Bigger, better nature center reopens

The newly expanded and renovated Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopened to the public on June  25. 

The nature center, at 7701 Royce St. in Annandale, had been closed for the past two years, first because of the Covid pandemic, then due to construction. The center continued to host classes and other activities, but only outdoors. 

The public is invited to a Grand Reopening Celebration at Hidden Oaks July 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

The program features a nature show with puppets for kids, the Just Four Grins barbershop quartet, traditional Korean songs by CAFE, dances by Bolivia USA, and remarks by local leaders. 

Activities for kids on July 16 include ladybug jars, the science of bubbles, and creatures under the microscope. 

Hidden Oaks Visitor Services Manager Suzanne Holland pointed out the center’s new features on July 25. 

There is a new wing with a large classroom available for rent, new administrative offices, and a new staff kitchen. 

The restrooms have been totally redone and are now compliant with the newest standards under the American Disabilities Act.

There’s a new 3D microscope funded by the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club and Transurban.

A new reading corner, supported by donations, is named in honor of Jean Laub, a former teacher who volunteered at Hidden Oaks for 26 years. 

The rest of the center has been spruced up with new carpeting and painting. The animal displays and original classroom have not been changed.

Outside, there’s a new pavilion, new landscaping, and a new pond that has already attracted wood frogs and Cope’s gray tree frogs.  

At the Nature Playce play area, there’s a new hand water pump that doesn’t pinch little fingers.  

Nature Playce has gotten a new fence, new benches, table, and large wooden building toys, thanks to several Eagle Scout projects. 

To encourage people to park at the Packard Center, a trilingual storybook trail (with signs in Spanish, Korean, and English) will lead visitors from the Packard Center to Hidden Oaks.

Funds for the $1.7 million Hidden Oaks expansion project are from a 2016 park bond.