Nature

Burke Lake Park is over 800 acres and home to the largest lake in Fairfax County. This lake is around 218 acres and hosts a wild variety of wildlife. Surrounding the lake is an Oak-Hickory forest which includes streams, meadows and vernal pools. All these unique habitats are a great resource for our nature programs. Park grounds are open dawn till dusk daily.

(9-Adult) Can you tell the difference between a sweet Wild Strawberry and a bitter Mock Strawberry? Learn to identify wild edibles like Serviceberry, Chicken of the Woods (its fungus!), and Garlic Mustard. Take a hike and see what you can spot around the Lake!

Burke Lake Pk Sa 9am 8Y3.CFD1 6/4 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 9am 8Y3.ZQPV 8/13 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes S’mores. Topics vary by date: 6/4 Bats, 7/9 Fireflies, 7/30 Bats, 8/20 Nocturnal Symphony. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 8pm NS6.LWF7 6/4 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 8pm NS6.T6EY 7/9 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 7:30pm NS6.VQMV 7/30 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 7:30pm NS6.BQNP 8/20 $10/ea.

(3-Adult) Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other nightsky features. Our astronomical naturalist identifies the stars for you and will have some telescopes for you to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S’mores ingredients provided; hot dogs welcome. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 8:30pm 395.LJE0 6/11 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 7:30pm 395.SBNR 8/13 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn about some of the native plants in our park and why they’re so important. Learn how you can help our native ecosystems stay healthy and strong. Then plant your own native plant to take home and grow, so you can educate your friends and family too!

Burke Lake Pk Su 1pm F34.BVML 6/26 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Su 12pm F34.LNEC 7/24 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 1pm F34.Y0JV 8/27 $10/ea.

(2-Adult) Meet a naturalist and explore the lake. Bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy. We will search for, catch and release tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs and other creatures. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 12pm ARL.SFLO 7/16 $8/ea. Burke Lake Pk Su 11am ARL.L0VQ 7/31 $8/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 10am ARL.W3L0 8/20 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Come and explore the “underworld” under fallen logs. Discover what lives under the forest floor; bugs, fungus, salamanders and more! Collect, examine and identify creatures using magnifiers and microscopes. Learn about their important jobs as pollinators and decomposers through projects and scientific investigations.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 10am 6JA.U0QZ 7/23 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Join us on International Friendship Day as we observe all of the different friendships in nature. There are many organisms that rely on different species in order to survive. , We will pay tribute to these unique pairs and their importance through a hike and a fun craft.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 10am ZTB.U5AP 7/30 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Learn to make and use natural dyes to transform your boring white shirts into colorful masterpieces. Please bring your own white t-shirt or other white fabric to the class.

Burke Lake Pk Su 9am ZFY.E26J 8/7 $10/ea. Burke Lake Pk Sa 9am ZFY.5T02 8/27 $10/ea.

(16-Adult) Learning how to look for and draw animal tracks and signs can add interest to your nature journaling. In addition to footprints, we will discuss other signs such as rubbings, nests, egg cases, feathers and more. Hike in search of animal signs, then return to the classroom to draw or paint with colored pencil or watercolor.

Burke Lake Pk Sa 9am DEA.Z5UH 6/11 $25/ea. Burke Lake Pk Su 9am DEA.TZLW 7/17 $25/ea.

The Walney Visitor Center features live animals, natural and cultural exhibits and a hands-on area for young visitors highlighting the past farmland and present parkland. Features include: • Historic structures and foundations: dairy foundation, Spring house, Icehouse foundation and

Smokehouse • Gardens • Meadow and pond • Woodland trails • Kid-friendly red wagon sandboxes

Open Monday, Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Programs meet at the Walney Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Grounds open dawn to dusk.

(All Ages) Join a naturalist for a private nature hike exploring the survival skills of our park’s evening residents. Finish around a campfire toasting marshmallows. Visit ParkTakes online for available times or contact the site directly to make arrangements.

(All Ages) Get your family into the great outdoors with a personalized naturalist or historian led program. This choose your own exploration can investigate topics like, Stream Life, Pond Life, Animal Habitats, Survival Skills and much more! Once you register, we will reach out to you to plan your family exploration. Visit ParkTakes online for available times of contact the site directly to make arrangements.

