Park Authority

By Chase Brown

The cold fall weather is finally starting to move in, and you know what that means. The Striped Bass are here. Striped Bass, or Stripers as most people call them, are a migratory fish that move up and down the East Coast of the United States. During the fall, massive schools of these fish travel up the Potomac River and into the creeks. Stripers can vary in size, the smaller ones which are generally referred to as “schoolies” are usually around 12 to 24 inches.  However, in recent years anglers have pulled out some trophy size Striped Bass from the Potomac with some reaching over 40 inches.

The typical ways to catch these fish are soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. Make sure that you use a jig head that is not too heavy or light, I recommend between a ¼ or ½ oz. depending on the current.  In my experience, Striper seemed to be really drawn to white or silver colors and especially love the movement that a long grub trail lure makes. The color of your jig head isn’t as important to Striper, but I typically go for red, white, or standard lead color. Live baitfish are an excellent choice as well for catching Stripers so if you can get hold of some bullhead minnows or shiners you should have success. I find that a 3/0 size circle hook with a ¼ oz. weight attached a foot above the hook is the best choice for fishing your live bait.

Areas such as creek mouths and deep channels are excellent places to find Stripers holding up. You can find a lot of success in areas where the Potomac meets up with a creek as the Striper are typically moving in and out of these areas on a regular basis. The best time to target these fish are on an incoming tide so make sure you go online and find a tide chart for your area. Striper tend to travel in schools so if you can catch one then you can usually catch a handful. Remember the technique you used to catch the first one and there should be more to follow. Deep channels along shallow riverbanks are another area that Striper tend to frequent since the deep water gives them some cover and allows them to pick off baitfish as they move out of the shallows. Fairfax County provides some excellent fishing spots to target Stripers around the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area. Any of the local creeks around you that feed into the Potomac are great places for you to try to target Stripers. Take a drive along the George Washington Parkway and you will be sure to find some great areas to try and land one of these amazing fish.

By Chase Brown

Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!

Here’s what you need to know on what to do before your first fishing trip this year, as well as tips and information on the fish you can expect to catch. If you have any specific questions about fishing in the area or fishing in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to our FCPA Fishing Coordinator Dan Grulke at dan.grulke@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also, be sure to go online and check out some of the fishing classes we will be offering this year at some of your favorite local parks!

Maintaining your equipment is incredibly important when it comes to fishing, and it can save you a lot of money if done properly and in a timely manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

1. Gather all your gear together including all rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and any miscellaneous lures you may have lying around.
2. Grab your rods and make sure each eye on each rod is properly secured and lines up properly.
3. Take your fishing reels and ensure that each one is cranking smoothly and that you have taken off any fishing line from last year. If your fishing reel is tough to crank and feels sort of locked up, then you may have to spray some lubricant inside the grooves to eliminate some of the rust or any gunk that may have built up inside over time. Be sure to change out your line before your first fishing trip this year if it has been on your reel for over a few months, as fishing line tends to lose its strength and become brittle after it sits on the reel for a while.
4. Make sure that you check for any bait or food in your tackle box that may have been left in it over the winter. For parents, I recommend you check your child’s tackle box for leftover food or bait every time they come home from fishing. I cannot tell you how many times I have found month-old hot dogs and bread that have led to entire tackle boxes needing to be thrown away.
5. Examine all your lures and hooks for signs of rust or wear. Use a sharpening stone on any of them that you think may need to be sharpened. If you find out that a lot of your lures or hooks have started to rust, then you most likely have an issue with water or moisture getting into your tackle box. I would try to locate any holes or breaks in your tackle box, and then think about moving it to a different, dryer location.
6. Check your fishing nets for gashes that may have been made from the previous year and examine them for rust if they are made of metal. Depending on what fish you are targeting, you may be able to get by with a few small gashes in your net, but you can make a quick fix with some thick sewing string and a needle, if you think it is necessary.

Now that you have some steps to get yourself prepared for the season, let us talk about some of the fish you may be targeting out there!

Spring is the time of year when largemouth bass begin their spawning rituals and tend to become highly aggressive. It is also a great time of the year for finding a trophy fish, since a lot of the females are pretty fattened up to prepare for spawning. Typically, you can find pairs of fish along grass beds guarding their nests from intruders and attacking anything that gets too close. In my opinion, this makes for an easy and enjoyable day of fishing, since you do not have to put too much effort into choosing the right lure. If it can fit in their mouth and you cast it close to their nesting site, you should have no problem hooking up with a bass this time of year.

Another reason that spring is a favorite time of year among anglers is the migratory species you can find in the Potomac River, such as striped bass and yellow perch. I had an article that previously talked about striped bass and their fall migration up the river , but they will also make a smaller migration down the river in the early springtime. Typically, there are not as many as there are in the fall, but these fish always seem to come back when the weather starts to warm up. The warmer waters also signal the beginning of the yellow perch migration. These fish spawn in rivers and creeks during this time of year, just like the largemouth bass. The yellow perch, not to be confused with the white perch that inhabits this area year-round, has some distinguishable features that separate it from its counterparts, including its color, which is typically greenish yellow with black bands along its sides.  

