(12-Adult) Huntley’s forests are home to certain plants whose ancestors have been with us since dinosaur times. Join artist and naturalist, Margaret Wohler, to learn about and sketch the ferns, moss and their allies on a 1.5 mile walk (flat terrain).

(3-8 yrs.) Learn about animal adaptations while you munch on cookies and lemonade. Enjoy a story, craft and trail activity along a short hike. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

(2-6 yrs.) Pretend to be a penguin, wolf and beaver dad as you learn about these doting fathers. Meet live animals and make a craft for your favorite father/grandfather. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

(3-Adult) It's dinner time at the nature center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center's animals.

(2-5 yrs.) Dig down deep and investigate who lives in the dark, damp world under the forest floor as we learn about moles, earthworms, termites and the many other creatures of the soil. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(6-Adult) Join a naturalist to discover the facts, fiction and folklore about nature’s only true flying mammal- bats. We will set the record straight about these incredible but often-misunderstood group of animals. The program will start with a presentation followed by a night walk where we will use a special acoustic device to listen for and identify bat calls not heard with the human ear.

(6-Adult) There is a battle going on in an ancient forest in our parks. Come take a hike through the forest to learn about the fight of the native inhabitants of our special forest community for dominance and learn how you can help them in their plight.

(5-Adult) Challenge misconceptions about frequently misunderstood 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.

(3-Adult) Explore the trails with a naturalist to learn about the different characteristics that can be used to identify birds. Keep an eye on your surroundings as you fill out a bingo sheet to better connect to our friends in the sky.

(4-Adult) Beaks, feathers, nests and talons are examined to explore the avian world that surrounds us. Find out about bird life cycles, migration patterns and adaptations that make these creatures fascinating. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) You may have enjoyed making bubbles before, but you've probably never been inside one. Learn about the science of bubbles in this interactive class. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(3-Adult) Hike with a naturalist to learn about different insects’ behavior and habitats. Explore the park to fill out bingo sheets to better appreciate the tiny workers around us.

(4-Adult) Learn about common pollinators and their importance in native gardens and woodlands. Pollinators are more than just a pretty face. Children under age ten must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in this program.

(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.

(3-Adult) Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our astronomical naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(All Ages) After experiencing a sampler of our hands-on activities, guided hikes, and science demonstrations, share your feedback and have a say in the future of our programs. Let your voice be heard and have fun while doing it. If you cannot attend, please contact fcpaHiddenPondPrograms@fairfaxcounty.gov to submit your feedback.

(4-Adult) Learn how the Powhatan Native Americans used the plants and animals you see every day for their medicine, grocery store and clothing. Immerse yourself in a way of life 400 years ago. Grind corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and go on a guided tour to see the park from the perspective of a Virginia Indian.

(2-7 yrs.) Join a naturalist to discover the various wildlife that can be found in the lake. Search for tadpoles, insects, and frogs to catch and release, while also learning about what makes each creature special. Bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy.

(8-Adult) Participants in this introductory session will practice John Muir Law's "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of" nature journaling strategy to hone their observational skills and then learn different approaches to recording their observations on the page using images, words, and numbers. The objective is to connect to the natural world without an expectation of making great "art" or collecting/learning facts. Basic drawing supplies will be available or bring your own supplies if you'd prefer.

(Adults) Learn about the life cycle, behavior and identification of Huntley's many dragonflies and damselflies. Venture to the wetland to observe these acrobatic fliers in action. Canceled if it rains.

(16-Adult) Explore the woodlands and pond for insects, wildflowers, aquatic plants and more on a scavenger hunt hike. Then return to the classroom to draw live critters, flowers, ferns, etc. Project ideas will be shared and discussed. Your choice of colored pencils, or watercolors. A supply list will be sent before class starts.

(All Ages) Come stay and play at our Nature Center on select Fridays of every month. Spend time together as a family reading books, making crafts, playing games, exploring natural objects with a microscope, doing puzzles, digging in the sandbox and many more play opportunities. Enjoy a short presentation or read-aloud story by a naturalist every hour. Each month the space will transform into a different theme and activities will be refreshed so there will always be something new to discover. A staff member will be in the building if you have any questions or need assistance, but this event is designed as self-guided play time accompanied by a parent or guardian. You are not required to stay for the entire length of time. Once you receive a wristband you may come and go as you please.

(4-13 yrs.) Join a naturalist as they demonstrate how we feed our site display animals. Make a birdfeeder to take home and use. Search for worms and insects and assist in serving dinner. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-Adult) Join us at the park to enjoy an evening of fireflies. Bring a plastic jar with a lid to catch and then release. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) Join us on a magical evening walk in the park to learn about and see the different colors and signal patterns of this fascinating insect.

(9-Adult) With every season there are different blooms, leaves, roots, seeds and mushrooms that you can identify and eat. Learn how to eat from the forest safely and ethically as you join a Naturalist on a walk by the Lake. Please be aware that foraging is prohibited in Fairfax County parks. This class will focus on how to safely identify various edible plants, as well as their uses. No plants will be picked during the course of the class.