March 2020 Sunday, March 1 Maple Syrup Boil-Down (3-Adult) The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped. Now it’s sugaring time! Bundle up, watch and learn as sap is boiled down into sweet syrup over an outdoor, open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over corn-bread made from Colvin Run Mill’s own cornmeal. The program at Colvin Run runs from noon to 2 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. No reservations are required. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Blacksmithing Demonstration (All ages) Come to Colvin Run Mill and watch as the blacksmith fires up his forge and works with hammer and tongs to make iron tools and uten-sils. The free program runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are required. Blacksmithing is weather and temperature dependent, so please call ahead to confirm there will be a demonstra-tion. For more information, call 703-759-2771.

Winter Lecture- History Underground (Adults) Come and discover the history in your backyard as archaeologist Aimee Wells highlights a number of archaeological projects that have gone on, or are ongoing, in Fairfax County, in-cluding archaeological testing at Green Spring Gardens. The program at Green Spring runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 703-642-5173.

Royal Manners (Adults) Prepare yourself for your next diplomatic or royal encounter. Enjoy a traditional English tea and hear about codes of diplomatic decorum and dictates of British royal protocol, past and pre-sent. Learn the complex rules of etiquette when in the presence of royalty and the surprising rules that the royals themselves must follow. The pro-gram at Historic Green Spring runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $36 for the program and tea; $15 for the program only. To register, or for more information, call 703-642-5173.

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Little Acorns-Spring (2-4 yrs.) Preschoolers and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature's wonders in this inter-active class. Experiences include finger plays, stories, activities and, weather permitting, an outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Top-ics will be: 3/2-Twinkle Little Star; 3/9-Wily Wood-peckers; 3/16-Green is Great; 3/23-Tales of Tails; and 3/30-Amphibians.The program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The cost is $8 per child. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Monday, March 2 Garden Sprouts Winter-Nature Playgroup (3-5 yrs.)Your preschooler enjoys nature-themed toys and puzzles while you meet other playgroup parents one Monday a month. Through games, songs, activities and a garden walk, explore sea-sonal topics. The program at Green Spring Gar-dens runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per child. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Tuesday, March 3 Introduction to Astronomy (8-Adult) Explore astronomical objects of all siz-es and their motions through the universe at the roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Enjoy an observing session, weather permitting. The program runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-324-8618.

Wednesdays, beginning March 4 Homeschool Botany (8-15yrs.) Delve into the wonders of our local plants with hands-on activities and nature explo-ration in this four-week course. Week 1: Discover native herbaceous (non-woody) plants that are green in winter. Week 2: Learn about our native trees and how to identify them. Week 3: Investi-gate the diversity and beauty of mosses. Week 4: Search for early spring wildflowers. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The cost of the series is $42 per child. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Wednesday, March 4 Nature Tots-Spring (1-3 yrs.) Explore nature through sight, sound, smell, and touch in this monthly program, which includes indoor and outdoor activities. The topic in March will be Signs of Spring. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The cost is $8 per child, and an adult must be able to participate with children. Call 703-631-0013.

Fridays, March 6 & 20 Beginning Bird Watching (14-Adult) Birding is a hobby that can last a life-time, and Riverbend Park is a great place to start. This free class covers birding basics, including how to use binoculars, the importance of a field guide and other ways to identify birds. The pro-gram runs from 8 to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018.

Green Spring Gardens Turns 50

Green Spring Gardens will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a host of pro-grams in the coming months.

In March, there’s a tea on Fifty Years in Women’s Lives, in addition to regular pro-grams for children and adults on nature, ar-chaeology, sewing, royal manners and, of course, gardening. Find them throughout the calendar.

Check social media and the Green Spring Gardens website all year for Golden Anniver-sary events in this public garden park.

For more information, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring or call 703-642-5173.

Please note: Programs may fill or be canceled after the calendar is printed. Please register at Parktakes online or confirm with the park.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes

Fridays, March 6 Friday Golf, Fitness & Fun (Adults) Work off the blues at Pinecrest Golf Course's renovated indoor golf facility with Golf, Fitness, & Fun. Start the clinic with our TrackMan 4 golf simulator session followed by a Yoga and Golf Fitness session that focuses on posture and breathing to improve your game. After the clinic, enjoy light refreshments to round out the evening. The program runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Call 703-941-1061.

