Nova News

Throwback Thursday - A Force for Conservation

Ira Gabrielson.

Just as Teddy Roosevelt invented National Parks 113 years ago, Ira Gabrielson invented regional parks in Virginia 60 years ago. Ira was the founding Chairman of NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority), and a towering figure in the field of conservation.

  • Founding Director of US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • President of the World Wildlife Fund
  • Founding Commissioner of the Virginia Outdoor Study
  • Inductee into the National Hall of Conservation
  • Author of numerous books on wildlife

Dr. Gabrielson, who was from Fairfax County, worked with other community leaders like Walter Mess from Falls Church and Mary Cook Hackman from Arlington to get authorization from the Virginia General Assembly to form the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1959. Gabrielson served as the founding Chairman of the Regional Park Authority from 1959 – 1975. During his tenure, this new regional agency acquired 7,400 acres of the most environmentally sensitive lands in Northern Virginia.

The impact of Ira Gabrielson lives on at NOVA Parks today. Land conservation is still a central focus, and nearly 2,000 acres of new parkland have been added by NOVA Parks in the last 10 years.

 

 

land acquisition

Climb UPton is Now Open Daily!

Climb UPton is now open daily for the 2023 season! 

Choose your own adventure with 90 unique elements and 3 levels of difficulty. Overcome new challenges each time you climb. 

 

Waterparks NOW OPEN WEEKENDS!

Waterparks are now open weekends, 11 AM - 7 PM.

Purchase an Annual Waterpark Pass for just $70 per individual. Receive admission to all 5 waterparks; discounts on food, beverage and retail; early entry to the waterparks; and special discounts on NOVA Parks attractions and events.