Experience the New Woodlands Stewardship Education Center

Leave a reply

The Park Authority’s Woodlands Stewardship Education Center is designed to wow adults and children alike.

This new interpretive facility demonstrates principles of environmental stewardship that make a world of difference in the way we interact with and affect our natural environment. From the use of reclaimed construction materials and sustainable energy and water sources to experimentation with simple machines and natural observation spaces, this stewardship education center provides an incredible teaching platform for demonstrating technologies and processes that can reshape our individual relationship with the environment around us.

“When looking at the concept for this project, we knew we wanted to raise the bar to a whole new level. Every aspect of this facility is an exhibit that illustrates our connection to the natural world and creates an experience that will ignite the imaginations and creativity of young people through hands-on experiences and play.”

Jai Cole, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority

The Woodlands Stewardship Center was designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) – an achievement attained by only a small number of projects worldwide. These standards require meticulous attention to the development of a project in seven performance categories including Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity and Beauty. Every aspect of the project – including the building materials, energy and water usage and production, learning and recreational features and landscaping – involved intentional decision-making to preserve and protect the natural environment and provide a unique user experience for all who visit. The Park Authority will be eligible to apply for LBC certification after one full year of operation.

General project features include an interpretive center with multipurpose spaces, kitchen and restroom; an educational kiosk and plumbing room; outdoor amphitheater and observation deck; a large STREAM (science, technology, recreation, engineering, arts and math) activity play space with connecting trails; native plantings; and related site improvements.

Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence/woodlands-stewardship-education-center for information.

Enjoy the Woodlands Experience During Spring Break

The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center will be opened for a special spring break schedule. Come and experience:

  • Interactive Learning: Dive into a world of wonder as you explore the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center, designed to captivate adults and children alike with its immersive exhibits and hands-on activities.
  • Discovering Environmental Stewardship: Learn about the principles of environmental stewardship that are shaping the way we interact with and preserve our natural environment, making a world of difference for future generations.
  • Interactive Experiences: Try out new activities and experiences, including the Learning Observational Outdoor Pod (LOOP), where you can connect with nature in a unique and meaningful way. Plus, discover state-of-the-art digital screens in the kiosk that bring the natural world to life like never before.
  • Expert Guidance: Friendly staff will be on site to answer your questions, provide insights and guide you through your exploration of the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center.

The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center will operate under the following schedule for spring break 2024:

  • Sunday, March 24: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Monday, March 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 27: 3-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 28: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Friday, March 29: 3-7 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 31: 2-6 p.m.
This entry was posted in nature and tagged , , , , , on by .

About Fairfax County Park Authority

About Fairfax County Park Authority HISTORY: On December 6, 1950, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority was authorized to make decisions concerning land acquisition, park development and operations in Fairfax County, Virginia. To date, 13 park bond referenda have been approved between 1959 and 2016. Today, the Park Authority has 427 parks on more than 23,000 acres of land. We offer 325 miles of trails, our most popular amenity. FACILITIES: The Park system is the primary public mechanism in Fairfax County for the preservation of environmentally sensitive land and resources, areas of historic significance and the provision of recreational facilities and services including: • Nine indoor Rec Centers with swimming pools, fitness rooms, gyms and class spaces. Cub Run features an indoor water park and on-site naturalist • Eight golf courses from par-3 to championship level, four driving ranges including the new state-of-the-art heated, covered range at Burke Lake Golf Center • Five nature and visitor centers. Also nine Off-Leash Dog Activity areas • Three lakefront parks including Lake Fairfax, Lake Accotink and Burke Lake, with campgrounds at Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax, Our Special Harbor Sprayground at Franconia as well as an indoor water park at Cub Run Rec Center • Clemyjontri Park, a fully accessible playground in Great Falls featuring two acres of family friendly fun and a carousel, as well as Chessie’s Big Backyard and a carousel at the Family Recreation Area at Franconia Park • An ice skating rink at Mount Vernon Rec Center and the Skate Park in Wakefield Park adjacent to Audrey Moore Rec Center • Kidwell Farm, a working farm of the 1930s-era at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, now with historic carousel • Eight distinctive historic properties available for rent • A working grist mill at Colvin Run in Great Falls and a restored 18th century home at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly • A horticulture center at Green Spring Gardens in Annandale • Natural and cultural resources protected by the Natural Resource Management Plan and Cultural Resource Plans, plus an Invasive Management Area program that targets alien plants and utilizes volunteers in restoring native vegetation throughout our community • Picnic shelters, tennis courts, miniature golf courses, disc golf courses, off-leash dog parks, amphitheaters, a marina, kayaking/canoeing center • Provides 263 athletic fields, including 39 synthetic turf fields, and manages athletic field maintenance services at 417 school athletic fields. PARK AUTHORITY BOARD: A 12-member citizen board, appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, sets policies and priorities for the Fairfax County Park Authority. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/social-hub/ for Fairfax County Government's Comment Policy.

Leave a comment