Among the many natural features found at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a one-acre man-made containment pond. For many years, Walney Pond was a popular local fishing hole, and ice-skaters carved figure eights on its frozen surface during the winter months.
These days, fishermen still try their luck here, but the pond is mainly used for environmental education. On Saturday, August 31, a naturalist will conduct Pond Life, a one-hour underwater exploration program for families starting at 10 a.m.
The group will search the water’s edge for tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs, water scorpions, and whatever else they can find. A park naturalist will help identify specimens and share biological facts about them. Participants should wear boots that can get wet. All family members must register. The cost is $5 per Fairfax County resident and $7 for out-of-county participants.
Registration is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl/calendar.htm. For more information, call the Walney visitor center at 703-631-0013.
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is located at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly, Va. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk and is an excellent location to observe wildlife, hike a trail, or attend an educational program.
(Information courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority.)
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