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!

There is no better way to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day than by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier wetland sanctuary at Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 5, from 12-4 p.m. Come explore the wonders of the park including a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and a vast wetland bursting with all forms of life. There is no cost for admission.

Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is here. Bring your friends and family to stroll the forested paths and immersive boardwalk trails. Appreciate the plants and animals that live in the park and find out why they play an important role at the park. This exciting event will feature live raptors, reptiles and amphibians.  Enjoy an up-close view of our creatures and interactive displays and activities. 

On-site parking is limited. Shuttle rides are available from nearby Groveton Elementary School, 6900 Harrison Ln., Alexandria. Shuttles run every 30 minutes with the last shuttle ride to Huntley Meadows Park at 3:30 p.m. The last return shuttle ride to Groveton Elementary School is at 4:15 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

To register for this free event, visit Wetlands Awareness Day. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. For more information visit Huntley Meadows.
 

As the flowers bloom and the birds sing, the Fairfax County Park Authority is delighted to announce the launch of the Verses in Bloom Series, a celebration of poetry in our parks. Teaming up with ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate, we invite you to join us in several enchanting experiences through the power of language and verse presented by distinguished poets from our area.

• Poetry in the Parks 
  April 27 (1-2:30 p.m.)
  Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria)
• Poetry Beneath the Stars
  Saturday, May 4 and August 17 (7:30-8:30 p.m.)
  Turner Farm Park (925 Springvale Road, Great Falls)
• Pride Month Poetry
  Saturday, June 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
  Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria)

All poetry events are free, but registration is required.

Register today!

Come join us as we celebrate the harmony of nature and verse, where every blossom tells a story and every word dances with the wind. Let your spirit soar with Verses in Bloom!
 

Calling all adults! Are you looking for a way to reconnect with nature and rediscover your sense of adventure? Look no further than the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Adult Summer Camps at Riverbend Park! Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more, all nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Potomac Gorge. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to make lasting memories and forge new friendships this summer. Choose from among the following options available July 1-3:

• Adult Potomac Adventures Camp 
  Step into the wilderness and experience the thrill of outdoor exploration with our Adult Potomac Adventures Camp. Participants will delve into the heart of nature with rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and white-water rafting down the Potomac Gorge. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and sense of adventure! Learn More 
• Art in Nature Camp 
  Indulge your creative side while immersing yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors at our Art in Nature Camp. Join us for a unique blend of artistic expression and natural exploration. Discover new mediums such as sketching, watercolor, acrylic, and collage, all while kayaking the Potomac and hiking along scenic trails. Beginners are welcome, so come ready to unleash your creativity! Learn More
• Women in the Woods Camp 
  Empower yourself and connect with nature at our Women in the Woods Camp. Join a community of like-minded adventurers for a transformative experience in the wilderness. Learn outdoor skills such as fire building, outdoor cooking, and archery, all while discovering the inspiring stories of influential women trailblazers. Leave with a newfound confidence and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Learn More

For more information and to register, visit Riverbend Park or call 703-759-9018. Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street in Great Falls.
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Spring Hill Rec Center is turning over a new leaf during Earth month 2024 with the activation of a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs as part of a multi-faceted project to enhance the energy efficiency of the popular rec center. The new solar array, the largest to date in the Park Authority, generates enough energy to power 33 homes annually, and is expected to reduce the center’s electricity needs by 13 percent.

The installation of the rooftop solar panels is part of several ongoing improvements to the center that will significantly reduce the building’s electrical and natural gas consumption. Additional improvements include the replacement of pool dehumidification units, the installation of a geothermal HVAC system, LED lighting upgrades and improvements to the building’s automation system.

“Being responsible stewards of the environment comes down to our simple everyday choices — our decision to recycle, to plant native plants, not to litter, to take care of our water supply, and so forth” said Park Authority Executive Director, Jai Cole. “We decided, when it was time to make improvements to the rec center, that we would be intentional about installing fixtures and infrastructure that would minimize the impact on our environment, enhance user experience, and save money in the long run. This is doable, and it’s the right thing to do.”

The project, a partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), is a significant step toward meeting the county’s goals for carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles and operations, including obtaining 50 percent of county electricity from renewable sources by 2040.

“Turning the switch at this solar project represents another step in our journey away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable future,” said John Morrill, director of the OEEC. “Not only will this solar array save money in electricity costs over time, it confirms the county’s commitment to meeting the goals in our Operational Energy Strategy.”

Total completion of all related improvements is expected in summer 2024. The Spring Hill Rec Center is located at 1239 Spring Hill Road, in McLean. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
 

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The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination leads the cross-organizational development and implementation of the county’s environmental and energy plans, policies and programs, including the Operational Energy Strategy. 