Fridays, March 6 & 27 Saturdays, March 14 & 21 Dr. Seuss Campfire and S'mores (2-Adult) Come out for a night of fun. We will have a campfire with s’mores while we read and enjoy books by Dr. Seuss. Family members of all ages are welcome. The program at Lake Fairfax Park runs from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $9 per person. For more information, call 703-471-5414.

Friday, March 6 Woodcock Watch Campfire (6-Adult) Take a short walk around the Walney grounds to listen for the call of the male wood-cock and hopefully see his amazing courtship display and flight. Then, gather at the campfire to enjoy s’mores and learn about the woodcock’s life and habits. Bring a flashlight. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 6 to 7 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-631-0013.

Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28 Four Floor Tours (10-Adult) Explore the rarely seen second and third floors of Colvin Run Mill. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as we will climb steep stairs. Second and third floor areas are not ADA acces-sible, but alternative arrangements will be made for those who cannot climb stairs but wish to par-ticipate. This extended tour begins at 10:30 a.m. and may last up to two hours. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are suggested; walk-ins are welcome. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Saturdays, March 7 & 21 Family Woodcock Walk (6-Adult) Come for an evening walk to one of Huntley Meadows Park’s large meadows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship display and flight. Bring a flashlight. The outing includes an approxi-mately 1.5-mile walk on uneven terrain. The pro-gram at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. on March 7 and from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. on March 21. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Meet at the South Kings Highway entrance to the park. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, March 7 Feeding Day (4-13 yrs.) Join a naturalist and youth volunteers as we demonstrate how we feed our site display animals. Search for worms and insects and assist in serving dinner. Make a birdfeeder to take home and use. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $8 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Nature Snoopers-Spring (5-9 yrs.) Explore nature with your child as we investigate the park and all its wonders in this monthly program. In March, the topic will be ver-nal pools. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $7 per child. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Great Shrubs for Home Gardens (Adults) Horticulturalist Brenda Skarphol high-lights beautiful flowering shrubs that grow well in Virginia home gardens. Get to know seasonal standouts for winter and spring. Learn the culture and care of these beauties and how to best show-case them in your garden. The program at Green Spring Gardens runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $18 per person. Dress for the outdoors. For more information, call 703-642-5173.

Burke Lake Wilderness Walk (12-Adult) Take a walk on the wild side and ex-plore the wilderness area of Burke Lake Park. Visit two old home sites and two vernal pools with a naturalist and learn about the park's natural and cultural history. Moderate walking is required. The program runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. For more information, call 703-323-6600.

Geocaching Workshop (8-Adult) Students learn to use hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units to locate hidden treasure caches within Burke Lake Park. After learning how to enter latitude and longitude coor-dinates into a GPS, students follow the coordi-nates to find a hidden object, container or unique geological feature. Bring your own GPS; a limited number are available to borrow from the instruc-tor at class. The program at Burke Lake Park runs from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $22 per person. For more information, call 703-323-6600.

Campfire Safety for Families (4-Adult) Families learn how to safely build and enjoy a campfire and get to make s'mores, too. The program at Historic Huntley runs from 1 to 2 p.m., and the cost is $8 per person. This pro-gram is not appropriate for children under 4 years of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult who also is registered in the program. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, March 7 Leave No Trace Campfire (7-Adult) Learn about Leave No Trace as you hike through Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. After-ward, learn about campfire safety while enjoying s'mores. All registrants will receive a Leave No Trace Card. The program runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Astronomy Festival (3-Adult) Come to Observatory Park at Turner Farm and enjoy activities such as guided star gazing, looking through a telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations ‘round the campfire. There will be activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available for purchase. The pro-gram at Turner Farm Park runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. This event will be canceled in the event of rain or snow. For more information, call 703-324-8618.

Campfire Saturdays-Stargazing (3-Adult) Enjoy a stroll along the lakeshore and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our astronomical natu-ralist identifies the stars for you and will have some telescopes for you to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients will be provided; hot dogs are welcome. The pro-gram at Burke Lake Park runs from 8:30 to 10 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, call 703-323-6600.

Sunday, March 8 Trail Cam 101 (6-Adult) Did you know Burke Lake Park is home to coyotes, flying squirrels and otters? Join a naturalist to set up a trail cam to learn about some of our lesser known wildlife and view imag-es captured from previous outings. Moderate walking is required. The program at Burke Lake Park runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. For more information, call 703-323-6600.

Art of the Needle (Adults) Come to Historic Green Spring as artist and collector Caroline Hottenstein explores the legacy of the 19th century seamstress with an exhibit of needlework tools, linens, lace, and clothing. Hear about sewing techniques and styles and the important role of needle arts in women’s lives. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, or stay for a brief embroi-dery class (supplies included). The cost is $45 for the program and tea; $30 for the program and class; and $22 for the program only. To register or for more information, call 703-642-5173

Sunday, March 8 All Things Frozen Tea Party (4-Adult) Being frozen can be fun! Join a natural-ist for stories about animals that enjoy being chil-ly, such as penguins and polar bears, plus others that just figure out a way to get through the cold. Come dressed as your favorite frozen friend. Enjoy a sit-down tea with china cups, treats and snow crafts. The program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. Children under 12 must be accompa-nied by an adult registered in this program. Con-tact the nature center one week prior with any dietary restrictions. Call 703-941-1065.

Mondays, March 9 & 23 Little Hands on the Farm (2-5 yrs.) Join us to learn about a different ele-ment of farm life and spend time with a different animal at each session. Activities may include, story time, creating crafts and introductory-level farm chores. The program at Frying Pan Farm Park runs from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. for children ages two and three and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. for children age three to five. The cost is $8 per child. Reservations are required, and an adult must attend with a registered child. Call 703-437-9101.

Mondays, beginning March 9 Pohick Rangers (6-12 yrs.) Be part of another great season with Hidden Pond's longest-running program, Pohick Rangers. We discuss a wide range of topics in-cluding wetland diversity, forest ecosystems, nocturnal wildlife, cultural history and insects. The program at Hidden Pond Nature Center runs each week from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Some exceptions apply. The cost is $132 per child for 10 sessions. For more information, call 703-451-9588.

Nature Quest (3-6 yrs.) Be a part of the long-running naturalist program designed for the preschool-age explorer. From field to stream and everything in between, children learn about many of our local animal species hands-on and in the field. Program topics vary each week. The program at Hidden Pond Nature Center runs from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $40 per child for the five-part series. For more information, call 703-451-9588.

Monday, March 9 Mapping the Past for Homeschoolers (7-13 yrs.) Supplement your historical studies with a fun day of exploring, interpreting and mak-ing maps. Try orienteering, learn about maps from around the world, and take home a person-alized map of your life. The program at Historic Huntley runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $14 per child. Call 703-768-2525.

Tuesday, March 10 Art at Lake Accotink (7-12 yrs.) Learn fundamental skills in a variety of art genres and take home a nature-themed pro-ject at the end of each monthly class. The topic in March will be sewing. This program at Lake Ac-cotink Park runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $24 per child. A $2 supply fee is payable to the instructor at class. Call 703-569-3464.

Animal Feeding (3-Adult) It's dinner time at Hidden Pond Nature Center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center's animals. The program runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $6 per person. For more information, call 703-451-9588.

Intro to Telescopes (8-Adult) Now that you have a new telescope, how do you set it up and use it? This course co-vers basics of astronomy, sky observation, and what you need to know to set up and use your telescope. Participants will get to use telescopes and observe objects in the sky from the roll-top observatory, if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and ad-vice or pick up tips if considering buying a tele-scope. The program at Turner Farm Park runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $11 per person. Advance registration is required; no walk-in regis-tration is available. Call 703-324-8618.

