Come to a Campfire Program! November 2021 Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 19 There’s nothing like the crackle of a campfire on a crisp autumn evening. This November, Little Acorns-Fall you can enjoy a wide range of themed campfire (2-4 yrs.) Preschoolers and their accompanying programs for families at parks throughout the adult begin sharing nature's wonders in this inter- county. active class. Experiences include finger plays, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. The Browse through the Calendar for details on: topics will be: Nov. 1-Autumn; Nov. 8-Squirrels; Nov. 15- American Indians; Nov. 22-Tricky Tur- Family Nature Campfire...Campfire Fridays- keys; Nov. 29-Walk, Waddle, Wiggle. The pro- Lake Fairfax...Campfire Saturdays...Flying gram at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from Squirrel Campfire... Native American Campfire 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Cookout…Flying Squirrel Campfire...Hot Dog, The cost is $8 per child. Dress for a walk. Masks Smores! Wagon Ride & Campfire...Coyote are required for adults and children; one adult Campfire...Campfire Safety for Fami- only per registered child; no unregistered siblings, lies...Campfire Fridays-Lake Accotink...Owl please. Call 703-941-1065. Prowl and Campfire...and Nocturnal Hunters.

Mondays, November 1 & 29 Monday, November 1 Tuesday, November 2 & Wednesday, November 24 Family Fishing Sunday, November 21 Wildlife Walk at Huntley Meadows (5-Adult) Come out and enjoy some fishing at Play Like it's 1935 (4-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-guided walk through Burke Lake Park. Equipment and bait will be pro- (5-Adult) Join us for some good old-fashioned the forested trails and wetland boardwalk. Look vided. The program runs from 11 to 11:55 a.m. fun! Enjoy making a simple toy to take home and and listen for seasonally active wildlife like birds, The cost is $10 per person. Meet at Shelter C. play games like the Alcorn children did when they frogs, turtles, dragonflies, muskrats and more. For more information, call 703-323-6600. moved to Huntley during the Great Depression. Each season brings different wildlife into view. The program at Historic Huntley runs from 1:30 to What will you discover? The program at Huntley Garden Sprouts Fall- 2:30 p.m. on November 2 and from 11 a.m. to Meadows Park runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on No- Nature Playgroup noon on November 21. The cost is $8 per person. vember 1 and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Novem- (3-5 yrs.) Your preschooler enjoys nature-themed Children must be accompanied by a registered ber 24 and 29. The cost is $9 per person. Chil- toys and puzzles while you meet other playgroup adult. For more information, call 703-768-2525. dren must be accompanied by a registered adult. parents one Monday a month. Through games, For more information, call 703-768-2525. songs, activities and a garden walk, we explore Tuesday, November 2 seasonal topics. The program at Green Spring Life in the Leaf Litter Mondays, November 1 & 29 Gardens runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. It will take (4-Adult) Life can be found thriving everywhere, Family Nature Campfire place outdoors, weather permitting. The cost is even under leaf litter. Investigate the creatures (All Ages) Join a naturalist to learn about local $10 per person. Call 703-642-5173. that call the forest floor their home. The program wildlife and enjoy a cozy campfire with s’mores. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from 10 to This program is for up to nine people in your fami- Tuesday, November 2 11 a.m. The cost is $7 per person. For more infor- ly or COVID bubble group. Great for celebrating a Saturday, November 13 mation, call 703-941-1065. family birthday. Masks are required. The program Catch a Critter! at Historic Huntley runs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (4-Adult) Grab a net and join us for a special day Intro to Telescopes on November 1 and from 4 to 5 p.m. on Novem- with a park scientist to see, touch, and study wet- (8-Adult) Wondering how to use your telescope, ber 29. The cost is $90 per family. This program land creatures up close and personal. Use magni- or considering buying a telescope? This course will be rescheduled in the event of severe weath- fying lenses to study their unique characteristics. goes into the basics of astronomy, observing the er. For more information, call 703-768-2525. What can these little animals tell us about their sky, and what you need to know to set up and home? This rare opportunity to dip-net in the use a telescope. We will offer hands-on use of Register for classes and programs wetland is possible through the guidance of our telescopes at the Roll-Top Observatory, if the park naturalists. The program at Huntley Mead- weather allows. You may bring your own tele- at Parktakes online: scope for help and advice. The program at Turner www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ ows Park runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on November 2 and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on November 13. Farm Park runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $8 parktakes The cost is $10 per person. Call 703-768-2525. per person. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Please note: Programs may fill or be canceled after the calendar is printed. Check availability at Parktakes online or confirm with the park. Wednesday, November 3 Friday, November 5 Saturday, November 6 Nature Tots-Fall Night Sky Photography Family Outdoor Exploration (1-3 yrs.) Bring your toddler to explore nature (16-Adult) Learn how to use a wide angle lens (All ages) Get the whole family into the great through sight, sound, smell and touch. Programs and tripod to make long-exposure, starry outdoors with a personalized naturalist-led or include indoor and outdoor activities. Topics vary nightscapes and landscapes from the boardwalk historian-led program. This choose-your-own with the seasons. The topic in November is mi- after sunset. Bring your DSLR and tripod. All skill exploration can investigate topics such as, gration. An adult must be able to participate with levels are welcome. Tripods are essential for this Stream Life, Pond Life, Historic Ice Cream, and children. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence class. The program at Huntley Meadows Park much more. Once you register, we will reach out Park runs from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and again from runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per per- to you to plan your family exploration. The pro- 11 to 11:45 a.m. The cost is $8 per child. For son. For more information, call 703-768-2525. gram at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 2 to more information, call 703-631-0013. 3 p.m. The cost is $40 per family. For more infor- Saturday, November 6 & mation, call 703-631-0013. Thursdays, November 4 & 18 Sunday, November 7 Hidden in Your Backyard: History Fall Family Campout American Indians in VA History of Cains Branch (5-Adult) Burke Lake Park is the perfect setting (Grade 4) Parks provide an experience not easily (5-Adult) Hike trails and learn about the history of for a family campout, and we’re making it even duplicated in the classroom. Our “Field Trips for abandoned sites hidden from the view of most better. Join us for planned events such as a All” programs offer parents a unique opportunity visitors to Sully Historic Site. Follow trails of for- campground orientation, a reptile and amphibian to supplement their child’s science learning with ested areas and Cain’s Branch waterway to learn show, guided night hike, campfire with s’mores, real outdoor experiences and application of the about the life of early inhabitants who made Sully tour boat ride and fishing with a naturalist. All the concepts required in the Virginia standards of their home. This outdoor guided program involves programs above, and one campsite with one learning. Experiences vary by park resources. some walking over uneven terrain and along bundle of wood, are included with each registra- This program is geared by grade level to provide trails. The program runs from 11 a.m. to noon. tion. The program starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday enrichment to all learners, including homeschool. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, and ends at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The cost is $102 Registration is limited to allow for social distanc- call 703-437-1794. per family. One registration per family. For more ing. Groups of more than eight should consider information, call 703-323-6600. booking a field trip directly with a park by visiting Fridays, November 5 & 19 the park’s web site. All attendees, parents and Nature at Night Saturday, November 6 students, must register to control group size. The (5-Adult) No plans on Friday night? Learn what Campfire Saturdays program at Green Spring Gardens runs from happens at the park after dark! Each night will (3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more cover a different topic about nighttime life in the whole family can enjoy. During the program we information, call 703-642-5173. forest, on the river, in the pond, and at the mead- will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our ow. Enjoy hikes, get a sneak peek at nocturnal programs may include nature walks, interactive Choose Your Nature Walk critters, and learn how the park wakes up when activities, animal presentations, or other opportu- (2-Adult) Book a walk with one of our Children’s we go to sleep. The program at Riverbend Park nities to learn about nature and our place in it. Education teachers and choose from a variety of runs from 6 to 7 p.m. on November 5 and from Topics vary, but all program include s’mores. The topics for a themed tour of Green Spring Gar- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on November 19. The cost is $8 program at Burke Lake Park runs from 7 to dens . Each tour will include a hands-on element per person. For information, call 703-759-9018. 8:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Children and can be customized to address the science must be accompanied by a registered adult. For topics your students are learning in school. Friday, November 5 more information, call 703-323-6600. Choose one of the following topics: Pond Fauna Wilderness Walk & Flora, Native Virginia Plants & Trees, Water- (Adults) Get off the beaten path with a naturalist Nature Scavenger Hunt sheds & Geology of Green Spring, Virginia Eco- to explore less popular trails at Ellanor C. Law- (4-Adult) Join us on the first Saturday of each systems Walk, History of Green Spring as a rence Park. Identify plants and tracks of animals month to learn about different aspects of nature Farm, or General Garden Tour. You can sign up that live within the park. The program runs from and go on a hunt for themed objects around the for our scheduled walks or schedule an on- 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. For more park. The program at Green Spring Gardens runs demand tour. The program runs from 2 to 3 p.m. information, call 703-631-0013. from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $7 per person. For The cost is $45 per family. For more information, more information, call 703-642-5173. call 703-642-5173. Campfire Fridays-Lake Fairfax (3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the Flying Squirrel Campfire Owl Outing whole family can enjoy. During the program we (4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, (Adults) These nocturnal raptors are pair- will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our toasting marshmallows over the embers and bonding and looking for nesting sites at this time programs may include nature walks, interactive learning about flying squirrels that live in our area. of year. Prowl Huntley Meadows Park after dark activities, animal presentations, or other opportu- The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs to listen for and learn about our local owls and nities to learn about nature and our place in it. from 5 to 6 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Chil- possibly see a barred owl. Meet at the Visitor Topics vary, but all programs include s’mores. dren must attend with an adult and all attendees Center and dress for the weather and standing off The program at Lake Fairfax Park runs from 6 to must register. The minimum age to attend the trail. The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs 7:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Children program is four years. This program will be can- from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per per- must be accompanied by a registered adult. For celed in the event of inclement weather. For more son. For more information, call 703-768-2525. more information, call 703-471-5414. information, call 703-631-0013.

Saturday, November 6 Sunday, November 7 Mondays, November 8 & 22 Sketch Hike Fall Color Snap Epidemics of the Past Storytelling in the Garden (10-Adult) What's that chill in the air? How do (14-Adult) Disease has always shaped our histo- (2-Adult) Join us every other week at Green plants and animals adapt to the coming seasonal ry. Enjoy a healthy stroll up to a lovely view while Spring Gardens for a story. Families can bring a change? Join us for a hike and learn how to draw we uncover why the Masons built a summer picnic blanket or just sit in the grass and listen to a beautiful autumn scene. Drawing materials are home upon a hill. Learn how epidemics of the our storytellers read a story with a different included in the cost, courtesy of the Run- past shaped the society we live in today. The theme. Afterwards, take some time to explore our ningBrooke Fund. The program at Huntley Mead- program at Historic Huntley runs from 2 to 3 p.m. gardens, ponds and Historic House. The program ows Park runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-768-2525. at Green Spring Gardens runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m. $15 per person. Call 703-768-2525. The cost is $5 per person. All attendees must be The Art of Calligraphy registered for this program. For more information, Fall Foliage Kayak Expedition (12-Adult) Mary Teichman says, “calligraphy is a call 703-642-5173. (13-Adult) Enjoy a new perspective on the fall great antidote to modern life.” Explore the con- colors at Lake Accotink this season aboard one of nection of Huntley’s past residents to the beautiful Wednesday, November 10 our kayaks. Our expedition takes us to the north- art of writing. Try your hand at a variety of pens History Tots-Fall ern part of the lake to see glorious natural tunnels and brushes. Supplies included. The program at (2-3 yrs.) Bring your toddler to explore history of orange, yellow and red leaves. Previous kayak Historic Huntley runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The cost through sight, sound, smell and touch. The pro- experience is necessary. The program at Lake is $10 per person. Call 703-768-2525. gram includes indoor and outdoor activities, and Accotink Park runs from 8 to 10 a.m. The cost is topics vary with the season. The topic in Novem- $43 per person. Call 703-569-3464. Monday, November 8 ber is Pilgrims. Adults must be able to participate Homeschool Naturalist with children. The program at Ellanor C. Law- Geocaching Workshop (6-12 yrs.) Explore Fairfax County’s natural world rence Park runs from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and (8-Adult) Students learn to use hand-held Global with hands-on activities in this four-week course. again from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The cost is $8 per Positioning System (GPS) units to locate hidden Week 1: Help our land heal through how we live child. For more information, call 703-631-0013. treasure caches within Lake Fairfax Park. After our lives. Week 2: Hike to the pond, and discover learning how to enter latitude and longitude coor- an underwater world. Week 3: Explore the world Mill Race Tours dinates into a GPS, students follow the coordi- of reptiles and amphibians. Week 4: Creepy (5-Adult) Cabell’s Mill has changed over its 250 nates to find a hidden object, container or unique crawlies in the park. All sessions have a take- years. As we tour Cabell’s Mill, we will discuss its geological feature. Bring your own GPS; a limited home craft. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence function as a mill and in the community and how number are available to borrow from the instruc- Park runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $42 per its function has changed over time. We will also tor at class. The program runs from 2 to 4 p.m. child. For more information, call 703-631-0013. examine its history through photography. The The cost is $23 per person. Call 703-471-5414. program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 4 Mondays, November 8 & 15 to 5 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. For more Sundays, November 7, 14 & 28 Thursdays, November 11 & 18 information, call 703-631-0013. Thursday, November 11 Outdoor Science Lab at Huntley Native American Campfire (6-Adult) Enrich your understanding of various Enslaved Lives and the Cookout science and engineering topics using scientific Legacy of Slavery (5-Adult) Do you harvest and cook your own investigations, observations, and lab skills with (Adults) Join a historian for a tour of Huntley that food? Discover how native people used the re- the guidance of a park naturalist. Each outdoor examines the relationship of the Mason family to sources where they lived to survive, and learn class will focus on a different science theme. See slavery and recovers insights into the lives of the some easy recipes. Explore native cooking tech- Parktakes online for details. All supplies are in- Humphrey family and other enslaved people niques as you help prepare some native dishes to cluded. The program at Huntley Meadows Park whose labor maintained Mason wealth and social taste. The program at Riverbend Park runs from 3 runs from 11 a.m. to noon on November 8; from status. The program at Historic Huntley runs from to 4:30 p.m. on November 7, 14 and 28. It runs 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 11; from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $8 per person. For from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on