Naturalists
A nature interpretation program
NOVA Parks is pleased to offer a nature interpretation program. The mission of the NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Program is to connect the citizens of northern Virginia with the natural world in our parks. Through guided nature walks, hikes, canoe and kayak tours, night explorations, stream and pond studies, and live animal programs, participants gain the opportunity to discover our native flora and fauna in a safe and fun environment. Programs are catered to kids, adults, and anyone interested in the natural world.
Want to know what the NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist has been up to? Check out his newsletter--Smoke's Corner.
Programs are offered in many NOVA Parks including Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Pohick Bay Regional Park, Bull Run Regional Park, Fountainhead Regional Park, Occoquan Regional Park, Algonkian Regional Park, Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, and all five NOVA Parks waterpark facilities (in-season only). Join us for a chance to explore the natural world of northern Virginia.
Group programs for scouts, homeschoolers, or other special interests can be arranged by contacting NOVA Parks at 703-268-6064.
Virtual Series: Raptor Roundup! Live Raptor Feeding
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Get and up close and personal look at the raptors of Potomac Overlook Regional Park's nature center in this live virtual program! What makes a raptor a raptor? Learn all about birds of prey and what separates them from other birds. See how we use enrichment activities to keep these birds' minds sharp. You will also get a behind the scenes look inside our raptor enclosures while they are fed!
Link to zoom meeting will be e-mailed to you prior to the program date. $7 per family/group, all ages welcome!
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Virtual Nature Photography Workshop Series: Birds
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Looking to capture that perfect shot, but coming up short? Join nature photographer and roving naturalist Matt Felperin for a virtual nature photography workshop series intended to improve your own photography skills! The workshop will take place from the comfort of your home on Zoom.
This session will be focused primarily on bird photography. We will go over equipment, lighting, settings, and techniques that will dramatically change your ability to capture these beautiful feathered friends in their full glory. This will be a very interactive workshop. You will be able to ask any questions you like and send photos to Matt for critique and advice. $15, ages 12+
- Arts & Crafts
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Virtual Series: Snacks for Snakes! Live Snake Feeding
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Thursdays are for feeding snakes at Potomac Overlook! Learn more about our slithery serpents and why they don't need to eat as often as our other critter friends. Do snakes make you squirm? See why these animals are so beneficial to the ecosystem and not as scary as they seem!
Link to zoom meeting will be e-mailed to you prior to the program date. $7 per family/group, all ages welcome!
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists