Tag: nature
The eclipse is coming on April 8
Are you ready for the eclipse? A nearly total solar eclipse will be visible in Fairfax County on April 8 – as long as it’s not too cloudy. The eclipse will start at around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m. The maximum eclipse – with about 87 percent of the sun blocked by the … Continued
New coalition focuses on invasive plants
A group of homeowner and community associations has come together to focus on removing invasive plants and supporting the planting of native species. The Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), established on on Jan. 19, is sending letters to the Board of Supervisors and state legislators urging action to address the problem of invasive, non-native plant … Continued
Registration opens for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Despite the winter weather, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp. Registration for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale opens Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. These sessions fill up quickly, so it’s best not to wait. To register for all camps, visit Parktakes online and search for the camp title or … Continued
Park Authority report sets a framework for park investment priorities
It’s clear that Mason District – especially Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners – has fewer green spaces than other areas of Fairfax County. That makes it especially important for Mason residents to weigh in on the Park Authority’s draft Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy, which sets priorities for park development and improvements over … Continued
Park Foundation steps up removal of invasives at Lake Accotink Park
The Fairfax County Park Foundation received a $40,000 three-year grant to remove invasive plants from Lake Accotink Park. The funds, from the Society for Ecological Restoration, support the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area projects at the park. Related story: New task force will review options for the future of Lake Accotink The grant … Continued
Hidden Oaks gets a new gate
A major expansion and renovation project was just completed at Hidden Oaks in July, and now the nature center has something else new. Chainsaw artist Andrew Mallon created a new gate for the outdoor Nature Playce play area featuring local animals – an owl, snake, frog, dragonfly, skink, butterfly, and more. Related story: Community celebrates … Continued
Holmes Run is in ‘fair’ condition
Holmes Run, which flows through the Annandale area, is not in great condition, according to a report released Aug. 10 by the Audubon Naturalist Society. The report, The Story of the Streams, evaluates the health of three waterways in the D.C. region. It finds Holmes Run and the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River to … Continued
Culmore kids explore the watershed
Friends of Holmes Run hosted 22 kids from the Culmore/Bailey’s Crossroads area last week for a watershed exploration at the Holmes Run Stream Valley Park east of Columbia Pike. The kids got a close-up view of the watershed and wildlife and carried out various science activities. They learned why Holmes Run is so important for … Continued
Community celebrates newly expanded Hidden Oaks Nature Center
The Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale welcomed the community to a grand reopening celebration July 16 featuring remarks by local leaders, live performances, children’s activities, and nature demonstrations. The celebration introduced the public to the newly expanded nature center. There’s a big new classroom with a kitchen area, renovated bathrooms compliant with Americans with … Continued
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. … Continued
Volunteers rescue trees choked by vines
Northern Virginia’s oldest and best-loved trees are in mortal danger. Unless people can get rid of the vines choking their trunks, the trees will die. Tree Rescuers, an outreach program that educates the public about the risks of non-native vines, is saving trees and spreading life-saving information throughout neighborhoods. The program is part of Plant … Continued
‘Tree rescuers’ sought for Roundtree Park
Friends of Holmes Run encourages local residents to become “tree rescuers” by removing non-native vines that are damaging the health of mature trees. FOHR invites the community to a “free the trees” event at Roundtree Park on Tuesday, March 1. The organization has teamed up with Plant NOVA Natives and the Fairfax County Park Authority … Continued
Annual seedling sale starts March 1
Every year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District sells a collection of bare-root native seedlings. This year’s sale starts March 1 at 10 a.m. The 2022 seedling sale features shrubs and small trees that attract bees and produce colorful flowers and fruits.Seedlings packages must be purchased in advance online. The Tree-Mendous Flowers package … Continued
Nature center to close temporarily
The Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale will be closed Feb. 14-June 10, but outdoor programming will continue, the Fairfax County Park Authority reports. The nature center, at 7701 Royce St., is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation and expansion. The project, funded with a 2016 park bond, includes an additional classroom, kitchen area, and interpretive … Continued
Schedule set for Hidden Oaks camps
Registration is now open for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. The camp schedule wasn’t included in the printed version of the spring Parktakes due to the expansion and renovation underway at the nature center. Hidden Oaks camps will be conducted outdoors, except during bad weather. Maximum attendance has been reduced to … Continued