Wednesdays, beginning March 11 Pohick Puddle Jumpers (3-6 yrs.) The youngest nature lovers can now become part of this season's natural world explo-ration with hands-on and up-close indoor and outdoor activities. Activities include exploring the Pohick Stream Valley or areas surrounding the pond. The program at Hidden Pond Nature Cen-ter runs from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. and meets every other week. The cost is $32 per child for four sessions. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Wednesday, March 11 History Tots-Spring (1-3 yrs.) Bring your toddler to explore history through sight, sound, smell and touch in this monthly program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The program includes indoor and outdoor activi-ties, and adults must be able to participate with children. The topic in March will be Textiles. The program runs from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and the cost is $8 per child. Call 703-631-0013.

Thursday, March 12 Homeschool-Sketching through History & Science (6-12 yrs.) Did you know that 100 years ago, most field scientists were accomplished artists? Without portable cameras, biologists needed a way to capture their discoveries, and art was their tool. Study the techniques used in making a field sketch page, learn some basic drawing skills, and get to know the stories of long-ago explorers and scientists. A field sketch kit is included. The pro-gram at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $14 per child. For more infor-mation, call 703-768-2525.

Homeschool at the Lake Winter (7-12 yrs.) This program for school children fo-cuses on nature and history. A different topic and hands-on activities are covered each month, and the topic in March is Almost Spring! The program at Lake Accotink Park runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per child. For more information, call 703-569-3464.

Fridays, March 13 Wood Frogs! (4-Adult) Wood frogs are breeding in vernal pools at this time of year. Assist in collecting and releasing frogs and recording data for our am-phibian survey. The program at Ellanor C. Law-rence Park runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Please wear waterproof boots and bring flashlights. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Snake and Turtle Feeding (4-Adult) Enjoy a brief presentation and demon-stration by our animal caretaker staff. At least one snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. The program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, call 703-941-1065.

Saturdays, March 14 & 28 Evening Woodcock Walk (Adults) Take an evening stroll through the forest to one of Huntley Meadows Park’s largest mead-ows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship dance and flight. Bring a flashlight. The evening includes an approximately 1.5-mile walk on uneven terrain. The program runs from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. on March 14 and runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on March 28. The cost is $8 per person. Meet at the South Kings Highway entrance to the park. This event will be canceled if it rains. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

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Saturday, March 14 Forgotten Road Tours (All ages) Forgotten Road Tours return to Sully Historic Site on March 14. These outbuilding tours focus on the enslaved community at Sully during the late 18th century. Tours take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. The cost is $8 for adults; $7 for students age 16+ with ID; $6 for children age 5-15; and $6 for seniors age 65+. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Pi Day Pie Celebration (All ages) Celebrate 3.14 with a slice of pie at Sully Historic Site! See historical interpreters in 18th century clothing baking over an open hearth with pie recipes from the Lee time period through the 19th century. The program is ongoing from 3:14 to 5 p.m. The cost, of course, is $3.14 per person. For more information, call 703-437-1794.

Savoring Green Teas (14-Adult) Think you don't like green teas? After this focused tasting of various styles of green teas, and with proper brewing techniques demon-strated, you may find the perfect green for you. It's Pi Day, so we'll enjoy some tea-infused pie, too. A take-home tea sampler is included. The program at Colvin Run Mill is conducted by certi-fied tea specialist Chef Laurie Bell of Great Falls Tea Garden. The tasting runs from 1 to 3 p.m., and the cost is $35 per person. Call 703-759-2771.

Festival of Owls (4-Adult) Meet local live owls up close and per-sonal. Learn how these raptors live, hunt, and survive. Join us for an owl presentation and demonstration. Touch real owl feathers and bones, dissect owl pellets and make an owl craft. Learn how to help protect these birds of the night. The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs from noon to 2 p.m. The cost is $15 per person; there is an additional fee to purchase an owl pellet to dissect with the aid of a naturalist. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, March 15 Girls Celebrate Women’s History Month (5-17 yrs.) Art, science and history are combined in this program at Huntley Meadows Park that’s inspired by the lives of four women of science. Hear the stories of Maria Merian, Frances Hamer-strom, Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson. Then, head outside onto the forested trails and wetland boardwalk with sketch pads, binoculars and mag-nifying lenses to record your own nature adven-ture. Supplies are included. The program runs from 2 to 4 p.m., and all children are welcome. The cost is $14 per child. Call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, March 15 Who Left That Behind? Identifying Scat (4-Adult) Learn park critters by the signs they leave behind, such as tracks, scat and more. Hike with a naturalist to look for and identify these signs and complete a craft that will help you learn to identify different animal scat. Wear sturdy walk-ing shoes. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by a reg-istered adult. Call 703-631-0013.

