Park Authority

Celebrate the cherry blossoms’ arrival and join us in the woods of Frying Pan Farm Park for a nature-filled experience on Saturday, April 6. Into the Woods is a free, fun-for-all-ages, self-paced tour that promises to ignite your sense of wonder and discovery!

Visitors can enjoy:

• Unique Natural Wonders: Discover the magic of Frying Pan Farm Park's woods, where the combination of spring sunshine and rare soil creates a vibrant ecosystem.
• Self-Paced Exploration: Embark on a nature-filled adventure at your own pace, starting from the main park entrance. Follow the trail near the historic meetinghouse and prepare to be amazed at every turn.
• Interactive Stations: Along the trail, encounter stations designed for wildlife appreciation, fairy house building and craft-making. Let your creativity soar as you engage with the natural world around you.
• Free Admission: This event is free for all participants, making it the perfect outing for families, friends and nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Even though this event is free, registration is required to help us manage guest volume at these activities. Participants can choose program start times at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon. 

Register for Into the Woods

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information about the park and a variety of upcoming events, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website.

On Saturday, March 9, the Fairfax County Park Authority, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and members of the Woodlawn Little League community joined to celebrate the beginning of construction for a new restroom and concessions building at McNaughton Fields Park.

The new facility has been a part of the vision for McNaughton Fields Park since its creation in 2016. The project includes the construction of a permanent facility with restrooms, concessions stand and storage capacity centered on an existing concrete pad, where utilities had initially been placed and stubbed in anticipation of the addition of the new building.

“McNaughton Fields Park is another example of our hundreds of open spaces within the Fairfax County Park System that are so beloved by the communities they serve. We at the Park Authority certainly appreciate the collaboration and support of the community and Supervisor Storck in making it possible for this new facility to be constructed,” said Mount Vernon District Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham.

During his opening remarks, Storck spoke to the significance of this project for the youth in the surrounding communities.

"Our youth are our greatest asset, and this is a significant investment to support the continued development and engagement of our young people. I am proud to have made a difference in this decadelong effort by parents and community members, who spearheaded a fundraising effort that generated $200,000 to get this project done. I also want to extend my appreciation to everyone who contributes their time, energy and effort to working with our young people in any capacity. Together we look forward to many wonderful experiences for years to come at McNaughton Fields Park," said Storck.

The total estimated cost for the project comes to just over $1 million. Active construction is anticipated to be completed by early fall, weather depending.

McNaughton Fields Park is located at 5320 Pole Road in Fort Belvoir.

Calling all nature enthusiasts, explorers and curious minds! Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the brand-new Woodlands Stewardship Education Center opens its doors at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. During spring break (March 24–31), embark on a journey of discovery and environmental stewardship that will leave you inspired and amazed! Visitors will be able to enjoy:

• Interactive Learning: Dive into a world of wonder as you explore the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center, designed to captivate adults and children alike with its immersive exhibits and hands-on activities.
• Discovering Environmental Stewardship: Learn about the principles of environmental stewardship that are shaping the way we interact with and preserve our natural environment, making a world of difference for future generations.
• Interactive Experiences: Try out new activities and experiences, including the Learning Observational Outdoor Pod (LOOP), where you can connect with nature in a unique and meaningful way. Plus, discover state-of-the-art digital screens in the kiosk that bring the natural world to life like never before.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly staff will be on site to answer your questions, provide insights and guide you through your exploration of the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center.

The spring break schedule for the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center is as follows:

• Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Monday, March 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 27, 3-7 p.m.
• Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, March 29, 3-7 p.m.
• Sunday, March 31, 2-6 p.m.

The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center is located at 5301 Walney Road in Chantilly. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center website.

Are you looking for a fun and meaningful summer internship that will build your resume and provide you with results-oriented work experience? Apply to the Park Authority’s new structured intern program for summer 2024.

The FCPA summer internship program is designed to increase community engagement in park, recreation, natural, cultural, historical and/or business operations professions, while providing an additional pathway to hiring for individuals interested in seasonal, part-time and full-time employment at the Park Authority.

The internship program is open to high school and college students, recent graduates, individuals looking to make a career change and all others interested in gaining valuable experience with the Park Authority.

FCPA is hiring in all areas of the Park Authority including the following:

• Marketing and communications
• Event planning
• History
• Nature
• Horticulture
• Access and inclusion
• Business administration (IT, HR, finance)
• Outdoor education

FCPA offers both paid and unpaid internship opportunities. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore and apply for open internship opportunities. Visit the Internship Opportunities website to learn more about the program, available positions and how to submit an application.

If you are interested in a business area that does not currently have an internship advertised, please contact us at FCPAinternships@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Calling all aspiring gardeners! Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and cultivate your own green space? Look no further than Hogge Park, where the Fairfax County Park Authority's community garden rental program offers the perfect opportunity to nurture your gardening interests.