November 11. The cost is noon to 1:30 p.m. on November 15; and from more information, call 703-768-2525. $12 per person. Children must be accompanied 3:30 to 5 p.m. on November 18. Hour-long pro- by a registered adult. Call 703-759-9018. grams cost $10 per person. Ninety-minute pro- Topics in Astronomy at the grams cost $12 per person. No indoor restrooms Roll-Top Observatory Sundays, November 7 & 21 are available; there are portable restrooms. Chil- (8-Adult) Explore everything from space missions Grind Day dren must be accompanied by a registered adult. to planets, stars and galaxies with a different (All Ages) We’re running Colvin Run Mill like it’s For more information, call 703-768-2525. topic each month at the Roll-Top Observatory at 1811 -- when the mill was first operating. Come Turner Farm Park. Presentations are for the gen- learn how an Oliver Evans mill operates, and Stay Connected! eral public and don’t require any specific don't forget to buy your grain at the historic Gen- Don’t miss any of the fun this fall. knowledge of astronomy. Classroom discussion eral Store before you leave. Fresh products are is followed by an observing session with tele- Follow us on Facebook to see what’s stone-ground on site. The program at Colvin Run scopes, weather permitting. Check the Analemma Mill runs on the hour from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. happening in Fairfax County Society website for the monthly topics (http:// on November 7 and from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. parks. www.analemma.org/). The program runs from on November 21. The cost is $60 per family of up www.facebook.com/fairfaxparks 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. For to nine people. Call 703-759-2771. information, call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018. Thursday, November 11 Saturday, November 13 Sunday, November 14 Bats Class Squirreling Around Nature Storytelling (7-Adult) Walk the meadows and forest edges to (8-Adult) Why do we have a love/hate relation- (3-6 yrs.) Explore parks through books. Hear a see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to ship with squirrels? Take a walk to observe what story, enjoy nature activities, take a short hike, hear echolocation. Learn about our native bats our furry friends are up to. Share your stories and and finish with a craft. Topics will change season- and their habits. The program at Lake Accotink learn behavior. Discuss ways to deter or attract ally. A parent must accompany each registered Park runs from 5 to 6 p.m. The cost is $7 per squirrels. Make a squirrel feeder. The program at child in the program. The program at Ellanor C. person. Children must be accompanied by a reg- Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 1 to Lawrence Park runs from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is istered adult. For information, call 703-569-3464. 2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more $8 per child. For information, call 703-631-0013. information, call 703-631-0013. Friday, November 12 American Indian Games & Crafts Homeschool Science-Introduction Flying Squirrel Campfire (4-Adult) Play traditional Eastern Woodland Indi- to Entomology (4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, an games of skill and luck which were common (6-12 yrs.) Discover why insects shouldn’t be toasting marshmallows over the embers and during the period of first European contact. Enjoy overlooked and how they help the ecosystems learning about flying squirrels that live in our area. oral storytelling. Make a game to take home. The they live in stay healthy. Join a naturalist to ex- The program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from plore the diverse habitats of Huntley Meadows from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m. The Park to learn about insects and their usefulness 8:30 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. Children cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompa- using scientific instruments and observation. Ex- must attend with an adult and all attendees must nied by a registered adult. For more information, amine preserved specimens followed by outdoor register. The minimum age to attend the program call 703-941-1065. exploration to find and identify live insects. The is four years. This program will be canceled in the program runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $14 event of inclement weather. For more information, Monday, November 15 per child. For more information, call 703-768-2525. call 703-941-1065. Colonial Life for Homeschool (6-12 yrs.) Did you know that Huntley Meadows Saturday, November 13 Family Hilltop Outing Park was once part of George Mason's holdings? Mills & The War of 1812 (5-Adult) Join us for a family-friendly tour of His- Discover this forgotten Founding Father as you (All Ages) Members of Ship's Company will dis- toric Huntley, which sits high upon a hill. What make your own candle, design your own stencil to cuss the US Navy during the war of 1812 and significance does this villa have to one of our mark crops, write with a quill pen and decide the how mills like Colvin Run played an important role founding fathers? Challenge yourself using histor- future of the Virginia colony. The program at His- in the early Republic. The program at Colvin Run ical tools like ice tongs. Can you hold a block of toric Huntley runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is Mill runs