I have my best luck with yellow perch when fishing small soft plastics along areas with lots of rocks. Just like the largemouth bass, these fish are very aggressive during their spawning season and will strike at just about anything that crosses their path.

For those of you looking to experience fishing for the first time or looking to catch anything that will take your bait, panfish is the way to go.

Virginia has numerous species of panfish but the most popular three are bluegill, sunfish and crappie. They can be found in just about any body of water around the area and are a fun and easy species to catch that will be sure to brighten anyone’s fishing day.

All you need for these fish are some fishing line, a hook and bait, such as worms or crickets. Panfish typically travel in schools too, so where you find one you should be able to find a dozen.

Fishing for panfish is perfect for beginners or any angler looking for a relaxing day on the water. Although they are not the biggest fish by any means, they have some beautiful colors and patterns and a decent-sized one will put up a good fight on a lightweight fishing rod.

Good luck to all of you this fishing season, and I hope that this article helps you land that trophy catch this spring!

Step into history, sip something spirited and enjoy a literary classic under the stars at Colvin Run Mill this May. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to enjoy three unique events that blend education, entertainment and old-fashioned charm at one of Virginia’s operational 19th-century water-powered mills.

Spirited Grains: Whiskey Tasting Experience

Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Sign up for a tasting time starting at 4 p.m.

Sample a curated selection of fine whiskeys in the rustic beauty of Colvin Run Mill. Learn about traditional distilling techniques and the historic ties between grain and spirit.

Participants must be 21+.

Register for Spirited Grains

Movie at the Mill: 'Pride and Prejudice'

Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 8 p.m.

Enjoy a timeless Jane Austen favorite under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for an outdoor screening of "Pride and Prejudice" in the scenic surroundings of Colvin Run Mill. Light concessions available for purchase.

Register for Movie at the Mill

Colvin Run Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, Virginia. For more information and registration, visit the Colvin Run Mill website.

The U.S. Department of Energy has honored Fairfax County with a Better Project Award and a Better Practice Award at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit held on May 1 in D.C. These prestigious awards recognize partners for demonstrating innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in energy, water and waste reduction.

Fairfax County received the awards for the successful completion of a comprehensive energy retrofit at the Spring Hill Recreation Center, a project led by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. Procured through an energy savings performance contract, the project combined advanced technologies and sustainable design to significantly reduce the facility’s environmental impact and operational costs.

Key project features include:

• Installation of a 125-ton geothermal heat pump system
• Addition of 307 kW rooftop solar photovoltaics
• Comprehensive LED lighting upgrades and other energy efficiency improvements

The retrofit is projected to reduce the center’s annual energy use by over 23% and carbon emissions by 36%, with a contractually guaranteed $65,000 annual reduction in utility and maintenance expenses.

“This recognition is a testament to what’s possible when innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “We’re always looking for smarter ways to serve our community and protect the environment, and the Spring Hill project shows how impactful those efforts can be and resets the efficiency standard for all of our rec centers. It’s exciting to see our work making a difference and setting a standard for what parks can do.”

The Better Buildings, Better Plants Initiative partners with public and private organizations across the country to advance energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The Better Project Award celebrates outstanding projects that demonstrate significant energy savings, while the Better Practice Award highlights effective strategies that can be replicated across industries.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Despite a steady drizzle that seemed perfectly suited for the occasion, more than 450 visitors flocked to Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 4, to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day and mark two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park and the 200th anniversary of Historic Huntley.

Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the annual event brought together nature lovers, history buffs, elected officials and community partners for a day of discovery, appreciation and celebration of one of Northern Virginia’s most treasured wetland habitats.

The program opened with remarks from FCPA Board Chairman Kiel Stone, followed by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk. Del. Paul Krizek, who represents part of Fairfax County in the Virginia General Assembly, presented a commending resolution honoring the park’s significance. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation officially recognizing May 4 as Wetlands Awareness Day in Fairfax County.

“Huntley Meadows is my favorite park. It’s one of the most spectacular natural areas in Fairfax County and a true jewel of wetlands, wildlife and history,” Stone said. “This year, as we celebrate 50 years of Huntley Meadows Park, 200 years of Historic Huntley, and 75 years of the Fairfax County Park Authority, we’re not just honoring the land, we’re recognizing the community that has worked tirelessly to protect it. I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated Park Authority staff, the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and all our partners for making this milestone celebration possible.”

FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole echoed the Stone’s sentiments. "As an ecologist by trade, I can tell you, Huntley Meadows Park is the ecological gem of Fairfax County," Cole said. "This park represents the very best of what we work to protect: thriving ecosystems, resilient wetlands, and a place where people can experience the wonder of nature firsthand."

Also speaking were representatives from Ducks Unlimited; Ben Jessup, President of the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park (FOHMP); and Todi Carnes, President of the Friends of Historic Huntley (FOHH).

Attendees explored interactive stations led by Park Authority staff on topics, such as beavers, birds and amphibians, while 12 partner exhibitors highlighted the importance of wetlands, native wildlife, conservation and stewardship.

