May 13, 2026
Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia
Pinecrest School

Tag: nature

Park Authority report sets a framework for park investment priorities

#equity, #nature, #parks, #Recreation

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

Hidden Oaks gets a new gate

#arts, #nature, #parks
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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

Community celebrates newly expanded Hidden Oaks Nature Center

#community events, #nature, #parks
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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

Volunteers rescue trees choked by vines

#nature, #trees, #volunteers
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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

Annual seedling sale starts March 1

#gardening, #nature

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

#families, #nature, #parks
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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

#children, #education, #nature

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

Otters sighted in Annandale

#nature, #streams, #wildlife
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A river otter in Long Branch Stream. Annandale has otters – or at least it did when a local resident took these photos.  Three river otters were sighted this fall in Long Branch Stream near Woodland Way and Canterbury Woods Elementary School, according to the Friends of Long Branch Stream Valley. 

Volunteers and organizations recognized for supporting parks

#environment, #nature, #parks, #Recreation, #volunteers
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Volunteers with Friends of Accotink Creek collect litter from the stream. [FACC] The Fairfax County Park Authority has honored the Friends of Accotink Creek (FACC) with an Elly Doyle Park Service Award.  FACC volunteers protect the watershed by removing trash, replacing invasive plants with native species, monitoring wildlife populations, and educating the public about preserving … Continued