Image: Courtesy of Fairfax County Government – First Hike The amazingly popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns for 2025! Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails. Participation is simple: Visit any FCPA trail on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Take a photo to commemorate […]
Photo: Walker Golder/Audubon Photography Awards, Atlantic Puffins Each year Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) offers a full scholarship and transportation to “Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week” at National Audubon Society’s Hog Island Camp in Maine. Hog Island Audubon Camp has offered environmental education programs for adults, teens, families and conservation leaders since 1936. While there, […]
Photo: Tundra Swans, Randy Streufert, The Potomac Flier (The NVBA) Tom Blackburn has written a beautiful article about the magnificent tundra swans. Between 200 and 400 of these migratory birds are spending the winter in the Great Marsh of Belmont Bay (Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge). “Swanfall” is the term used to describe the annual […]
Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge Where Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079. Woodmarsh Trail Observation Deck at Elizabeth Hartwell Refuge When Dec. 7, 2024. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a […]
Photo: Courtesy of The FCPA, Nature and History Jobs The Resource Management Division of the Fairfax County Park Authority serves the community through nature and culture at nine diverse parks. Build your career through education and stewardship of natural and cultural resources at a nature center, historic site, working historic farm or public garden. The […]
Photo: Courtesy of FCPA Wayside Interpretive Signage Wayside interpretive Signage Project Intern The Park Authority is currently undergoing a revamping of the signage displayed across county parks. The role of this position is to aid in the research, development, and creation of these interpretive signs. At a higher level, the purpose is to enhance park […]
Photo: FMN J. Quinn Saturday 7, 2024 2:00pm – 4:00pm Sign-up information Oakmont Rec Center 3200 Jermantown Rd, Oakton Did you know that invasive plants are a huge threat to local wildlife, including migrating birds? Help out these creatures by volunteering to remove invasive plants and restore habitat! Through removal of invasive plants, you’ll […]
Image: Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) The Annual Photography Showcase is offered each year as a way to recognize the rich heritage of Virginia’s wildlife and natural resources and pay tribute to the mission of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Images will be chosen by the editorial staff from […]
Image: Virginia Working Landscapes and Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL) is a program of Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) that promotes the conservation of native biodiversity and sustainable land use through research, education, and community engagement. Interns will have a unique opportunity to develop skills in […]
Photo by Stacey Remick-Simkins What’s shinrin-yoku, you might ask? Christie Culliton has written a wonderfully informative article about the Japanese art of forest bathing – or taking in your natural surroundings using the five senses to help reduce stress levels. Autumn is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the changing leaf colors […]