2016 CAMPS & PROGRAMS GUIDE SUMMER The Heron symbol signifies our signature events. MAY JUNE ALDIE MILL TOURS & GRINDING DEMONSTRATIONS Aldie Mill Historic Park, Aldie Saturdays and Sundays through November 13, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The historic 1809 grist mill opens its doors to the public for tours and grinding demonstrations on weekends except during special events. Free. No registration required. OPEN JUMP AT TEMPLE HALL FARM! Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, Leesburg Saturdays and Sundays, May 7 through August 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Free and open use of the Jumping Pillows at Temple Hall Farm. No registration required. Email templehallfarm@nvrpa.org or call 703-779-9372 for more information. FIRST SUMMER CONCERT: LOCAL 12 ROCK/BLUES Saturday, June 4, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Musical performances by local groups are held at our open air stage area on selected Saturday evenings. Donations of $5/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome CACTUS AND SUCCULENT PLANT SALE Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This plant sale, hosted by the National Capital Cactus and Succulent Society, will be held in front of the Meadowlark Visitor Center and will offer a great variety of interesting plants. Cash only sales. Visit your favorite waterpark to get your Annual Waterpark Pass photo taken, receive valuable coupons including a FREE Waterpark Admission Pass, a FREE gift, and enter to win drawings that take place every half hour! Be sure you mark your calendars so you don t miss out on our May Days! HANDS-ON HISTORY TENT FAMILY PROGRAM Saturday, June 11, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Explore the past through a variety of hands-on crafts and activities. Ages 3 and older. Free.
NATURE STAND UP PADDLE BOARD (SUP) TOUR Sunday, June 5, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join us on the most scenic nature tour in our region. Discover all the abundant wildlife found in our area as we journey on SUP boards. Ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by adult). $30/person includes rental board and equipment. NATIVE WILDFLOWER WALK Sunday, June 5, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join Garden Manager Keith Tomlinson on a guided walk through the Potomac Valley Collection in search of Spring wildflowers. Adults and ages 6 and older. Free with paid admission to the Gardens. Preregistration requested. GARDENS OPEN AT 6:00 A.M. Saturday, June 11, and Sundays, July 10 and August 13; 6:00 a.m. Photographers, birders, strollers, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful morning walk are invited to visit during special hours starting at 6:00 a.m. (The Gardens normally open at 10:00 a.m.) Regular Garden admission applies ($2.50-$5.00). PRINCESS GARDEN PARTY Saturday, June 11, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Princesses, age 4 to 8 years old, will enjoy a promenade, dancing, crafts, games, face painting, royal portraits, and a delightful luncheon. The $29 activity fee includes one princess and a royal adult attendant. Beverages and a light snack will be provided for the adult royal attendant. TREE IDENTIFICATION HIKE Saturday, June 11, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Oak, Maple, or Dogwood? Now you ll know the difference! Learn the tricks to identifying many of our native species in the park during this informative walk. Free. For ages 8 and older. Reservations required. SUNSET PADDLE TOUR Saturday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Paddle in the beauty of sunset on the serene Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person. Preregistration is required. 1 Pass 5 Waterparks All Summer long! Pirate s Cove Waterpark The Annual Waterpark Pass gets you unlimited admissions to all 5 of our great waterparks! Passholders gain early admission to the waterpark, Bring-a-friend days, and special coupons just for you. Valid for 1 year from date of purchase! Purchase Online Today! www.novawaterparks.com
The Pirates Are Coming! Pirate s Cove Waterpark Saturday, June 11th, Pohick Bay REgional Park Enjoy all the sights, sounds and fun of Pohick Bay Regional Park s Annual Pirate Day, a special Saturday filled with pirate re-enactors, great food, scavenger hunts and tons of Waterpark fun! The invasion begins at 10 a.m.! For more info email pohick@nvrpa.org, call 703-339-6104 or visit www.piratescovepohick.com. Pohick Bay Regional Park is located at 6501 Pohick Bay Drive Lorton, VA 22079 SUMMER CONCERT ON THE LAWN Saturday, June 11, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music on the lawn of Carlyle House Historic Park. Free ($5 suggested donation). SUMMER CONCERT SOUTHBOUND STEEL ROCK/BLUES Saturday, June 11, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome PIRATE DAY AT POHICK BAY REGIONAL PARK Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to Enjoy all the sights, sounds and fun of Pohick Bay Regional Park s Annual Pirate Day, a special Saturday filled with pirate re-enactors, great food, scavenger hunts and tons of Waterpark fun! This event is appropriate for all ages. Admission to Pirate Day is free, and events at the waterpark are free with paid admission to Pirate s Cove. THE SUMMER FOREST HIKE Seneca Regional Park, Great Falls Sunday, June 12, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come enjoy a nature hike to see the amazing activity in the forest during the summer season. Ages 8 and older. Free.
