Our field trips across the county are in full swing this summer as we encounter many different parks that show off the abundance in biodiversity and cultural richness within the Fairfax County Park system. This week, we were able to visit two more sites: Riverbend Park and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. Located in the northern part of the county, these parks are beautiful examples of the diverse natural and cultural resources.

When we arrived at Riverbend, we immediately learned about the plethora of outdoor activities that are available to the community. Riverbend is just above Great Falls and has hiking trails that lead to the national park, which is a great way to explore the area’s interconnected park systems! We really enjoyed seeing lots of different plants and animals, including damselflies, baby American toads, butterflies, paw-paw trees, black walnut trees and native oats. While we didn’t get onto the water, we were very interested in the opportunities for water activities, like fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. We also learned that Riverbend is hosts the annual Virginia Native American Festival, which showcases the cultural heritage and significance of the indigenous tribes of Virginia.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is just a couple of minutes away from Riverbend and is one of FCPA’s only nature preserves. It hosts rare plants and invertebrates and serves as an integral part of preserving northern Virginia’s native plants and animals. It also has a beautiful waterfall and miles of hiking trails, one of which we explored. We ventured into the forest with some of our MarComm teammates and hiked all the way down the main trail that leads to the grand waterfall that lies right along the Potomac River. The hike was only about a half mile in distance, and the views at the end were a rewarding ending to a productive day! This was a great way for us to reconnect with nature and each other, as we were able to relate our work with our personal lives.

We also discovered our newfound love for “passive” recreation while on our hike. Passive recreation includes activities that are less competitive and are more easy-going, such as walking, birdwatching, picnicking or biking. It does not require prepared sports fields, motor vehicles, or built structures. Providing spaces for passive recreation is an important aspect of the PROSA strategy which we mentioned in our third post, and many passive recreation activities are common in parks like Scott’s Run that provide spaces for guests to enjoy their surrounding nature in a peaceful setting.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself with natural beauty, connect with the environment and enjoy a myriad of free activities, these two parks are not to be missed!  Whether you are interested in the more “passive” recreational activities or enjoy the thrill that comes with the active adventures, there are endless opportunities to explore the wonders of our local parks right here in Fairfax County.