Community residents near Bren Mar and Turkeycock Run Stream Valley Parks in the Mason District noted that invasive plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese wisteria, and kudzu were making a sizable impact on the parks. On October 13, 2016, the Overlook Foundation's contribution of $7,200 was matched with a Mastenbrook Grant from the Park Authority so that a contractor could be hired to perform some of the needed removal work.  Many volunteers will also help to remove the invasive plants.

The project will allow mature trees to survive and is one component of allowing native undergrowth and saplings to replenish in the parks.  Volunteer labor combined with public and private funds will allow these serious maintenance problems to be addressed.  This is an excellent  example of how private public partnerships can benefit our wonderful parks. 

  

Two generous grants of $1,500 each from 495/95 Express Lanes Community Grants have funded a much needed aquatic wheelchair at Audrey Moore RECenter for the Adapted Aquatics Program and a tourist destination sign for Hidden Pond Nature Center.

L to R Margaret Thaxton, Bill Masker, David Lewis, JoAnn Perla, Cristina Gaines, Nancy Spivack, Colleen Cannon, Sandy McGowen, Anne Goodwin, a friendly volunteer, Karen Beck, & Henry Champagne. Front Isabelle Beegle-Levin (Transurban) and Nicole Woodward

The aquatic wheelchair is a critical component of this individualized swimming and water activity program for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities.

  "The adapted aquatics program at Audrey Moore RECenter serves adults with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical disabilities. Many of the participants use wheelchairs and the program relies heavily on the use of aquatic wheelchairs which allow these participants access to the pool. We would like to thank Transurban for their continued partnership and support of this program. Their contributions have enabled us to purchase new aquatic wheelchairs and additional adaptive equipment to better serve our customers," stated Nicole Woodward, Adapted Programs Coordinator, FCPA.

	L to R  Margaret Thaxton (FCPF), John Abalos-Green, Envirothon Team, Michelle Alexander, Assistant  Manager, HPNC, Jennifer Ochs, Envirothon Team, Isabelle Beegle-Levin, Transurban, and  Mike McCaffrey, Manager HPNC (FCPA)

Tucked away in a Springfield neighborhood, Hidden Pond Nature Center has been "hidden" from many potential visitors since losing its tourist destination sign several years ago. Thanks to Transurban, a generous grant helped purchase a new VDOT approved sign that will now direct visitors to the nature center.

 

"Transurban strives to be a good neighbor and long-term partner in the Northern Virginia community. The Fairfax County Park Foundation has been a longstanding community partner of Transurban's, and we are proud to support their projects with our Express Lanes Community Grant Program," stated Jennifer Aument, Group General Manager, Transurban North America.

For the person who seems to have everything or is difficult to surprise, consider making a donation to the Park Foundation in honor of a special friend or family member.

You can celebrate a special occasion or remember the life of a friend or loved one.

1. Contribute $50 or more in their honor to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

2. Provide the name and address of the individual(s) to be notified.

3. Be sure to indicate whether the gift is made in their honor or memory.

The Park Foundation will mail this beautiful card (featuring Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls, Virginia) to share that a commemorative gift has been made.

Contributions made to the Park Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

  

Call Mary Shields at 703-324-8582 to make arrangements for making your donation and to send a card to the person being honored or remembered.

Local ornithologists are speechless and patiently awaiting the big event.

Whether you are looking for fertilized Hatchimal eggs or most other purchases, Amazon will make a donation to the Park Foundation.  Here are the easy steps: