Spring.  A time to celebrate!

The earth is warming, the days are getting longer, the animals are becoming more active, and there is a feeling of excitement. This year there is extra excitement in the air, because Huntley Meadows Park is celebrating its 40th Anniversary!

In 1975, Fairfax County purchased 1,261 acres for just $1 from the federal government under the Federal Legacy of Parks Program. Over the years, additional gifts and purchases increased the size of the park to 1,557 acres.

Woodcock

Huntley Meadows staff has planned several programs over the next few months for the community to celebrate this important milestone. This month is Spring Symphony Stroll, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.   Please see the registration information below.

During the last weekend of March 2014, the evening chorus was so loud the male Woodcocks couldn’t perform their dance. However, the buzzy, nasal call of these plump, short-legged shore birds could still be heard.

Spring Peeper

Besides the American Woodcock, hopefully, other feathered callers will be heard including a Barred or Great Horned Owl, longtime residents of the park’s forest.

With spring in full swing, the soundscape will abound with males of numerous species competing to be heard by their ladies. You’re guaranteed to hear Spring Peepers on this evening stroll, for they begin their call of love in March and can continue into April. Other amphibian callers will be the Southern Leopard Frog, Pickerel Frog, and American Toad. These amphibians make their appearance in late March to early April (depending on the weather).

The Spring Symphony Stroll , Saturday, March 28, 2015, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot at the park’s entrance on S. Kings Highway (6901 S. Kings Highway.) Bring a flashlight if you wish and dress for the weather.

Register online with Parktakes and join us for a stroll!