[Archived] City of Alexandria’s Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center Offers New Saturday Programs for Entire Family

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	September 21, 2005 PIO# 290-05/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria’s Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center
Offers New Saturday Programs for Entire Family

The City of Alexandria is offering new Saturday programs for the entire family this fall at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave. The new schedule of programs includes:

Family Birding (Families)
Saturday, Oct. 1, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Calling all birders! Look, learn, and listen to the resident birds of Alexandria while taking a leisurely walk on the nature trail. Guidebooks and binoculars will be available for sharing.

Seasonal Seeds (Families)
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2 - 3 pm
Join a naturalist in a hike through the woods looking for seeds and identifying which plants they belong. Afterwards, create a seed project to help identify seeds in your own backyard.

Colors of the Season (Children, ages 6 - 12)
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 - 3 pm
Let’s take a walk through the Dora Kelley Nature Park while fall colors are at their prime. Learn how and why leaves change colors and what to expect next.

Painting with Leaves (Families)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30 am - noon
Leaves come in all shapes, sizes, and fall colors. Come and create a work of art using different leaves. There will be painting, so dress accordingly.

Bulbing Basics (Adults)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2 - 3:30 pm
Tulips? daffodils? or both? It is time to plant bulbs. Learn how to prepare a beautiful yard for the spring.

Squirrels, Squirrels, Everywhere! (Preschool)
Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:30 - 11:30 am
How are pinecones, acorns, holes in the ground, and squirrels all linked together? Join a naturalist on an exploration to find out. Take a hike and conduct an official squirrel count.

Morning Bird Walk (Adults)
Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 - 10:30 am
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk through the woods. Field guides will help identify flying friends.

Festive Fall Crafts (Families)
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 - 3 pm
Get creative with fall. Make crafts that will help decorate any home for the fall season.

Turkey Talk (Families)
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Let’s talk turkeys. Come celebrate and learn more about the Wild Turkey. Create a take-home craft.

Nature Prepares for Winter (Preschool)
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2 - 3 pm
How can animals stand the cold weather? Learn different ways animals prepare for winter, where they go, and what they do. A walk in the woods will follow.

Animal Tracks (Children, ages 6 - 12)
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 am - noon
What animals have been here? Find out how to identify animal tracks and signs. Use taught skills for a walk through the woods and create a track mold to take home.

Hibernation Habit (Preschool)
Saturday, Dec. 10, 10:30 - 11:30 am
How can animals sleep all winter? Learn which animals hibernate and for how long.

Winter Weather (Children, ages 6 - 12)
Saturday, Dec. 17, 10:30 am - noon
Learn about weather factors, terminology, and instruments. Make take-home weather instruments and participate in hands-on experiments.

To make reservations, call 703.838.4829. For additional information on nature activities, call the center’s naturalist staff at 703.838.4829 or visit the City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural activities web site at alexandriava.gov/recreation.

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