly animals.

Night Sky Festival

May 18, Code: 340 287 5201, 10-10:45am, $6 May 18, Code: 340 287 5202, 1:30-2:15 pm, $6 May 19, Code: 340 287 5203, 10-10:45am, $6

Seasonal Birding for Beginners May 21, Code: 340 287 5301, 8-11am, $6

(Adults) Identify birds that are seasonal highlights 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

24 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

March 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 constellations 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

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

Evening Wagon Ride

Fishing Fun

(All Ages) Ride through the park at twilight and be serenaded by frogs.

April 29, Code: 357 288 7901, 7:30-8:30pm, $6/ person

March 26, Code: 835 280 1801, 2pm at Lake Fairfax, $137 May 23, Code: 357 280 1801, 3:30pm at Riverbend, $137

Wagon Ride - Journey to the Pond

May 5, Code: 357 289 8001, 2:30-3:15pm, $5/ person

(7-11 yrs.) Learn the basics of fishing while having fun. Improve fishing skills with spinning 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.

(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.

Fly Fishing

March 26, Code 357 280 1504, 9am, $52 April 9, Code: 357 280 1501, 9am May 14, Code: 357 280 1502, 9am June 18, Code: 357 280 1503, 9am

Riverside Camping

(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.

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

Four-hour lesson. USPS Boating Safety Course

April 15, Code: 357 288 8301, 6:30-7:30pm, $4/person

April 5, Code: 850 280 4101, 7pm, $51

Course covers the basics of safe boat handling 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 education before operating a watercraft. Supply fee of $48. Eight two-hour lessons at Lake Accotink.

Fly Tying

April 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.

Riverside Campfire - River Revelry (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

(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/ person May 27, Code: 357 288 8502, 10-10:45am, $5/ person

(Adults) Learn to identify Riverbend’s beautiful spring ephemerals and discover the folklore that has grown up around them.

(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.

Animal Vets

Touch Tank Campfire

(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.

(Families - only people 2 yrs. and older pay) Meet some wiggly, squiggly and squirmy animals, play games and enjoy s’mores.

April 16, Code: 357 288 7701, 9:30-11:30am, $5/person

April 18-22, Code: 357 222 8701, 9am-3pm, $215

Wagon Ride – Wonderful Wildflowers

The Simple Beauty of Backpacking

(All Ages - only children 2 yrs. and older pay) Climb aboard for a wildflower scavenger hunt.

(13 yrs. and older) In this three-week class, learn core skills and principles that will enable you to get the most from an overnight backpacking trip.

April 13, Code: 357 289 8101, 10-10:45am, $5/person April 26, Code: 357 289 8102, 10-10:45am, $5/person

May 14, Code: 357 286 3501, 6p-9am, $12/person

April 20-May 4, Wednesdays, Code: 561 288 6301, 7-9pm, $48

May 20, Code: 357 288 8401, 6:30-7:30pm, $4/ person

Fishing Fun Birthday Parties Mid-May through September, $175

(5-12 yrs.), Celebrate your birthday by fishing with your friends and family.

Jon boat and kayak rentals

May 20 through August: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. September to October 10: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Spring 2011 25

SPRING EVENTS Kayak Rental Qualification Class

May 20, Code: 357 280 4601, 4pm, $26 May 27, Code: 357 280 4602, 4pm, $26 June 3, Code: 357 280 4603, 4pm, $26 June 4, Code: 357 280 4604, 11:30am, $26 June 10, Code: 357 280 4605, 4pm, $26 June 11, Code: 357 280 4606, 11:30am, $26 June 17, Code: 357 280 4607, 4pm, $26 June 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 Fitness

May 25, Code: 357 280 2402, 6pm, $137 May 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, $55 May 29, Code: 357 280 0802, 11am, $55 June 3, Code: 357 280 0803, 6pm, $55 June 4, Code: 357 280 0804, 9am, $55 June 4, Code: 357 280 0805, 11am, $55 June 11, Code: 357 280 0806, 9am, $55 June 11, Code: 357 280 0807, 11am, $55 June 12, Code: 357 280 0808, 9am, $55 June 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 available to rent for $15. Two-hour lesson

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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, $64 June 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 Marsh May 17, Belle Haven Marina, Code: 559 280 4401, 7pm, $64 June 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 Kayaking May 28, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 2101, 9am, $79 May 28, Atlantic Canoe, Code: 492 280 2102, 1pm, $79

(12 yrs.-Adult) Learn about different kayaks, 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 & Safety May 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 Park June 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.