(1-4 yrs.) Get moving with your toddler as we explore the park with their senses. Each month, we will make/ taste, dance/walk, sing/story tell. Seasonally based activities.

ECLawrncePk W 10am 754.T7RS 6/8 $8/child ECLawrncePk W 10am 754.37FG 7/13 $8/child ECLawrncePk W 10am 754.HQOM 8/10 $8/child

(6-Adult) Hike with a naturalist to explore the different types of bees that buzz around the meadow. Learn how to coexist with these fabulous insects.

ECLawrncePk Sa 10am BDB.43O5 6/4 $8/ea.

(10-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Learn the usefulness of plants for such rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Meets at the pond.

ECLawrncePk M 6pm 7A8.SPXA 6/13 $9/ea.

(8-Adult) Take a walk to explore the plants of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Explore wildflowers and grasses in the meadow and rushes and sedges at the Pond.

ECLawrncePk F 9:30am 3D3.VBHI 8/12 $9/ea.

(4-Adult) Bring your best frog voice as you learn about our native frogs while enjoying refreshments at a campfire. Hop along with a naturalist to our pond..

ECLawrncePk F 8:30pm 82E.JQMO 6/17 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a hike, campfire and s’mores. Learn about nature’s best fathers in the animal kingdom. Moms are invited too. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

ECLawrncePk Su 6pm 86E.M0WC 6/19 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s’mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

ECLawrncePk Sa 8:30pm 02D.S775 7/9 $8/ea.

(2-Adult) Explore Rocky Run Stream Valley by wagon and by wading in to learn about the creatures that live in the stream.

ECLawrncePk Sa 6pm 4D2.6ED9 6/18 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk Sa 7:30pm 4D2.83JD 6/18 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk F 6pm 4D2.RGIK 7/15 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk F 7:30pm 4D2.H3CV 7/15 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk Su 6pm 4D2.ESE3 8/14 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk Su 7:30pm 4D2.QNAO 8/14 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Explore Walney’s dairy farm history while touring the ice house and dairy. Try your hand at ice-making tools and picking up an ice block. Make and eat hand-cranked ice cream. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

ECLawrncePk Su 1pm C63.T48I 6/26 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk Sa 2pm C63.Q49B 7/30 $8/ea. (4-Adult) Meet at Cabell’s Mill. As dusk approaches, the meadow is lit with fireflies. Join us in illuminating the world of small night creatures. Bring a plastic jar with a lid to catch and then release. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

ECLawrncePk Su 8:30pm 327.R1CC 6/12 $8/ea. ECLawrncePk Sa 8:30pm 327.FW9T 7/16 $8/ea.

(8-Adult) Identify some of Fairfax County’s common invasive plant species. Explore ways to lessen these plants around your home.

ECLawrncePk Su 1pm 660.YZB4 6/5 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) The meadow is a-buzz with bug life. Come capture and release amazing insects and other arthropods. Learn the secret of this special meadow habitat. Insect jars and nets provided. Bring a field guide if you have one. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

ECLawrncePk Su 6pm 6BF.RO85 8/7 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Search for, catch and release tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs, water scorpions and other creatures. Learn about how they reflect the health of the pond. Meets at Walney Pond. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

ECLawrncePk Sa 6pm 87B.6G0Z 8/13 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Freshwater ecosystems are full of fascinating creatures. Search for stoneflies, hellgrammites, water pennies and crayfish. Explore the park’s streams with a naturalist, use dip nets and kick nets to catch and release these creatures. Learn stream monitoring techniques and the impacts humans have on these fragile ecosystems. Meets at the pond.

ECLawrncePk Su 4pm CC5.9JTB 7/10 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) See turtles close up. Learn how to identify different turtle species and then assist a naturalist in a search for them at the pond.

ECLawrncePk Sa 4pm 653.JYLF 8/20 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Learn park critters by the signs they leave behind. Tracks and scat are just a few of the clues left by animals in the park. Join a naturalist on a hike to look for and identify different animals. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

ECLawrncePk Sa 3:30pm 18F.0FPN 8/6 $8/ea.

(7-Adult) Wander with a naturalist to discover wonderful wildflowers that grow at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

ECLawrncePk Su 9am 8F7.U7YQ 6/5 $8/ea.

