Park Authority wins NRPA Gold Medal

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

National Gold Medal.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

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

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

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

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

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

Fairfax County Parks: Tops in the Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Children’s holiday shopping at the Country Store

• Christmas on the farm

• Wagon rides

• Warming fires

• Indoor equestrian demonstrations

• Live music

• Food vendors

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

continued on page 11

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

2 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

N AT U R E

Humans may travel in teams, cozy up into cliques, form a

sorority or be part of an old boys’ club, but what do we call gatherings of other living things? You probably know that a group of cattle or deer form a herd, but did you know that a group of cockroaches is called an intrusion? Not too surprising.

You don’t have to think very hard to figure out why some animal groups got their names. Have you ever seen a pounce of cats or heard a cackle of hyenas? Maybe you’ve had the misfortune to pass through a cloud of grass-hoppers or gnats. Hopefully you’ve never been surrounded by a leap of leopards or a skulk of fox.

Some group names reflect attributes the ani-mals personify. Lions travel in a pride. Apes, just a step down the evolutionary ladder from us, are a shrewdness when gathered together. Crows and ravens, shackled with poor reputa-tions from movies and literature, are burdened with scornful group names. A gathering of crows is a murder. Ravens are an unkindness.

A group of birds in the air is a flight, while a group on the ground is generically called a flock. Over the years, various bird species have acquired their own group names. You might see a sedge of bitterns, a chain of bobolinks, a brood of chicks or a gulp of

cormorants. Doves gather in a dule, and ducks form a brace. Majestic eagles form a convocation, and geese gather on the ground in a gaggle. Look for a colony of gulls at the seashore or a cast of hawks in

the mountains. You might be tempted to scold a scold of jays when they party together. Rooks form a building, turkeys group in a rafter and woodpeckers form a descent.

Did you know that a group of chubby hippos is called a bloat? You also can call them hip-popotamuses or hippopotami. Either is correct. It’s also correct to call a gathering of turtles either a bale or a dole. It’s not surprising that several giraffes gathered in one spot might be called a tower, and it’s fitting that a group of flamingoes is a flamboyance.

You may have nothing to fear from a Sunday church congregation, but you might want to say a prayer if you see a congregation of al-ligators. If one shark makes you shake, what would you do around a shiver of sharks? Don’t be tempted to reach out and touch any porcu-pines. They gather in a prickle.

Frogs, herring and caterpillars travel in an army. Groups of kangaroos are a troop. Mon-

keys can gather in a troop, too, but they’re better known by another name. What could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys?

Editor/Writer: David OchsPhotos: Don Sweeney, FCPA David OchsProduction: Joanne Kearney, FCPA

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

NATURAL RESOURCE AND HISTORIC SITES

BURKE LAKE PARK 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station

703-323-6600

COLVIN RUN MILL 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls

703-759-2771

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly

703-631-0013

FRYING PAN FARM PARK 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon

703-437-9101

GREEN SPRING GARDENS PARK 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria

703-642-5173

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER 7701 Royce Street, Annandale

703-941-1065

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield

703-451-9588

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria

703-768-2525

LAKE ACCOTINK PARK 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield

703-569-3464

LAKE FAIRFAX PARK 1400 Lake Fairfax Park, Reston

703-471-5414

RIVERBEND PARK 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls

703-759-9018

SULLY HISTORIC SITE 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly

703-437-1794

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

703-827-0269

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

A Murder Most FowlBy Carol Ochs, Park Authority Volunteer

A bale, or dole, of turtles.

A flock of seagulls.

3Winter 2011

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

Go outside.

There’s no place more beautiful, more accessible or more affordable

than Fairfax County parks for enjoying a winter day.

With nearly 23,000 acres, almost 10 percent of the county’s land, your parks offer hiking, biking, fishing, sports, wildlife viewing, living history – maybe even sledding – and dozens of opportunities for family fun, healthy exercise and quiet contemplation. Take a minute to visit the Park Authority website and plan a perfect winter day.

Your parks can’t be taken for granted. The Park Authority’s operating budget has been cut 25 percent in the last four years even as park usage has increased 24 percent. The consequences could be washed-out trails, deteriorated athletic fields, broken play equipment, potholed parking lots, postponed building repairs, reduced trash collection and deferred natural and historic resource preservation projects.

Every day, county residents ask for new trails and trail improvements, additional park-land, more athletic fields and garden plots, expanded arts programs, new playgrounds, stream restoration projects, preservation of historic sites, interpretive signs, deer man-agement and invasive plant removal. All are

worthwhile, but only a few can be accom-plished with the Park Authority’s current resources.

Taxes and fees no longer fully fund the Gold Medal award-win-ning parks and recreation services that Fairfax County residents want and that improve physical and mental health, enhance air and water quality, build youth character and fitness, preserve natural and historic resources, increase property values and drive business investment and relocation decisions.

Your help is needed to support park facili-ties and programs that we have and that you ought to have. If parks deteriorate, if we don’t acquire additional parkland as the population grows, if we reduce our recreation activi-ties and facilities, or if we fail to protect our natural and historic resources, then we are all poorer.

In this 60th anniversary year of the Fairfax County Park Authority, join the Park Foun-dation in a commitment to ensure that our parks continue to provide the finest in natural,

historical and recreational experiences and become our gift to the future.

Please make a tax-deductible contribution today online at www.FairfaxParkFounda-tion.org. Thank you for caring about Fairfax County’s parks.

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

A Foundation for Park SupportBy Roberta A. Longworth, Park Foundation Executive Director

Shop for Parks

Help Fairfax County’s parks as you shop!

Start here: www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/Shop-for-Parks.html

Support Fairfax County parks as you shop for the holidays. Whenever you shop on Amazon.com or sell

on eBay, start your trip on the Park Foundation’s web page. When you sign on through the Foundation website, a percentage of your

transaction goes to the Foundation to improve parks.

New Director for Park FoundationThe Fairfax County Park Foundation has a

new executive director. Roberta A. Longworth is a Certified Fund Raising Executive who succeeds Paul Baldino, a former Park Authority director who is now enjoying retirement.

Known by friends and colleagues as Bobbi, she will encourage individuals, foundations, businesses and civic organizations to sup-port park services with private funding. Bobbi has volunteer experience planning events and fundraising for organizations such as March of Dimes, Toys for Tots and United Way. Through her work at the Park Foundation, she will focus on the importance of ensuring that a high quality of life is available to all individuals throughout Fairfax County.

New Park Foundation Executive Director Bobbi Longworth

Support your Gold Medal parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

4 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Maybe this is why GPS sales are strong. A 2006 National Geographic study indicated Americans aren’t

at the top of the geographic mountain of knowledge. Among young Americans, 44% couldn’t find Iran, Iraq, Israel or Saudi Arabia on a Middle East map. Nearly 90% couldn’t find Afghanistan. More than one-third couldn’t find Louisiana or Mississippi on a U.S. map, and half couldn’t find New York State.

So how’s your knowledge of geography in your back yard? We’ve added a little history, too. The answers to this Fairfax County quiz are on page 5. Some of the links provide hints.

How much do you know about Fairfax County?

1. Scott’s Run flows into what body of water at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve? A. Chesapeake BayB. Occoquan RiverC. Potomac RiverD. Burke Lake

2. Which park was the site of the only major Civil War battle that took place in Fairfax County?A. Sully Historic SiteB. Ox HillC. Lane’s MillD. Fort Hunt

3. Which of these historic structures is celebrating its 250th birthday in 2010?A. Sully Historic SiteB. Dranesville TavernC. Cabell’s MillD. Stone Mansion

4. What county pathway can you travel by bike or foot through varied terrain for more than 40 miles from the Potomac River to the Occoquan River? A. Capital BeltwayB. Cross County TrailC. Fairfax County ParkwayD. W&OD railroad trail

5. Where is the highest elevation in Fairfax County? A. I-66 Transfer StationB. Mount AirC. Mercer LakeD. Dulles Airport

6. Who lived at Sully Historic Site?A. George Washington, presidentB. Thomas Jefferson, presidentC. George Mason, author, Virginia Dec-

laration of RightsD. Richard Bland Lee, congressman

7. What is the largest watershed in Fairfax County?A. Pohick CreekB. Difficult RunC. Scott’s RunD. Four Mile Run

8. What is the longest stream in the county?A. Occoquan RiverB. Accotink CreekC. Difficult RunD. Scott’s Run

9. Which of these parks abuts the Potomac River?A. Hidden Pond Nature CenterB. Clemyjontri ParkC. Green Spring GardensD. Riverbend Park

10. What is the largest lake in the county?A. Burke LakeB. Lake FairfaxC. Lake AccotinkD. Twin Lakes

See the answers on page 5.

Geography? Yeah, I Think I Passed That Course.How’s Your Knowledge of Fairfax County Geography?

Is Burke Lake the largest body of water in the county?

Staffers and volunteers recreate life of the 18th century at Sully Historic Site.

G E O G R A P H Y / H I S T O R Y

5Winter 2011

Old Colchester is new parkland that is teaching history.

Park Authority Archaeologist Michael Johnson says that, from a broad historical and anthropologi-cal perspective, “Colchester is the most significant archaeo-logical site in Fairfax County.” It has the potential to provide important information about the history of one of our commu-nity’s earliest settlements.

In April 2007, the Park Authority acquired more than 135 acres on Mason Neck near the mouth of the Occoquan River. That land includes the Town of Colchester, which was chartered in 1753.