A MAGNOLIA TEA AT MANSION HOUSE Sunday, June 12 First Seating: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Second Seating: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. History and tea lovers and fans of PBS new series, Mercy Street, are welcomed with true Southern Hospitality at this Civil War themed tea, worthy of the finest patrons of the Mansion House Hotel and Hospital. $40/Adult, $20/ 5-12 year old, 4 and under are free. for the 12:00 p.m. tea for the 2:30 p.m. tea PRESCHOOL NATURE NUTS BUNNY AND FRIENDS Friday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Preschoolers will learn about a few of the animals that live at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens through stories, crafts, and exploration. Ages 2-4 years old. $5/child. MOONLIGHT PADDLE TOUR Friday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person. NOT YOU RUN-OF-THE-MILL BREAKFAST Aldie Mill Historic Park, Aldie Saturday, June 18, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The historic Aldie Mill presents a breakfast using locally-sourced products. Cornmeal pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages will be served. Milling demonstration and local history commentary included. $18/adults and $10/children under age 10. EIGHT CHAMPIONS OF THE SUMMER GARDEN Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Horticulturist Carol Miranda will lead a one-hour tour of the gardens focusing on beautiful flowers to carry your summer border garden. A plant list will be provided. Adults and children age 8 and older. Free with paid admission to the Gardens ($2.50-$5.00). ANIMAL FEEDING 101 BOX TURTLES Saturday, June 18, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Discover the secret feeding habits of the elusive box turtle. Help our naturalist gather worms and other yummy treats for our turtles. Appropriate for families with children ages 4 and older. $5/child. Reservations required.
NATURE KAYAK TOUR Saturday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Discover the rich wildlife of our local waterways as we explore on kayaks. Ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by adult). $30/person includes rental boat and equipment. SUMMER PERCUSSION CONCERT: STREAM OHRSTROM/TOM TEASLEY MULTI-INSTRUMENT PER- CUSSION Saturday, June 18, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome STREAM SAFARI Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, Leesburg Sunday, June 19, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us for an exciting adventure in a local stream as we learn about all its aquatic wildlife. Ages 8 and older. Water shoes suggested, water bottles required. Free. SUMMER SOLSTICE PICNICING Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the longest day of the year as the sun sets over Meadowlark s remarkable Korean Bell Garden. Bring your own picnic and take in the scenery. This is the only day of the year that picnics are allowed inside the Garden! This event is free with paid admission to the Garden. SARAH S STORIES Wednesday, June 22, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 P.m. Join us for this monthly program featuring educator-led readings of 18th century history-themed books for children and their guardians. Ages 3 and older. $3/child. THE W&OD NATURE BIKE HIKE W&OD Railroad Regional Park, Vienna Saturday, June 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your bike and join us as we explore history and nature along a six-mile section of the W&OD trail by Vienna, VA. Ages 6 and older. Bike helmet and water bottle required. FREE. DAYLILY EXHIBITION AND SALE Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bare-root daylily plants from Meadowlark s collection and from members of the Northern Virginia Daylily Society (NVDS) will be sold at $5 per double fan or 5 for $20. The sale will take place in the Visitor Center. Cash/Check sales only. A variety of exquisite daylily blooms will be on display. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites, winners of the popular vote will be announced at 1:30 p.m. NVDS Members will be available to demonstrate division techniques and answer questions.
