(7-Adult) Turkeys are native to the Americas and have been everything from decorative to Thanksgiving centerpiece. They’ve been here for 10 million years but how can you make sure they have a place here for a million more? Find out more about the role of turkeys in different cultures and how important habitat restoration will make room for turkeys.

(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.

(10-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Learn the usefulness of plants for such rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Meet at the visitor center.

(7-Adult) Walk the meadows and forest edges to see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to hear echolocation. Learn about our native bats and their habits. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(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.

(2-6 yrs.) Walk with a naturalist and your child as we investigate the critters who make this park their home. Children must be accompanied by an 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.

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

(5-8 yrs.) Campers will learn about pizza and where all the ingredients come from with The Science Seed. They will experiment with yeast and make their own dough and pizzas. Free play, playground time, story time, and more fills out the day. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(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.

(6-10 yrs.) Students get hands on experiences caring for animals in the visitor center as well as trying out beginning veterinary skills on stuffy patients they bring from home. Consult with your fellow veterinarians to accomplish an assortment of veterinary procedures and practice STEM and fine motor skills that all doctors need.

(4-Adult) Amazing reptiles call our park home. Play games, test your courage with a touch table and meet these wonderful creatures up close. Calm your nerves by roasting s'mores at a campfire while listening to stories and then take a stroll through the darkening autumn woods.

(8-Adult) Spark your interest in natural history through legends, lore and stories of the supernatural on a night hike. Then gather around the campfire for s'mores.

(2-6 yrs.) Explore the ever-changing landscape of the garden. Each week, participants will explore and discover the changes in the garden. This program will feature seasonal activities that can include planting seeds, pollinators, harvesting vegetables, digging in the soil and exploring plant parts. Adults must attend with a registered child. 

(5-12 yrs.) In this hands-on Kidcreate class, young artists will paint, sculpt and scribble marvelously messy masterpieces. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

(1-3 yrs.) Bring your toddler to explore nature through sight, sound, smell and touch. Programs include indoor and outdoor activities. Adult must be able to participate with children. A different amazing topic every month

(10-14 yrs.) Step into the wild with Baroody Outside, where kids with a passion for the outdoors will explore nature's wonders. Camp may include orienteering or hiking adventures. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(6-12 yrs.) Baroody campers will examine good construction techniques for houses, bridges and towers and test how much force it takes to knock them down. Make bouncy balls with super strong polymers to see how high they can go. Test your strength and creativity in this hands-on camp. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(7-Adult) Explore the lives of the men and women during the Revolutionary War who passed along secrets and information and the technology they used in dangerous times. Try your hand at a little spy craft to take home.

(5-12 yrs.) Join Kidcreate to create your dream play space in the trees. This camp incorporates STEAM principles to teach campers how to think like engineers and architects. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(4-Adult) Freshwater ecosystems are full of fascinating creatures. Search for stoneflies, hellgrammites, water pennies and crayfish. Explore the park's streams with a naturalist, use dip nets and kick nets to catch and release these creatures. Class meets at the ECL Woodlands Stewardship Education Center

(9-13 yrs.) Embark on a thrilling journey of wilderness exploration and self-sufficiency with Baroody Outside. This immersive experience is designed to equip campers with essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the great outdoors. Guided by experienced instructors and fueled by a spirit of adventure, campers will engage in hands-on activities that encompass survival techniques, teamwork, and a deep connection to nature. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(8-Adult) Hike along Walney Creek to learn about the plants and animals that call this watershed home. Observe evidence of how humans have interacted with Walney Creek throughout history.