Colchester was the second town founded in Fairfax County. It sits at the site of the area’s first ferry, an Occoquan River crossing that was established in 1684. However, this land was used long before then.

The Colchester land was crossed by the Potomac Path, a major north-south Native American trail that connected fordable river crossings along the fall line. Tobacco farmers widened the trail in 1710 for their transports, and later it became part of the Kings Highway that ranged from Boston to Charleston.

Sitting on that heavily-traveled road, Colchester developed into a center of commerce, first for tobacco and then for the wheat and flour trade. Merchants and innkeepers followed, and Colchester became home to a tobacco warehouse, to several stores and ordinaries, and to local workers such as tailors, coopers and blacksmiths. But trouble came. Increasing agriculture led to silting in the Occoquan River, and deepwater pas-sage became impossible. Shipping problems combined with a slide in tobacco trading, and the town of Colchester declined in prominence.

The Park Authority is conducting archaeological investigations at Colchester, includ-ing surveying, excavations and processing artifacts. The archaeological sites within the area will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The project will continue through spring 2012.

A master plan for the Colchester parkland will help determine the site’s future use, likely centering on the significant natural and cultural resources.

For more information or to join the effort as a volunteer, please contact Cultural Resource Management and Protection Section Manager Elizabeth Crowell at 703-534-3881.

Geography Quiz Answers

(Click the links for more information)

1: C. Scott’s Run empties into the Potomac River downstream from Great Falls Park.

2: B. The Battle of Ox Hill took place September 1, 1862.

3: D. Stone Mansion marks its semiquin-centennial this year.

4: B. The Cross County Trail crosses the county.

5: A. The highest natural elevation in Fairfax County is 566.9 feet above sea level at the I-66 Landfill, 4618 West Ox Road. The lowest elevation is slightly above sea level along the county’s tidal shoreline.

6: D. Richard Bland Lee, who was General Robert E. Lee’s uncle and Northern Virginia’s first representative to Congress, lived at Sully.

7: B. At 57.7 square miles, Difficult Run is the largest watershed in the county. It stretches from near Wolf Trap Farm Park to the southeast corner of Great Falls Park, where Difficult Run flows into the Potomac River.

8: B. Accotink Creek stretches from the City of Fairfax to Gunston Cove.

9: D. The well-named Riverbend Park sits on a large bend of the Potomac River.

10: A. Burke Lake, at 218 acres, is the largest lake in the county.

Old Colchester, New Revelations

Colchester sits on the banks of the Occoquan River near its confluence with the Potomac.

Give somebody a park this holiday season!

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

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

6 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

If a reality TV show format works for one network, can it work for another network? Television is proving, multiple

times over, that it can.

If county residents enjoy wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park, would they like them at Huntley Meadows? The Resource Management Division (RMD) is finding that they do.

Five Guys didn’t invent the hamburger. It’s just selling a good idea in more than one place. RMD is doing that by taking successful ideas and programs to new sites, making access to programs easier for county residents and increasing revenue with proven ideas.

Wagon rides are one example. The long-time popular rides at Frying Pan are now part of the agendas at Huntley Meadows, Riverbend Park and Sully Historic Site. Scheduled rides at Laurel Hill introduce residents to an unstaffed park rich in natural and cultural resources.

Historic House Coordinator Debbie Waugh is attempting to spin off her successful bread and honey tastings at Green Spring Gardens by conducting tastings at other parks. Expanded programming like this increases revenue while offering residents more opportunities for new park adventures.

RMD Director Cindy Walsh says “we are re-inventing ourselves to better serve the public and stay sustainable while still staying true to our mission.” She adds that, while “teaching our future stewards the benefits of sustaining our resources, we are sustaining ourselves by developing quality programs worthy of citizens’ time and money.”

Riverbend staffers have conducted pro-grams at Dranesville Tavern, one of RMD’s Historic Rental Prop-erties. Walsh says this kind of cross-programming helps the Park Authority “find more stewards than we’ve had in the past.” She says the result of RMD being more vocal and more

visible is “people experiencing stew-ardship.” Likewise, RMD Operations Branch Manager Todd Brown says, “Hidden Oaks is teaching about stewardship” with its backyard habitat programs. Walsh credits Brown with expanding programs by picking up ideas during his monthly site visits.

The re-invention efforts also appear in business operations, where use of the Internet and numeric codes is streamlining registration for programs. ResOURces is saving money and trees by moving online, where the potential audience is larger.

“We’re making more of an effort to reach out rather than wait for people to come to us,” Walsh says. Examples are Hunter Mill Medleys, the free concerts at Frying Pan Farm Park, and shelters at Hidden Oaks and Huntley Meadows. To the public, those shelters are picnic sites. To the Park Authority, they are outdoor classrooms. The

concerts and new shelters are extensions of successful events and facilities at other park sites.

All are extensions of RMD’s stated goal to build stewardship within the community, and they fulfill RMD’s mission to “interpret and preserve Fairfax County’s natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, health and inspiration of current and future generations.”

If It Works, Do It Again

Education is a part of the new wagon rides at Huntley Meadows.

Examples of RMD’s re-invention: • Wagon rides expanded to new

park sites

• Cross-site staff support of major park events such as car and quilt shows at Sully Historic Site, the Indian Festival at Riverbend and the 4-H Fair at Frying Pan

• Riverbend staff host programs at Dranesville Tavern

• Free concerts at Frying Pan Farm Park

• New picnic pavilions/shelters

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

The success of wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park gave rise to expansion of the program to Huntley Meadows.

S U B S C R I B E

S T E W A R D S H I P

7Winter 2011

We’re doing what comes naturally.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is

celebrating its 60th year, and marking that milestone is as

natural as taking care of our parks.

Commemoration, a word with the same roots as memory, does not merely mean a celebration, but a remembrance. The need to commemorate is human nature, and most religious, secular and seasonal celebrations are cyclical.

Perhaps it’s our circadian rhythms that drive our desire to mark seasonal and an-niversary celebrations. We are cyclical beings with internal biological clocks that track the passage of every 24 hours. Although scientists speculate on the obvious relation to Earth’s rotation, they’re still learning about the biological or chemical processes that trigger our cyclical selves.

Most organisms have biological rhythms. Birds celebrate and sing in the morning or an-nounce spring’s return, natural signs that the cycle is restarting. Earth’s revolutions around

the sun are deemed worthy of celebration by most human cultures.

Egypt probably was the first Western culture to commemorate cycles using a solar calendar. The Egyptians noticed that Nile River floods routinely followed the annual appearance of Sirius, the Dog Star. The Romans, from whom we get our current calendar names, followed a Greek calen-dar that started in March, ended in December and ignored the entire winter, almost 60 days. Perhaps not a bad practice.

Those 60 winter days became January and February, so named by Numa Pompilius 800 years BCE to designate two extra tax months. The two-faced Janus was the god of gates and doors. A door could look both ways, and so January was the “connec-tion” – either the end of the previous year or the start of the coming year. Februalia was the early Latin designation for a length of time dedicated to sacrifice to atone for one’s sins. That’s why it was good for taxes.

In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar, on the advice of the astronomer Sosigenes, created the

current system of 12 months comprising 365 and 1/4 days. To catch the calendar up to the solar cycle, the Romans decreed the year 46 BCE to be 445 days long. They commemo-rated it as the “Year of Confusion,” as good a name as any. In the Roman calendar, every month had 30 or 31 days except February, which contained 29, and every fourth year had 30. Thus leap year was invented.

By 1582, the system had fallen behind the solar year by three

months. To catch up, Pope Gregory XIII turned October 5 into October 15. Presto! Ten days gone. However, the calen-dar would fall behind again. The astronomers again were consulted

and the Pope decreed that, in addi-tion to each routine leap year, which

is always a year evenly divisible by four, only those century years divisible by 400, instead of four, would be leap years. The next century leap year after 1600 was 2000. 1700, 1800 and 1900, although they qualified as routine leap years, were arbitrarily not leap years. So February 29, 2000, was special. I hope you celebrated, because to commemorate that event again you’ll have to wait until 2400.

Caesar took a perfectly good month, Quintilis, (which referred to the fifth month when March was the first) and renamed it in honor of himself. Therefore, we have July. Caesar Augustus then had to have his month, so the former Sextilis, for sixth, became August. Tiberius, Caligula and the rest must have been uninterested in monthly names. Thus, September (seventh), October (eighth), November (ninth) and December (tenth) are not those numeric months.

Based on the calendar, the Park Author-ity celebrates its diamond anniversary this year. A good birthday commemoration tells us we’re among family and friends. So bring some family and join some friends in a park for a celebration. We suggest marking 60 years of Fairfax County parks with us on December 4 at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Commemorate! Get Your Party On!By Michael McDonnell, Manager, Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Make it a family day commemoration on December 4 at Frying Pan Farm Park.

C E L E B R AT I N G H I S T O R Y

8 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

When you make your spring trek to Frying Pan Farm Park to see the newborns, you’ll have to

know how to talk to the animals. You’ll need these words down on the farm: cutting, clip-ping, shearing, sorting, spreading, stripping and turnover.

These words describe the activities of spring, the busiest season at Frying Pan Farm Park. Animal husbandry and crop pro-duction fight for the farmer’s time, and these are the words a farmer uses when plans go well. When they don’t, he sometimes adds a few others.

