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 Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 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.
Owl Prowl
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
"Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem before we hit the trails to find them! Even if we aren't able to find owls in the wild, you'll be able to meet Smoke, our resident Eastern Screech-owl and learn about the smallest breeding owls in Northern Virginia! $8, ages 5+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Roving Naturalists
Moonrise Kayak Paddle
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA
Join Matt Felperin, ACA certified Roving Naturalist for a moonrise paddle tour! Watch as the full moon rises over the horizon like a giant hazy fireball, then as it gets bright and illuminates the water. $35, Ages 13+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Sunrise Kayak Paddle
Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, VA
Enjoy a relaxing guided sunrise kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm morning waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! Expect to see Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. $35, Ages 12+
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
- Sport, Fitness & Health
Photography Workshop: Hummingbirds & Butterflies
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens , Vienna, VA
Enjoy premium golden hour light and exclusive access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens before we are open to the public! This workshop's theme is hummingbirds and butterflies. Of course, you are free to *focus* on any subject you like! This program is open to photographers of all skill levels and equipment. $25, includes admissions fee for the day. Ages 12+
- Arts & Crafts
- Camps & Programs Guide
- History & Educational
- Kids & Family
- Nature
- Roving Naturalists
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Roving Naturalists
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Roving Naturalists
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Roving Naturalists
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history
- Camps & Programs Guide
- Community & Volunteers
- History & Educational
- Roving Naturalists