DAYLILY COLLECTION TOUR Saturday, June 25, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Northern Virginia Daylily Society President Janice Kennedy will lead a walking tour through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens impressive Daylily Collection including its Gold Medallion Garden of award-winning varieties. Free with paid admission to the Garden ($2.50-$5.00). Reservations are not necessary. SUMMER SAFARI: JOURNEY TO DONALDSON RUN! Saturday, June 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Slap on your creek shoes and arm yourself with a dip net. It s time for Donaldson Run to be explored! Our naturalist will guide you through your journey in search of crayfish, aquatic insects, frogs, worms, and more! Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. $5/person. Reservations required. NIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE Saturday, June 25, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Do you like exploring the woods, campfires, and testing out your night vision? If you answered yes, then this is the program for you! Families with children ages 6 and older are invited to join our nocturnal naturalist team to discover what animals are active at night! After venturing into the woods, enjoy a campfire with s mores. $8/person. Reservations required. EYEWITNESS TO WAR: FOURTH SUNDAYS AT MT. ZION Mt. Zion Historic Park, Aldie Sundays, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, and October 23; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On the fourth Sunday of the month through October, join us for guided tours of the 1851 church, site of an 1864 battle, and the adjacent cemetery. Tours include a living history presentation with Union army doctor describing how the church was used as a hospital. Signatures of Civil War soldiers can be seen at this site, part of the Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail. Free. No registration required. JULY ASTRONOMY FROM THE WATER (SUP) TOUR Saturday, July 2, 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Join us on the darkest night of the month as we venture into the night on standup paddle boards (SUP) to explore the celestial dome of the night sky above. Ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by adult). $30 per person includes rental board and equipment. CARLYLE HOUSE 40th ANNIVERSARY Saturday, July 9, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In 1976, Carlyle House officially opened to the public as a museum. Join us to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this event. Free. Click here for details
THE SUMMER FOREST HIKE Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton Sunday, July 10, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come enjoy a nature hike to see the amazing activity in the forest during the summer season. Ages 8 and older. Free. MOONLIGHT PADDLE TOUR Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person ANIMAL FEEDING 101 - RAPTORS Saturday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join our raptors for their favorite time of the day, feeding time. Learn about the feeding habits of our injured birds of prey and how our local species catch food in the wild. Appropriate for families with children ages 4 and older. $5/person. Reservations required. SUMMER CONCERT: MICHAEL MULVANEY AND RANDY LATIMER BLUES/FOLK Saturday, July 16, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5+/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome BIRDS OF PREY HIKE Sunday, July 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join us on a venture as we hike in search of Bald Eagles, Osprey and other birds of prey that live along Pohick Bay. Ages 8 and older. Free. SUNSET PADDLE TOUR Saturday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Paddle by kayak in the beauty of sunset on the serene Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person. SUMMER CONCERT ON THE LAWN Saturday, July 23, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Stop by Carlyle House after a day of touring for a concert on our lawn. Free (suggested donation $5). Click here for more details
NIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE Saturday, July 23, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Do you like exploring the woods, campfires, and testing out your night vision? If you answered yes, then this is the program for you. Families with children ages 6 and older are invited to join our nocturnal naturalist team to discover what animals are active at night. After venturing into the woods, enjoy a campfire with s mores. $8/person. Reservations required. SUMMER SAFARI: SALAMANDER SURVEY! Saturday, July 30, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. They re small, slimy, and super squirmy! Get in touch with your inner salamander as we leave no log unturned. Our expert naturalist will share tips on how and where to find many of our local species. Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. The cost is $5/child. Reservations required. SUMMER CONCERT: FAST EDDIE AND THE SLOWPOKES - BLUES Saturday, July 30, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5+/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome FRANK STRINGFELLOW: SEVERELY TRIED & NEVER FOUND WANTING Mt. Zion Historical Park Sunday, July 31, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Civil War historian and author Eric Buckland explores Benjamin Franklin Frank Stringfellow, called the most dangerous man in the Confederacy by his Northern enemies. At the end of the Civil War, there was a $10,000 reward for his capture. Within a few years, this elusive Confederate scout and spy would become an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church and serve as a Chaplain in the United States Army. Co-sponsored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association as a part of the Adventures in History series. $10/adult; students are free. No registration required. AUGUST POLLINATORS MIGRATION STAND UP PADDLEBOARD TOUR Saturday, August 6, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come witness one of nature s most magical travelers- pollinators. We will explore on standup paddle boards (SUP) the world of pollinator s migration as we enter a way station where they fuel up before their journey. Ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by adult). $30/ person includes rental board and equipment. LONG MARCH NORTH TO GETTYSBURG Mt. Zion Historic Park, Aldie Saturday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, August 7, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This historical interpretive program showcases some of the soldiers and officers of the Union and the Confederacy as they would have appeared on the march north to Gettysburg in 1863. Learn what it was like to serve in the armies of North and South. Free. Donations welcomed. No registration required.
Waterparks are OPEN! Sterling, VA Pirate s Cove Waterpark Lorton, VA Alexandria, VA Arlington, VA May 28 th to September 5 th www.novawaterparks.com Centreville, VA ANIMAL FEEDING 101 RAT SNAKES Saturday, August 6, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Discover the difference these amazing snakes have as you compare their feeding habits with our other exhibit snakes. Appropriate for families with children ages 4 and older. $5/person. THE SUMMER FOREST HIKE Ball s Bluff Regional Park, Leesburg Sunday, August 7, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come enjoy a nature hike to see the amazing activity in the forest during the summer season. Ages 8 and older. FREE. SUNSET PADDLE TOUR Saturday, August 13, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Paddle in the beauty of sunset on the serene Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person. SUMMER CONCERT: SKYSTONE BLUEGRASS Saturday, August 13, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5+/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome BIRDS OF PREY HIKE Sunday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join us on a venture as we hike in search of Bald Eagles, Osprey and other birds of prey that live along Pohick Bay. Ages 8 and older. FREE.
SUMMER SAFARI: VERNAL POOL QUEST Sunday, August 14, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Frogs, dragonflies, tadpoles, and more! Assist our naturalist on this quest to uncover the secret lives of the critters inhabiting the vernal pools. Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. $5/child. SUMMER CONCERT: DIFFICULT RUN STRING BAND - BLUEGRASS Saturday, August 20, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5+/Person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome SUMMER CONCERT ON THE LAWN Saturday, August 20, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Stop by Carlyle House after a day of touring or work for a concert on our lawn. Free (suggested donation $5). Reservations are not required. MOONLIT KAYAK TOUR Saturday, August 20, 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Experience nature s beauty and the diverse wildlife under a starry and moonlit night. Ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by adult). $30/person includes rental boat and equipment. MOONLIGHT PADDLE TOUR Saturday, August 20, 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Occoquan Reservoir. Ages 8 and older; 8-12 year olds must be in a double kayak or canoe with an adult. $30/person. Preregistration is required. STREAM SAFARI Bull Run Regional Park, Centerville Sunday, August 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us for an exciting adventure in a local stream as we learn about all its aquatic wildlife. Ages 8 and older. Water shoes suggested, water bottles required. Free.
SARAH S STORIES Wednesday, August 24, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for this monthly program featuring educator-led readings of 18th century history-themed books for children and their guardians. Ages and older. $3/child. CARLYLE CRAFTS AND GAMES DAY Saturday, August 27, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Explore the past through a variety of hands-on crafts and activities. Ages 3 and older. Free. SUMMER CONCERT: MYSTIC WARRIORS - ADEAN Saturday, August 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. summer. Donations of $5+/person are requested as they help fund our concert series. Picnic suppers are welcome Visit us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/meadowlarkgardens https://www.facebook.com/potomacoverlook https://www.facebook.com/pages/temple-hall-farm/182375188474113 https://www.facebook.com/carlylehouse To find out more about our parks and programs, please visit us at www.novaparks.com