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ResOURces Newsletter-July 2012 By Fairfax County Park Authority - Thursday, June 21, 2012 NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY                                                             July 2012   Volume 12,  Number 4  Four Good Things Down on the Farm Head, Heart, Hands and Health. Recognize the words? If so, you might have a touch of rural experience in your blood. Read about the Hoofers and Heifers 4-H Club at Frying Pan Farm Park.    GSG+TJHSST=WinningFormula The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has a consulting club that is working with Green Spring Gardens, and the results are good for the school, the parks and county residents.   New Guide to Huntley Meadows Dragonflies    Field guides for dragonflies are rare, yet Huntley Meadows Park has one. The Dragonflies of Huntley Meadows Park Field Guide, written by Kathi McNeil and P.J. Dunn in 1992, is updated with new photos from volunteers and illustrations from Margaret Wohler. It's available at the park's visitor center for $15.       The Civil War at Ox Hill The sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War continues. September 1 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Ox Hill/Chantilly. Activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day at Ox Hill Battlefield Park, 4134 West Ox Road in Fairfax.  Artillery demonstrations, period music, presentation of colors, speeches, laying of a wreath, and living history interpreters will all be part of the day's free activities. The park also has a free audio walking tour (use the QR code) available anytime. Plan now for Sept. 1.       Party in the Park! Celebrate a birthday in a park. Find park birthday packages at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wp-parties.htm   Some ideas to get you started:   Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: Feed a turtle or explore historical artifacts. Make a craft. 703-631-0013   Frying Pan Farm Park: Visit the baby animals and take a hayride. 703-437-9101   Green Spring Gardens: Indoors or outdoors, learn of plants and gardens. 703-642-5173   Hidden Oaks Nature Center: Celebrate with naturalist-led programs indoors or outside in the forest. Themes include dinosaurs, butterflies, reptiles and more. 703-941-1065   Hidden Pond Nature Center: Visit the animals in the nature center and explore the woods around the pond. 703-451-9588   Huntley Meadows:  Explore forest, meadows, a visitor center and a boardwalk that runs through wetlands full of wildlife. 703-768-2525   Riverbend Nature Center: Explore the world of reptiles and amphibians, uncover clues about forest animals, dig into dinosaurs, learn about archaeology or make it a fishing trip. 703-759-9018   Sully Historic Site: Party like it's 1799. Programs led by a staff historian. 703-437-1794   There are also birthday party packages at RECenters, Burke Lake, Jefferson Falls Miniature Golf Course,  and Lake Accotink Park.         Get Wild on the Farm: The 64th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show Carnival Sneak Peek, Aug. 2-3 Come out to the Fairfax County 4-H Fair preview August 2 and 3. Enjoy free kid-friendly shows from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., traditional fair rides, amusements and treats. Tickets are $15 in advance for an unlimited one-day ride pass (must be purchased by July 31). Unlimited ride specials will be honored 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tickets are $25 on the day of the event. Contact Frying Pan Farm Park for details or tickets. Parking and park admission are free.     Big Truck Night, Outdoor Movie and Carnival Fun, Aug. 3   Have a wild night at Frying Pan Farm Park on August 3 with carnival games and rides from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Parking is free. Enjoy sitting in the big trucks and the tractors from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Cars II begins at dark on a large outdoor movie screen.  Bring blankets or lawn chairs for the movie.  Bring a craft or baked goods for judging in the 4-H Building.  Entry information is online.    The 4-H Fair and Farm Show, Aug. 4-5 Get out of the city and into the country without leaving the county. There's old-fashioned country fun at the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show August 4 and 5. There will be carnival games, rides and fair exhibits.  