26 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

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 Derby

June 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 hidden inlet of Beal’s island. This is not a whitewater 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 awareness 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)

SPRING EVENTS Fish from the river bank and learn about the fish world. Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 provided. Six-hour session.

Electronics Lab

August 22-23, Code: 357 223 1401, 9am-4pm, $179

(7-12 yrs.) Build projects and conduct experiments using your own electronic kit to keep. This lab stimulates the mind with easy to understand experiments that increase knowledge of electronics.

Mystery Rock Workshop

August 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 Park Fishing programs for children and families and fly fishing programs for teens and adults are offered throughout the season. Schedule is online.

Group Canoeing Orientation A 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.

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

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

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

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

PROGRAMS AT CLARK HOUSE, DRANESVILLE TAVERN, GREAT FALLS GRANGE AND HUNTER HOUSE: Treemendous!

March 9, Code: 561 188 6801, Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6 March 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, $6 March 24, Code: 563 188 6901, Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Hop over and meet a toad, find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for lunch and participate in amusing amphibian activities.

A Night in the Woods

March 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 Sciences

March 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 Science

Small-Group Canoe Workshops

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

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

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

Enthralling Estuaries

(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, $6 April 28, Code: 563 28 98501, Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6

(2-5 yrs.) Learn about squirrels, mice, raccoons 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, $6 May 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 Woods

May 5, Code: 563 288 7001, Hunter House, 7-9pm, $16

Ecology

May 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 Sciences

May 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.

Spring 2011 27

SPRING EVENTS Runners, Walkers and Belly Crawlers group of 10 or more people. Travel around May 12, Code: 557 289 8401, Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6 May 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 Storytime

March 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, $15 March 19, Code: 381 188 6202, 2-3pm, $15

Learn to make a proper cup of coffee or tea and see how chocolate was prepared 200 years ago.

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/person. For available dates, call 703-437-1794.

Easter Egg Hunt

April 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 County

April 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 historian. Learn about the exploits of Confederate guerilla chieftain Colonel John S. Mosby and his rangers.

Make a Spring Scarecrow

Scout Day

(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.

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.

Squirreling Around on a Spring Day

Spring Break Tours - Do My Eyes Deceive Me?

March 20, Code: 381 189 8701, 1-2pm, $6 March 20, Code: 381 189 8702, 2-3pm, $6 March 20, Code: 381 189 8703, 3-4pm, $6

March 26, Code: 381 289 8601, 11am-12:30pm, $6

April 18, call site for reservations, 11am-4pm, $15

April 18-22, no reservations required, 11am–4pm, $7/adult, $6/student, $5 senior and child

(6-12 yrs., must be accompanied by registered 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.

(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.

Lace Easter Eggs

April 15, no reservations required, 12noon-4pm, $7/adult, $5/child

April 2, Code: 381 289 8801, 1-2:30pm, $7 April 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 Site April 4 – June Call to schedule a date for your family outing, school, scouts, birthday party or other

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

Antique Car Show

June 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’ Jupiter. 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 Badge

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

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

Spain in the American Revolution,

Reptile & Amphibian Merit Badge

Re-enactors from the Spanish Louisiana Regiment demonstrate musket and cannon firing. Try fencing and play games.

Environmental Science Merit Badge

Cookin’ at the Quarter

April 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.

28 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

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

April 2, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 0701, 10am, $21 April 4, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0701, 9:30am, $21 April 20, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 0702, 10am, $21

(11-17 yrs.) One five-hour session

SPRING EVENTS Bird Study Merit Badge

Astronomy Merit Badge

April 4, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0001, 9am, $16

April 29, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0101, 6pm, $12

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

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

Art Merit Badge

Insect Study Merit Badge

April 7, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 2001, 9am, $25

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 21, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0501, 9am, $16

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

Mammal Study Merit Badge

May 21, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1201, 10am, $8 June 11, Frying Pan Farm Park, Code: 282 274 1202, 1:30pm, $8

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

Fishing Merit Badge

June 11, Riverbend Park, Code: 357 274 1301, 8am, $41

(11-17 yrs) One four-hour lesson, All equipment and supplies provided.

