Leesylvania Canoe Tours 2015

Throughout the spring and summer, Leesylvania Sate Park will be offering Canoe Tours.  Tours are $9 per person, or $6 if you reserve a group of 4 or more.  YOU MUST REGISTER 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE by calling 703-583-6904. 

2015 Junior Ranger Program at Leesylvania State Park

Our Junior Ranger program is back for another exciting year!! Each day we cover new topics, and introduce fun educational activities that help keep things fun and interesting. It is a great way for you and your child to learn about the rich history and nature that is in your own backyard.  There is a $60.00 enrollment fee per session for each participant. This covers all supplies, graduation certificate, t-shirt, and patch.

Seed Stomp Volunteers Wanted!

Join Leesylvania State Park on October 4th from 11am-1pm at the Lee's Woods Trailhead to help establish a field of wildflowers while having fun at the same time! Questions, call 703-583-6904 or email genevieve.white@dcr.virginia.gov

Leesylvania State Park Happenings This Week

07/31/2013	What's a Watershed? Location: Visitor Center Where does all that water in the Potomac River come from? Where does it go when it flows past Leesylvania? Join us for an exploration of how water makes the world go around as we travel through the water cycle, learn about watersheds, and see the aquatic impacts of how we use the land we live on. Meet up with a ranger at the Visitor Center to begin your journey through the world of water. 3 Sessions:  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., & 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/01/2013	Ecosystem Exploration Location: Meet at Powells Creek Trailhead. Take a walk with a ranger and learn just what it is you are looking at when you explore Leesylvania. Learn who produces what, what helps whom, and what it all means to the humans who live "outside" of nature. Please remember to wear close-toed shoes and bring water. 3 Sessions:  11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., & 4:00 p.m. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/02/2013	Dino Days Location: Visitor Center    Extra Event Fee Charged. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs! Come to the Visitor Center to excavate fossils, try to out run a T-Rex, and design your own dinosaur. Fee is $2/person, $6/family 3 Sessions:  11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., & 4:00 p.m. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/03/2013	Invasive Species Hike Location: Meet at the Lee's Woods Historic Trailhead. Can you tell the difference between the heart-shaped leaves of a native redbud and invasive princess tree? Take a hike with a ranger and see the plants and animals that have been waging a silent war against our native species.  Please remember to wear close-toed shoes and bring water. 2 Sessions:  11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/03/2013	9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Kids Fishing Tournament Location: Marina in lot #1 Join our kids fishing tournament and see what you can catch. There is some fishing equipment that participants can borrow, but we encourage folks to bring their own. There are several volunteers on hand to give participants help. Sponsored by the Friends of Leesylvania State Park. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/03/2013	6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Canoe Tour Location: Register at the Visitor Center and then meet at Canoe Launch   Extra Event Fee Charged. Join a ranger for a guided canoe tour on Powell's Creek. You'll get to see wildlife, marsh plants, and test your skills in a canoe. Please register with the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance for the tour. Fee is $9.00 per person, or $6.00 per person when reserving for groups of 4 or more. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/04/2013	7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Canoe Tour Location: Register at the Visitor Center and then meet at Canoe Launch   Extra Event Fee Charged. Join a ranger for a guided canoe tour on Powell's Creek. You'll get to see wildlife, marsh plants, and test your skills in a canoe. Please register with the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance for the tour. Fee is $9.00 per person, or $6.00 per person when reserving for groups of 4 or more. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov
08/04/2013	11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Colonial Children's Games Location: Visitor Center See what games children used to play during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Play a few innings of Town Ball. Race hoops against each other and play a game of catch called Graces. Appropriate for children 4 years old and up. Phone: (703) 583-6904    Web Site: Leesylvania    Email Address:leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov

National Kids To Parks Day 2013

As part of the "Let's Move" initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids, the National Park Trust is hosting National "Kids to Parks Day" on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  You can sign up on their website to let them know you pledge to take your kids outside and to a park on May 18th, and over 120,000 people have pledged so far! We have some awesome park options right here in Prince William County, including some fun, local events! Here's a list of PWC, and surrounding area, parks that have special Kids to Parks Day events on Saturday:

Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, VA - Let nature ignite your imagination! We'll read Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane and spend a day outside making fairy houses with natural materials from around the park. See if you can discover what fairies and wildlife have in common.   

Location: Visitor Center 

Address: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191.

Contact for more info: 703-583-6904.  

Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton, VA will host the Occoquan River Fest from 10am-4pm. There will also be events in the town of Occoquan from 12-5pm. 

Address: Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079.

Mason Neck Park in Lorton, VA has a variety of special programs and events.  

Birding 101 (10am): Meet with a ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center. Sit and watch the birds at the bird feeders and learn basic identification skills. Please bring your own binoculars. 

GPS Adventures (11:30am-12:30pm): Come join us on this one mile hike with park GPS units. We'll experience nature while searching for hidden caches! This program is most appropriate for ages six and up. Maximum of 10 people. First come, first served. 

Mammals of Mason Neck (2pm): Meet a ranger in the picnic area to learn about some of the local residents here in the park. Test your identification skills and learn something new about these furry park residents. 

Rockets (3pm): Come watch as we demonstrate the power of air pressure. We will be launching rockets made from 2 liter soda bottles using air, and water. Help us pump up the pressure in the bottles and guess which one will fly the farthest. 

Awesome Eagles (4pm): Meet up at the Visitor Center for an informative talk about our national emblem, the Bald Eagle. Come learn about these amazing birds and look for them as they soar along the bay.   

Address: Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA 22079.

Contact for more info: 703-339-2380

Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania County (our favorite camping/boating spot!) has some special programs. 

Fishing 101 (10-11am) $2/person $6/family. Learn the basics of fishing and put it to the test! *Limited Space; Register at the Park Office*  

Orienteering 101 (1-2pm) Join a ranger and discover how to orienteer with compass and map.   

Gold Panning (3-4pm) Join Matt for a fun filled program featuring the history and basics of "Panning for Gold just like the prospectors." 

Address: Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Rd, Livingston, VA 22551.

Daily parking fee applies $5 per car. Contact for more info: 540-854-5503. 

The Town of Vienna - The Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department and Club Phoenix Teen Center proudly present “Teens on the Green” at the Vienna Town Green on May 18, 2013. The local talent will awe and amaze as we highlight three fantastically talented teen bands on two stages. The concert is free and open to the public. Please contact the Vienna Community Center for more information, 703-255-6360. 

Address: Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Avenue E, Vienna, VA 22180  

Contact for more info: Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation 703-255-5721. 

Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA has some fun programs and events scheduled.

Tyke Hike (10am-12pm): Meet at the Lost Mountain Parking Area This discovery hike is an easy walk, for children ages 4-6 and caregivers. Bring water and snacks, and wear sturdy footwear. 

Town Ball (12-2pm): Meet at the Picnic Area Play an inning or more of this historic game that evolved into our National Pastime. 

Life on the Farm: Planting a Vegetable Garden (1-3pm): Meet near the Visitor Center Help us plant our vegetable garden. All farm hands will get to take home seeds. 

Nature Journaling (2-4pm): Meet at Turner Pond Learn the basics of recording your nature observations and receive your beginner's journal. Location: Meet at Blue Ridge Trailhead 

Address: Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144.

Contact for more info: 540-592-3556 

Also, the National Park Trust has some great children's activities on their Buddy the Bison website.  You can check those out here.

Upcoming at Leesylvania State Park

Haunted History Hike

Date:	10/27/2012
Time:	7:30 p.m.   To  9:00 p.m.
Location:	Shelter #1
Description:	The spirits of Leesylvania have begun wandering our woods at night reliving moments from their lives. Join us for a guided evening walk which will take you back through history. Don't forget to take a hay ride and visit our different crafts for the kids. This is a family friendly Halloween event. Please call for event price.

Mommy Meet-Ups: Basket Weaving

Date:	11/08/2012
Time:	11:00 a.m.   To  12:00 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Calling all moms! Leesylvania State Park invites you to take a break from your busy schedule to enjoy refreshments and socializing at our Visitor Center. Our monthly meet-ups will also feature different activities for you to try while relaxing. On November 8th we will be making baskets just in time for harvest decorating to begin.  Choose from a selection of basket styles, receive a 20% discount off of the kit price, and the fee of the class is included! To see a selection of our available baskets and pricing please emailleesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov. Please RSVP by the 6th so that we can have your basket materials soaked and ready to go on the 8th.

Veteran's Day Wall of Honor

Date:	11/11/2012
Time:	11:00 a.m.   To  4:00 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Leesylvania State Park would love for you to honor your family member by bringing a photograph, how they served, when they served, and would love to hear how they inspire you.  We will have a temporary Wall of Honor set up in the Visitor Center for all to see.  Don't forget on Veteran's Day the parking fee is waived.

