Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

CONTACT INFORMATION: Walney Visitor Center Open hours: Mon & Wed-Fri 9-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. The park's trails, picnic tables and grounds are open dawn to dusk.
703-631-0013 TTY 711
5040 Walney Road
Chantilly, Virginia
John Shafer
Manager

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Preserving land, protecting resources

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a 650-acre park in western Fairfax County with a history that spans 8,000 years. The park's habitats include forests, streams, meadows, and a pond. Inside the Walney Visitor Center you will learn about the natural and cultural history of the park, see live reptiles and amphibians, and enjoy children's hands-on activities. Outside the Visitor Center, explore pollinator gardens, a historic kitchen garden, and historic structures.

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UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES

Registration for Winter Camps Begins Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 9 a.m.

Registration for Winter Classes Begins Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m.

The winter issue of Parktakes will be posted online on Tuesday, October 29. Look for the print version to arrive in mailboxes in mid-November.   

Save the dates and prep for the day!

Upcoming Events

Oct
17
Critter Crawl
10:00AM, 17, (2-6 years) Walk with a naturalist and your child as we investigate the…
Oct
19
House of Reptiles  
6:00PM, 19, (4-Adult) You can only visit, but amazing reptiles call our park home. Play…
Oct
20
Fur, Feathers and Ferns-Bear Adventure
10:00AM, 20, (8 to 9 years) Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See…
Oct
20
Drill like a Soldier
2:00PM, 20, (6-Adult) Our Continental Army, formed in 1775, was created from colonial…
Oct
25
Legends & Lore Night Hike & Campfire  
6:30PM, 25, (8-Adult) Spark your interest in Walney history through legends, lore and…
Nov
09
Adapted Sights and Sounds of Fall Campfire 
5:30PM, 09, (4-Adult) Bring your family to enjoy a delightful campfire and observe the…

Parking Lot Closures

The parking lot located at the Woodland Stewardship Education Center will be closed or partially closed on the following dates due to special events:

  • Full Closures:
    • October 4, 1p.m.
    • October 12, 3p.m.

Park visitors can still access the outdoor features at the Stewardship Education Center by walking, biking and by parking at Walney Pond and the Walney Pond Visitor Center (5040 Walney Road).


2024 Date Parktoberfest

Saturday October 5, Noon-5 p.m., Free

  • Live music by The Walkaways & Kentucky Avenue
  • Local foods and beverages brought to you by ODD BBQ, District Small Bites, ONO Brewery & River Sea Chocolates
  • Area artisans and vendors
  • Nature crafts with ECLP naturalists, and more

Programs and Activities

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FIeld Trips

A young boy learns about American Indian games by aiming a feathered corn cob at a ring

Scouting

Two Girl Scouts work on crafts at a table

Birthdays

Two ECLP volunteers play with a water hose while working in a garden

 

Programs / Activities

Birdwatching
Birthday Parties
Campfires
Classes and Camps
ECLP On Your Own
Events in the Park
Family Outdoor Exploration
Field Trips
Historic Tours
Outreach Programs
Plants and Wildlife
Scouts

Facilities / Rentals

Ellanor C. Lawrence HOME
Athletic Fields
ECLP's Natural History
Middlegate and Cabell's Mill
Picnic
Playground
Rental Facilities
Walney Visitor Center
Woodlands Stewardship Education Center

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ECLP's History
Hours and Fees
Park Location
ResOURces Newsletter
Ten Park FAQs
Volunteer
Walney's history
Ask a Naturalist
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