Hidden Pond Nature Center School Programs

Located in West Springfield, Hidden Pond Nature Center and Park features a pond, streams, and vernal ponds surrounded by a mixed hard wood forest. The nature center has an exhibit area featuring native reptile, amphibian, aquatic and invertebrate species that can be found in Fairfax County. The center also features a classroom for indoor parts of our interpretive programs. Hidden Pond also has an ample picnic area for groups wishing to have lunch or snack on site. Listed below are our programs for elementary grades K-6. All can be tailored to meet the Science Standard of Learning categories shown as listed. Some of our programs may be brought to your school, subject to staff availability. If you have any questions please call 703-451-9588.

Programs

Pond Study
Includes our Web of Life Slide show and netting with identifications of aquatic life forms. Center visit is included.

Insects and other Invertebrates
Includes a slide show about the insect kingdom, with either netting for aquatic insects at the pond or searching for them in our forest. Species caught will be identified. Center visit is included.

Rocks Minerals and Soil
Rock and mineral samples are shown with discussion about how geology has influenced human civilization and how we use earth materials in our daily lives. The outside portion of the program will range from gold planning to rock hunting to soil study. Students will be given some rock and mineral samples to start their own collection.

Wildlife Evidence
Through a slide show and a walk through our forest, we will cover ways to study mammals and other wildlife by searching for the evidence they leave behind.

Reptiles and Amphibians
Hidden Pond Nature Center has one of the largest collections of live exhibits in Fairfax County. Students will get to see these animals up close and personal.

Seasonal Changes
This is a popular program format for younger grades. This is a program that can easily be tailored to meet some of the younger grade SOL's.

Microscopic Life
This program uses microscopes and their forms of magnification to study some of the smaller organisms that are found in our wetlands and soil.

The following are the Science Standards of Learning areas that Hidden Pond staff can assist teachers with as part of existing programs or those tailored to meet the teacher's desired goals with an on-site visit to Hidden Pond Nature Center. Staff can also visit the school with certain Science Standards study areas. Let us know how we can be of service to you at Hidden Pond or in your classroom.

Scheduling Programs

For Spring 2007 programs, you may call beginning September 1 and we will begin calling back December 1. There is no guarantee of having a program once you have been placed on the call-back list. Requests will be scheduled on a first call, first served basis. Hidden Pond makes every attempt to find dates and times to meet your request.

Prices:
On site the cost is $4 per child, we have no minimum group size. Cost for visiting your school is $75. Hidden Pond Nature Center asks that if collecting money from students, please do so in advance of visit.

Waivers: If your school or any student has financial difficulties in meeting our costs, please call to discuss the matter. We do not want any student to miss out on a visit to our park. Hope to see you at Hidden Pond during the upcoming school year.