Forestry Merit Badge

June 24, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0301, 9am, $16

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

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

DAISIES

Scout Day

Using Resources Wisely

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

March 28, 2-3pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout April 11, 2-3 or 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/ scout

Make the World a Better Place

May 9, 3:30-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $6/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

BROWNIES

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

Brownie Try-It – Plants

May 2, 3:30-4:30 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Earth and Sky

May 9, 2-3 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $4/scout

Brownie Try-It - Listening to the Past May 11, 4-5:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/ scout May 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 HelperWOW wonders of water

May 23, 3-4:30 pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS Junior Girl Scout – Architecture

April 4, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/ scout and Sully Patch $4.20 June 13, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/ scout and Sully Patch $4.20 April 13, 4-5:30pm, Riverbend Park, $6/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout

Earn one to four Try-Its for Animal, Earth and Sky, Eco-Explorer and Watching Wildlife. $10/scout or sibling

Junior Girl Scout - Finding Your Way

Brownie Try-It - Eco-Explorer

Brownie Try-It – Animals

April 21, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 0901, 1pm, $16

May 2, 3:30-4:30pm, Riverbend Park, $4/scout, Riverbend patch $3.15/scout May 28, 1:30-2:30pm or 3-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scout

March 5, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 1:30-4pm.

Weather Merit Badge

Fish & Wildlife Merit Badge

Brownie Try-It - Watching Wildlife

Junior Girl Scout - Earth Connections

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

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

Brownie Nature Scout Festival

April 2, 3-4pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout May 23, 3:30-4:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/ scout

April 20, Cub Run RECenter, Code: 192 274 2101, 9am, $16

Brownie Try-It - Senses

April 4, 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout April 25, 2-3pm or 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout May 2, 4-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $4/scout

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

May 2, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Horse Fan

March 26, 1-2:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/ scout April 9, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/ scout

Junior Girl Scout – Outdoor Surroundings

June 4, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/ scout

Junior Girl Scout - Plants & Animals

April 30, 3-5pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/scout

Spring 2011 29

SPRING EVENTS Junior Girl Scout - Rocks Rock

May 16, 2:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scout - Science Discovery March 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 - Toymaker

April 30, 10am-12pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $8/ scout May 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 Watchers April 25, 3-4:30pm, Cub Run RECenter, $6/scout

Junior Girl Scouts - Wildlife

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

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

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

Wolf Scout Fishing

June 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 Elective

April 14, 4-5:30pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/ scout

Wolf Scout - Your Living World 7B,C,&D

April 11, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $10/ scout and Sully Patch $4.20

BEAR SCOUTS

Junior Girl Scout – Your Outdoor Surroundings

Bear Scout - World Conservation Award

June 4, 10-11:30am, Frying Pan Farm Park, $6/ scout

March 26, 1:30-4pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $10/scout or sibling

CADETTES AND SENIOR GIRL SCOUTS

Bear Scout - Sharing Your World with Wildlife

Cadette/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!

March 30, 4-5pm, Riverbend Park, $4/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout

Bear Scout – Take Care of Your Planet

May 2, 3:00-4:30pm, Sully Historic Site, $8/scout and Sully Patch $4.20

May 14, 9-11am, Cub Run RECenter, $8/scout

WEBELOS

Cadette/Senior Scout - Uncovering the Evidence (IPP)

Webelos - Citizenship

April 4, 1:30-4pm, Cub Run RECenter, $10/scout April 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/

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

Webelos - Forester

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

Webelos – Geologist

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

30 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Webelos - Naturalist

April 17, 1:30-2:30pm or 3:30-4:30pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, $4/scout April 25, 3:30-5pm, Riverbend Park, $6/scout, Riverbend patch available for $3.15/scout May 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 703759-2771 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 programs 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