Try your hand at farm chores, see stage shows, cheer at the dog and horse shows. Plan to eat salad on Monday, because there will be plenty of fair food. Hoofers and Heifers 4-H members will show their farm animals. An antique tractor pull begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday.  The 4-H Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  Carnival rides will be open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.  Parking is $7.    ECLP Hosts Blue Sky Puppet Theatre One of the finest touring children's theatre companies on the east coast is coming to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Revel in the performance of Blue Sky Puppet Theatre on July 21 at ECLP.   Arts in the Parks Arts in the Parks means great reasons to get outdoors. There's entertainment and education for kids and adults. Learn about Arts in the Parks online and see this summer's performance schedule.   Take 12 July's Take 12 Step is Get Moving Outside. You can start by moving your finger on the mouse, and click a step toward health.   Hikers    Due to sewer line work, the section of Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail between Route 29 and Awbrey Patent Drive will be closed until approximately July 26. Thanks for your patience.    History: Oakton Schoolhouse New interpretive markers are going up at the 1873 Oakton Schoolhouse. Be part of the dedication ceremony on July 14.    Events in the Parks  Park Calendar of Events  July 10: 2012 Schooling Summer Series, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 4 p.m.  July 11: Little Hands-On History, at Sully Historic Site, 11 a.m.  July 12: Master Naturalist Lecture Series, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 7 p.m.  July 13: Snake and Turtle Feeding, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 3:30 p.m.  July 13: Mammal Mania-Wild Cats and Canines, at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 4 p.m.  July 14: Smart Gardening, at Green Spring Gardens, 9:30 a.m.  July 14: Green Tree Frog Outing, at Leesylvania State Park via Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 a.m.  July 14: Stream Life Search, at Cub Run RECenter, 10 a.m.  July 14: Wagon Ride-Conn's Farm and Ferry, at Riverbend Park, 10 a.m.  July 14: Ice Cream Making, at Colvin Run Mill, 12 noon - 3 p.m.  July 14-15: WWII Living History Weekend, at Sully Historic Site  July 15: 2012 Summer Just Jumper Horse Show at Frying Pan Farm Park, 4 p.m.  July 15: Wood Carving Lessons, at Colvin Run Mill,  12 noon to 4 p.m.  July 15: Frog Chorus at Eakin Pond, via Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7:30 p.m.  July 17: Lethal Predators, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8:30 a.m.  July 16-20: Wetlanders Camp, at Riverbend Park, 9 a.m.  July 18: Dragons and Damsels at the Pond, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 7 p.m.  July 18: Stream Stomp, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 3 p.m.  July 18: Little Hands-On History, at Sully Historic Site, 11 a.m.  July 18: Concert in the Garden, at Green Spring Gardens, 7 p.m.  July 19: Garden Stroll and Tea, at Green Spring Gardens, 1 p.m.  July 19: Hands-On History, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 1:30 p.m.  July 20: Dairy Days, at Sully Historic Site, 1-4 p.m.  July 20: Ghost Trackers at Walney, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 p.m.  July 21: Watercolor Workshop, at Green Spring Gardens, 9:30 a.m.  July 21: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 a.m.  July 21: Ice Cream Making, at Colvin Run Mill, 12 noon-3 p.m.  July 21: Park Manager Walk and Talk, at Huntley Meadows Park, 5:30 p.m.  July 21: Insects of the Night Campfire, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 8:30 p.m.  July 22: Nature Photography, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 a.m.  July 22: Concert: The 97th Regimental String Band, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 7:30 p.m.  July 23-27: Potomac Adventures Camp, at Riverbend Park, 9 a.m.  July 24: Stream Monsters, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8:30 a.m.  July 24: 2012 Schooling Summer Series, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 4 p.m.  July 25: Field Trip: Birth of a Wetland, at Huntley Meadows Park, 9:30 a.m.  July 25: Little Hands-On History, at Sully Historic Site, 11 a.m.  July 25: Reptile Campfire, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8 p.m.  July 26: Master Naturalist Lecture Series, at Hunter House, 7 p.m.  July 27: Evening Adventure Wagon Ride, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8 p.m.  July 28: Canoe Tour-Island Birds, at Riverbend Park, 7 a.m.  