Located in Annandale District Park, the newly renovated and expanded Hidden Oaks Nature Center is nestled among woodland trails and creeks with a pond, gardens and a butterfly-themed playground nearby. Center reopens this summer. Check the website for updates. Center features include: • Nature Playce outdoor exploration center • Self-guided interpretive trail • Live animal displays • Interactive urban woodlands exhibit • By-request programs • Meeting rooms reservable for private functions

Visit the Winged Wonders wall to compare your “wingspan” to that of wild animals and take a photo next to the woodland wildlife tree sculpture. For more information and nature center hours, visit the website or call the park. Grounds open dawn to dusk daily.

(4-8 yrs.) Explore the wet world at the nature center with a visit to our creek and pond. Meet a live turtle and toad. Wear close-toed shoes that can get wet. One adult per registered child only please.

HiddenOaks F 10am 779.VYWV 6/3 $9/child

animals and make a craft for your favorite father/grandfather. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm AA5.CNFX 6/19 $8/child

(4-7 yrs.) Dig deeper into dinosaurs in this 2-day program. Your junior paleontologist will enjoy stories, activities, crafts, and hikes focused on these amazingly diverse creatures of the Mesozoic Era. Learn about dinosaur fossils, feathers, food, friends and more! Compare and contrast today’s creatures with these prehistoric wonders. This program is held outside with limited attendance.

HiddenOaks T/W 9am 80Q.RWPQ 6/21 $36/child HiddenOaks Th/F 9am 80Q.1B1L 6/23 $36/child

You may have enjoyed making bubbles before, but have you ever been inside one? Explore and learn about the science of bubbles in this interactive class. Children must be accompanied by one adult only.

HiddenOaks Sa 1pm S58.K39G 7/9 $10/child

HiddenOaks Sa 3pm UWQ.ZODM 7/9 $10/child

(4-12 yrs.) Celebrate this national day by visiting at least three parks in Mason District in one day. The week prior, registrants receive a list of scavenger hunt questions to complete. Answer at least three questions from different district parks and return to Hidden Oaks between 1-5 p.m. for a prize.

HiddenOaks Sa 1pm DHP.72EB 7/2 $2/child

(2-4 yrs.) Explore nature through outdoor activities and meet one of our turtles. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HiddenOaks M 4pm 995.U7T7 7/11 $8/child HiddenOaks F 10:30am 995.4VHX 8/12 $8/child

(2-5 yrs.) Dig down deep and investigate who lives in the dark, damp world under the forest floor as we learn about moles, earthworms, termites and other creatures of the soil. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HiddenOaks Su 4pm 213.EWY5 7/31 $8/child

(2-5 yrs.) Waddle on over to learn about our feathered friends. Honk like a goose, quack like a duck and find Mrs. Goose’s lost eggs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HiddenOaks Sa 4pm DE5.3PLK 8/13 $8/child

(3-6 yrs.) Do frogs really say “ribbit” and birds call “tweet”? Learn the real sounds of local species and see how good you are at recognizing animal calls. Why is wildlife so noisy in the spring? Outdoor program. Only one adult per registered child may attend.

HiddenOaks Sa 4pm SIL.7VW7 8/20 $8/child

(2-5 yrs.) Animals move in fascinating ways. Walk, waddle or wiggle on over to enjoy activities and try out some animal locomotion. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HiddenOaks F 10am EA5.QDSN 8/26 $8/child

(3-8 yrs.) What if your animal cracker cookies came alive? Learn about animal adaptations while you munch on cookies and lemonade. Enjoy a story, craft and trail activity along a short hike.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm BDF.FPAU 8/28 $8/child

(3-Adult) Meet at the woodland wildlife tree sculpture to join a guided hike to find where animals really live in the woodland. Meet live animals and find out how the forest is a habitat for many creatures. Registration required for children and adults.

HiddenOaks Th 10am TUD.IIX0 6/2 $7/ea.

(3-Adult) Look for frogs in the pond and meet different species of frogs, make a craft and enjoy a night hike with a naturalist. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

HiddenOaks F 7pm 6SQ.PZK9 6/3 $7/ea.

(6-Adult) Celebrate National Ocean Month! Animals in every habitat demonstrate a variety of defense strategies. Compare several ocean dwellers’ strange abilities to avoid becoming another creature’s meal.

HiddenOaks Sa 1pm IHG.44Z0 6/4 $7/ea.

(All Ages) After a short program at the woodland wildlife tree sculpture, join your naturalist for a scavenger hunt to find natural features and animals in wet habitats. Every child or family receives a hunt to complete. Develop a deeper appreciation of nature as you practice new ways of seeing the world around you. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm 7J9.RO84 6/5 $7/ea. (10-Adult) The trails around Hidden Oaks have welcomed our leashed four-footed friends for over 5 decades. Canines and their humans often make friends, or nodding acquaintances, on the Old Oak Trail. To celebrate the dog days of summer, join a meet and greet with treats and a short program on native wild canines in honor of June’s National Pet Appreciation Week , July’s National Mutt Day and August’s National Dog Day!

HiddenOaks Sa 4pm I8K.RTD9 6/11 $5/ea. HiddenOaks Su 9am I8K.ZLAE 7/31 $5/ea. HiddenOaks F 7pm I8K.PMSZ 8/26 $5/ea.

(3-Adult) Search the skies for native bats. Learn about these important insectivores through a walk and talk, craft and viewing specimens. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is registered in the program.

HiddenOaks Sa 8pm 9SG.R05J 6/11 $7/ea. HiddenOaks Sa 7:45pm 9SG.E3DM 7/9 $7/ea.

(2-Adult) The United States celebrates National Childrens Day in mid-June highlighting the aspirations for all the world’s children. Enjoy musical presentations from at least two community groups and more activities honoring our area’s multiculturalism. This outdoor celebration will be rescheduled in the event of rain. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the program.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm E10.OEBF 6/12 $5/ea.

(2-Adult) Most cultures view ladybugs as symbols of good fortune. To some creatures, ladybugs are ferocious predators. Which is right? Meet, greet and release ladybugs, learn of the lore and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

HiddenOaks Sa 1pm V6L.Q3ZF 6/18 $7/ea.

(6-Adult) Come celebrate the longest day of the year when the earth wears a green cloak. Learn to separate fact and fiction regarding midsummer and its celestial events. Head out on a hike as we wait for the sun to set and enjoy roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Minimum age to attend is 6 yrs.

HiddenOaks T 7:30pm 1AC.3ZLI 6/21 $8/ea.

(2-Adult) Catching and releasing fireflies is part of the magic of summer. How do fireflies create light and are they glowing for a special reason? Meet us at the Annandale Community Park picnic shelter to catch and release fireflies and make a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Bring a container for catching and releasing fireflies.

HiddenOaks Sa 7:45pm FEK.DJU2 6/25 $7/ea.

(All Ages) After a short program at the woodland wildlife tree sculpture, join a naturalist for a scavenger hunt to find evidence of animal life along the forest and stream trails. Every child or family receives a hunt to complete. Develop a deeper appreciation of nature as you practice new ways of seeing the world around you. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm 8MQ.9L9A 6/26 $7/ea.

(3-Adult) Families enjoy a guided hike searching for our “Fifty Acre Wood” animal friends. Are hefflalumps and woozles native? Are black bears? Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a hike and activities. End your adventure with a smackerel of honey crackers in Nature Playce. Registration required for children and adults.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm MU5.JYVR 7/10 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist along the 1/3-mile Old Oak Trail and learn what plants and animals shown would have shared their world with dinosaurs. End your adventure in Nature Playce to see how you measure up to dinosaurs. Registration required for children and adults.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm O9S.8D79 7/17 $7/ea.

(2-Adult) Bring the family for a Sunday stroll along the paths around Hidden Oaks Nature Center with a vanilla ice cream sundae. Sundaes $2 each, the woodland walk and visit to Nature Playce is free. Preregistration is preferred but not required.

HiddenOaks Su 1:30pm 23F.T4EW 7/17 $2/ea.

(6-Adult) Stroll the woodland and stream trails with a naturalist to see the woods beyond what is immediately apparent. Look for animal evidence, clues as to the health of the forest and opportunities to use your senses, discovering hidden gems of the stream valley. Walk will be on uneven and unpaved hilly surfaces, including walking through a stream and occasionally being off trail.

HiddenOaks W 7pm T0I.ZMAM 7/27 $7/ea. HiddenOaks W 10am T0I.DSTW 7/27 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Learn how to make your yard more attractive to preferred species and how to identify birds by sight and sound. Sanitized child or adult binoculars to view outdoor bird feeding stations will be available to borrow. Registration required for children and adults.

HiddenOaks Sa 8am MY4.BS0Q 7/30 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist for a night hike to search for bats with a sonar detector and learn about bat adaptations. Children will create bat crafts while adults learn more about white nose syndrome and local bat species. End the night with a campfire, s’mores and the legend of how bats came to be. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in this program. Not appropriate for children under the age of 4 yrs.

HiddenOaks Sa 8pm 21F.DP5K 8/6 $8/ea.

(4-Adult) Enjoy National S’More Day as we roast marshmallows for this sweet snack, learn of it’s history and spin-offs and a camp side tale. Vegan marshmallows also available. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered for this program.

HiddenOaks W 7pm W2K.BDQ5 8/10 $8/ea.

fruits, vegetables, baked goods, plants, honey, meat, dairy, eggs cut flowers, and more.

(All Ages) Arrr-gust is National Pirate Month. Celebrate with a private family/group woodland walk and talk led by your own pirate naturalist.Your guide will show you some true treasures of the forest and share a live reptile with you up close. To select a different date and time for your private group of up to 9 people, contact Kim Young at kim.young@fairfaxcounty.gov.

(3-Adult) Learn to recognize the calls and features of local owls, make a craft and enjoy a night hike with a naturalist. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

HiddenOaks F 7pm N40.OMBP 8/19 $7/ea.

(4-Adult) Learn to identify monarch and other butterflies, discover their fascinating life cycle and assist with tagging monarchs when available. Visit a Monarch waystation and native butterfly garden. Learn about the monarch migration phenomenon, its challenges and how you can make a difference. The nature center raises monarchs annually for tagging and release. If available, at least one monarch will be tagged during the program. However, due to the dramatic decline in the monarch butterfly population, wild monarchs may not be available for tagging. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register.

HiddenOaks Su 1pm 1CF.KK1A 8/21 $7/ea. HiddenOaks Su 2:30pm 1CF.LLLJ 8/21 $7/ea. HiddenOaks Sa 1pm 1CF.CY3D 8/27 $7/ea. HiddenOaks Sa 2:30pm 1CF.F6XP 8/27 $7/ea.

(16-Adults) Take a 30 minute stroll on shaded paths to learn how to identify some lovely, local ferns. Then spend some time drawing ferns in our shelter (using cuttings from staff gardens), or borrow a portable chair and find a nearby fern to draw up close. Tips for simplifying fern drawings, and sketching key identification marks will be discussed. Bring your choice of art supplies: colored pencils, watercolors, or whatever you have on hand. Cancelled in case heavy rain.

HiddenOaks Sa 9:30am 22B.I3AB 6/11 $20/ea.

(16-Adult) Explore the woodlands during a hike for wildflowers, ferns, insects, and birds. Dip a net into the pond for tadpoles. Return to the shelter to draw live critters, flowers and ferns or choose from other nature artifacts that will be available. Your choice of watercolor, colored pencil or ink pens. Class held outdoors in a program shelter. Masks required.

HiddenOaks Sa 9am X5C.TCUQ 6/25 $25/ea.

(16-Adult) Learn about seashells and different critters that wash up on the beach. Acquire skills for drawing seashells and other sea creatures on toned paper. Use colored pencil, ink and gel pens to create your illustrations. Watercolor is also an option. Paper will be provided. A suggested list of supplies will be provided when you sign up.

HiddenOaks Sa 9:30am RMG.AQU8 8/13 $20/ea.

Beautiful scenery, extensive woodland trails and abundant wildlife supported by Pohick Creek surround Hidden Pond Nature Center. Features include: • Nature center exhibits • Nature trail • Pond • Tot playground • Picnic shelter

The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays) and Saturday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Group programs are available by request. Park grounds open dawn to dusk.

(8-12 yrs.) The idea for this program was born from requests by various camp and nature program participants about focusing more on a particular animal, plant or topic. These programs will go further in depth, giving full attention from start to finish on the subject. Collecting and identification, where applicable, will be done.

HiddenPond F 7:30pm E9B.J8VY 6/24 $10/child HiddenPond F 5pm E9B.382C 7/29 $10/child HiddenPond F 5pm E9B.E37U 8/26 $10/child

(3-Adult) It’s dinner time at the nature center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center’s animals.