Harvest Crafts Food Drive

Date:	11/17/2012
Time:	11:00 a.m.   To  3:00 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Thanksgiving is near!!  Join us as we use our natural resources to make festive crafts.  Cost for the program will be one food item per person (i.e. canned protein, canned fruits, juices, grains, soups, multigrain cereal).  The proceeds will go to Capital Area Food Bank.

Bull Run Conservancy Halloween Safari

Bull Run Maountain Conservancy will host a non-scary Halloween Safari this year! Check out the flier below for details.  This event is also listed on our calendar. 

Fishing With Kids In Prince William County

Making a few summertime memories can be as simple as baiting your fishing pole! There are several great local places to take your child fishing.  Don't like worms? No problem.  Fish will nibble at marshmallows, bread, cheese, or just about anything that will stay on your hook. Don't forget to check your child's scout guide if they participate in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, because many levels have fishing awards!

NOTE:

Ages 16+ a Freshwater Virginia State Fishing License is required year round and a Virginia State Trout 

License is required November 1 - April 30. The Fish and Game Warden can ticket you for not having a 

license, even if you're just "holding" your child's pole, so make sure you get one! The KMart in Dale City 

sells them along with numerous other retailers, or you can get them online, too! 

For a full list of Virginia Fishing regulations you can click here, but generally speaking, all you need to know is that you can't use dynamite (phew!) or net fish, scuba fish, or alter fish by cutting them, and that you need to follow posted regulations.  

Got your license and your rod? Let's get fishing! 

Locust Shade Park's 8 acre pond is stocked with trout and also has catfish, blue gill, bass and crappie. 


Lake Ridge Park reservoir provides good fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. 


Leesylvania State Park offers pier fishing from March 1 to Nov. 1.  Catfish, perch, largemouth and striped bass are typical.  The park also offers children's fishing tournaments on the first Saturday of every month and adult's fishing tournaments on occasion, as well. 


Occoquan Regional Park also offers fishing.  The no-wake zones around the main dock areas make for peaceful water and lots of fish! 


Prince William Forest Park- Specific portions of the lakes and streams throughout the park are available for fishing.  Live bait is prohibited.  For specifics, be sure to ask a ranger in the Visitor's Center! 


Have a favorite fishing spot? Leave a comment on this post and let us know where! 

Leesylvania Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program at Leesylvania State Park runs several weeks this summer for various ages.  Parents may use the program as a drop-off camp or may remain with their child, if they're more comfortable.  Children as young as 4 and as old as 12 may participate in various weeks.  Please see the flier for additional information.  This fantastic park is located here on the Woodbridge/Dumfries side of Prince William County and offers several programs for families and children throughout the year.

Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park is a fantastic location for camping, hiking, and even meeting friends at the playground!  There are several entrances to the Park, including a few from route 234 in Dumfries and off route 619 past Independent Hill going to Triangle. The main entrance to the park, which I recommend you use, is the one you reach by taking exit 150B off I-95.  When you enter the park, there is a ranger station, but it may or may not be manned.  If there's no ranger, head straight down the road and you'll arrive at an information area where you can pay your $5.  Admission is good for seven consecutive days, so it's a pretty awesome deal, when you think about it that way!

Visitors Center and Welcome Station
Looping back towards the entrance, on the right hand side there is parking and a large playground with an open field.  The play area is partially shaded, but the field gets some fairly direct sunlight.  With all the trees around, you'll definitely want to do a tick check when you get home.  

Playground area with slides, climbing wall, playhouse and more

Across the street from the playground, there is a hike entrance.  I want to say the blazes are green, but I am not positive, so please don't quote me on that.  The hike is paved with shredded plastic (similar or the same to a rubber track type of feel).  It would be very stroller friendly, if you're looking to hike with a baby! 

 The hike winds you past a creek, and there are lots of signs explaining the flora and fauna, which is helpful since my kids always want to know what each individual leaf is and Google is so sick of me asking about "4 tipped leaves on flat bark trees in Virginia" that they're considering cutting me off.  I don't have to search in an encyclopedia, but I can't stay here...you know how it goes ;)

Here's another view of the playground.  The kids had a great time running around, and as a bonus, there's a BATHROOM!! Flushing toilets, running water, the whole deal.  I consider proximity of the potty to be a huge deal, so chalk that up as a win!

