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Ellanor C. Lawrence Park’s Visitor Center Celebrates 30 Years

The Walney Visitor Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. County officials and local dignitaries will open the day’s festivities with welcoming remarks and light refreshments at 10 a.m. in the amphitheater. Admission to the event is free.

Before the Fairfax County Park Authority acquired the land that comprises Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in 1971, the property then known as Walney Farm had been farmed for 230 years by just three families. In 1982 the Walney Visitor Center opened, providing a place to interpret the park’s rich natural history and to tell the stories of the property’s previous inhabitants.

The anniversary celebration will feature fun, family-friendly activities and historical demonstrations. Visitors can make and taste homemade ice cream and churn butter like the Machen family did in years past. Costumed interpreters will add historic flair to the event as they mingle with people and share their stories. A park naturalist will introduce visitors to his barred owl and red-tail hawk during a special raptor program. Woodworkers will be intrigued by the tools and techniques used by Colonial carpenters. Nature lovers and history buffs will learn about the park on guided walks along the trails. For those who prefer riding tours, wagon rides will be available for a small fee.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is located at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly, Va. For more information about the celebration, call 703-631-0013.