HiddenPond W 5pm 46D.FFJE 6/8 $7/ea. HiddenPond W 5pm 46D.RFAY 7/13 $7/ea. HiddenPond W 5pm 46D.YB0E 8/10 $7/ea.

(3-Adult) Explore the Pohick Stream Valley with a twilight pond and stream study, a swamp walk, fishing and campfire. Celebrate with the whole family the variety of life our watershed has to offer.

HiddenPond Sa 6pm 3DF.MRV3 6/4 $12/ea.

(3-Adult) Join us for this new program as we meet our native turtles. We will learn about their behaviors and diet.

HiddenPond Th 5pm 6F8.8D0Y 6/30 $9/ea.

One of Fairfax County Park Authority’s largest parks (1,500 acres), Huntley Meadows offers opportunities for some of the best wildlife watching around! Features include: • Wetland boardwalk • Interpretive trail • Observation platforms • Forests, meadows, streams and ponds • Visitor Center • Auditorium • Exhibits • Outdoor classroom

(4-Adult) Grab a net and join us for a special day with a park scientist to see, touch, and study wetland creatures up close and personal. Use magnifying lenses to study their unique characteristics. This rare opportunity to dip-net in the wetland is possible through the guidance of our park naturalists.

HuntMdws F 10am F81.EEIQ 6/3 $10/ea. HuntMdws M 10:30am F81.VYYE 8/29 $10/ea.

(6-Adult) Join a park naturalist for a guided walk along the forested paths to the wetland and experience the park as it transitions from day into night. Watch and listen for beavers, owls and other nocturnal residents.

HuntMdws Sa 8pm 343.QLYJ 6/11 $10/ea. HuntMdws Sa 7:30pm 343.6IMK 8/13 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Join us on a magical evening walk in the park to learn about and see the different colors and signal patterns of this fascinating insect.

HuntMdws F 8pm 4F1.C6QV 6/24 $10/ea. HuntMdws Sa 8pm 4F1.WSOY 6/25 $10/ea. HuntMdws F 8pm 4F1.8FB6 7/1 $10/ea. HuntMdws Sa 8pm 4F1.LYZV 7/2 $10/ea.

(13-Adult) Huntley’s forests are home to certain plants whose ancestors have been with us since dinosaur times. Join artist and naturalist, Margaret Wohler, to learn about and sketch the ferns, moss and their allies on a 1.5 mile walk (flat terrain) while keeping a complimentary field sketch book and all drawing materials included, courtesy of the RunningBrooke Fund.

HuntMdws Sa 10am 187.OCW8 6/4 $15/ea.

(12-Adult) Have you seen those twisty-turny wild grape vines in the Huntley forest that would make Tarzan proud? Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn about Huntley’s many vine species while learning to draw and identify them. All art materials provided.

HuntMdws Su 1pm QZ8.KLS8 7/10 $15/ea.

(12-Adult) Join local artist and naturalist, Margaret Wohler, to learn techniques for drawing dragonflies and other insects you may find in the park. A complimentary field sketch book and all drawing materials are included, courtesy of the RunningBrooke Fund.

HuntMdws Su 1pm 707.JQQX 8/21 $15/ea.

Visitor Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Tuesday) and weekends, 12-5 p.m. All programs require reservations. Private programs also available upon request. For more information visit the website or call the park directly. Park grounds open dawn to dusk.

(4-Adult) How did the Powhatan Native Americans use the plants and animals you see every day for their medicine, grocery store, clothing and fun? Immerse yourself in a way of life 400 years ago. Grind corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and go on a guided tour to see the park from the perspective of a Virginia Indian.

HuntMdws W 12pm 147.JH1B 6/1 $12/ea. HuntMdws W 10am 147.BPBE 8/31 $12/ea.

(12-Adult) Celebrate the new Summer season with an evening sketch class and hike through the wetlands! We will offer basic drawing instruction, all drawing materials, and a discussion of how seasons change followed by drawing the evening’s plants and animals.

HuntMdws T 6:30pm W4G.M6C8 6/21 $15/ea.

(12-Adult) Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn about Huntley’s nocturnal engineers by studying and drawing the tracks and traces they leave behind. We will learn about the lives of beavers, have a little basic drawing instruction, and then go hiking to find signs of beaver activity. All art materials provided.

HuntMdws Sa 10am W7C.4N0A 7/2 $15/ea.

(Adults) Join park naturalists for a relaxing stroll through the park’s forest and wetland paths. Look and listen for wildlife settling down or waking up during the transition of day to night.

HuntMdws Sa 8pm F3C.PNV2 7/16 $10/ea. HuntMdws Sa 7:15pm F3C.HR18 8/27 $10/ea.

(Adults) Learn about the life cycle, behavior and identification of Huntley’s many dragonflies and damselflies. Venture to the wetland to observe these acrobatic fliers in action. Canceled if rain.

HuntMdws Su 10am 9F7.89HB 8/14 $10/ea.

(7-Adult) Walk the meadows and forest edges to see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to hear echolocation. Learn about our native bats and their habits. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

LkAccontkPk Sa 8pm C0E.HK3P 6/18 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk Sa 8pm C0E.V8U6 7/9 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk Sa 8pm C0E.X5M0 8/6 $7/ea.

(6-Adult) Celebrate the first day of summer and longest day of the year with an evening hike through the forest and wetland as we look and listen for nocturnal creatures like owls, beaver, frogs, and fireflies.

LkAccontkPk T 7:30pm F8C.9QZ4 6/21 $9/ea.

(3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Topics include: 6/3-Owls, 6/17-History of Lake Accotink, 6/24-Constellations, 7/8-Bats, 7/15-Bioluminescence: Fireflies galore!, 7/22-Sounds of the night, 7/29-Reptiles & Amphibians, 8/5-Native American Stories, 8/12-Trees and Fungi, 8/19-Sun & Moon & 8/26-History of Lake Accotink.

LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.OVG6 6/3 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.5SUV 6/10 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.C58R 6/17 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.2SZL 6/24 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.HNC9 7/8 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.N9F1 7/15 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.KMSJ 7/22 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8:30pm 7GF.CE2B 7/29 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8pm 7GF.TFV9 8/5 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8pm 7GF.XXKC 8/12 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8pm 7GF.LP3Y 8/19 $7/ea. LkAccontkPk F 8pm 7GF.39FG 8/26 $7/ea.

Lake Fairfax Park is a 476 acre park, boasting fully wooded campsites surrounded by more than five miles of trails. The 18 acre lake is home to many species of waterfowl, fish, and reptiles. The lake is surrounded by a forest. The unique habitats around the lake provide resources for nature programs and is a popular spot to learn about wildlife.

(3-5 yrs.) Learn all about our friend, the earthworm, and why they are important for our planet.

LkFairfaxPk F 10am K4U.GODI 7/15 $6/child

(3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

LkFairfaxPk F 7:30pm 546.Z6VX 6/3 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk F 7:30pm 546.I7GH 6/17 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk F 7:30pm 546.LTOE 7/8 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk F 7:30pm 546.OGFF 7/22 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk F 7:30pm 546.456W 8/5 $10/ea.

(3-Adult) Join us for themed activities involving cooking, flora, fauna, and ecology occurring in the campground.

LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.UHBD 6/4 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.VMB9 6/11 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.VE05 6/18 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.XPJ6 6/25 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.SNV3 7/9 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.9ZSP 7/16 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.TUB3 7/23 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.A8LP 7/30 $10/ea. LkFairfaxPk Sa 9am K01.P6XE 8/6 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) There is no better gift than being a grandparent. Spend time with valued family members by joining a naturalist for a guided hike. Keep an eye out for animals and listen to interesting tidbits from our naturalist. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

LkFairfaxPk Sa 10:30am SNC.2FOH 6/4 $8/ea.

(2-Adult) Meet a naturalist and explore the lake. Bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy. We will search for, catch and release tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs and other creatures. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

LkFairfaxPk Sa 10:30am ARL.ZXNT 6/18 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) Join us on a magical evening walk in the park to learn about and see the different colors and signal patterns of this fascinating insect.

LkFairfaxPk Sa 7:30pm 4F1.EJVB 7/9 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) In celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday, join a naturalist and learn about the magic all around us.

LkFairfaxPk Su 10am HHH.LKPD 7/31 $12/ea.

(5-Adult) Celebrate the sisterhood of women by grabbing your best gal friend and going on a guided hike with a naturalist. Learn about the flora and fauna at Lake Fairfax Park, and most importantly, spend time with a close friend.

LkFairfaxPk Sa 10am QRO.26P3 8/6 $8/ea.