(5-8 yrs.) Each Tuesday morning in this four-week nature series for homeschool, explore a new theme: winter birds, animal tracks, tree ID and pond life under ice. Hands-on activities, outdoor exploration and take-home naturalist journals. Registration covers all four sessions (Jan 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2).

(9-13 yrs.) In this four-week series for homeschool kids a field naturalist will explore a different topic each week including watershed science, wildlife tracking, forest ecology and citizen science. Students will receive field notebooks for real data collection and outdoor investigation. Registration cover materials and all four sessions (Jan 13, 20, 27 and Feb 3).

(4-Adult) Barred owls inhabit our stream valley parks. Learn to identify these owls from other native owls while enjoying the campfire. Toast marshmallows over the embers. Canceled in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-12 yrs.) Race like a fox, hibernate like a bear, hunt like an owl and store food like a squirrel in the Animal Olympics. Hands-on activity stations show kids how animals survive winter by testing their own senses and strengths against the wild. A perfect way to spend an out-of-school holiday.

(10-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Participants will learn how plants were used in rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Foraging in Fairfax County Parks is prohibited.

(5-Adult) Hike through the fall foliage and identify trees. Find that perfect autumn leaf and make a craft keepsake.

(10-Adult) Learn to read bark texture, twig arrangement, leaf scars, buds and lingering berries to identify Lake Accotink's most common trees when the leaves are gone. A hands-on walk with pocket guides are provided. Perfect for aspiring naturalists and lifelong walkers.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(5-Adult) Learn all about building a campfire. Practice starting a fire without matches and stay for a demonstration.

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

(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.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying the beauty of the lakefront. Gain a better understanding of not only how to fish, but also how we can better connect with the natural world while participating in recreational activities, such as fishing. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(6-12 yrs.) This nocturnal wildlife and local lore program features a craft, a twilight walk into the forest, trick or treating, animal activity stations and campfire with scary stories and s'mores. Campfire takes place during the last half hour of the program. Costumes are encouraged.

(4-Adult) Step into the spooky-cool side of nature and meet friendly live reptiles and amphibians up close. Families will explore hands-on discovery stations and uncover the amazing “superpowers” these misunderstood creatures use to survive. Costumes welcome.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why snakes are important. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

(13-17 yrs.) A three-week field lab for homeschool teens who want serious naturalist skills in a small group setting with high expectations. Weekly focus areas include field observation and journaling, species ID and dichotomous keys, and independent field project. Registration covers all three sessions (Feb 11, 18 and 25).

(14-Adult) You can see so many stars from the lake! Catch a glimpse of the Draconids Meteor Shower as it begins at Dusk. A Naturalist will guide you as you paddle across the lake.

(6-12 yrs.) A weekly homeschool drop-in for kids. Each Wednesday afternoon features a rotating naturalist topic and open outdoor exploration. No series commitment required - participants can come one week or every week. Bring a snack. Come one week or come every week.

(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.

(10-Adult) Learn to build a fire without matches, construct a debris shelter, signal for rescue and stay warm when the temperature drops. Hands-on outdoor skills with a naturalist. Dress for weather. Great for scouts, families, and outdoor lovers