Let’s get cutting out of the way first, in case you’re close to meal time. Cutting

animals refers to castrat-ing the male newborns that the farmer doesn’t need for breeding. Most male farm animals are castrated since the need for breeding sires usually is filled by one or two lucky animals. The number needed depends on the

number of females in the herd or flock and the time of the year. The need for sires on a farm has decreased with the development of artificial insemination, which is more cost efficient.

Clipping and shearing are grooming terms. You likely guessed that shearing refers to removing wool from sheep. This is done in the spring and summer depending on the breed of sheep and the need for wool. Did you know that goats, such as angora, also

can be sheared?

Clipping is the act of giving a cow, goat or horse a haircut. Pigs can be clipped, but that usually is done only when the pig is being shown at a fair. The other species are clipped in spring for health and comfort reasons. Removing winter hair keeps animals cooler and promotes new hair growth. Dairy cattle often are clipped all over. At a minimum, the

udder, belly and rear legs must be clipped to protect the milk from excess hair. This is called a “dairy cut.”

The other words in our list are simple. Sorting separates newborns by quality. This

evaluation is critical to future savings and success and is usually done when the animal is a month or two old. Spreading refers to putting

manure and bedding waste on the crop fields. The ground is usually so wet during the winter that waste may have been stockpiled for months. Stripping is the act of getting all of the milk out of an udder by hand. Turnover is the turning over of the ground while the plow cuts the top cover and brings the lower soil to the top. Hopefully, it puts the weeds and their seeds underground, too.

This takes care of your vocabulary list for spring. The farmer’s language works. It is easier to tell a farmhand to strip her out than to tell him to take all of the milk out of her udder by hand milking.

Stop by Kidwell Farm at Frying Pan this spring and ask the farmers who’s been cut, clipped, sheared or sorted that day.

Author Todd Brown is the Operations Branch Man-ager of the Park Authority’s Resource Management Division. Prior to his promotion to his current position, Brown was the Site Manager at Frying Pan Farm Park.

True Blue Honors for Frying Pan

Government pork is not always a bad thing. Frying Pan Farm Park made a big splash at the Virginia

State Fair livestock competition when two park pigs won blue ribbons.

Splash placed first in the Mature Divi-sion and fellow Yorkshire cross breed Rhino took first in the Market Division on October 2 at the fair in Doswell, Virginia. Frying Pan Farm Park placed fourth overall in the Market Division. Judges evaluate each animal on its soundness in structure, muscling, body fat, width, frame size and general appearance. Spectators noted Frying Pan’s animals were well-treated and well-behaved in the show ring.

“I was very pleased with our pigs, but especially happy with the farm staff. They were true professionals and really made Frying Pan and the Park Authority proud,” said Tawny Ham-mond, Frying Pan Farm Park Manager. “They put Frying Pan on the map.”

How to Talk Like a FarmerBy Todd Brown

Farm hands Nicole Falceto and Jake Bruton pause for a moment with Frying Pan Farm Park’s Blue Ribbon pigs.

Photo by Paul Nicholson

Do you know who is going to get cut, clipped, sheared or sorted this spring?

A G R I C U LT U R E

9Winter 2011

Fellows Honored with Environmental Excellence Award

The natural resource specialist who coordi-nates the Park Authority’s

Invasive Management Area (IMA) program has received a 2010 Environmental Excel-lence Award from Fairfax County. Meghan Fellows was recognized at a September Board of Supervisors meeting for her dedication, leadership, vision and outreach efforts in developing and implementing the IMA program.

The award is based on the advancement or support of the board’s environmental goals and policy statements, dedication of personal time and expertise, and leadership as a role model. The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council administers the award program, which is supported by the county’s environmental coordinator and the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Help Reduce Invasive Plants in Parks

The fight against invasive plants does not stop during cold months. Winter is a good time for invasive removal because poison ivy, yellow jackets and ticks aren’t as distracting or threatening as they are in warmer months.

Help prevent invasive plants from spreading on parkland.

Volunteer for the Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area program.

An Invasive Management Area team in action at Mason District Park.

10 more things a kid should do in a county park before turning 10:

• Make a mud pie or dig a hole outdoors in Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks.

• Celebrate a birthday at a nature center.

• Attend a puppet show.

• Learn from a naturalist how to find, capture, hold, hear and release a patent leather beetle.

• Shell corn at Frying Pan Farm Park.

• Grind corn in a hand-held mortar and pestle at Sully Historic Site.

• Sled down a snowy slope.

• Find and identify animal tracks in snow.

• Swim at a RECenter or the Water Mine.

• Look at something until you’ve seen everything there is to see about that thing. Then look at it for two more minutes.

• See previous issues of ResOURces to learn more things kids can do in the parks. Click on the Standard pdf link at ResOURces.

Dig into Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks.

Have a birthday party in a park.Swimming doesn’t stop

because it’s cold outside. Hit a RECenter pool this winter.

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

10 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

H I S T O R Y

See History by Candlelight.

Step into the parlor where a lady cuts silhouettes for family pictures. On another night, chat with volunteers

packing a Christmas box of clothing, food and treats for Confederate soldiers who just fought in a nearby Civil War battle. In another room, meet the young ladies preparing for a holiday ball.

Where will you see this? At Sully His-toric Site in Chantilly, which again will offer candlelight tours this holiday season. Tour the home of Northern Virginia’s first congressman on Dec. 11, 12 and 18. Ride a wagon to the house built in 1794 by Richard Bland Lee, an uncle to Gen. Robert E. Lee, and learn about Christmas customs of the 19th century.

Events and Marketing Coordinator Barbara Ziman says each night of the candlelight tours will feature a different time period: Federal, Victorian or Civil War. Don’t fret if you’ve been there before; there are different programs each year, and Ziman says they shake things up completely every few years.

You’ll be met at the house by an interpreter who will introduce you to Sully. Step into the dining room and learn about foods of the period. Glide into the parlor, where someone might be making Christmas decora-tions or singing period tunes. On another night, head up to a bedchamber to see girls primp-ing for an evening of dance or reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

In the east wing, you’ll find a Christ-mas tree decorated in Victorian splendor. The ornaments are described in a letter

from the mid-1880s, the first reference to a Christmas tree at Sully.

In keeping with 19th century tradi-tions, Christmas decorations through-out the rest of the house are sparse. Of course, there were no lights then, so there aren’t any at Sully, just candles. No piles of gifts un-der the tree, either. Ziman says there was no mass gift giving at the time.

“This is a historic Christmas.” So they deck the halls, doors and mantles of Sully with greens, ivy and holly.

Christmas was a religious holiday and a time that family and friends gathered, and Zi-man says Sully tries to give visitors a sense of what a family was doing in this season. “It’s a unique opportunity to see a historic house lit by candles the way it would have been 200 years ago.”

As a 21st century visitor, you’ll be able to make ornaments and hear carolers and music dating from Sully’s early years. Munch a cookie and sip some cider while taking in a cooking demonstration in Sully’s open hearth kitchen.

The candlelight tours usually sell out, and there may be pent-up demand this year be-cause two nights were snowed out last year. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children. For information, call Sully at 703-437-1794.

Park Authority Mourns Loss of Sully Foundation Officer

The Fairfax County Park Authority lost a long-time sup-porter of parks this past fall. Thom F. Hanes died at Fairfax Hospital on September 18 at age 74. Hanes was the first Chairman of the Board of Direc-tors for the Sully Foundation, Ltd.

Hanes worked closely with the Park Authority and helped assure funds for the Sully Historic Site museum. He was the treasurer of the Sully Foundation at the time of his death. The Park Authority is grateful for his service to the site and the agency.

A Flicker of History By Lori K. Weinraub, Park Authority Volunteer

Sully by candlelight is an opportunity to see into history.

There are no lights on the branches or gifts under the limbs of an historic Sully Christmas tree.

11Winter 2011

P R E S E R VAT I O N

What’s the oldest, most valuable object in the Park Authority’s

Museum Collection?

That’s like asking parents to select their favorite child. However, parents do know which child is oldest, and a little

customizing of software helps us pinpoint our oldest objects.

There are approximately ten items in the museum collections that were made prior to 1750. Among them are:

• A pair of English, Queen Anne style turned brass candlesticks

• A molded pewter spoon with a ‘rat tail’ handle

• A drop-leaf dining table with hand-carved cabriole legs

• Two leather-bound typeset books printed in Latin and French

• A hand-crafted flax spinning wheel which descended through the Lee family and that is currently on exhibit at Sully Historic Site

Each Resource Management Division historic site has objects of significant historic value. Just as parents with their children, we don’t value any one object in the collection more than another. Most objects in the collection are handled equally, in controlled, stable environ-

ments, with careful consideration for each item’s composition. Ap-propriate care and preventive conservation techniques keep these rich pieces of Fairfax County history preserved for future generations.

A few objects, however, have precise storage and handling needs. The Lee silver tankard, a 1780 hand-crafted Philadelphia beaker with domed lid, is still used today for ceremonial toasts during Lee family christenings. The tankard requires white-glove treatment and has to be packed and handled under special conditions.

There’s more than monetary value at stake. The early 20th century wood broom-making machine on exhibit in the Colvin Run Mill barn was handcrafted and used in the Great Falls community by a man who was blind and self-supporting. Its historic value lies in the story it tells, a story that is worthy of preservation.

Another historically outstanding object in the collection is the lock of George Washington’s hair that was presented to Elizabeth Collins Lee by Martha Washington. A common 18th century tradition, receipt of hair from a famous deceased person was considered a great honor and accepted with deep respect. We continue to treat it today with the same honor and respect.

If you have questions about the care of your family heirlooms, see the Spring 2009 issue of ResOURces or contact Museum Collections at 703-631-1429.

This is the third time Fairfax County has captured the award. Fairfax parks also were hon-ored with the Gold Medal in 1983 and 2002. Since the award was established in 1965, only one agency, Maryland National Capital Parks, has won the Category I Gold Medal four times. Other three-time winners along with Fairfax County are agencies from Cleveland, Long Beach and Miami.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said, “This is a wonderful rec-ognition of the outstanding work our Park Authority has done. People love their parks in Fairfax County. They help provide the excellent quality of life our community values.”

Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie offered his congratulations to the agency, stating, “The entire county and its residents will certainly celebrate what we have known, that Fairfax County has the best park system in the country; and now it has been acknowledged.” Bouie added, “We could not have done it without the support of the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive and his team. We thank them for their belief in our mission and their recognition of the importance of parks in our community.”

The Park Authority’s video entry, part of the award requirements, is online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/pr103-10.htm.

Gold Medal, from page 1

Rarefied Care for Rare ArtifactsBy Susan Y. Clark, Museum Collections Manager

The Lee family still uses this 230-year-old tankard at family ceremonies.

An early typeset, leather-bound book.

Thank a coach,

thank a teacher,

thank a friend

with a Park Authority Gift Card!

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

12 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

For costumed or contemporary weddings, family reunions, meetings or any gathering, rent one of Fairfax County’s beautiful historic properties.

Cabell’s Mill in Centreville • Clark House in Falls Church

Dranesville Tavern in Dranesville • Great Falls Grange in Great Falls

Hunter House in Vienna • Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls

Stone Mansion in Alexandria • Wakefield Chapel in Annandale

Call 703-827-0269, or visit Historic Properties Rental Services online.

The Civil War in Fairfax County

Hundreds of thousands of troops passed through Fairfax County during the Civil War. Peyton Anderson was one.

While he was here, Anderson became the first Confederate soldier wounded in the war.

Red Cross founder Clara Barton tended to soldiers here, and the first use of air reconnaissance to direct military fire occurred in the county during the war.

Learn more about Civil War events that took place in Fairfax County at fxva. Learn about the county’s many Civil War sites by downloading the brochure Conflict and Courage in Fairfax County.

Civil war commemorations are scheduled from 2011 through 2015 during the war’s sesquicentennial. The signature event for Fairfax County will be the Commemoration of the Battle of Ox Hill in September 2012.

This Winter, Go DarkSeek out Dark Skies.

Do you know what goes bump in the night in your back yard? Do you know

about the stars you aren’t seeing or about light pollution and its ef-fects on wildlife?

Many of us saw the Milky Way when we were kids. We can’t now, not from Fairfax County. The night skies are too bright. That’s light from 200 or 300 billion stars we’ve washed out, based on astronomers’ approximations of stars in the galaxy.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is launching a Dark Skies cam-paign. You can help by reducing light pollution at home:

• Point your outdoor lights toward the ground. You’ll get the light you need where you need it

• Don’t use more bulb wattage than you need

• Use motion sensors, dimmers or timers

• Notify elected officials if street lights in your neighborhood are too bright or are pointing toward the sky

Learn more about Dark Skies and light pollution in the Winter 2008 issue of ResOURces or through the Globe at Night program or from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Cabell’s Mill is one of eight historic sites in Fairfax County you can rent for any social occasion.

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

A Fairfax County, VA., publication

Historic Properties Rental Services

Light pollution can affect wildlife patterns such as the migration patterns of butterflies.

H I S T O R I C P R O P E R T I E S / H I S T O R Y / S T E W A R D S H I P

13Winter 2011

M A I L B O X

In The Mailbox

Help Fairfax County’s parks as you shop!

Start here: www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/

Shop-for-Parks.html

Support Fairfax County parks as you shop for the holidays. When-ever you shop on Amazon.com

or sell on eBay, start your trip on the Park Foundation’s web page.

When you sign on through the Foundation website, a percentage

of your transaction goes to the Foundation to improve parks.

To: Parkmail via Email

My mom passed the Winter 2010 Resources newsletter to me so that I could read about Mike McCaffrey. I volunteered at Hidden Pond through middle and high school, and Mike and the other staff at Hidden Pond made a huge difference in my life. Before meeting them, I skipped school and got into trouble on a regular basis because I was bored. My mom made me volunteer, and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I had no idea that science and nature could be so interesting and that I was a valuable person capable of grown-up responsibilities and teaching others. After my first year at Hidden Pond, I changed all my class electives to science and math and later went to college for horticulture and landscape architecture. I now work for Arlington County designing parks. I would have been lost without Hidden Pond. The staff there taught me so many valuable skills. Please forward this email on to Mike’s boss (and their boss!) so that they know how important and influential he (and Clara, Jim and Sheila) are to teenagers.

Thank you!

Christine Simpson

To Dawn Kehrer, Collections Coordinator, Colvin Run Mill Historic Site:

Hi Dawn,

Thanks so much for helping White Oaks arrange our field trip to Colvin Run Mill. We had an awesome time! It’s such a wonderful field trip. The teachers are always amazed by how engaged our students are and how much they learn from your staff. Thanks so much for making it a meaningful trip for us! Nicole Showalter3rd grade teacherWhite Oaks Elementary

Shop for

Parks

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14 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

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.

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

COLVIN RUN MILL HISTORIC SITE10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls(off Route 7, west of Tysons Corner)703-759-2771www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm

Children’s Holiday ShoppingDecember 4 and 5, 10am-2pm Saturday, Noon-4pm Sunday, FreeVolunteers help children find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists. Free wrapping. Adults must wait on site.

Santa at the MillDecember 11, 3-6pm, $6Bring your list to Santa in the mill and enjoy an afternoon of family holiday fun. Sing along with costumed soldiers around the bonfire. Decorate a stocking, roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate.

Model Train DisplayDecember 18 and 19, 11am-4pm, FreeG-gauge trains wend their way through a min-iature western town in the Colvin Run Barn.

Maple Syrup Boil-DownFebruary 13, 27 and March 6, Noon-2pm, $2The 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. While supplies last!

Mill Run Dulcimer Band ConcertMarch 20, 2-4pm, FreeWelcome the band back to the barn for the first toe-tappin’ concert of the season.

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK AND WALNEY VISITOR CENTER5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 20151703-631-0013www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl

Kids’ Korner (3-5 yrs.) Preschool children learn a little nature and a little history once a month, ac-companied by an adult. $5

January: OwlsJan. 3: Code: 274 187 8801, 9:30-10:30am Jan. 6: Code: 274 187 8803, 1-2pm Jan. 13: Code: 274 187 8804, 1-2pm Jan. 17: Code: 274 187 8802, 9:30-10:30am

February: Flying SquirrelsFeb. 3: Code: 274 187 8807, 1-2pm Feb. 7: Code: 274 187 8805, 9:30-10:30am Feb. 10: Code: 274 187 8808, 1-2pm Feb. 14: Code: 274 187 8806, 9:30-10:30am

March: Spotted SalamandersMarch 10: Code: 274 1878812, 1-2pm, March 11: Code: 274 1878815, 9:30-10:30am March 14: Code: 274 187 8809, 9:30-10:30am March 16: Code: 274 187 8810, 9:30-10:30am

March 17: Code: 274 187 8813, 1-2pm March 18: Code: 274 187 8816, 9:30-10:30am March 23: Code: 274 187 8811, 1-2pm March 24: Code: 274 187 8814, 2-3pm

Winter Wonder CampfireDec. 4, Code: 274 487 2101, 6-7:30pm, $6(Families) Bundle up and discover animal strategies for surviving winter. Enjoy s’mores.

Holidays at Walney FarmDec. 11, Code: 274 487 2201, 1-2:30pm, $5(All ages) Learn about the gifts and foods of an 1850 Virginia farm. Create your own his-toric holiday ornament. Enjoy hot apple cider and baked treats.

Night HikeDec. 15, Code: 274 487 2301, 7-8pm, $5(Families) Take a nighttime walk with a natu-ralist to search for wildlife.

Holiday Shopping AfternoonDec. 18, Code: 274 487 2401, 11am-3pm, $20(6-11 yrs.) Adults have the afternoon free for last minute shopping and/or wrapping. Kids participate in games, nature crafts and activi-ties, shop at center’s gift store, eat lunch and roast s’mores. Bring a bag lunch (s’mores provided) and money for holiday shopping.

(Reservations required for most activities)

The maple syrup boil-down is a spring tradition at Colvin Run Mill.

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Barred OwlsDec. 18, Code: 274 487 2501, 6-7:30pm, $6(Families) Enjoy an evening hike and campfire to learn about owls.

Stream Side SalamandersDec. 19, Code: 274 487 2601, 9-10:30am, $5(8 yrs. and up) Yes, even in winter we can find sala manders. Hike to a nearby stream to search for them.

Nature Snoopers - OwlsJanuary 3, Code: 274 187 8901, 3-4pm, $5(5-6 yrs.) Come learn about our coolest nocturnal resident. Go for a walk and look for owls.

Winter Tracks and Signs Jan. 8, Code: 274 187 9001, 9:30-10:30am, $5(Families) Come search the park’s stream beds for animal tracks and other signs of winter.

