The Fairfax County Park Foundation was recently awarded a $34,000 grant from the Environment Fund, a component of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia. The grant will help fund the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) new Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center to bring environmental and nature programs to underserved, underrepresented communities and SACC programs at Title 1 schools in Fairfax County.
"The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is proud to fund organizations like the Fairfax County Park Foundation in a competitive grants year. We congratulate them and look forward to the incredible impact our organizations can make together,” said Alex Carey, spokesperson for the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
The FCPA aims to ensure that underserved areas of the county have access to environmental education and to raise the profile of nature exploration as an activity with all residents to promote resilient communities and landscapes. By providing memorable experiences with nature in their own communities, residents will gain a greater understanding of the natural and cultural resources around them and seek to preserve them.
“As an environmental educator, I am excited that we will have the opportunity to share our passion for nature with new audiences and provide opportunities for all people to feel connected to the environment around them,” said Tammy Schwab, manager of Education & Outreach, Resource Management Division.
FCPA’s Resource Management Division helps county residents connect to the rich, natural and cultural resources in our area, and understand their stewardship role. The FCPA offers a variety of programs and projects that cover a number of topics, including natural sciences, threats to native habitats, local wildlife and best practices for making environmentally friendly choices wherever they are.
“The Fairfax County Park Foundation is grateful for the generous Community Investment Fund grant from CFNOVA. The grant will help fund the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center that will teach children in Title 1 elementary schools and underserved areas about the environment and the importance of stewardship of nature and parks. By bringing environmental education to them, it will increase the children’s connectedness to nature where they live,” said Bobbi Longworth, Fairfax County Park Foundation executive director.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. The Foundation’s support is greatly appreciated in supporting the Park Authority’s Mobile Nature Center initiative. Visit the Park Foundation website or call at 703-324-8582.