July 28: Celebrating Begonia Diversity, at Green Spring Gardens, 9:30 a.m.  July 28: Ice Cream Making, at Colvin Run Mill, 12 noon-3 p.m.  July 28: Teddy Bear Picnic, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 2 p.m.  July 28: Owl Campfire, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7:45 p.m.  July 29: 2012 Summer Just Jumper Horse Show, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 4 p.m.   July 29: Wagon Ride, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 2 p.m.  July 30-Aug. 3: Rockhounders Camp, at Riverbend Park, 9 a.m.  July 30-Aug. 3: Potomac Adventures Camp, at Riverbend Park, 9 a.m.  July 31: Snake Hunters, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8:30 a.m.  Aug. 1-3: Sully Sleuths History Camp, at Sully Historic Site, 9:30 a.m.  Aug.  1: Night Creek Walk, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8 p.m.  Aug.  2: Summer Wagon Ride, Huntley Meadows Park, 9:30 a.m.  Aug.  2: Summer Wagon Ride, Huntley Meadows Park, 5 p.m.  Aug.  2: Field Trip: For the Love of Bugs, at Huntley Meadows Park, 12:30 p.m.  Aug.  2: Hands-On History, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 1:30 p.m.  Aug. 2-3: Carnival Sneak Peek, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 10 a.m-3 p.m.  Aug.  3: Big Truck Night, Movie & Carnival, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.  Aug.  3: Ghost Trackers at Cabell's Mill, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 p.m.  Aug.  3: Campfire Fridays: Night Flyers, at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 7:30 p.m.  Aug.  4: Weed Patrol, at Green Spring Gardens, 10 a.m.  Aug.  4: Teddy Bear Picnic, at Colvin Run Mill, 1 p.m.  Aug.  4: Dinosaur Film, Puppet and Craft Festival, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 2:30 p.m.  Aug. 4-5: 4-H Fair, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.  Aug.  5: Lizards, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 10 a.m.  Aug.  5: Dinosaur Dig, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 1 p.m.  Aug.  6: Yoga for Gardeners, at Green Spring Gardens, 9:30 a.m.  Aug. 6-10: Virginia History Camp, at Colvin Run Mill, 9 a.m.  Aug.  7: Venom or Poison, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8:30 a.m.  Aug.  7: Mega - Flora Fauna: Flowers, at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 4 p.m.  Aug. 10: Mammal Mania-Herbivores, at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 4 p.m.  Aug. 10: Evening Adventure Wagon Ride, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8 p.m.  Aug. 11: Household Survival Skills: Sewing, at Colvin Run Mill, 10 a.m.  Aug. 11: Field Trip: For the Love of Bugs, at Huntley Meadows Park, 12:30 p.m.  Aug. 11: Geology Rocks, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 2 p.m.  Aug. 11: Skywatching and Meteor Shower, at Riverbend Park, 8 p.m.  Aug. 11: Noctural Senses Campfire, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 8:15 p.m.  Aug. 12: Treemendous!, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 11 a.m.  Aug. 12: 2012 Summer Just Jumper Horse Show, at Frying Pan Farm Park, 4 p.m.   Aug. 13-19: Virginia History Camp, at Colvin Run Mill, 9 a.m  Aug. 13-19: Discover Nature's Treasures Camp, at Huntley Meadows Park, 9 a.m.  Aug. 14: Lethal Predators, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 8:30 a.m.  Aug. 14: Mega - Flora Fauna: Rocks, at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 4 p.m.  Aug. 18-19: Civil War Encampment, at Sully Historic Site  Sept.  1: Battle of Ox Hill, 150th Anniversary, Ox Hill Battlefield Park   Activities/Classes in the Parks Boating Programs in the Parks Camping and Campgrounds Children's Corner Equestrian Programs Farm Programs Fishing in the parks Fishing programs Gardening programs Nature/Science programs    Extra Clicks  Extreme Adventure at ECLP    There's Still Time to Sign Up For Summer Camps     Try Rec-Pac This Summer Take 12 Sponsorship   Find Coupons on Page 152 of Parktakes   Read Our Wild Blog What's This?     If you signed up for E-News, you'll receive ResOURces when it contains information on the topics you requested. If you'd like to receive ResOURces each month it is published, subscribe by signing up for E-News at http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/enews/sign_up.asp  and clicking the Natural Resource Management box.  ResOURces Email is: ResOURces@fairfaxcounty.gov or david.ochs@fairfaxcounty.gov. Fairfax County Park Authority | Fairfax, VA 22035 | 703-324-8695 | Fax 703-324-3996 | TTY 703-803-3354 | www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources