February 10, 2021
For over a decade, the Fairfax County Office for Children’s Institute for Early Learning and the Fairfax County Park Authority have teamed up to lead workshops for thousands of licensed child care professionals. Due to COVID-19 protocols, these adult education programs are now online and available to the public at no charge. Registration is open to adults who live or work in Fairfax County.
On Feb. 24, 2021 from 1 to 2 p.m., Hidden Oaks Nature Center naturalists Cesia Lobo and Alex Doumbia will present an overview of reptiles and amphibians in Northern Virginia with “Wonders of Nature: Snakes, Frogs and Other Slithery, Slimy and Sensational Creatures.” For the first time, this presentation will be entirely in Spanish, including all the handouts. The presentation will include a PowerPoint and live animal demonstration. Registration is at the Institute for Early Learning s Online Webinars website.
January 22, 2021
Hikers, bikers and equestrians using the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in the Gabrielson Gardens Park area, will need to follow the marked detour around the worksite due to construction of the replacement bridge foundation.
This work began on Jan. 18, 2021 and will continue for approximately four to five weeks. Temporary full closures of the area may be necessary during periods of heavy construction activity. The public is asked to heed closure signs, directions from construction staff and follow the trail detour route to avoid the construction area.
The original Gabrielson Gardens bridge was removed in 2018 by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services following an inspection that identified significant safety concerns. The original bridge served the area for over 70 years and a replacement was de-sired by the community.
January 22, 2021
A hummingbird species that usually makes its home in the western part of the United States has been drawing birders and photographers to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia. A bird bander credentialed by the U.S. Geological Survey has con-firmed that a female Rufous hummingbird has made its way to Virginia.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the Rufous hummingbird is amazing because of the great distances it can migrate from wintering grounds as far south as Mexico to breeding grounds as far north as Alaska, but the migration route is usually along the West Coast. The bird that took a long detour to Green Spring Gardens is described as an after hatch-year female with five colorful gorget (throat) feathers.
January 20, 2021 at 8:45am
Pickleball Survey Open through Jan. 24 The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking the public’s input on how to support the emerging support. An online survey is open through Jan. 24. [Fairfax County Government]
Local DNA Tech Company Cracks More Cold Cases Parabon NanoLabs, a Reston-based company, generated a total of 50 leads nationwide last year. Two cases were from Montgomery County and Arlington. [Local DVM]
What to Know About the Inauguration Today The county government and schools will be closed today. The county joins state officials and regional leaders in urging the public to observe safely at home and not visit DC over the course of the week. [Fairfax County Government]
January 15, 2021
On January 1-3, 2021, the Fairfax County Park Authority joined America’s state parks including Virginia State Parks to encourage everyone to start 2021 with a hike. In Fairfax County, it’s a great way to appreciate more than 450 miles of trails and to set the bar for a new year of fitness and outdoor activity. This year’s contests included special prize amounts of $70 to commemorate the Park Authority’s 70th anniversary. Nearly 200 hikers submitted photos as part of the First Hike Fairfax 2021 Photo Contest presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Park Authority Executive Director, a panel of Park Authority judges and a public vote have determined the following winners: