Tag: nature
Green Springs Garden is one of Annandale’s best parks
The weather was perfect for the Green Spring Gardens Festival in Annandale earlier today. Among the nurseries and organizations with plants on sale were Morningside Farm, Hillhouse Farm and Nursery, and the Virginia Native Plant Society. Live music in the gazebo, craft vendors, a tea tasting in the Historic House, a bake sale, and children’s … Continued
Draft Accotink Creek Watershed Management Plan proposed many projects in Annandale
The public is invited to a forum to review a draft plan for preserving and restoring the Accotink watershed Sept. 21 at Fairfax High School, 7-9 p.m. Accotink Creek The Accotink Creek Watershed Management Plan, prepared by KCI Technologies Inc. for the Stormwater Planning Division of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental … Continued
Annandale children say ‘adios,’ as monarchs begin long journey to Mexico
About half a dozen monarch butterflies got a fond farewell as they headed off to Mexico from Annandale’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center Sunday afternoon. Before they flew away, Assistant Manager Suzanne Holland attached tiny stickers to their wings to help biologists track their journey. Monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves, and Hidden Oaks’ butterfly garden is … Continued
Long-range park planning document addresses park issues in Annandale
Among the Fairfax County Park Authority’s long-range plans for Annandale are recommendations for new trails and new connections between existing trails, upgraded facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Audrey Moore RECenter, the preservation of historic sites, and much more. These proposals are included in the draft report, Great Parks, Great Communities. This project was initiated … Continued
Contest recognizes landscapes pleasing to the environment as well as the eye
Is your home landscape not only beautiful but environmentally friendly? If the answer is Yes, you might want to enter it in the 2010 Conservation Landscaping Contest sponsored by the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council. Novice gardeners, students, schools, businesses, and professionals are all invited to enter. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Applicants will … Continued
Kiwanis members fix up Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks
ature Playce, the outdoor play area at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, is a lot nicer, thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Annandale. About 25 members of the volunteer service organization spent several hours this morning repairing the fence and doing other work. They replaced more than 120 rotting fence rails, fixed … Continued
Hidden Oaks Nature Center offers summer camp programs for kids
Still looking for a summer program for your kids? The Hidden Oaks Nature Center (7701 Royce St., in Annandale) still has a few spots left in its nature camps. Earthkeepers Camp, July 7-9, is all about exploring woods and watersheds, learning about the environment, restoring habitats, and making crafts from recyclables. It’s for children ages … Continued
Explore nature at Hidden Oaks
In the midst of the busy highways, shopping centers, and human activity that surround Annandale, the Hidden Oaks Nature Center offers a peaceful refuge for wildlife and a fun place for children to encounter and learn about nature. You might call Hidden Oaks one of Annandale’s hidden gems. Fairfax County has five nature centers, but Hidden … Continued
Yikes! Watch out for copperheads; increased sightings in Fairfax County
There have been a lot more copperhead sighting this spring than usual, reports Fairfax County wildlife biologist Vicky Monroe. At least three people have been bitten by the highly venomous snakes, including one man in Reston who was hospitalized for four days. Other people have been bitten by copperheads in Clifton and in Riverbend Park … Continued
Fairfax County honors special trees
Do you know any special tree worthy of being designated as a “celebrated tree of Fairfax County”? The Fairfax County Tree Commission is seeking nominations for special trees in these categories: big tree (one of the largest of its species); historic tree (associated with a significant event, landmark, person, or institution); commemorative tree (a tree or … Continued
Use a lawn company committed to protecting the watershed
If you’re thinking of hiring a lawn care company, it’s advisable to pick one that uses methods that won’t harm the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) developed a list of watershed-friendly lawn care operators that have agreed to train their employees to use lawn care products responsibly, follow appropriate … Continued