(5-Adult) Challenge misconceptions about frequently maligned animals like snapping turtles, nonvenomous snakes, spiders and other fascinating creatures. Participants will learn to distinguish harmless Dekay's brown snake from copperheads, understand their ecological roles and develop appreciation for these important species.

(5-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) Learn how to safely build and enjoy a campfire, learn fire safety skills and receive the Smokey Bear Pledge certificate. Enjoy a brief woodland walk and toast marshmallows. Children must be accompanied by adult.

(5-9 yrs.) This patch will help you understand the importance of dark skies and how you can protect this resource. You will learn about light pollution, see the effect of light pollution yourself, learn how you can make changes to reduce light pollution, and share what you have learned with others. This program was made possible by support from the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Patch included.

(5-Adult) Discover the amazing secrets of flight by studying natures most skilled aviators. In this hands-on program, participants will explore how birds, bats and bugs achieve flight, while also inspiring innovations in aviation.

(5-Adult) Investigate the innovative engineering solutions plants have evolved through millions of years of natural selection and adaptation. Discover how forest flora inspires cutting-age technologies from velcro to solar panels through biomimetic research and design. This hands-on program demonstrates how botanical structures and mechanisms are revolutionizing modern science and technology.

(6-12 yrs.) This program for school children focuses on the natural and historical world. A different topic and hands-on activity is covered each day.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.

(5-Adult) Examine the sophisticated structural engineering found in animal constructions from beaver dams to bird nests and insect colonies. Discover how these natural building techniques inspire modern architectural innovations and sustainable design solutions. This interactive program explores the intersection of biological systems and human engineering through hands-on biomimicry investigations.

(5-Adult) Join us for up-close encounter with some of nature's most fascinating but misunderstood creatures. Meet native crawlies, friendly giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches as you discover the important roles these "creepy crawlies" play in keeping our ecosystems healthy. This hands-on family program reveals why these incredible invertebrates are actually the unsung heroes of the natural world.

(5-Adult) Investigate the amazing properties of animal skin and sensory systems. From heat-sensing snake pits to amphibian poison glands, discover how specialized skin helps animals perceive their environment and survive.

(5-Adult) Explore the remarkable adaptations and behaviors of these specialized predators through hands-on encounters with non-venomous snake ambassadors. Discover the sophisticated hunting strategies, sensory capabilities and ecological roles that makes this reptiles masters of evolutionary design.

(5-9 yrs.) This patch will help you understand the importance of protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays. Through different games and activities, you will learn how you can protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and how you can be a sun safety advocate. This class meets all the requirements to earn the Sun Safety Patch, but does not include a physical patch.

(11-14 yrs.) Discover the amazing superpower of salamanders-they can regrow entire limbs. In this fun STEM workshop, students became nature detectives and medical inventors to create super bandages inspired by these incredible creatures.

(8-Adult) Share the wonder of winter stars with someone special during our romantic Valentine’s stargazing adventure. This enchanting evening stroll combines astronomy education with Valentine’s Day Magic. Create lasting memories as families explore the night sky together, learning about the cosmos while enjoying quality time under the stars. This evening adventure concludes with hot cocoa and Valentine’s treats.

(5-Adult) Create a magical evening experience with a guided lantern walk around the lake. Participants will carry battery operated lanterns or LED candles while learning about winter wildlife, nocturnal animals and seasonal changes in the ecosystem. The program will include brief educational stops, opportunities for quiet reflection by the water and a hot cocoa station.

(5-Adult) Learn essential winter outdoor skills in this hands-on family workshop designed for adventure-seeking families. Participants will discover how to build Emergency shelters, identify winter animal tracks, start fires safely and recognize edible winter plants alongside their parents. The workshop will combine practical survival education with fun, interactive activities that build confidence in nature.