Birds of Prey Jan. 8: Code: 274 187 9101, 10am-6pm, $32Feb. 5: Code: 274 187 9102, 10am-6pm, $32(Adults)Visit local “hot spots” in search of wintering and resident hawks and owls. Bring binoculars and a bag lunch to eat on the go. Dress for the weather.

Ice Making in 19th Century Fairfax January 9, Code: 274 187 8701, 1-2:30pm, $6(All ages) Learn how ice was harvested and stored on Walney Farm in the 19th century. Make and eat ice cream.

Jr. Naturalists - Owls Jan. 10, Code: 274 187 9201, 3-4pm, $5(7-11 yrs.) Come learn about our coolest nocturnal resident.

Barred Owls Campfire Jan. 16, Code: 274 187 2501, 6-7:30pm, $6(Families) Enjoy an evening hike and campfire to learn about owls.

Cedar Forests Jan. 23, Code: 274 187 9302, 9-10:30am, $6(8 yrs. and up) Since most trees lose their leaves in winter, animals seek out cedar forests for shelter. Enter our secretive cedar forest and discover what is hiding.

Feeding Day! Jan. 24: Code: 274 187 9401, 3pm, $5 Feb. 21: Code: 274 187 9402, 3pm, $5(Families) The Walney display animals are hungry! Join a naturalist and youth volunteers as we demonstrate how we feed our site display animals.

Waterfowl HuntJan. 28, Code: 274 187 9501, 7am-3pm, $32(Adults) Learn field identification and natural history of waterfowl by hunting local hot spots. Bald eagles cluster in these areas, too. Bring a bag lunch.

Groundhog Day! Feb. 6, Code: 274 187 9701, 1-2pm, $5(Families) Meet our larger-than-life Walney groundhog! Learn the story behind Ground-hog Day and interesting facts about this animal.

Nature Snoopers – Flying SquirrelsFeb. 7, Code: 274 188 8801, 3-4pm, $5(5-6 yrs.) Learn about local flying squirrels, their habits and habitats on a short forest hike.

Birds Around Us Feb. 13, Code: 274 187 9901, 10-11am, $5(Families) Find out about bird life cycles, migration patterns and adaptations that make birds such fascinating animals.

Jr. Naturalists – Flying SquirrelsFeb. 14, Code: 274 188 9201, 3-4pm, $5(7-11 yrs.) Learn about local flying squirrels, their habits and habitats on a short forest hike.

Campfire Night Hike - Predators at Night Feb. 16, Code: 274 188 0101, 6-7:30pm, $6(Families) Not all predators are sleeping. En-joy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunt-ers. End the evening with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows around a campfire.

Bird Banding Feb. 19, Code: 274 188 0201, 1:30-3pm, $6(6 yrs. and up) See hand-held birds close-up. Discover how they are captured, examined and banded.

Home Made Bird Feeders Feb. 20, Code: 274 188 0301, 9:30-10:30am, $5(Families) Bring your empty milk jugs and two-liter soda bottles to make bird feeders. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

Wood Frogs!March 4, Code: 274 188 8701, 7-8:30pm, $5(8 yrs. and up) Help collect and release frogs and use recording data for our amphibian survey. Wear water-proof boots and bring flashlights.

Owl CampfireMarch 12, Code: 274 187 1601, 6-7pm, $5(Families) Meet our resident barred owl and listen for night sounds.

Nature Snoopers - Spotted SalamandersMarch 14, Code: 274 187 9801, 3-4pm, $5(5-6 yrs.) Search for these awesome amphib-ians. Learn why they are important to us and the forest.

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

Learn about barred owls and other predators at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

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16 ResOURces www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

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

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

Jr. Naturalists - Spotted Salamanders March 21, Code: 274 188 0001, 3-4pm, $5(7-11 yrs. old) Search for these awesome amphibians.

FRYING PAN FARM PARK2709 West Ox RoadHerndon, VA 20171703-437-9101www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp

Frying Pan has indoor and outdoor riding are-nas, trails and jump equipment. Horse shows make regular use of the facilities. Please call for availability. Cost: (with your own horse) $8/horse per hour; $13/per horse per hour with instructor. Frying Pan Farm Park does not provide riding lessons or rent horses.

Virginia Hunter Horse Show Series Saturdays: December 11, January 8, February 5, and March 26, 8am No reservations required. Walk, trot and canter beginner horse show. Held indoors rain or shine. Spectators free.

Just Jumper Horse Show Series Sundays: December 19, January 16, February 6, and March 13, 9amNo reservations required. Watch local resi-dents compete for a blue ribbon in a variety of jumping classes. Held indoors rain or shine. Spectators free.

Acoustic JamDecember 5, 19; January 2, 16; February, 6, 20; 1-4pm, FreeJoin an old-fashioned knee-slappin’, finger-

poppin’, toe-tappin’ good time! Bring your instrument to this drop-in session at the Country Store.

Little Hands on the Farm (2-3 year olds), 9:45am, $7Jan. 10, Code: 282 186 2301Jan. 24, Code: 282 186 2302Feb. 14, Code: 282 186 2303Feb. 28, Code: 282 186 2304

(3-5 year olds), 9:45am, $7Jan. 10, Code: 282 186 2401Jan. 24, Code: 282 186 2402Feb. 14, Code: 282 186 2403Feb. 28, Code: 282 186 2404Mar. 14, Code: 282 186 2405Join us in the barn to meet a farm animal, en-joy a story, craft or game, and pretend to be the farmer with fun “chores.” Each program is different.

60 Years of Parks - Anniversary Celebration and Capstone EventDecember 4, 1-7pm, Free entranceCelebrate the Park Authority’s 60th Anni-versary with seasonal festivities. Live music, equestrian demonstrations and a farm house visit, Children’s Holiday Shopping at the Country Store. Meet Santa and make holiday

crafts. Tour the farm and the new equestrian facilities. Wagon rides, warming fires, carolers and holiday photo sta tions.

Christmas at the FarmDecember 4, $8Code:282 487 3201, 12:30-1:30pmCode:282 487 3202, 2:30-3:30pm(Families) Take a wagon ride with Santa. Ac-tivities include a holiday craft and a Christmas puppet show. Dress for the weather.

Children’s Holiday ShoppingDecember 4, 12:30-3:30pmMeet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse. Volun-teers help children shop in the Country Store for everybody on their holiday list.

Magic Toy Shop Puppet ShowDecember 28, $4Code: 282 487 3301, 10-10:40amCode: 282 487 3302, 11:30am-12:10pm(Families) Join Master Puppeteer Bob Brown in a brand new production of Magic Toyshop.

Raise the Rafters and Game Day - Rhythm Around the World TourJanuary 9, 2-3pm, Free(6 yrs and up) Take a musical journey around the globe.

Children can do their holiday shopping at several park sites in December.

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W I N T E R E V E N T SW I N T E R E V E N T S

Groundhog’s Day Out January 30, Code: 282 188 0401, 2-3:30pm, $5(Families) Groundhog Day comes a little early at Frying Pan. Visit a groundhog burrow. Learn about groundhogs and other ways to predict the weather.

Raise the Rafters and Game Day - Musical Camera SafariFebruary 6, 2-3pm, Free (6 yrs and up) Listen to the world of animal sounds through a variety of musical instru-ments.

Winter on the Farm February 27, 1-2:30pm or 3-4:30pm, $7Bundle up and enjoy a wagon ride, visit with the new babies and sample seasonal activi-ties.

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

Putting the Animals to Bed March 22, Code: 282 186 2501, 7-8pm, $6March 24, Code: 282 186 2502, 7-8pm, $6When evening shadows spread, 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.

Kite Fun Day at the FarmMarch 26, 10:30am-noon or 1-2:30pm, $8/child(Families) Make and decorate kites; watch them soar. Kite flying activities for children 10 yrs. and under.

GREEN SPRING GARDENS 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312703-642-5173www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/

Light Up the SolsticeDec. 4, Code: 290 487 3901, 2-3pm, $8(ages 5 and up) Light up the coming winter with two candles that you make with bees-wax.

Winter Wreaths WorkshopDec. 4, Code: 290 487 5102, 1-3:30pm, $50Create a beautiful winter wreath to take home after Northern Virginia Community College instructor Bruce Nash demonstrates the daz-zling possibilities. Bring pruners.

Gardeners’ Holiday Open House: Celebrating the Winter GardenDec. 5, Noon-4pm, FreeShop for holiday gifts, make crafty, holiday-inspired creations, listen to seasonal mu-sic, enjoy refreshments and view beautiful decorations.

Winter Candlelight TeaDec. 11 or 18, Call park for reserva-tions, 4-5:30pm, $27 (12 yrs. and under $18) Tea by candlelight and stories of Christmas past. Traditional music, decorations and teatime treats will take you back to the early days of the Historic House.

Garden Sprouts - Snip, Snip, Snow! Jan. 3, Code: 290 188 2901, 11am-noon, $5(ages 3-5) Find out how snow crystals grow into snowflakes and how to make your own.

Basic Gardening: Lush Feathery FernsJan. 7, Code: 290 188 4701, 1:30-2:30pm, $12Master Gardeners show you how the diver-sity of ferns allows their use throughout the landscape, whether sunny or shady.

Let It Snow: Snow Crystal Work-shopJan. 8, Code: 290 188 3201, 2pm-3pm, $6(ages 5 and up) Listen to the story of “Snow-flake Bentley” and learn how snow is made. Craft your own snowflakes of crystal, paper and pipe cleaners.

Basic Gardening: Roses, Glorious Roses Jan. 22, Code: 290 188 4801, 9:30-10:30am, $10Master Gardeners help you discover the wonderful world of roses! Learn the basics of selection, cultivation tips and how to incorpo-rate roses into your landscape.

The Parlor Garden TeaJan. 23, Call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27 The houseplant hobby began with the botany craze of the 1800s. See how the Victorians’

Enjoy a little warmth and elegance at a Green Spring Gardens tea this winter.

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love of indoor gardening transformed their parlors into bowers of ferns, palms and aspi-distras, and look at innovative ways to bring the outdoors inside today.

Book Discussion Group Jan. 26, Code: 290 188 5201, 6-7:30pm, $5Expand your gardening knowledge in a social setting. Join us at Green Spring for a discus-sion of the book Gardening for a Lifetime by Sydney Eddison.

Needle Felting WorkshopJan. 29, (18-Adult) Code: 290 188 5701, 9:30am-11:30, $25Learn the basics of this unique fiber arts craft.

Workshop: Painting Rocks and Cliffs Jan. 29, Code: 290 188 4401, 9:30am-3:30pm, $72Enjoy the day with artist and teacher Carolyn Grosse Gawarecki painting rocks and cliffs in watercolor. Discuss the shape and textures of rocks exposed to the sea, rivers and desert winds. Class geared to intermediate and experienced beginners. Bring a bag lunch.

6th Annual Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange Feb. 5, 12:30–4pmLectures, a face-to-face seed swap and more. $15/person, $10 for Washington Gardener subscribers and Friends of Green Spring.

Basic Gardening: Spring Maintenance Feb. 4, Code: 290 188 4901, 1:30-2:30pm, $10 Master Gardeners will show you everything you need to do in early spring, including cutting back, cleaning up, edging, weeding, planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing and top dressing.

Flower Fun in February Feb. 5, Code: 290 188 3301, 2pm-3pm, $6(ages 5 and up) Flowers in winter? You bet! Get a jump on spring. Create an early bou-quet by coaxing pussy willow and forsythia branches to bloom indoors.

Tasting Party: Salt Feb. 5, Code: 290 188 5801, 10:30am-noon, $22(13-Adult) We will demystify the world of salt as we sample the basic types as well as ex-otic gourmet varieties. Hear about salt history and health, measuring and cooking guidelines and how to pair salts with specific foods.

Garden Sprouts - Predator and Prey Feb. 7, Code: 290 188 3001, 11am-noon, $5(ages 3-5) Who eats what and who eats whom in the wild? Learn about the food chain and how animals protect themselves.

Starting from Scratch with SeedsFeb. 12, Code: 290 188 5301, 9:30-11am, $22 Grow flowers, vegetables and herbs from seed and expand your garden.

Valentine’s Day Tea: Love StoriesFeb. 13, Call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27Explore some of the many roads to “happily ever after” with storyteller Margaret Chatham.

Lovely Low-Maintenance GardensFeb. 19, Code: 290 188 5401, 10:30am-noon, $15Brenda Skarphol, Green Spring curatorial horticulturist, leads you to marvelous, multi-season plant combinations and eco-friendly gardening techniques.

7th Annual EcoSavvy Gardening SymposiumFeb. 26, Code: 290 188 5501, 8:30am-4pm, $50This symposium brings together experts to share practical information on environmental issues. Sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Fashions of the Tea TableFeb. 27, Call park for reservations, 1-3pm, $27The history of teatime accessories – china, linens and silverware – tells the story of tea-drinking through the ages. View beautiful teatime collectibles.

Worm WorkshopMarch 3, 2pm-3pm, Code: 290 188 3401, $6 without kit - Code: 290 188 3402, $25 with kit(ages 5 and up) Explore the dark and won-

derful world of worms in our indoor compost bin. Learn how to build your own 10-gallon bin.

Workshop: Pruning for the Homeowner March 5, Code: 290 188 4501, 9:30am-noon, $30Learn how to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a pleasing natural shape and abundant flowering. Hands-on training.

Garden Sprouts - One Potato, Two Potato March 7, Code: 290 188 3101, 11am-noon, $5(ages 3-5) It’s time for tubers. Come learn about potatoes.

Basic Gardening: Grow Plants from Seeds March 12, Code: 290 188 5001, 9:30-10:30am, $10Master Gardeners present seed starting basics. Discover how to expand the variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs in your garden by growing them from seed.

An Afternoon with Julia ChildMarch 19, Call park for reservations, 1-3:30pm, Program only: $12; Program + tea: $32Award-winning actress Mary Ann Jung performs as Julia Child, the witty Queen of Cuisine! As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, meet the wonderful woman who entertained us as she changed culinary history.

Urban Small Space Gardening March 19, Code: 290 188 5601, 10-11:30am, $18(18-Adult) Whether you have a townhouse garden or a small lot in the city, we’ll talk about creative ways to cope and maximize the space.

Basic Gardening: Gardening for Birds March 25, Code: 290 188 5101, 1:30-2:30pm, $10Learn how to attract a variety of birds to your landscape by providing elements necessary to develop a backyard bird habitat.

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Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series

Then and Now at Green Spring GardensJan. 16, Code: 290 188 3501, 1:30-3pm, $10Learn the story of Green Spring Gardens through photo archives that span 120 years. Green Spring historian Debbie Waugh shows how the landscape evolved.

Tree EssentialsJan. 23, Code: 290 188 360, 11:30-3pm, $10What you always wanted to know about trees, but were afraid to ask. Arborist and author Richard Murray presents a fresh look at trees.

Cheery Cherry Trees Jan. 30, Code: 290 188 3701, 1:30-3pm, $10Join National Park Service staff to learn about the culture and natural history of these beautiful trees.

The Witch Hazel FamilyFeb. 6, Code: 290 188 3801, 1:30-3pm, $10Join Scott Arboretum curator Andrew Bunting for an in-depth look at Hamamelidaceae, the witch hazel family.

Creating Garden Habitats, Big and SmallFeb. 13, Code: 290 188 3901, 1:30-3pm, $10Sustainable landscaper Catherine Zimmer-man shows how you can help resolve wildlife habitat loss by creating beautiful and sustain-able habitats in your own garden.

Smithsonian Gardens: A Hidden Treasure Feb. 20, Code: 290 188 4001, 1:30-3pm, $10Cindy Brown, Smithsonian Gardens Educa-tion and Collections Manager, takes you on a treasure hunt through a tapestry of gardens and collections.

Going Green in the Garden Feb. 27, Code: 290 188 4101, 1:30-3pm, $10Entomologist Dr. Mike Raupp from the Uni-versity of Maryland teaches how to deal with pests effectively without hurting ourselves, our pets and our kids.

Energy-Wise Landscape Design March 6, Code: 290 188 4201, 1:30-3pm, $10Learn how to design your landscape to save

energy and contribute to a healthier environ-ment. Learn fom Sue Reed, a landscape architect with years of ecological design experience.

The King’s Gardener March 13, Code: 290 188 4301, 1:30-3pm, $10History comes alive as you meet America’s first botanist, John Bartram, a traveler, col-lector and father of the nursery industry in the original 13 colonies. Kirk Brown, as John Bartram, takes us back to a time when the new field of plant discovery and identification lead to the development of America’s first public gardens.

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003703-941-1065

Winter Discovery BagDaily, except Tuesday. Available during nature center hours. $1 (Families) Enjoy the 1/3-mile Old Oak Trail, which loops behind the nature center. Each bag contains activities and learning enhance-ments ideal for child and parent adventures.

Winter Scavenger HuntAvailable during nature center hours, $1(All ages) Enjoy outdoor self-guided scaven-ger hunts.

Nature PlayceDawn to dusk, Free(Families) Get outside and enjoy unstruc-tured outdoor play in our 1/3-acre woodland area. Make mud pies, dig into wood chip and leaf piles, build ground forts.

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

Monday Bird Walk 7:30-9:30am, Free(All ages) Discover the resident birds of the Accotink Stream Valley. Bring binoculars.

Forest FledglingsMondays, 9:45-10:30am or 11-11:45am, $5(3-5 yrs.) Classes for parent and child (quiet siblings welcome). Dress for the weather.

Little AcornsAlternate Fridays, starting Jan. 7, 9:45-10:30am or 11-11:45am, $5(2-3 yrs.) Preschool children and their adults begin the joy of sharing the wonders of nature in this interactive program series.

Music of the Civil WarDec. 4, Code: 308 486 9001, 3-4pm, $6(Families) Enjoy live fiddle music and songs of the Civil War.

Explore the world of dinosaurs in a program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

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Flying Squirrels: Gliding in Tonight Join the naturalist calling in these amazing gliders of the night. $6 Dec. 11, Code: 308 486 8903, 6-7pmJan. 15, Code: 308 188 2301, 5:45-6:45pmJan. 23, Code: 308 188 2302, 6-7pmFeb. 6, Code: 308 188 2303, 6:15-7:15pmFeb. 26, Code: 308 188 2304, 6:30-7:30pmMarch 6, Code: 308 188 2305, 6:30-7:30pmMarch 12, Code: 308 188 2306, 6:45-7:45pm

Dinosaur Film, Puppet and Craft FestivalDec. 19, Code: 308 486 9101, 3-4:15pm, $7(4-8 yrs.) Explore fossils, footprints and films as you learn the latest on these fascinating creatures.