Tuesdays, beginning March 17 Homeschool at the Pond (6-12 yrs) This program is based on the popular Pohick Rangers series and is designed to meet some homeschool science requirements. The program at Hidden Pond Nature Center runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and the cost is $51 per child for five sessions. Topics vary, and class meets every other week. Call 703-451-9588.

Wednesday, March 18 Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My! (8-Adult) This fun and interactive presentation is designed as an introduction to the most common astronomical “deep sky” objects. After the class, look through the telescopes in the roll-top obser-vatory at Turner Farm Park, if weather permits. The course runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. whether or not it rains. The cost is $8 per person. For more information, call 703-324-8618.

Wednesday, March 19 Kids Korner-Spring (3-6 yrs.) Preschool children accompanied by an adult learn about spring in this monthly program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The topic in March will be birds. The program runs from 10 to 11 a.m., and the cost is $8 per child. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Taux Trail for Homeschool (6-12 yrs.) Spend two hours immersed in the life of Virginia Indians 400 years ago. Students will grind corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and enjoy other activities. The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $14 per person. Call 703-768-2525.

Spring Equinox Evening Stroll (Adults) Shake off the winter blues as we wel-come the first day of spring with a stroll through the park during sunset. We will look for signs of spring’s awakening as we explore the forest and wetland habitats. The program at Huntley Mead-ows Park runs from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-768-2525.

Fridays, March 20 & 27 Saturdays, March 21 & 28 Putting the Animals to Bed (3-Adult) When evening shadows spread over Kidwell Farm, it is time to put the animals to bed. Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour, and learn how our farm animals settle down for the night. Dress for the weather. The program at Frying Pan Farm Park runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, call 703-437-9101.

Friday, March 20 Little Historians (3-5 yrs.) Connect your preschool children to their community and traditions through stories, crafts, songs and activities designed for little his-torians. The program at Historic Huntley runs from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. The cost is $8 per child. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, March 21 Ice Breaker Tournament (Adults) Kick off the 2020 Golf Season with the Ice Breaker Tournament at Greendale Golf Course. Players compete in a two-man scramble for team prizes.There will also be closest-to-the-pin and longest drive competitions. The shotgun start is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The cost is $110 per team, which includes tournament day greens fee and power cart, breakfast, lunch, and prizes. The fee is due at time of registration. Registration begins 30 days prior to the event; advance regis-tration is required by Sunday, March 15. For more information, call 703-971-6170.

Wagon Ride to Poohsticks Bridge (2-Adult) Journey through the woods to Poohsticks bridge, listen to Winne the Pooh's story and play Poohsticks on the bridge. The program at Riverbend Park runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Meet at the nature center. Call 703-759-9018.

Basic Pruning Techniques for Shrubs (Adults) Learn to prune like a pro with this walk and talk led by pruning instructor Peter Deahl. Discover which shrubs and evergreens need pruning in late winter, and learn techniques for keeping your plants healthy and beautiful. Bring gloves and disinfected pruners. The program at Green Spring Gardens runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $23 per person. Call 703-642-5173.

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Saturday, March 21 Scrapbook Garden Journal Workshop (16-Adult) Learn how to create a beautiful, scrap-book-style garden journal to suit your style and your garden. With the help of book artist Bel Mills, you will leave with a full-size journal complete with sections separated by dividers and a variety of papers to suit particular needs. Best of all, the loose book ring binding means pages can be added, removed or shuffled as needed, so your journal can evolve right along with your garden. Core bookbinding concepts, including respecting paper grain and proper gluing techniques, will be covered. No prior bookbinding experience is re-quired. The program at Green Spring Gardens runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $74 per person. For more information, call 703-642-5173.

