Study the life of a young Eastern Woodland Indian in the time of the first settlement of Jamestown. Compare a child's life today with a child's experience then. Through playing games, making clay pots and enjoying oral myths, naturalists lead an exploration of the indigenous culture. Walk the trails, weather permitting, with an eye to Native Americans' uses of plants and animals and their knowledge of safety in the woods. Program includes an indoor presentation, trail walk and craft. $7 per child for 60 minutes. $9 per child for 90 minutes.
  SOLs addressed for K-4: Science K.1, K.6, K.8- K.10, 1.51.8 HSS. K.1, K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 3.12.

The park's most popular spring program! Growing and changing is something each of us does every day, but complete metamorphosis is common for few creatures other than insects and certain amphibians. From bees to butterflies, the growth from egg to adult fills us with a child-like sense of wonder. The growth from seed to plant is an amazing transformation. Children will plant a seed to nurture at home or school, meet a toad (and tadpoles in season), and thrill to releasing their own ladybugs into the wildflower garden or woodland during April to June programs.  $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K. 8-10, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7,1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.10. 4.5.

Dinosaurs once ruled the land but not the sea! Learn about water-loving Spinosaurus and what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur. Preschoolers often thrill to details about T-Rex,  stegosaurus and other dinosaurs with complicated, meaningful names. Naturalists share dinosaur characteristics, display real fossils for children to explore, and compare dinosaurs' sizes outdoors. $6 per child for 60 minutes.

Students enjoy an entertaining look at the life of insects with a special focus on ants and, in season, butterflies. Compare and contrast will include insect orders, habitats, feeding styles and social versus solitary living. Through the use of live insects, specimens, and catch and release, students will explore the diversity of insects in an urban woodland and the importance of insects to other animals and to plants. We will discuss life cycles, adaptations and habitat needs. Live insects will be used when available. The trail walk will be an insect safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10.

Children often ask, "Where are all the animals?," when they walk along the Old Oak Trail. Most forest life is at or under our feet. Explore the floor and underground habitat of an urban woodland and search for insects, slugs and other creatures that depend on this habitat for their food, shelter and water. During the classroom portion, students will enjoy a puppet show that provides insights into a worm's life and into the animals that share that world day and night. Students meet vertebrate wildlife (reptiles and amphibians) of Fairfax County that depend on worms as part of their diet and peek into a rotting log to see the marvels of decomposition.  From worms to millipedes, they'll discover animals with no legs and those with hundreds! Using discussion, investigation, puppet show, song, and live and preserved animals, your students will learn of amazing biodiversity as they join a naturalist in an invertebrate safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed: Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4-7, 3.10, 4.5.

Plant and animal species cope with the challenge of seasonal changes in varying ways. Discover why leaves change color and why animals such as squirrels and cardinals are busy while others migrate (hawks), hibernate (chipmunks) or go into torpor (raccoons). Learn the effects of changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and looking for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as squirrel dreys. Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.

Spring is a season for growing. Learn about nature's changes as plants and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back to our woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees and looking for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as birds' nesting, squirrel dreys and amphibian larva in the pond.  Naturalists will stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.,

Discover the fascinating adaptations of several local reptiles and amphibians in the park's woodland habitat. Through live animals and specimens, children get an up close look at common, but rarely seen, creatures. Explore animals' life processes and niches in the environment to separate fact from fiction. For example, most animals do not provide parental care, but the common red back salamander defies that amphibian rule and others. The program includes an indoor presentation with a tour of the live animal exhibits. Weather and time permitting, an outdoor trail walk will be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,, 2.7, 3.4-6, 4.5

