As fall approaches, Prince William County is offering a series of outdoor programs aimed at encouraging residents to explore local parks and enjoy seasonal activities.
One of the upcoming events is “Winged Wonders: Birding for Beginners,” which will introduce participants to common bird species found at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. The program includes basic bird identification instruction followed by a guided walk. It is scheduled for Saturday morning, September 6, from 8 to 10 am and is open to all ages.
A “Full Moon Hike” will also take place on September 6, from 7 to 9 pm at the same boardwalk. Park naturalists will lead a slow-paced hike focusing on local flora and fauna as well as facts about the full moon. The event concludes with s’mores by a firepit.
For those interested in outdoor survival skills, the “Survive Together” program offers three hours of basic training at Silver Lake Park on Saturday, September 20, from 1 to 4 pm. Participants will learn shelter building, compass navigation, first aid, water purification, and fire building. The program targets parents or guardians and children aged nine and up.
Another family-friendly option is the “Twilight Trek” at Neabsco Creek Boardwalk on Saturday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Attendees can observe wetland animals such as beavers and deer before gathering around a firepit for s’mores.
Bird enthusiasts can join Master Naturalist Candice Lowther for “Virginia Bird Calls” at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, November 1, from 8 to 10 am. This session focuses on learning about native birds and their calls and is open to individuals aged four and older.
The county provides additional information about these programs through its Leisure publication and encourages residents to use the RecMapper app for details about parks, facilities, playgrounds, pavilions, recreation activities, camps, classes, and daily updated events.