Women of Huntley Tea (Adults) Thomson F. Mason built Huntley, but Betsey Mason managed it for more than 20 years after his death. Learn about Betsey and the other women who made Huntley what it is today. Then, join us for a lovely tea in the historic villa where Betsey may have served her country neighbors. The event includes at least two types of tea, scone, fruit, and a light savory. The program at Historic Huntley runs from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Call 703-768-2525.

Animal Pajama Party (3-7 yrs.) Hey, kids. Put on your pajamas and come to the nature center to hear bedtime sto-ries, meet animals and wish goodnight to the center's live animals. Bring your favorite stuffed animal with you. The program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The cost is $8 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information, call 703-941-1065.

To Build a Fire (4-Adult) Learn the science and art of building a fire and test your skill with primitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Use your new skills to roast s'mores. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompa-nied by a registered adult. Call 703-631-0013.

Sunday, March 22 Nature Photography At Dawn (Adults) Learn how to use a DSLR camera and a tripod to capture images of the natural world dur-ing early morning. See what wildlife is awake at Huntley Meadows Park. This class is designed for participants with beginner to intermediate skill levels. Bring your own DSLR camera and a tri-pod, if you have one. The program at Huntley Meadows runs from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. The cost is $15 per person. Call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, March 22 Fifty Years in Women’s Lives (Adults) Consider how the past 50 years have transformed women’s lives as you enjoy a tradi-tional English tea. Discover things that women could not do before 1970, and reflect on an astonishingly fast-paced liberation that continues today. Hear about the remarkable woman whose donation 50 years ago made Green Spring Gar-dens possible. The program at Historic Green Spring runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $36 for the program and tea; $15 for the program only. To register, or for information, call 703-642-5173.

Camping 101-Prep is the first Step (7-Adult) Camping is a wonderful way to get outdoors and explore nature, but there are a lot of daunting trials to get past -- what to pack, what animals to be wary of, what weather to worry about, what to do in an emergency situation, and what to do when you’re lost. This program will teach you safe practices in the wild, what gear to bring for short and long trips, and how to make sure that you are prepared for anything when you go camping. The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $9 per person. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Mondays, beginning March 23 Thursdays, beginning March 26 Nature for Tiny Tots (2-3 ½ yrs) Children and their parent learn about plants, animals and their habitats through songs, crafts, and activities. The program runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. The cost is $92 per child for eight sessions. A supply fee of $5 is due to the instructor at the first class. Adult participation is required. Call 703-768-2525.

Tuesday, March 24 Origin of our Universe-The Big Bang (8-Adult) We all want to know how our universe began, how stars and galaxies evolved, and what this stuff is that’s called dark matter and dark energy. In this seminar, we'll look at how astrono-mers try to answer these big questions about the big bang and what astronomer observations re-veal. The course will be held in the roll-top obser-vatory at Turner Farm Park with an optional ob-serving session, if weather permits. The program runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the cost is $8 per person. For information, call 703-324-8618.

Wednesday, March 25 Critter Crawl (2-6 yrs.) Walk with a naturalist and your child as we investigate the critters who make Ellanor C. Lawrence Park their home. The program runs from 10 to 11 a.m., and the cost is $7 per child. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Wednesdays, beginning March 25 Thursdays, beginning March 26 Nature Detectives (3-5 yrs.) In this naturalist-led class, children and parents will explore nature through hikes, stories, songs, hands-on activities and crafts. Topics vary seasonally. The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays. The cost is $110 per child for eight sessions. There is a $5 supply fee payable to the instructor at class. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Wednesday, March 25 TrackMan 4 Distance Analysis (13-Adult) Dig deeper in the TrackMan 4 platform to analyze your golf distances. Trackman measures the full flight of the ball from impact to landing and monitors three-dimensional club-head movement. Get a report and see the exact distance your club travels. Identify any distance gaps in your clubs. The program at Pinecrest Golf Course runs from 7 to 7:55 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. For information, call 703-941-1061.

Thursdays, beginning March 26 Science, Science (6-10 yrs) See big science ideas through the lens of simple science. Each week students discover and explore the science all around us including motion, energy, mass and the forces of nature. Through hands-on activities, participants will be guided to a deeper understanding of the how's and why's of our world. The program at Cub Run RECenter runs from 6 to 6:55 p.m. for 10 weeks. The cost is $109 per child. Any supply fee paya-ble to instructor at first class. Call 703-817-9407.

Friday, March 27 Cooking Biscuits (4-Adult) Try cooking the old-fashioned way over a fire, the way many Virginians before us did. Cook biscuits with jelly and make fresh butter to sample. Learn about the tools and safety required when cooking with open flames. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more infor-mation, call 703-631-0013.

Garden Talk: Gardening in Climate Change (Adults) Remember last year’s spring rains that were followed by a blistering hot summer and fall drought? Extension Master Gardeners discuss how climate change is affecting our area and how it’s impacting our garden practices. They will offer suggestions for plant selection, water manage-ment and other practices. The program at Green Spring Gardens runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Call 703-642-5173.

Friday, March 27 Wood Frogs! (4-Adult) Wood frogs are breeding in vernal pools. Assist in collecting and releasing frogs and recording data for our amphibian survey. The program at Lake Fairfax Park runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Please wear waterproof boots and bring flashlights. For information, call 703-471-5414.

Coyote Campfire (4-Adult) Satisfy your curiosity and your sweet tooth with one howling campfire. Listen to coyote calls, take a short hike, and make s'mores as you learn about this wily canine. The program at Riverbend Park runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Call 703-759-9018.

Campfire Fridays (3-Adult) Join us for a campfire, s'mores, ani-mals, and so much more! We cover a different topic and different area of the park at each monthly campfire. The program at Hidden Pond Nature Center runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, March 28 Build your own Bat House (3-Adult) Bats help us by eating mosquitoes and pollinating plants, but they are having a hard time. Help these important animals thrive by building a bat house to hang in your yard. The program at Riverbend Park runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $8 per person; all participants must regis-ter. There is a $15 fee per bathouse that is paya-ble to the instructor on the day of the program. For more information, call 703-759-9018.

Saturday, March 28 Early Signs of Spring (7-Adult) Walk with a naturalist to look for early native wildflowers, morels and animal life. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $7 per person. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Into The Woods at Frying Pan Farm Park (All ages) Celebrate the National Cherry Blos-som festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. We invite you to trek on our nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year-round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions. The pro-gram runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-437-9101. Donations are welcome.

Sketch Hike-Spring Ephemerals (12-Adult) Join park naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler for a hike focusing on spring wildflowers, and learn sketching techniques to enhance your observation skills. The program at Huntley Mead-ows Park runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 per person. Drawing materials are included in the cost, courtesy of the RunningBrooke Fund. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Amphibians After Dark (7-Adult) Assist park naturalists with a calling amphibian survey. Learn how to identify frogs and toads by their calls as we explore pools and ponds. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $10 per per-son. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Sunday, March 29 Games at Walney (5-Adult) How did people in the 19th century entertain themselves when the weather was cold? Join us for an afternoon of historic games for children and adults. Children end a fun after-noon of play by making their own historical toy to take home. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 2 to 3 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

Spy Craft (7-Adult) Explore the lives of the men and wom-en who passed along secrets and information in dangerous times. Try your hand at a little spy craft to take home. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-631-0013.

Mondays, beginning March 30 Nature Drawing (Adults) Join local naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler on the trails to learn about and draw the plants and animals that live in Huntley Meadows Park. The class focuses on basic drawing skills, color theory, perspective, shading, gesture, con-tour and realistic rendering. The emphasis is on experience over product. All supplies are includ-ed. The program runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $82 per person for five sessions. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Monday, March 30 African-Americans at Walney Walking Tour (8-Adult) In this interactive walking tour, learn the names and stories of many African-American families who lived here in slavery and in freedom. Learn about slave tenancy and hear local stories of resistance and survival. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. Call 703-631-0013.

Prepared by the Fairfax County Park Authority

Public Information Office

Phone: 703-324-8700 • Fax: 703-324-3974 Email: Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov

Distribution and Information: 703-324-8677

To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call 703-324-8727, TTY 711, at least 10 working days in advance of the registration deadline or event. A Fairfax County, Virginia, publication.

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