Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Walney Visitor Center Winter 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

Department Resources


Related Resources


ECLP's 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

NOTICE:

Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center Construction Begins

Active construction is anticipated to be completed by summer 2023. Residents should expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park/Cabell’s Mill entrance. The park is located at 5235 Walney Road in Centerville, VA.

The Park's 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. A copperheadAre there rattlesnakes and water moccasins here?

  • No. The only venomous snake in Fairfax County is the northern copperhead. Never handle a snake in the wild. Many snakes try to mimic the pattern of copperheads for their own protection. Please stay on trails, and do not attempt to handle a snake.

2. Are there coyotes here?

  • Yes. Coyotes are becoming more common in Fairfax County, and they have been seen and photographed at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. They generally pose no threat to humans.

3. I saw a fox in broad daylight and he didn't run. Does that mean he has rabies?

  • No. Although fox and coyotes are chiefly nocturnal, they are still seen during the day. Never approach a wild animal, and please report any out of the ordinary behavior.

4. Can I take a few tadpoles home for my kids to watch grow?

  • No. Park rules do not allow removal of animals or other resources from parks. 

5. I have a critter living under my house. How do I get it out of there?

  • The best way to handle wildlife around your house is to leave it alone if possible. Generally, animals will leave on their own after a while.

6. Should I use mothballs to get rid of animals?

  • No. Mothballs are poisonous. They harm the environment and put children and pets in danger.

Poison Ivy7. What does poison ivy look like?

  • Poison ivy has three leaves and a hairy vine. The middle leaf has a slightly longer stem than the other two. The veins in the leaves alternate. The leaf edges may have a few coarse teeth.

8. Beavers are cutting down trees. Are you going to do anything about it?

  • Beavers are a part of this park's ecosystem. We let nature take its course whenever possible. A leaning tree that appears to be dangerous should be reported to a staff member.

9. Can you fish at the pond?

10. Do ticks from the park carry Lyme disease?

  • Yes, they can. Staying on trails and using insect repellant will reduce your risk to tick exposure.
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