(4-7 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about the animal life science of frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games.

(6-Adult) Create a welcoming space for birds and watch who shows up! Learn how feeders, food, and native plants can support local wildlife, then take part in making native seed balls to grow plants that birds love.

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.

(6-Adult) Use your eyes and ears to identify native birds as you embark on a guided walk with one of our naturalists. Both beginner birders and veterans welcome. Bring your own binoculars or use one of ours.  

(13-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led birding trip by kayak. Park Authority lakes are home to more than 100 species of birds and hold many unique habitats. See how these small vessels can provide a closer look into the world of birds. Travel in a one-person kayak.

(12-Adult) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-Adult) Hone your birding skills on the trail and learn to play our favorite bird themed board game: Wingspan. We will enjoy a round or more of this wonderful boardgame and take a bird walk in the park. All skill levels welcome.

(16-Adult) Get to know our local songbirds through field sketches and studies. Includes a presentation on natural history, drawing tips, and a short bird hike.

(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.

(8-Adult) Join our park naturalist on a hike and explore wild plants and animals throughout the trails. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of things you find along the way. Smart phones, cameras and binoculars welcome. Each hike will feature a different theme and may include: salamanders, birds and other wildlife, wildflowers, trees, nature photography, cultural history, or a scenic destination.

(6-12 yrs.) Learn the how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are classified. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(8-15 yrs.) Huntley Meadows Park is starting a birding club. Come along with experienced Naturalists to learn about the wonderful birds that live and thrive in our forests and wetlands. Sketchbook provided for recording your all your observations. This program is offered at no cost, paid for by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park. Space is limited and registration is required.

(16-Adult) Learn the basic skills and shapes to felt wool into animals, and practice as you make needle felted birds to take home. Spend an afternoon learning and creating animals that make wonderful decorations and gifts. All supplies for two birds included. Take home a felting kit to continue crafting at home.

(2-5 yrs.) Baby turkeys and their grown-ups are surprisingly curious creatures. Find out about these birds through a story, song and craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(14-Adult) Celebrate the winter solstice by stepping into the role of a community scientist and exploring the park through bird observation and identification. Participants will learn to recognize common winter species by sight and sound while contributing to ongoing efforts to document bird populations. Modeled after the "Christmas Bird Count", this program focuses on developing field skills and appreciating the diversity of birds that remain active during the colder months.