(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.

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.

(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) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. 

(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.

(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.

(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) Branches may be bare, but your garden can still be a place for birds to thrive. Create a natural bird feeder mobile out of pinecones, it even doubles as an art piece! Hang it in your garden and watch the birds flock. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(6-12 yrs.) Explore how bird adaptations allow birds to live in their chosen ecosystem. Study the parks collection of preserved specimens. Afterwards, make observations and explorations using field tools to learn identification and classification.

(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.

(2-5 yrs.) Youngsters and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature’s wonders in this interactive class. Experience includes meeting animals, stories, games and outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Quiet infants welcome. Topics covered are: 9/8 Squirrels, 9/15 Whitetail Deer, 9/22 All About Autumn, 9/29 Birds Fly South, 10/6 Bones, 10/20 Pumpkins, 10/27 Halloween Fun, 11/3 Bats, 11/10 Bear Buddies, 11/17 Animals Getting Ready for Winter and 11/24 Turkeys.

(2-5 yrs.) Youngsters and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature’s wonders in this interactive class. Experiences include meeting animals, stories, games and outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Quiet infants welcome. Topics covered are Dec 1: Hibernation, Dec 8: Evergreens, Dec 15: Winter Wonderland, Jan 5: Snowflakes, Jan 12: Mittens, Jan 26: Winter Birds, Feb 2: Groundhogs, Feb 9: Animal Valentines, Feb 23: Penguins & Polar Bears.

(8-Adult) Birds are sometimes called living dinosaurs. Join a naturalist to learn how our feathered friends have evolved from dinosaurs and what characteristics they share with them.

(6-14 yrs.) Help feed your feathered friends this winter by making and taking home your very own pinecone bird feeder. Find out what those familiar bird calls are as we discuss common birds you may see visit your feeder.

(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.