Snake and Turtle Feeding: Behind the Scenes Jan. 2, Code: 308 188 2101, 2-3pm, $5(Ages 4 and up) Assist the naturalist feed-ing and caring for the nature center’s live amphibian and reptile exhibit animals.

Dino Puppet Show & ActivitiesJan. 8, Code: 308 188 2201, 2-3pm, $5(3-7 yrs.) How do we know that dinosaurs were here? Enjoy a puppet show along with fun fossil facts.

Groundhog Day Celebration Jan. 30, Code: 308 188 2401, 1:30-2:30pm, $5(Ages 3-10) Prepare for Groundhog’s Day with our costumed characters, Willard and Mother Nature.

Naturalist Corner Science and Nature Fun Jan. 31: Code: 308 188 2501, 1-4pm, $5Feb. 1: Code: 308 188 2502, 9:30am-12:30pm, $5 (Ages 3-12) Explore over a dozen learning and craft stations at your own pace. Meet live animals, play traditional America Indian games, create nature-themed art and learn how to read animal tracks.

Flakey the (naked) SnowmanFeb. 6, Code: 308 188 2601, 1:30-3:00pm, $6(Ages 3-12) Snuggle up with snowman soup

(hot cocoa) and listen to this inspiring tale of friendship and charity as read by local author Amy Tubbs.

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday ExtravaganzaMarch 6, Code: 308 188 2701, 2-3:30pm, $6(Ages 4 and up) Naturalists share the tales of Yertle the Turtle, Gertrude McFuzz and more.

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

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER8511 Greeley BoulevardSpringfield, VA 22152703-451-9588http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hid-denpond/

Wildlife Wednesday-Evergreens & AnimalsDec. 1, Code: 332 487 6101, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6) Join a naturalist for an exploration of local evergreen species and some of the animals that depend on them.

Ponderings-Winter SurvivalDec. 3, Code: 332 487 6201, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 6-10) See how animals found in the wilds of Fairfax County handle the cold winter months.

Nature Quest-Backyard Feeding StationDec. 6, Code: 332 487 6301, 10-11am, $4(Ages 3-6) Our intrepid naturalist shows you how to build a basic wildlife feeding station right in your own backyard.

Walk with a NaturalistDec. 11, Code: 332 487 6401, 10:30-11:45am, $4(All ages) The Pohick Stream Valley offers nature lovers opportunities for wildlife and scenic observation during the winter.

Wildlife Wednesday-Twilight HikeDec. 15, Code: 332 487 6501, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6) No vampires, just our intrepid naturalist leading kids down to the creek to look for beaver, deer and foxes.

Ponderings-Critter CallingDec. 17, Code: 332 487 6601, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 6-10) When it comes to looking for wildlife in our park, you can be sure our naturalists are ready. Kids will try their hand at calling animals.

Nature Quest-TrackingDec. 20, Code: 332 487 6701, 10-11am, $4(Ages 3-6) The younger naturalist set will get the basics of tracking local wildlife.

Nature Quest-Cold and Ice Jan. 3, Code: 332 187 6801, 10-11am, $4(Ages 3-6) See what winter’s harshest of-ferings do to our landscape and how wildlife adapts to survive.

Pohick Rangers: 20-Year Anniver-sary Jan. 3, Code: 332 187 6901, 3-5pm, $150(Ages 6-10) The longest-running program at

Ever wonder what’s in the pond? Find out through the Ponderings programs at Hidden Pond Nature Center.

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Hidden Pond kicks off its 20th season with explorations of wetlands, nocturnal wildlife, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, geology and more. Program meets twice a month, in the field as much as possible. We’ll identify what we see and catch. Program is limited in size. (Subsequent meeting dates and times are: 1/24, 3-5pm; 2/7, 3-5pm; 2/25, 7-9pm; 3/7, 3-5pm; 3/21, 3-5pm; 4/4, 3-5pm; 4/29, 7-10pm; 5/9, 3-5pm; 5/23, 3-5pm; 6/6, 3-5pm; and 6/20, 3-6pm.)

Wildlife Wednesdays-Winter Animal HomesJan. 5, Code: 332 187 7001, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6) This program will take the young naturalists in search for animal homes in our park. It’s all outdoors.

Ponderings-Weasels Jan. 7, Code: 332 187 7101, 4:30-6pm, $4(Ages 6-10) Discover how many weasels live in Fairfax County and learn what their roles are in the food chain.

Thursday Adventures-Shelter Building Jan. 13, Code: 332 187 7201, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 10-12) Learn what it takes to build a quick survival shelter.

In the Wild with the Running Naturalist Jan. 14, Code: 332 187 7301, 3:30-5:30pm, $8 Jan. 28, Code: 332 187 7302, 3:30-5:30pm, $8Feb. 11, Code: 332 187 7303, 3:30-5:30pm, $8 Feb. 25, Code: 332 187 7304, 3:30-5:30pm, $8(Ages 12-15) If you’re a nature lover and want to stay in shape, join our naturalist for a na-ture run with quick stops at scenic locations and for wildlife viewing.

Walk with a Naturalist Jan. 15, Code: 332 187 7401, 10:30-11:45am, $4(All ages) A leisurely walk into the great outdoors at Hidden Pond is a remedy for cabin fever.

Wildlife Wednesday-Who is at the Feeder? Jan. 19, Code: 332 187 7501, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6) Our naturalist will give a short talk on the common birds that visit our bird feeder at Hidden Pond.

Ponderings-Springs, Seeps and Swamp Jan. 21, Code: 332 187 7601, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 6-10) The springs, seeps and swamp may still be frozen, but what better time to take a look for them and check what is going on under the ice?

Adventures-How to Track Jan. 27, Code: 332 187 7701, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 10-12) Be one of the first kids in your class to gain the skills for tracking a fox, a deer or a raccoon.

Wildlife Wednesday-Groundhog Day & More Feb. 2, Code: 332 187 7801, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6pm) The groundhog isn’t nature’s only weather predictor. Several other animals also are credited for their presumed ability to forecast weather. See who they are.

Ponderings-Signs of Spring Feb. 4, Code: 332 187 7901, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 6-10) From the wood frog to the skunk cabbage, see if signs of spring are starting to reveal themselves.

Thursdays Adventures- Camouflage YourselfFeb. 10, Code: 332 187 8001, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 10-12) Not only will the naturalist give you examples of how to camouflage your-self, you also will be put to the test to see if you can keep yourself hidden from fellow participants.

Animal Sweethearts Dance Feb. 12, Code: 332 187 8101, 10am-Noon, $8(Ages 3-8) One of the most popular winter programs at Hidden Pond is back. There will be dancing, valentine crafts and informative nature items.

Nature Quest-Animal ValentinesFeb. 14, Code: 332 187 8201, 10-11am, $4(Ages 3-6) See how birds, foxes and other forest creatures find a mate.

Wildlife Wednesday-Life in a Log Feb. 16, Code: 332 187 8301, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 3-6) Our naturalist knows where to look for wildlife that is active, albeit slow moving.

Ponderings-Winter BirdsFeb. 18, Code: 332 187 8401, 4:30-5:30pm, $4(Ages 6-10) See what species call Fairfax County home during the winter.

Thursdays Adventures-Tree IDFeb. 24, Code: 332 187 8501, 4:30-6pm, $6(Ages 10-12) It is not easy, but with our naturalist leading the way, folks will learn techniques for identifying trees in winter.

Nature Quest-Signs of SpringFeb. 28, Code: 332 187 8601, 10-11am, $4(Ages 3-6) The signs are there, and our naturalist leads the search for them on this leisurely walk into the wilds of Hidden Pond.

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK AND VISITOR CENTER3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22306703-768-2525www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley/

Owl OutingDec. 4, Code: 340 486 6601, 4:30-6:30pm, $6(Adults) Learn about the secret lives of the park’s owls.

Huntley Holiday Happening Dec. 12, 1-4pm, FreeEnjoy an afternoon of shopping with a 10% discount on merchandise, yummy treats and holiday crafts.

Photography Contest OpeningDec. 12, 2-4pm, FreeAdmire this year’s winning entries from the Friends of Huntley Meadows’ annual photog-raphy contest.

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Young Explorers - Holiday CraftsDec. 13, Code: 340 486 6703, 3:15-4:30pm, $6(6-9 yrs.) Join the fun of making holiday gifts, orna ments and cards with a nature theme.

Nature Detectives - Holiday Crafts Dec. 15, Code: 340 486 6801, 10-10:45am, $6Dec. 16, Code: 340 486 6802, 10-10:45am, $6 (3-5 yrs.) Listen to a winter tale, then make a holiday ornament to take home.

Drummers and DrillersJan. 8, Code: 340 187 9601, 9:30am-11:30am, $6(Adults) Watch a variety of woodpeckers on the park’s suet feeders, learn how to attract them to your yard and hopefully glimpse a flicker on its mission to eat a thousand insects in a day.

Flying DragonsJan. 15, Code: 340 188 0601, 4-5:30pm, $6(Adults) Ever wonder how dragonflies can hover, dip, dive and zoom at 40 mph through the air? How many species live in Northern Virginia? What do they eat, who eats them and what kind of courtship do they have? The answers are bizarre and surprising.

Café CattailJan. 21, Reservations required for perform-ers, 7-9:30pm, FreeWelcome to Huntley Meadows’ very own cof-

feehouse! Enjoy a relaxing evening applaud-ing our community’s talents.

