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Nature Centers - Hidden Oaks, Hidden Pond, Huntley Meadows, Riverbend, Walney, Ellanor C. Lawrence

CUB RUN RECENTER is located at 4630 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. It is the first RECenter to feature a Nature Program with a resident naturalist. Classes and programs take advantage of the nearby newly acquired lands of Sully Woodlands and local natural surface trails along the beautiful Cub Run Stream Valley and nearby wetland mitigation area with the naturalist as a guide.

The Nature Program inludes children's classes, family programs, summer nature camps, scout badges, school field trips and in-depth nature study for adults.

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER is located at 7701 Royce Street in Annandale. Inside the nature center visitors will find natural and cultural history exhibits, a library, and an auditorium. A naturalist is always available during operating hours to answer questions.

The surrounding park features a nature trail, a playground, picnic shelter, ballfields, and the Fred M. Packard Center. Admission is free. Holiday Hours

Directions: Hidden Oaks may be reached by taking Beltway Exit 52B which is Little River Turnpike or Route 236 east to the first traffic light at Hummer Road. Turn left on Hummer Road and then left at the park entrance.

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For more information about Hidden Oaks Nature Center call 703-941-1065.

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER is located at 8511 Greeley Boulevard in Springfield. Hidden Pond has indoor exhibits, a nature trail, a pond, tot lot and picnic shelter. A naturalist is always available during operating hours to answer questions. Abundant wildlife and extensive woodlands, along the Pohick Creek, are also features of this park. Admission is FREE. Holiday Hours

Directions: Hidden Pond may be reached by taking Route 95 south from Beltway Exit 57A to west on Old Keene Mill Road. Cross Rolling Road and turn left at the next light onto Greeley Boulevard and follow three blocks to the park entrance at the end of the street.

NOTE: There are TWO Greeley Boulevards. You must turn onto Greeley Blvd. where it intersects with Keene Mill Road approximately 1/4 mile west of Rolling Road.

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For more information about Hidden Pond Nature Center call 703-451-9588.

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK is located at Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard in Alexandria. Huntley Meadows Park contains 1,425 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, meadows and mature forest. Its animal residents include fox, deer, beaver, otter and over 200 species of birds. There is a two-thirds mile boardwalk through the wetlands that leads to an observation tower.

The visitor center includes an auditorium and exhibit hall, admission is free. A naturalist is always available when the center is open to answer questions. Holiday Hours

Directions: Huntley Meadows Park may be reached by taking Beltway Exit 177A which is Richmond Highway or Route 1 south for three and a half miles to a right on Lockheed Boulevard. The park entrance is approximately three blocks down on the left at Harrison Lane.

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For more information about Huntley Meadows Park call 703-768-2525. Follow this link for Volunteer opportunities.

RIVERBEND PARK is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street in Great Falls. Enjoy over 400 acres of forest, meadows, ponds and streams bordering the Potomac River. Numerous resident and migrant birds and spectacular wildflowers are highlights. A pavilion is available for reservations on a first-come, first served basis, starting April 1. Other facilities include picnic tables and a boat ramp for private launches. (Details and restrictions posted at the ramp). Swimming is prohibited in the river. Gates open 7am to dusk, hours posted. The gate is locked at closing time.

Staff now conducts programs at two locations in Riverbend Park. The nature center is located at 8814 Jeffery Road and is open only for scheduled programs, groups and appointments; call 703-759-9018. The visitor center is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street. The visitor center has live animals, seasonal exhibits, a nature library and a naturalist on duty during open hours. Holiday Hours

For more information about Riverbend Park call 703-759-9018.

Directions: Riverbend Park may be reached by taking Beltway Exit 44 which is Georgetown Pike west to a right on River Bend Road. From Riverbend Road turn right on Jeffery Road and follow for approximately 1 mile to the park entrance.

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WALNEY VISITOR CENTER is located in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly. Walney Visitor Center was originally a farmhouse built about 1780 and now features exhibits that detail the property's long history of interaction between the land and its people. Holiday Hours Admission is free. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has a natural area, picnic tables, ballfields and extensive hiking trails.

During the summer months, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park hosts Arts in the Parks, a free children's entertainment series held Saturday mornings.

Directions: Walney Visitor Center in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park may be reached by taking Beltway Exit 49 for Route 66 west. Follow Route 66 for eleven miles to Exit 53B which is Route 28 north (Sully Road). From Route 28, make an immediate right onto Walney Road. The visitor center is one mile up on the left.

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The telephone number at Walney Visitor Center is 703-631-0013.