Prince William Forest Park has a scenic drive, as well, and it's quite pleasant.  I would have especially loved it when my first was a baby.  He had horrendous colic and the only way he slept was in motion.  A nice drive through the park would have been a great way to spend the time driving the baby!

Finally, there's camping.  We were fortunate to spend part of a night with our boy scout troop, and had a great time! There are, again, restrooms, as well as nice sites with decent parking.  We were near an outdoor area with lots of bench seating where we enjoyed a bonfire, too.  We stayed in the tent camping, but they also offer 5 cabins.  For details on camping at Prince William Forest Park, just click here. 

Breakdown-

Prince William Forest Park

Pros- nice playground, bathrooms located nearby, camping and parking

Cons- small fee, multiple entrances can be confusing to first timers (like me my first time!) 

Cautions- only that you should be sure to check for ticks, but that's any outdoor location in Virginia! 

Father's Day Weekend At Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is a fantastic location right here in Prince William County! Having a park so close is such a great perk! Here are their activities coming up this weekend! 

Below are this weekend programs and attached are upcoming programs!  Hope to see you here at Leesylvania State Park !

Terrific Tales for Toddlers

Date:	06/15/2012
Time:	10:30 a.m.   To  11:00 a.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Join us for story time as we read tales about nature. Once the story is over we will get out the crayons and have fun coloring pictures.

Colonial Children's Games

Date:	06/16/2012
Time:	11:00 a.m.   To  4:30 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	See what games children used to play during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Play a few innings of Town Ball. Race hoops against each other and play a game of catch called Graces. Appropriate for children 4 years old and up.

A Revolutionary Father's Day Presentation

Date:	06/16/2012
Time:	1:00 p.m.   To  2:00 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Leesylvania State Park is pleased to announce that on Saturday, June 16, 2012 -- local author, educator, and Historic Dumfries Virginia board president Michael Cecere will give a presentation on Prince William County 's most notable Revolutionary War soldier, Light Horse Harry Lee and his father Henry Lee II to mark Father's Day. Mr. Cecere's presentation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center . Signed copies of Mr. Cecere's new book entitled, Wedded to My Sword: will be available for sale after his presentation.

Powell's Creek Hike

Date:	06/17/2012
Time:	2 sessions - 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Location:	Powell's Creek Trailhead
Description:	Join a ranger for a walk through the woods. You'll get to see wetlands, learn how the forest is involved in the water cycle, and hike to a beautiful overlook of the creek. Meet at the Powell's Creek Trailhead.

Father's Day Canoe Tour

Date:	06/17/2012
Time:	8:00 a.m.   To  10:00 a.m.
Location:	Register at the Visitor Center and then meet at Canoe Launch
Description:	Join a ranger for a guided canoe tour on Powell's Creek. You'll get to see wildlife, marsh plants, and test your skills in a canoe. Please register with the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance for the tour. Fee is $9.00 per person, or $6.00 per person when reserving for groups of 4 or more.

Junior Rangers

Date:	06/18/2012   To  08/02/2012
Time:	9:00 a.m.   To  4:00 p.m.
Location:	Sign up at the Visitor Center
Description:	Our Junior Ranger program is back for another exciting year!! Each day we cover new topics, and introduce fun educational activities that help keep things fun and interesting. It is a great way for you and your child to learn about the rich history and nature that is in your own backyard. For more information on exact days and times of program please call. There is a $60.00 enrollment fee per session for each participant. This covers all supplies, graduation certificate, t-shirt, and patch. Junior Ranger Dates Morning Session (AM):    9 A.m. - 12 P.M. Afternoon Session (PM): 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. June 18-21       AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 10-12 year olds June 25-28       AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 7-9 year olds July 9-12          AM: 7-9 year olds                       PM: 4-6 year olds July 16-19        AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 10-12 year olds July 30-Aug. 2   AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 7-9 year olds

Friends of Leesylvania State Park ’s monthly meeting

Date:	06/19/2012
Time:	7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location:	Main Office
Description:	The Friends Leesylvania State Park help the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments, and Haunted History Hikes. Friends also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, as well as fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania (friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com) to learn more or come to one of its meetings. It meets the third Tuesday of each month.

Going Batty!

Date:	06/21/2012
Time:	3 Sessions - 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., & 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Although some mammals can glide, bats are the only ones that can fly. Join us to learn where they live, what they eat, and why they can fly around safely at night. Fee is $2/person, $6/family