NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

May 2022, Vol. 22, No. 5

Moms, Markets & More This May

In Fairfax County Parks

 
 
Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park

Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: come and see baby farm animals, plus:

  •  Sheep shearing,
  •  Hands-on wool crafts,
  •  Farm equipment demos,
  •  Cow and goat milking,
  •  Wagon rides,
  •  Farmhouse tours,
  •  Blacksmithing,
  •  Food trucks, and more!

To save $2 per ticket, buy tickets in advance online or by calling 703-222-4664.

 

Spring Farm Day is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

 
 
Farmers Markets

There are six more farmers markets re-opening in May!

  • Annandale
  • Kingstowne
  • Lorton
  • McLean
  • Oak Marr
  • Wakefield

Visit your nearest market on opening day for fresh and local fruits and vegetables, desserts and family-friendly market activities.

 
 
Homeschool Awareness Month

Even before the pandemic, there were thousands of homeschool families in Fairfax County. May is homeschool awareness month, and May is also a great time for homeschooling parents and other educators to book field trips to Fairfax County parks. 

 

There are almost a dozen parks that offer field trip programs that have been developed to meet Standards of Learning requirements for specific grades. Find the field trip topics being offered at a park near you.

Sunset at Turner Farm Observatory
 
 
Mother's Day

Learn about mothers in nature and make a special Mother's Day craft on Saturday, May 7 at Green Spring Gardens' "Family Fun - Mother Earth" program in Alexandria.

 

On Sunday, May 8, ages 4-adult are invited to the "Animal Moms & Babies" program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. Meet some young animals and find out how wild creatures grow in our woods.

A blooming witch hazel flower
 
 

Go for a Ride and Make S'Mores

Did you know that merry-go-rounds turn clockwise, while carousels turn counter-clockwise? Saddle up for a ride on carousels in county parks! You can buy tickets online in advance for carousel rides at Clemyjontri, Frying Pan, and Lake Accotink parks.

 

You can also enjoy a wagon ride paired with a  hot dog and marshmallow roast at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly on May 18. Not hungry? Just take a scenic ride around Frying Pan Farm Park in a tractor-pulled wagon. Buy tickets in person at the Country Store or online in advance.

 
 

May 14 Is World Migratory Bird Day

We're right in the middle of peak migratory bird season, when warblers and other birds pass through Northern Virginia on their way back north. Unfortunately, colliding with glass windows, cell phone towers and other tall objects has become a fatal hazard for almost a billion North American birds per year.

 

Please consider installing insect screens on the outside of windows, and/or blinds or shades on the inside.     

 

Nighttime light pollution also confuses migrating birds who navigate by moonlight and starlight. Please turn off outdoor lights at night if at all possible, and turn off the lights in rooms that are not being used at night.   

 
 

Pets in the Parks

With summer on the way, May is a perfect time to visit a park with your favorite four-legged friend. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times in all parks that are not designated dog parks.

 

Remember that the law requires pet owners to clean up pet waste in public places. All parks have garbage cans and bathrooms where you can get rid of your pet's waste -- just don't flush plastic bags in park toilets. Thank you for helping to keep parks safe and healthy for visitors, wildlife and pets!     

 
 

In Case You Missed It

Did you go to the Bluebell Festival at Riverbend Park? About 650 people did, and it raised the most funds ever for their Friends group: more than $18,000! Special thanks to all who contributed!

 

The historic Miller's House is now open at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls! After an extensive renovation, the house now offers an immersive experience of home life in the 1800s.

 

The Great Falls Grange Partnership Agreement has been signed. Plans for the Grange include serving as a space for community meetings, classes and activities, as well as a venue for private and special events.

 
 


 
 

 
   
 
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Fairfax County Park Authority | Fairfax, Va. 22035 | (703) 324-8695 | Fax (703) 324-3996 | TTY 711 | 

 

Fairfax County Park Authority | Fairfax, Va. 22035 | (703) 324-8695 | Fax (703) 324-3996 | TTY 711 | www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/publications