on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ice with just one finger? See if you can master old $14 per child. For information, call 703-768-2525. cost is $10 per person. Call 703-759-2771. timey children's games. Hop back in time with us to discover life of days past. The program at His- Tuesdays, November 16 & 30 Design a Family Flag toric Huntley runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is Wildlife Biology Kids (4-Adult) Learn the importance and historic art of $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by (6-12yrs) Join a park naturalist to explore the flags. Use your family history, local nature and a registered adult. For more information, call 703- exciting lives of the animal kingdom. Outdoor family hobbies to create a flag to display at home. 768-2525. nature hikes, hands-on activities and the use of The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs scientific instruments will turn us into wildlife biol- from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 per Huntley Speaks Architectural Tour ogists. Each class covers a different animal’s person. For more information, call 703-631-0013. (16-Adult) How does Historic Huntley’s architec- amazing abilities. The program at Huntley Mead- ture connect to America’s hard-won independ- ows Park runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Watercolor Workshop- ence? Who designed it and for what purpose? November 16 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on No- Sketchbook Journal Join a historical guide on a walking tour of this vember 30. The cost is $14 per person. For more (16-Adult) Learn to bind your own sketchbook or Federal style villa and related outbuildings to information, call 703-768-2525. discover how architecture from the past speaks to journal using watercolor paper and other papers. Tuesday, November 16 Prepare and decorate pages with collages, us today. The program at Historic Huntley runs paints, stamps and stencils. Each book will be from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. For Introduction to Astronomy unique and a reflection of you. The program at more information, call 703-768-2525. (8-Adult) This course provides a general intro- duction to some fundamentals of astronomy and Green Spring Gardens runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn The cost is $105 per person, plus a supply fee of the universe. We will discuss basic types of astro- (6-Adult) Join a park naturalist on this cool au- $15 which is payable to the instructor on the day nomical objects from small to large, the motions tumn evening to explore the evening sky. Peer of the program. Call 703-642-5173. of the planets and stars, and interesting phenom- through the telescope and marvel at the sight of ena in the night sky. The classroom discussion is Family Fun: Family Food Justice three visible planets in our solar system, Mars, followed by an observatory session with tele- (8-Adult) Dive into the world of food justice and Jupiter and Saturn. What stars and constellations scopes, weather permitting. The course is held gain an understanding of urban farming, food will we see? Space out with us with a fun night of rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at deserts, and the importance of growing your food. exploring the park after dark and the vast sky Turner Farm Park. The program runs from 7:30 to Take home a mini edible garden. The program at above. The program at Huntley Meadows Park 8:30 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. For more Green Spring Gardens runs from 10 to 11 a.m. runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. information, call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018. The cost is $8 per person. Call 703-642-5173. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Wednesday, November 17 Friday, November 19 through Friday, November 19 Hot Dog, Smores! Wagon Ride & Sunday, November 21 Campfire Fridays Campfire Pre-Turkey AQHA (3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the (4-Adult) Enjoy a turkey hot dog supper roasted Quarter Horse Show whole family can enjoy. During the program we over the campfire and a brisk wagon ride through (All ages) Ride in the Pre-Turkey AQHA Quarter will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our the Rocky Run stream valley. Discover who Ella- Horse Show at Frying Pan Farm Park’s equestri- programs may include nature walks, interactive nor C. Lawrence was and learn about the area’s an center. The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park activities, animal presentations, or other opportu- local and natural history. We provide hot dogs, have proudly hosted this event for 40 nities to learn about nature and our place in it. buns, condiments, and s'mores. Feel free to bring years. Riders and horses from all over the East Topics vary, but all programs include s’mores. your own drinks and sides. The program at Ella- Coast come to the park to compete, train and The program at Lake Accotink Park runs from 5 nor C. Lawrence Park runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. watch more than 100 American Quarter Horses to 6 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. Children The cost is $10 per person. Children must be compete in 139 classes, including trail, pleasure, must be accompanied by a registered adult. For accompanied by a registered adult. Meet at Ca- horsemanship, under-saddle, in-hand and breed. more information, call 703-569-3464. bell's Mill. For