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.
Orionid Meteor Shower Watch Party!
Gilbert's Corner Regional Park, Leesburg, VA
Join the Roving Naturalist for a late night meteor shower watch party! Every October, the earth passes through a debris field produced by Halley's Comet; causing the Orionid Meteor Shower. As crazy as it seems, 1:00am is the best time to get outside and see the highest volume of meteors. Any earlier in the night, and there is not a whole lot of activity. So, get a good night's rest the night before, bring warm clothes and blankets, and learn more about this incredible galactic phenomenon that is a whole lot closer to earth than you may think! $6, ages 5+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Fall Colors Kayak Paddle
Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, VA
Experience the changing of the seasons and enjoy the natural beauty of the Occoquan Reservoir. A fun and memorable outdoor experience while highlighting natural and historical features unique to the area. This program will be led by NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. $30, ages 12+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Seeking Super Slithery Serpents
Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, VA
Tag along with Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin and Park Specialist/reptile expert David Deem on a quest to seek some slithery friends! The wooded ridges and valleys at Fountainhead are an excellent habitat for a variety of snakes. David, the park's own Steve Irwin reincarnated, spends much of his free time seeking serpents all over the country and has claimed multiple state records. Proper safety precautions will be taken as Copperheads are known to inhabit these woods. $8, ages 8+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Fall Colors Sunset Kayak Paddle--SOLD OUT
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
Looking for a great sunset photo opportunity? How about the added bonus of some beautiful fall foliage? Join us for a relaxing guided sunset kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm evening waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! Expect to see Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, and Bald Eagles.
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Seneca Woods Sunrise Fall Colors Hike
Seneca Regional Park, Great Falls, VA
Join naturalists Keith Tomlinson and Matt Felperin for a sunrise hike at Seneca Regional Park dur
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Fall Colors Sunset Kayak Paddle
Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, VA
Experience the changing of the seasons and enjoy the natural beauty of the Occoquan Reservoir during golden hour and sunset! A fun and memorable outdoor experience while highlighting natural and historical features unique to the area. $30, ages 12+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Fall Colors Kayak Tour
Occoquan Regional Park , Lorton, VA
Enjoy the beauty of fall as we paddle down the Occoquan River to discover banks full of colorful foliage!
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Sunset Kayak Paddle Tour
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
Looking for a great sunset photo opportunity? Join us for a relaxing guided sunset kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm evening waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! Expect to see Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. $35, Ages 13+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health