October is a great time to explore Northern Virginia nature at Mason Neck State Park. Much of our summer wildlife is still here, and some of the early winter residents have begun to show up. In addition we’ve got many transient species moving through, from warblers to ducks to the last few monarch butterflies. It’s a wildlife watcher’s haven, yours for only $4/car parking fee. How can you beat that?
You can also enjoy the lovely fall weather while you participate in one of Mason Neck’s free interpretive programs. Every Saturday and Sunday we present guided nature programs. Join our park interpreter Saturday mornings for Birding By the Bay, to look for seasonal migrants, early winter arrivals, and of course our signature Bald Eagle. Or try GPS Adventures, where you explore nature as well as GPS technology, hunting for secret caches with the park interpreter. As a matter of fact, October is your last chance to experience the GPS program for free; starting in November, GPS Adventures will cost $3/person.
See the schedule below for all the programs we offer this month. Hope to see you at Mason Neck soon!
10:30-11:30 am Birding By The Bay. Join this one-mile walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl and of course the bald eagle. Meet at the Bay View Trail head.
12:30-1:15 pm Feathers and Furs. Do you know what a fox skull looks like, or what beaver fur feels like? Come check out real furs, skulls, and bones of animals that live in the park. Meet in the Picnic Area.
3:00-4:30 pm GPS Adventures. Come take a one mile hike using park GPS units. We’ll explore nature while searching for hidden caches. Ages six and up, please. Maximum of 10 participants—first come, first served. Meet at the Visitor Center.
5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles. Look for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and migrating osprey, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at the Visitor Center.
SUNDAYS
1:00-1:45 Got Butter? Try your hand at making real fresh butter, and then eat the delicious results. George Mason’s family never had it so good! Meet in the Picnic Area.
3:00-4:30 pm GPS Adventures. Come take a one mile hike using park GPS units. We’ll explore nature while searching for hidden caches. Ages six and up, please. Maximum of 10 participants—first come, first served. Meet at the Visitor Center.
5:00-6:00 pm Majestic Eagles. Look for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and migrating osprey, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at the Visitor Center.