information, call 703-631-0013. See some of the best horses in Virginia compete for points before heading to Congress. Find de- Friday, November 19 Secrets, Spies, Sputnik and Huntley tails at Friendsoffryingpan.org/preturkey. For Full Moon Photography (Adults) Take a stroll with us on the less-visited information, email [email protected]. (16-Adult) Learn how to capture images of the side of the park to uncover the history of spies, full moon. Test out your telephoto lens with a espionage and how the Cold War struggle be- Friday, November 19 tripod to capture images of the full moon from the tween the US and the USSR shaped Huntley and Coyote Campfire park boardwalk. Bring a backup lens if we get the Fairfax County we know today. The program (4-Adult) Satisfy your curiosity and your sweet clouds to shoot long exposures of the park from at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 12:30 to 2:30 tooth with one howling campfire. Listen to coyote the boardwalk after sunset. Bring your DSLR and p.m. and includes a 2.4 mile-walk over flat terrain calls, take a short hike, and make s'mores as you tripod. All skill levels are welcome. Tripods are The cost is $10 per person. Meet at the South learn about this wily canine. The program at Ella- essential for this class. The program at Huntley Kings Highway entrance. For more information, nor C. Lawrence Park runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The Meadows Park runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost call 703-768-2525. cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompa- is $40 per person. Call 703-768-2525.

nied by a registered adult. For more information, Nature Detective call 703-631-0013. Saturday, November 20 (3-5 yrs.) In this naturalist-led class, child and Sunday, November 28 parent explore nature through hikes, stories, Garden Talk: Cacti and Succulents Hot Cocoa Wetland Night Hike songs, hands-on activities and crafts. Topics vary (Adults) Do you want to branch out and try (6-Adult) Sip hot cocoa and join a naturalist for a seasonally. The program at Huntley Meadows something different? Extension Master Gardeners special winter wonder wetland tour after dark. We Park runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $12 will show you the wonderful world of cacti and look for signs and listen for sounds of beavers, per child. For information, call 703-768-2525. succulents, which draw the eye with their wide owls, deer and other nocturnal winter animals. range of color, texture and form. Not only are they We encourage program participants to bring their Thursday, November 18 beautiful, but cacti and succulents are also easy own mug to help us reduce waste. The program Critter Crawl to grow. The program at Green Spring Gardens at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 4:15 to (2-6 yrs.) Walk with a naturalist and your child as runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per 5:45 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Children we investigate the critters who make this park person. For more information, call 703-642-5173. must be accompanied by a registered adult. For their home. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence more information, call 703-768-2525. Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $8 per Tricky Turkeys child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (2-5 yrs.) Do you know a jake from a jenny? Baby Saturday, November 20 For more information, call 703-631-0013. turkeys and their grown-ups are surprisingly curi- Discovery Days ous creatures. Find out about these birds through (3-Adult) Discover Ellanor C. Lawrence Park with Homeschool at the Lake-Fall a story, song and craft. The program at Hidden our historians or naturalists. During this hands-on (6-12 yrs.) This program focuses on the natural Oaks Nature Center runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. interpretive hour, you may search for animals, and historical world. A different topic and hands- and again from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $9 make biscuits and butter, explore a stream or on activities are covered at each session, and the per child. Children must be accompanied by an more. Contact the park for program topics. The topic in November is geology. The program at adult. For more information, call 703-941-1065. program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 1 Lake Accotink Park runs from 1 to 2 p.m. The to 2 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. For more cost is $10 per person. Call 703-569-3464. Campfire Safety for Families information, call 703-631-0013. (4-Adult) Families work together to learn how to Follow the safely build and enjoy a campfire, plus make Family Fun: Harmonious Harvest Fairfax s'mores. The program at Historic Huntley runs (5-Adult) Celebrate harvest time with nature- County from 2 to 3 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Chil- themed music and storytelling, and harvest your Park Authority dren must be accompanied by an adult who is own edible plant to bring home. The program at on Instagram for a visual also registered in the program. This program is Green Spring Gardens runs from 11 a.m. to noon. tour of the natural wonders awaiting The cost is $10 per person. For more information, you at the county’s 400+ parks. Go to: not appropriate for children under the age of four. call 703-642-5173. www.instagram.com/fairfaxparks/. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, November 20 Sunday, November 21 Tuesday, November 23 Floral Design-Holiday Table Afternoon Tea Program: Make Your Own Pinecone Arrangement Family History Birdfeeders! (Adults) Enjoy the lush holiday colors and tex- (Adults) At Thanksgiving, thoughts turn to family. (4-Adult) Help feed your feathered friends this tures by bringing them into your home. Learn how Celebrate familial bonds throughout history as we winter by making and taking home your very own to create a unique, take-home floral design that explore influential families that have shaped the pinecone bird feeder. What birds stay around all celebrates the Thanksgiving season with the help world and famous siblings who have left their winter long? Find out what those familiar bird of professional floral designer Betty Ann Galway. mark. Hear about murderous royal relatives and calls are as we discuss common birds that may Learn tips and tricks of the trade to practice on epic historical family feuds and consider whether visit your feeder. The program at Huntley Mead- your own designs at home. The program at blood is always thicker than water! The tea ows Park runs from 2 to 3 p.m. The cost is $10 Green Spring Gardens runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. program at Historic Green Spring runs from 1 to per child. For information, call 703-768-2525. The cost is $39 per person, plus a $30 supply 3 p.m. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pas- fee. For more information, call 703-642-5173. tries, scone, cream, and jam. The cost is $38 per Twilight Boardwalk Stroll person for the program and tea; $15 for the pro- (6-Adult) Join a park naturalist for a guided walk Adaptations and Ecosystem gram only. Call 703-941-7987. along the forested paths to the wetland and expe- Relationships rience Huntley Meadows Park as it transitions (Grade 3) Parks provide an experience not easily Family Owl Outing from day into night. Watch and listen for beavers, duplicated in the classroom. Our “Field Trips for (6-Adult) Discover the secret world of owls. owls and other nocturnal residents. The program All” programs offer parents a unique opportunity Learn what makes these raptors excellent night runs from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. The cost is $10 per to supplement their child’s science learning with predators with a presentation followed by a trail person. For more information, call 703-768-2525. real outdoor experiences and application of the hike to hopefully hear or spot one of Huntley's concepts required in the Virginia standards of resident owls. The program at Huntley Meadows Wednesday, November 24 learning. Experiences vary by park resources. Park runs from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. The cost is $9 Birding at Huntley This program is geared by grade level to provide per person. Children must be accompanied by a (12-Adult) More than 200 species of birds have enrichment to all learners, including homeschool. registered adult. Call 703-768-2525. been identified in the forests, meadows, and wet- Registration is limited to allow for social distanc- land habitats of Huntley Meadows Park. Each ing. All attendees, parents and students, must Owl Prowl and Campfire season brings new feathered residents, for brief register to control group size. The program at (8-Adult) Join a naturalist for a night hike to learn or extended stays. Grab your binoculars and join Green Spring Gardens runs from 1 to 2 p.m. The about the different owls that can be found in the a park naturalist on your next birding adventure. cost is $10 per person. For more information, call park. Listen for calls and learn how owls can navi- The program at Huntley Meadows Park runs from 703-642-5173. gate the night. Then, enjoy s'mores at a campfire. 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $18 per person. For The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs more information, call 703-768-2525. World Childrens Day from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $9 per person. For (All Ages) Celebrate this international day honor- more information, call 703-631-0013. Thursday, November 25 ing children everywhere with a multicultural salute Turkey Scramble (indoor/outdoor). Attend a live reptile presentation Monday, November 22 (7-Adult) Teams of two players compete in an in Spanish or English and make crafts represent- Homeschool Science-Vertebrate 18-hole scramble format at Burke Lake Golf ing different cultures. The program at Hidden Classification Course, beginning at 10 a.m. There will be clos- Oaks Nature Center runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (6-12 yrs.) How does an animal’s body covering, est-to-the-pin contests and prizes for 1st, 2nd and and again from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $9 per such as fur, feathers or scales, help it to survive? 3rd place teams in two age divisions: Adult/Jr. 7- person. For information, call 703-941-1065. Learn how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds 12; Adult/Jr. 13-17. Registration begins 30 days and fish are classified. We use outdoor explora- prior to the event and is limited to the first 48 Sunday, November 21 tion, observation and lab skills to explore this teams. The cost is $75 per team and includes The Women of Historic Huntley topic. The program at Huntley Meadows Park lunch. The fee is due at time of registration. There (16-Adult) A society matron, an enslaved wife runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $14 per is no rain date. Call 703-323-1641. and mother, a farmer's daughter, a military wife. child. For more information, call 703-768-2525. Historic Huntley has been home to some interest- Friday, November 26 ing women and has seen the lives of women Twilight Hilltop Tour Snake and Turtle Feeding change dramatically since the house was built in (Adults) Historic Huntley sits high upon a hill (4-Adult) Enjoy a brief presentation and demon- 1825. See Huntley from a refreshingly different overlooking the Hybla Valley and Huntley Mead- stration by our animal caretaker staff. At least one view as we stroll the house and grounds. The ows Park. It's a dramatic setting made all the snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. The program runs from 2 to 3 p.m. The cost is $8 per more stunning by the setting sun. Join us after program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runs from person. For more information, call 703-768-2525. hours for a special tour and see the house in a 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. Chil- different light. Light refreshments will be served. dren must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The For more information, call 703-941-1065. Follow Us On Twitter at program at Historic Huntley runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Golfers have their own The cost is $8 per person. For more information, https://twitter.com/ Tweets to follow at call 703-768-2525. fairfaxparks https://twitter.com/ GolfFairfax Saturday, November 27 Saturday, November 27 Looking for holiday gift ideas? Spy Craft Twilight Boardwalk Stroll (7-Adult) Explore the lives of the men and wom- (6-Adult) Join a park naturalist for a guided walk Give the gift of fun and fitness en who passed along secrets and information and along the forested paths to the wetland and expe- with a Fairfax County Park the technology they used in dangerous times. Try rience the park as it transitions from day into Authority Gift Card. your hand at a little spy craft to take home. The night. Watch and listen for beavers, owls and program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from other nocturnal residents. The program at Huntley 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. For more Meadows Park runs from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. The information, call 703-631-0013. cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 703-768-2525. Nocturnal Hunters (4-Adult) Join a naturalist for a night hike to learn Sunday, November 28 about the nocturnal animals in Ellanor C. Law- Flying Squirrels-Gliding in rence Park. Catch and release fireflies, locate Tonight bats with a bat detector, and search for other live (4-Adult) Join a naturalist calling in these amaz- animals after dark. At the campfire, roast marsh- ing night gliders and look for flying squirrels at mallows. The program runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The roosting boxes near Hidden Oaks Nature Center. cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompa- Learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to Get details at: nied by a registered adult. For more information, visit your yard. The program runs from 6:30 to call 703-631-0013. 7:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/

cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompa- parks/gift-cards Turkey Walk nied by a registered adult. Call 703-941-1065. (4-Adult) This Thanksgiving season, discover the wild turkey's habits and secret ways during a walk in the cedar forest. Look for wild turkeys and their signs. The program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $6 per per- son. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. For more information, call 703-631-0013.

A Visit With Santa (2-Adult) Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa in front of a real open-hearth fire at Sully Historic Site. Make a festive ornament to deck your own halls and enjoy some refreshments. Take a brisk wagon ride, weather permitting. This is an ongoing event from noon to 4 p.m. Santa visits and wagon ride timeslots will be based upon arrival time. The cost is $9 per person. All attendees must register, including accompanying adults. Printed photos will be available for a nomi- nal fee. For more information, call 703-437-1794.

Saturday, November 27 Scavenger Hunt: Evidence! (All Ages) After a short program at the woodland wildlife tree sculpture, sharpen your detective skills. Join your naturalist for a scavenger hunt to find evidence of animal life along the forest and stream trails. Develop a deeper appreciation of nature as you practice new ways of seeing the Prepared by the world around you. Every child or family receives a Become an IMA VOLUNTEER! Fairfax County Park Authority hunt to complete. The program at Hidden Oaks Public Information Office Nature Center runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Get involved with our Invasive Management Phone: 703-324-8700 • Fax: 703-324-3974 cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompa- Area (IMA) program and make a big difference! Email: [email protected] nied by an adult registered in the program. For Distribution and Information: 703-324-8677 Learn more and find IMA workdays listed online more information, call 703-941-1065. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/ 703-324-8727, TTY 711, at least 10 working days in IMA. advance of the registration deadline or event. A Fairfax County, Virginia, publication.