The event concluded with cake, community camaraderie and a shared commitment to ensuring Huntley Meadows Park remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

For more information about Huntley Meadows Park, visit the Huntley Meadows Park website. For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to participate in a public comment period regarding a proposal to construct three dedicated pickleball courts at Greenbriar Park, located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax. This proposal aims to address the growing demand for pickleball facilities, while mitigating community concerns and shared court usage at nearby parks.

The proposed plan includes removing the dual-use pickleball lines at Chalet Woods Park and establishing new, dedicated pickleball courts at Greenbriar Park. Greenbriar Park offers ample parking, restroom facilities, and is situated farther from residential areas, making it a suitable location for dedicated pickleball courts.

Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback online. The public comment period will remain open until 5 p.m. on June 13, 2025.

For more information, please contact the Park Authority’s Public Information Office via email at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA, a core member of the National Capital - Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (Nat-Cap PRISM), has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry. The grant, part of the FY25 Virginia PRISM Support for Invasive Species Program, will provide $60,827 to manage invasive species across FCPA parkland. The funds must be used by the end of June 2025.

The funding will support the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program, an initiative designed to identify and control new populations of invasive plant species before they become established and cause ecological harm. Target species include fountain grass (Cenchrus purpurascens), yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon), Java water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) and floating primrose willow (Ludwigia peploides).

The EDRR approach focuses on surveys to detect newly arriving, rapidly spreading invasive plants. Once identified, these species are quickly targeted for removal by volunteers or contractors, preventing them from outcompeting native flora and disrupting local ecosystems. The project Invader Detectives, using the iNaturalist app, allows anyone to add observations of plants, alerting FCPA ecologists to new invasive species.

This grant will enable FCPA and its partners to expand surveys, map occurrences of priority EDRR invasive species and conduct timely eradication efforts. The initiative builds on the ongoing work of the Invasive Management Area Program, which is primarily a volunteer-based habitat restoration program.

For more information about the EDRR program and how to get involved, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority’s IMA webpage. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites plant lovers of all kinds to celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens.

This free, family-friendly event is a must for anyone with a green thumb—or hoping to grow one. Explore an incredible selection of plants from dozens of local vendors, featuring everything from native and fruiting plants to colorful annuals, perennials, herbs and rare finds.

Visitors can also get expert advice from Extension Master Gardeners, browse garden-themed offerings from local artists and businesses, and enjoy delicious fare from food vendors. Be sure to stop by the Friends of Green Spring Park Bake Sale for homemade treats to fuel your plant-shopping adventure.

Whether you’re dreaming up a pollinator paradise or starting your first container garden, Spring Garden Day is the perfect place to get inspired and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Admission and parking are free. For event details and vendor information, visit the Green Spring Gardens website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the 2025 AAPI Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at Mason District Park in Annandale.

This free, family-friendly event honors the diverse cultures and contributions of AAPI communities through live performances, art, food and interactive experiences for all ages.

Festival highlights include:

• Lion Dance performance by Lac Long Quan to kick off the festivities
• Traditional and contemporary dance from China, Nepal, Korea and Vietnam
• Shaolin Temple USA martial arts demonstration
• Hula performance from Halau Hula O
• K-pop and Korean drumming from local cultural groups
• Community line dance and children’s art contest awards
• Interactive workshops, including calligraphy, origami and crafts
• AAPI food vendors offering authentic cuisine

Opening remarks will be delivered by Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Fairfax County Park Authority Board Member Johna Toomey. Performances will run throughout the day with a short intermission for lunch and refreshments.

The festival takes place at Mason District Park located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Admission and parking are free.

For event details and the full performance schedule, visit the AAPI Heritage Festival event webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that Rosario Bombaugh has been named a recipient of the 2025 Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals. This distinguished honor recognizes Bombaugh’s outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment to excellence in public service.

Bombaugh, a veteran of the Park Authority, has nearly two decades of exemplary service. Starting as a seasonal employee in 2006, she now serves as an Administrative Assistant III in the Park Services Division, ensuring daily administrative tasks and special projects, such as Earth Day celebrations, the Trailblazer Awards, and the annual Administrative Conference, are accomplished. Bombaugh’s dedication, tenacity and infectious sense of humor make her a favorite among staff and the public she proudly serves.

With a highly competitive field of nominees across the county’s 1,500 administrative staff members, Bombaugh’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and invaluable contributions to the Park Authority and the greater Fairfax County community.

Bombaugh was formally recognized at the 2025 ART Conference on Friday, April 25, during the opening ceremony. In addition to receiving a monetary award of $300, her name will be engraved on the Sharon Bulova Award plaque displayed at the Government Center.

The award is named in honor of Sharon Bulova, who dedicated more than 30 years to serving the Fairfax County community, including a decade as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Beginning her career as an aide to the board, Bulova became known for her collaborative leadership and deep commitment to public service. She championed initiatives that strengthened county services and elevated the vital contributions of administrative professionals. Her legacy continues to inspire excellence, leadership and dedication across all levels of service.

Please join us in congratulating Bombaugh on this well-deserved recognition.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.