September 11, 2001, our country lost almost 3,000 innocent lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Ten years later, we have not forgotten the innocent victimswhose lives were taken and those who bravely gave their lives on that dreadful day.
Izaak Walton League, and the public for a day of service and remembrance.
The day’s events were coordinated by Kevin Koons, our Timberland Corporation (our partner store) and local citizens. Next on the agenda was Station 20 with several of their trucks and firefighters on hand to talk to visitors about fire safety and let them climb in and on the trucks for close up looks at the equipment they use. Also participating, the Combat Veterans who spoke to visitors about their service to the country as well as the cool motorcycles they rode to the park!
The culminating event was the one we won’t soon forget. After brief words of remembrance and thanks to the firemen and veterans, each attendee was invited to add a shovel full of dirt to a redbud tree that was donated by Meadows Farms Nursery. Silence fell on the group as each person took their turn. Little by little, the hole filled with dirt asthe Redbudtree wasplanted by our Visitor Center. A sign will be installed next to the tree and as it grows everyone will all be reminded of the day America was attacked and of the innocents (and innocence) who were lost that day.
The day’s events were coordinated by Kevin Koons, our Timberland Corporation (our partner store) and local citizens. Next on the agenda was Station 20 with several of their trucks and firefighters on hand to talk to visitors about fire safety and let them climb in and on the trucks for close up looks at the equipment they use. Also participating, the Combat Veterans who spoke to visitors about their service to the country as well as the cool motorcycles they rode to the park!
The culminating event was the one we won’t soon forget. After brief words of remembrance and thanks to the firemen and veterans, each attendee was invited to add a shovel full of dirt to a redbud tree that was donated by Meadows Farms Nursery. Silence fell on the group as each person took their turn. Little by little, the hole filled with dirt asthe Redbudtree wasplanted by our Visitor Center. A sign will be installed next to the tree and as it grows everyone will all be reminded of the day America was attacked and of the innocents (and innocence) who were lost that day.
More events and programs to come this Fall, we hope to see you here! For details and more information on Mason Neck's schedule of programs, click here.
For park information call (703) 339-2384.
FISHING, BOATING: Fresh and brackish water fishing are available. Must have valid Virginia or Maryland fishing license. Cartop boat launch facilities available; no facilities for trailer launching. From April through October, rent a kayak or canoe for an hour or all day to explore Belmont Bay or Kane's Creek – a great way to see eagles.
LOCATION: The park is in southern Fairfax County, about 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance.
Click here for a Google map. Latitude, 38.654365. Longitude, -77.184114.
CONTACT INFO: Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA 22079-4010; Phone: 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380 (visitor center); email masonneck. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK or email resvs. Be sure to specify the park of interest. Click here to reserve a campsite or picnic shelter or to check cabin availability.
Drive Time: Northern Virginia, half an hour (park is in Northern Virginia); Washington, D.C., 45 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Roanoke, four hours.