Spring is here again and the Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another outstanding Spring Farm Day experience at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join our farmhands, friends and volunteers for an exciting family farmland adventure suitable for all ages.

Meet the farmland friends of Frying Pan Farm Park! Witness the fascinating process of sheep shearing and get hands-on experience milking cows and goats. Enjoy amazing demonstrations of antique farm equipment and immerse yourself in creative crafts, thrilling games, and create lasting memories with many of our adorable baby farm animals. Advance admission is $12 per person, and it's $14 at the door.

Register Today

Please note, as much as we love our furry friends, please leave your dogs at home as they are not permitted at this event. For more details, contact 703-437-9101 or visit Frying Pan Farm Park. Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Rd in Herndon.

Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at Spring Farm Day!
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority unveiled its brand-new mobile nature center – the Wonder Wagon – in spectacular fashion at the county’s largest Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20. The new fully electric, highly decorated van is the Park Authority’s first nature center on wheels in an effort to provide nature programs and engaging experiences to communities throughout Fairfax County and particularly those where access to the Park Authority’s five brick-and-mortar nature centers may be challenging.

“Everyone in Fairfax County, no matter where they live, should have the ability to access the outstanding nature programs offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “These programs are much more than just being able to identify a particular bird, bug or bud. They teach us about our connection to the wider world and how we, through the small and simple choices we make each day, truly have the power to help promote the kind of healthy, beautiful environment we all wish to live in.”

The Wonder Wagon team brings free nature and stewardship education to residents of all ages through engaging guided activities. Our trained naturalists help spot, identify and teach about plants and wildlife within the community – even in urban environments. Activities and demonstrations also help residents understand their connection to their local environment and how simple, everyday actions can help enhance water quality, care for land, plants and animals, and increase the enjoyment we can all experience living in a healthy environment.

The unveiling of the Wonder Wagon kicks off an amazing new program with the goal of participating in 150 programs this year and serve more than 3,500 community members. The Wonder Wagon is available for public events, outreach and public school activities. For more information about the Wonder Wagon or to request a visit, go to the Wonder Wagon webpage.

The Wonder Wagon was made possible thanks to the significant support of local community members and nature enthusiasts and the financial support provided from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and dozens of generous contributions including Pohanka Automotive; the Scott A. & Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation Inc.; National Park Service / Chesapeake Gateways; and The Environment Fund of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia; through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. 
 

Unlock your inner naturalist with the City Nature Challenge in Fairfax County Parks! The City Nature Challenge, running April 26 – 29, is a worldwide phenomenon encouraging residents of all ages to take a closer look at the beauty of our natural world and spot and record as many species of plant and wildlife in our community as possible. 

Metropolitan areas from across the globe participate in the City Nature Challenge and compete to identify the most species within their local environment. This research helps populate a valuable trove of data to help better understand neighborhood habitats and enhance the effectiveness of stewardship efforts.

Participation is easy:

Step 1: Go outside with your smartphone and find any plant or animal

Step 2: Take a photo of what you find – taking note of the location

Step 3: Share your observations through the iNaturalist app

Do you prefer a guided adventure with some help in using iNaturalist? Join our staff at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center for a City Nature Challenge Walk on Sunday, April 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. This free event, suitable for all ages, offers a chance to explore local biodiversity under the guidance of a park naturalist and learn how to iNaturalist app to share this valuable information. Learn more and sign-up to participate at City Nature Challenge Walk. 

We need your keen eyes and enthusiasm to help us uncover the rich biodiversity of Fairfax County – both within our parks and around your neighborhood. Let's help the Washington DC Metro Area emerge victorious in this friendly challenge! For additional information about the City Nature Challenge, visit the City Nature Challenge website.  

The Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival Planning Committee is now accepting applications for entertainers, food vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in the county’s largest summertime extravaganza!  This year’s event will be held August 1-4 at Frying Pan Farm Park located at 2709 West Ox Road, in Herndon. 

This time-honored tradition of the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival features a range of family-friendly attractions with carnival games and rides, a Big Truck Night, engaging 4-H exhibits and shows, mouthwatering fair food, live entertainment and the chance to interact with friendly farm animals. With over 26,000 attendees expected, this four-day extravaganza stands as the Fairfax County Park Authority's most highly attended program throughout the year.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a cherished community at the 74th Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival! Entertainer, food vendor, exhibitor and judge applications and information are available on the program website under the “Vendor, Performance and Concessions Applications” tab. 

If your organization is interested in participating as an event sponsor, please visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website or contact Margaret Thaxton, Director of Development, at 703-324-8532 for sponsorship details.

For further details, visit Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival or call 703-437-9101.