Birding for Beginners Jan. 23, Code: 340 188 0701, 8-10:30am, $6(Adults) Winter is a great time to begin birding.

Native Wildflower Meadows Jan. 29, Code: 340 188 0801, 4-5:30pm, $6(Adults) Learn why native grasses and wild-flowers found in Virginia’s meadows are so important, and discover the colorful wildlife that calls them home.

Winter Chills and Thrills Jan. 29, Code: 340 188 0901, 1-3pm, $4Jan. 30, Code: 340 188 0902, 1-3pm, $4Jan. 31, Code: 340 188 0903, 1-3pm, $4 (5-10 yrs.) Discover how wildlife copes with winter by playing games, making crafts and exploring self-guided activities.

Winter Hike-Marvelous MeadowsFeb. 5, Code: 340 1881001, 4:30pm-6pm, $6(9 and up) Chase away the winter blues with a two-mile hike on the South King’s Highway side of the park.

Winter Hike-Wonderful Wetland Waterfowl Feb. 19, Code: 340 188 1101, 2-4pm, $6(9 and up) Hike the boardwalk to the obser-

vation tower, looking for green-winged teals, pintails, swamp sparrows and winter wrens.

All A-Buzz About BeesFeb. 26, Code: 340 188 1201, 4-5:30pm, $6(Adults) Learn about the fascinating lives of our native bees, how they contribute to the human world and what you can do to attract them to your gardens.

Bones!Feb. 27, Code: 340 188 1301, 2-3:30pm, $6(9-12 yrs.) Every skeleton has a secret. Search clues left behind in animal skulls, teeth and bones.

Evening Wildlife Walk March 5, Code: 340 188 1401, 5:30-7pm, $6(Adults) Explore the Hike/Bike Trail in hopes of discovering calling frogs and owls, migrating waterfowl and displaying American woodcock. Bring optics and a flashlight.

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

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

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

Park Manager Walk and TalkMarch 12, No reservations required, 4-6pm, Free(Adults) Join park manager Kevin Munroe and learn about the wetland restoration project and about the wildlife for which the park is known.

Evening Walk March 19, Code: 340 188 1801, 5:30-6pm, $6(Adults) Join a park naturalist and hike the trails after dark.

Take up birding with a beginner’s course at Huntley Meadows.

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Young Explorers - Backyard Birds March 21, Code: 340 188 1901, 3:15-4:30pm, $4(6-9 yrs.) Learn more about these ubiquitous and necessary Virginia resources.

Nature Detectives - Backyard Birds March 23, Code: 340 188 2001, 10-10:45am, $6 March 24, Code: 340 188 2002, 10-10:45am, $6 (3-5 yrs.) Through story, activity and a craft, learn more about these ubiquitous and nec-essary Virginia resources.

RIVERBEND PARK8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066703-759-9018www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/

Corn Hole (All ages) Available during visitor center hours. Rent this fun game to play with family or friends. $5/2 hour rental

The Potomac River Gorge Trail – A Globally Rare Environment(8 yrs. and up) Daily 7am-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 nature facts. $1/packet

Holiday Ornaments: Make Your OwnNovember 13-December 31, $5 for 2 orna-ments(All Ages) Available during visitor center hours. Teasels, pine cones and walnuts all add up to make holiday ornaments.

Wagon Rides on Request(All ages) Book your family outing, play group,

school group or birthday party wagon ride. Minimum 11 people, maximum 20 people. Call for available dates. $5/person

Our Furry Friends Jan. 19, Code: 561 188 6401, at Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6 Jan. 25, Code: 556 188 6401, at Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6(2-5 yrs) Through fun activities, explore the lives of squirrels, deer and other mammals.

Penguins and Polar Bears Jan. 20, Code: 557 188 6501, at Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6 Jan. 27, Code: 563 188 6501, at Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6(2-5 yrs) Why do penguins and polar bears never meet? How does a penguin keep its eggs warm?

Walk, Waddle and Wiggle Feb. 9, Code: 561 188 6601, at Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6 Feb. 15, Code: 556 188 6601, at Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6(2-5 yrs) Animals move in fascinating ways. Walk, waddle or wiggle on over to enjoy activities and try out animal locomotion.

Creatures of the Night Feb. 17, Code: 557 188 6701, at Great Falls Grange, 10:15am, $6Feb. 24, Code: 563 188 6701, at Hunter House, 10:15am, $6(2-5 yrs) Bats, beavers, foxes and flying squirrels -- so many of our favorite animals are nocturnal. Puppets, games and activities help us understand the wildlife that is awake while we sleep.

Treemendous! March 9, Code: 561 188 6801, at Clark House, 10:15-11am, $6 March 15, Code: 556 188 6801, at Dranesville Tavern, 10:15-11am, $6(2-5 yrs) Discover fun facts about local and exotic trees through preschool activities and stories. $6

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

Simple Beauty of BackpackingMarch 17, 24, and 31, Code: 563 188 6301, at Hunter House, 7-9pm, $48(13 yrs.-Adult) Learn core skills and principles that will enable you to get the most from an overnight backpacking trip.

Return of the AmphibiansMarch 17, Code: 557 188 6901, at Great Falls Grange, 10:15-11am, $6 March 24, Code: 563 188 6901, at Hunter House, 10:15-11am, $6(2-5 yrs), Hop on over and meet a toad, find out what’s for lunch and participate in amus-ing amphibian activities.

A Night in the WoodsMarch 23, Code: 561 188 7001, at Clark House, 7-9pm, $16(13-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.

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Riverbend Park programs can teach you about the mammals of Fairfax County through its Our Furry Friends program.

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SULLY HISTORIC SITE3650 Sully WayChantilly, VA 20151703-437-1794www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully/

The 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee is open daily for guided tours except Tuesdays. Cost: $6/adult, $5/student (16+), $4 senior (60+) and child (5-15 yrs.) per tour.

Decorated for the Festive SeasonDecember 1-27 except Tuesdays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations re-quired for groups. 11am-4pm, $6/adult, $5/student, $4/senior and childRelive the 1885 holiday memories of a young Sully visitor and see the tree decorated in Victorian splendor.

Historic Games at SullyDecember 4, 11am-4pm, $6/adults and $4/child or senior Make a historic toy, $2, while supplies last.Play 18th and 19th century games at Sully. Checkers, nine pins, bean bag toss and oth-ers will be set up for you to try.

Candlelight ToursDecember 11, 12, and 18, Call for reserva-tions, 5-7pm, $10/adult, $7/senior or childTour the 1794 home of northern Virginia’s first congressman, Richard Bland Lee, by candlelight.

Holiday Concert - IONADecember 29, $10Code: 381 486 9901, 1-1:45pmCode: 381 486 9902, 2-2:45pmOne of the top rated pan-Celtic groups in the world, IONA treats its audience to high energy entertainment.

The African American PresenceMid-January through March, daily except Tuesdays. Reservations required for groups, 11am-3pm,$6/adult, $5/student, $4/senior and childTours of Sully highlight the lives and work of the Lees and the enslaved families who lived here in the early 19th century.

Celebrate the 249th Birthday of Richard Bland LeeJanuary 16, 1-4pm, $3/adult, $2.50/student, $2/senior and childDuring your afternoon house tour, discover important contributions of Mr. Lee’s impres-sive political career. Our gift to you is half-price admission in honor of Richard Bland Lee’s birthday.

Winter Chores at the Slave Quarter January 22, 1-3pm, $6/adult, $5/student, $4/senior and child Drop in at the slave quarter to learn about mending and making shoes, darning stock-ings, sharpening and repairing tools.

My Funny Valentine February 6, $10Code:381 188 8602, 1-2pm Code:381 188 8601, 2-3pm (5-Adult) See a display of old-fashioned Valentine cards dating to the 1940s. Enjoy cookies and a warm drink afterwards.

Two Rooms - One Up, One DownFebruary 19, 1-3pm, $6/adult, $5/student, $4/senior and childVisit the original outbuildings and the

representative slave cabin. Discover cook-ing methods used to prepare foods for the African American slave community. Visitors can peek at the loft, which is normally closed to the public.

Sully StorytimeMarch 12, Code:381 188 6101, 10-11am, $3 (3-5 yrs.) Stories for preschoolers plus hands-on crafts.

Coffee and Chocolate: Warming up Winter March 19, $15Code:381 188 6201, 1-2pmCode:381 188 6202, 2-3pmLearn to make a proper cup of coffee or tea and see how chocolate was prepared 200 years ago. Enjoy your drink with a delicious treat prepared in the open hearth.

SULLY WOODLANDS AND CUB RUN RECENTER4630 Stonecroft Blvd.Chantilly, VA 20151703-817-9407http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec/sully_gateway/wcrec-nature.htm

Space by DayDec. 11, Code: 192 486 1902, 1:30-2:30pm, $4(All ages) It doesn’t have to be night time to explore the universe.

Sky-watching and Meteor ShowerDec. 11, Code: 192 486 2101, 7-8pm, $4(All ages) During the Perseid meteor shower, learn basic information about the night sky: its planets, moons and constellations. Bring a lawn chair or blan ket and bug spray.

Globe at night March 5, 6:30-7:30pm, Free(All Ages) This hands-on, family-friendly astronomy learning event will help you ap-preciate the night sky and teach you how to measure and report light pollution.

Learn about the African-American slave com-munity of Sully Historic Site through the Two Rooms program.

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