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.
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.
Nocturnal Naturalist Sr. Camp: June 24th - June 28th
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Nocturnal Naturalists will participate in a variety of activities including nocturnal animal study, camera trapping, astronomy, live animal presentations, stream surveys, campfire snacks, and more!
- Camps
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
Evening Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour--SOLD OUT
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading an Evening Sunset SUP Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Morning Kayak Tour
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA
Paddle among the islands that are stretched out on this beautiful section of the river. Learn about the natural world around you and general ecology of the area. Tours offered to ages 14 and older with an accompanying adult.
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Birds of Prey Morning Kayak Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Birds of Prey Kayak Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Moonlight Paddle Tour
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA
Paddle into the moonlight on this unforgettable tour. Enjoy the peaceful nightlife of the Potomac River as we explore the natural ecology of this wildlife habitat. Tours offered to ages 14 and older with accompanying adult.
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Park Critters
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA
It’s the best time of year for a fun-filled weekend at Bull Run! Learn about local wildlife through fun games and activities during our Park Critters weekend.
- Arts & Crafts
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Full Moon Kayak Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Morning Pollinator Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Morning Pollinator SUP Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Morning Paddle Tour
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Full Moon Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Full Moon SUP Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Morning Sunrise Kayak Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Morning Sunrise Kayak Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Sunset Kayak Tour
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA
Paddle among the islands that are stretched out on this beautiful section of the river. Learn about the natural world around you and general ecology of the area. Tours offered to ages 14 and older with accompanying adult.
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
Fall Colors Kayak Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Fall Colors Kayak Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Fall Colors Kayak Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
The NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, David Garcia, will be in the park leading a Fall Colors Kayak Tour on the bay.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Animal Feeding - Turtles
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Don’t be shy, come on out of your shell and join us! Our turtles are ready to chow down. Learn what the differences are between our land and water turtles and how to identify them in the wild. Care for our resident Box Turtles and Painted Turtles (and see our Snapping Turtle!) with our Naturalist and learn what these reptiles like to eat.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Kids & Family
- Nature Nuts
- Roving Naturalists