Wonders in Our Own Backyards

This week our adventures took us around the Mason District on an insightful journey to learn about the flora and fauna of our local ecosystem. There was something new to explore in each place that we visited, and we are excited to share about our findings with you all here!

One of our top visits this week was to Green Spring Gardens, which is so much more than a garden. It also has an outdoor classroom, a museum, a historic house which makes the park a designated National Historic Site, a wooded stream valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic gardens, a greenhouse, a plant store, a gift store, and a horticulture reference library. It is absolutely beautiful during all seasons, and there is something for everyone. We saw butterflies and bunnies, along with a huge variety of plants. Emma has been going to this park since she was young and values the ways in which Green Spring Gardens allows visitors to fully connect with nature in a space that is otherwise so developed.

Our next stop was Pinecrest Golf Course, where we got to explore a bit around the greens and the pro shop before checking out the new golf simulator! This indoor experience is powered by Trackman technology, allowing golfers to play in one spot and out of the heat. As you swing, the screen will tell you the direction and speed of your hit while giving you advice for which club to use next, which was helpful for us in improving our game. We had a blast testing out the simulator, and we loved how there are options to play an exciting array of courses around the world. With a little more practice, we’ll be ready to hit the professional leagues in no time!

The last facility that we visited on our tour of the Mason area was the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. This awesome spot is a must-visit for all residents who want to learn more about their neighbors in Fairfax County – not their human neighbors though! We’re talking about the birds, bugs reptiles and mammals that live all around the county! Hidden Oaks does a great job of making learning accessible through a variety of interpretive programs and interactive exhibits. We had a lot of fun learning about snakes, turtles, bald eagles, bats and event flying squirrels through time at the nature center and our insightful conversations with the staff on-site. Hidden Oaks is also committed to equity – they have resources available in Spanish and Korean, providing a number of great opportunities for our diverse community to learn about the natural wonders of Fairfax County.

Parks like these are so important to bringing the community closer together through unique experiences and engaging displays. We were amazed at how well these facilities have brought together residents in Fairfax County, and we can’t wait to explore more!