How do you know that wildlife, from squirrels to insects to reptiles, lives in your backyard, in parks and in streams if you rarely see animals? They leave evidence. Many animals stay out of sight through camouflaged coloration or by the time of day they are active.  This place-based learning opportunity connects students to the natural community they share with urban wildlife. Students discover the wild ways of furry, feathered and scaled neighbors through a puppet show, song and nature hike where they look for evidence of animals, weather permitting.  During the trail walk, students learn of the life needs of native animals with a focus on squirrels, turtles, butterflies, cardinals and other birds, according to the season. Naturalists extend the learning with live and preserved native animals. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science. K.1,K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest. Focusing on the squirrels' physical and behavioral adaptations and defenses, children learn how such a small creature can crack through nuts, communicate with their tail and are the natural foresters of the woodland. Children become 'small scientists' as they compare and contrast native grey squirrels with native flying squirrels. Naturalists lead discovery through a puppet show, demonstrations and song. On the trail walk, students look for dreys and other evidence of the life of grey and flying squirrels from babies through adult. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.1,K.6, K.7,K.9 1.1,1.5,1.7,1.8,2.1,2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5

Who needs it?  How does it change? Where does it flow? Which items float or sink in water? When is water a problem? Why do we care? Water is critical for life. Water makes headlines across the country, from shortages in California to floods in Texas to runoff issues in the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the grade level, this program highlights the water focus of the interrelationship of Earth and Space SOL from evaporation in kindergarten, to runoff in first grade, to water cycle in second grade, etc.  With prior arrangement, science experiments on surface tension may be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes. (K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11, 1.3 1.8, 2.6, 2.7, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10)

Study the life of a young Eastern Woodland Indian in the time of the first settlement of Jamestown. Compare a child's life of today with a child's experience then, and discuss how the Jamestown settlement changed the Powhatan's life forever. Through playing games, making clay pots and enjoying oral myths, naturalists lead an exploration of the indigenous culture. Walk the trails, weather permitting, with an eye to Native Americans' uses of plants and animals and their knowledge of safety in the woods. Program includes an indoor presentation, trail walk and craft. $7 per child for 60 minutes, $9 per child for 90 minutes. 
SOLs addressed for K-4: Science K.1, K.6, K.8- K.10, 1.51.8 HSS. K.1, K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 3.12.

The park's most popular spring program! Each of us grows and changes every day, but complete metamorphosis is common for few creatures other than insects and certain amphibians. From bees to butterflies, the growth from egg to adult fills us with a child-like sense of wonder. The growth from seed to plant is an amazing transformation. Children will plant a seed to nurture at home or school, meet a toad (and tadpoles in season), and thrill to releasing their own ladybugs into the wildflower garden or woodland during programs April-June. $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K. 8-10, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7,1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.10. 4.5.

Students enjoy an entertaining look at the life of insects with a special focus on ants and, in season, butterflies. Compare-and-contrast includes insect orders, habitats, feeding styles and social versus solitary living. Through the use of live insects, specimens and catch-and-release, students explore the diversity of insects in urban woodland and the importance of insects to other animals as well as plants. Note: We will include butterflies, monarchs when available, in 2nd grade programs and ladybugs, in season, for 3rd grade programs. We will discuss their life cycle, adaptations and habitat needs. Live insects will be used when available. The trail walk is an insect safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. 
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10.

Get into the woods and discover how local wildlife gets a meal or avoids being a meal through adaptations in this interactive field trip. Animals compete for food, shelter, territory, and mates with members of their own and other species. Naturalists lead stations featuring adaptations of deer, reptiles, squirrels and owls with specimens and activities. Learn whether the featured animal is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore. The program usually is conducted along the trail, but in inclement weather it is held inside the classroom. $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science. K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5,  3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

SOLs - VS.2a-c, VS.4e, VS.6b&c, USI.2d, Math 4.12a,b 

Children often ask, "Where are all the animals?" when they walk along the Old Oak Trail. Most forest life is at or under your feet. Explore the floor and underground habitat of an urban woodland. Search for insects, slugs and other creatures that depend on this habitat for their food, shelter and water. During the classroom portion of the program, students enjoy a puppet show that provides insights into a worm's life and the animals that share that world day and night. Students meet vertebrate wildlife (reptiles and amphibians) of Fairfax County that depend on worms as part of their diet. They peek into a rotting log to see the marvels of decomposition.  From worms to millipedes, students discover animals with no legs to those with hundreds! Using discussion, investigation, puppet show, song and live and preserved animals, students learn about amazing biodiversity as they join a naturalist in an invertebrate safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed: Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4-7, 3.10, 4.5.

Plant and animal species cope with the challenge of seasonal changes in varying ways. Discover why leaves change color and why some animals are busy (squirrels and cardinals) while others migrate (hawks), hibernate (chipmunks) or go into torpor (raccoons). Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and a search for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as squirrel dreys. Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.

Spring is a season for growing. Learn about nature's changes as plants and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back to local woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibits and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as birds' nesting, squirrel dreys and amphibian larva in the pond.  Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.,

Discover the fascinating adaptations of several local reptiles and amphibians in woodland habitat. Through live animals and specimens, naturalists enable the children to get a close look at these common, but rarely seen, creatures. Students explore these animals' life processes and niches in the environment to separate fact from fiction. For example, most animals do not provide parental care, but the common red back salamander defies that amphibian rule and others. The program includes an indoor presentation with a tour of the live animal exhibits. Note: The second-grade program focuses on habitats. The third- and fourth-grade programs focus on the interdependence of animals, the food web, and the differences among carnivore, omnivore and herbivore and adaptations.  Weather and time permitting, an outdoor trail walk will be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,, 2.7, 3.4-6, 4.5

How do you know that wildlife, from squirrels to insects to reptiles, lives in backyards, parks and streams when you rarely see them?  They leave evidence.   Many animals stay out of sight through camouflaged coloration or by the time of day they are active.  This place-based learning opportunity connects students to the natural community they share with urban wildlife. Students discover the wild ways of furry, feathered and scaled neighbors through a puppet show, song and nature hike to look for evidence of animals, weather permitting.  During the trail walk, students learn of the life needs of native animals with a focus on squirrels, turtles, butterflies, cardinals and other birds, according to the season. Naturalists extend the learning with live and preserved native animals. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science. K.1,K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest. Focusing on the squirrels' physical and behavioral adaptations and defenses, children learn how such a small creature can crack through nuts, communicate with their tails, and are the natural foresters of the woodland. Children become 'small scientists' as they compare and contrast native grey squirrels with native flying squirrels. Naturalists lead discovery through presentation of a puppet show, demonstrations and song. On the trail walk, students look for dreys and other evidence of grey and flying squirrels from babies through adult. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.1,K.6, K.7,K.9 1.1,1.5,1.7,1.8,2.1,2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5.

Who needs it?  How does it change? Where does it flow? Which items float or sink in water? When is water a problem? Why do we care? Water is critical for life. Water makes headlines across the country, from shortages in California to floods in Texas, to runoff issues in the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the grade level, this program highlights the water focus of the interrelationship of Earth and Space SOL, from evaporation in kindergarten, to runoff in first grade, to water cycle in second grade, etc.  With prior arrangement, science experiments on surface tension may be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11, 1.3 1.8, 2.6, 2.7, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10.

Eastern Woodland Indians of the 1600s depended on local, natural resources for their survival. Students learn how the animal, plant, mineral and water resources impacted the indigenous people and how, in turn, they impacted their ecosystem. Through observation and inferences, students learn how a healthy watershed was critical then and compare that to our use of, and impact on, our watershed today. Program includes a guided trail walk. $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLS addressed : VS.2, Sci. 4.9

We All Live Downstream: Through interactive activities and trail walks that highlight both concepts and vocabulary, unfold the mysteries of what is a watershed, how the way we live in Virginia affects the Chesapeake Bay and beyond, and why students and their families should care. Students learn how to determine their watershed address and meet live native reptiles and amphibians that depend on a healthy watershed to survive. Naturalists strive to make the program relevant and include a walk to astream to observe the effects of erosion and weathering. $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOL/Program: 4.1 (a), 4.8 (a)