Nature Day at Thrifton Hill Park

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, 9 am-noon

Thanks to everyone who participated in Nature Day despite the misting of rain! 
A lot of fun was had by all -- 50 kids earned ice cream cones,
ten trees were planted, and lots of information was provided! 
For details from the event, visit Latest News.

Sponsored by Arlington County's Invasive Plant Program  
and the Maywood Community Association.

Come discover nature at the park and in your own backyard!  Fun FREE stuff for all ages including a puppet show, habitat scavenger hunt, nature books, brochures, maps, and breakfast treats.  Bring your own mug (BYOM) for coffee and water.

Kids can earn a certificate for a free treat (hint at right!) if they get their "Passport to Nature" stamped while learning about nature at six stations:

  • The Battle Between Invasive and Native Plants
  • Planting and Preserving Trees
  • Wildlife
  • Nature in Your Backyard
  • Protecting Your Watershed
  • Getting Involved: Park Improvements and Volunteer Opportunities 

Information will be provided by the county (including how to get free trees), Audubon at Home, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Wildlife Rescue League, and more.  Learn about invasive plant control and tree planting plans for the park and have an opportunity to make suggestions.  Learn more about adopting a tree at the park, Park Cleanup Days, and other ways that help make the park healthy and beautiful!

Sneak a peek at the full program for Nature Day!  (requires Adobe PDF reader)

Programs for Adults and Children

9-10 am  Free the Trees, Help Our Animal Neighbors
Naturalist (and superb storyteller!) Alonso Abugattas from Long Branch Nature Center will present a program on how removing invasive plants keeps trees healthy and helps all the native Virginia animals (our neighbors) who have evolved to depend on our native plants and trees.  Kids will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt for invasive plants.  Ages 5-105.  Max. 25 participants.  Register by e-mailing us at thriftonhillpark@gmail.com.  Bring a blanket to sit on.  Meet at the open field.  FREE.

10-11 am  "Hansel and Griddle Go Native" Puppet Show
Silly Socks Puppet Company presents the premiere of their new puppet show.  With a pawpaw trail, a beatnik chicken, and some nasty invasive plant stew, these delightful puppets will make learning about healthy ecosystems and native plants fun for the whole family!  All ages are welcome.  No registration required.  Just bring yourself and maybe a blanket to sit on.  In the open field.  FREE.







 

10-11 am  Secret Spots and Natural Treasures of Thrifton Hill Park 
Naturalist Janet Siddle from Gulf Branch Nature Center will lead a hike to discover age-old tree giants, animal footprints, wildlife hide-outs, and learn the history of this land.  All ages are welcome.  Max. 25 participants.  Register by e-mailing us at thriftonhillpark@gmail.com.  Meet at the Fillmore Street entrance to the park.  FREE.

Donations

We are creating a work box of tools and gloves for cleanup days.  We need work gloves in adult and children (for boy scouts) sizes, clippers, loppers, and shovels.  Old or new is fine as long as they are functional.

Location & Parking

Nature Day will be held in the open field near the main entrance of the park at 2814 23rd Street North, Arlington, VA 22201.  Show a Google Map.  

Street parking is very limited, so please walk or carpool with friends.  If you need to drive, the Giant at Lyon Village Shopping Center (at the corner of Lee Highway and Spout Run Parkway) has given us permission to park in their lot between their building and the park.  There will be signs to guide you to the main section of the park.

Participants/Donors

Environmental Services, Environmental Health, Historic Preservation, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources, Gulf Branch Nature Center, Long Branch Nature Center

 

 

Wildlife Rescue League