Rental garden plots are available for one growing season, which runs from February to November. Plot rentals include a 6-feet-by-9-feet raised garden bed, soil, a community hose, shed access for tool storage and waste collection. All plots are wheelchair-accessible.

Take the first step toward growing your own fresh produce, connecting with nature and joining an active community of fellow gardeners. Don’t wait, spaces are limited so secure your spot today!

Boyd A. and Charlotte M. Hogge Park is located at 3139 Glen Carlyn Road in Falls Church.
For more information, please visit the Community Garden Plot Rental Program website.

View the Community Garden flyer

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority, Plant NOVA Natives, Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District for the second-annual Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals. The event will be held on Friday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, located at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. The conference is free and will be spoken exclusively in Spanish.

Learn about native plants, invasive plant control, tree care and safety directly from the experts. The event will include a guest appearance by Capital Naturalist Alonso Abugattas, who will teach about wildlife you may encounter in the garden.

This is a free event open to any Spanish-speakers in the landscape profession – including lawn and landscape workers, owners, landscape designers and employees of garden centers. The event will include prizes for those in attendance. Lunch and snacks will also be provided.

For more information or to register for this event, visit the Seasonal Events in the Park website.

Ver el folleto

Ver la información de la conferencia

In an effort to combat light pollution and preserve the beauty of our natural starry skies, Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to participate in Lights Out Fairfax and International Dark Sky Week.

Lights Out Fairfax - March 23, 2024, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

As our region has expanded, excessive light pollution has dimmed the night sky, impacting both our environment and our connection to the natural world. On March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., residents are encouraged to join the initiative by turning off outdoor lights for one hour. By enlisting family, friends and neighbors, we can collectively embrace the darkness and rediscover the beauty of the stars. Once the light goes out, be sure to allow up to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust, revealing the stellar spectacle that lies above.

International Dark Sky Week - April 2-8

Following Lights Out Fairfax, the Fairfax County Park Authority will continue its commitment to dark sky conservation by participating in International Dark Sky Week from April 2-8. This weeklong awareness campaign aims to increase understanding about the importance of preserving our dark skies and the detrimental effects of light pollution on human health, safety and the environment.

For more information about the ways you can protect the night and get involved, visit our Dark Skies webpage.

Spring is in the air and the Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for a season of family-friendly fun with all sorts of egg hunts and spring celebrations at several locations throughout the county. Enjoy festive activities for all ages in the park – the perfect setting for creating lasting spring memories:

• Spring EGG-stravaganza at Lake Fairfax Park on March 23 from 3:30-5 p.m. Cost $8.
• Baskets & Bunnies at Burke Lake Park on March 30
  • Amusements tickets, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Cost $10 (online ticketing open until March 28. Limited day-of sales).
  • Egg Hunt Ticket (1-4 years). Choose times between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost $5 (online ticketing open until March 28. Limited day-of sales).
• Bubbles and Bunnies at Cub Run Rec Center on March 30, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost $20.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Colvin Run Mill on March 30. Choose times between noon to 3:45 p.m. Cost $8.
• Mini Golf Egg-plorations at Oakmont Rec Center on March 30. Choose times between 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost $15.
• Egg-speriments at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on April 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost $10.

Visit Parktakes to register for egg hunts and other spring celebrations

For more information about spring events, visit the Seasonal Events in the Park webpage and check out the Spring Events Guide menu.

Calling all volunteers! Join us for Fairfax County's largest official Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20, at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, Virginia.

Earth Day Fairfax is a daylong extravaganza featuring games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities geared toward increasing our understanding and enjoyment of the world around us. The event attracts nearly 5,000 people from across Fairfax County annually. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including:

• Set-up attendants
• Check-in greeters
• Nature and recreation activity attendants
• Guest assistance

If you are looking for volunteer hours, why not be a part of something huge! This is a great opportunity for youth and adult volunteers to earn service hours and help thousands of our neighbors have a wonderful experience at Earth Day Fairfax 2024!

All volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional detail in individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Earth Day Fairfax volunteer webpage. 

View the Earth Day Fairfax flyer

The Sully Historic site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. For additional details, please contact Duston.Meyers@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Embark on a journey of discovery this spring at Turner Farm Park as we launch a stellar lineup of programs designed to inspire and engage visitors of all ages. Join us as we delve into the wonders of astronomy and reach for the stars with our exciting array of spring programs.

• Stargazing with Binoculars on Tuesday, March 12, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.
• Exploring the Moon on Monday, March 18, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.
• Pluto: Planet or Something Else? on Wednesday, March 20, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.

View a list of Astronomy programs

For more information about astronomy events and programs, visit the Astronomy website.

Turner Farm Park Observatory is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information, visit Turner Farm Park or call 703-324-2820.