NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY VOLUME 7, NO. 3 SUMMER 2007

p Fairfax County Park Authority • Fairfax, VA 22035 • 703-324-8695 • FAX 703-324-3996 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

Even if you can’t identify most birds by their calls,there’s no mistaking the rat-a-tat-tat of a woodpecker.

Among our common feathered friends in Fairfax County arewoodpeckers, and many have been performing spectacularacoustic concerts the past few months.

Everyone knows that woodpeckers peck, but do you know why?

“It’s purely advertising,” according to Charles Smith, a naturalresource specialist for the Fairfax County Park Authority. He says thebirds send messages such as, “I’m the best mate” or “This is myterritory.” The rapid pecking is called drumming, and Smith says thebirds are particular about their instrument. They seek out a nice,hard wood to get the best resonance and transmit their messagethe longest possible distance.

THERE ARE FIVE SPECIES of woodpeckers seen regularly in FairfaxCounty. From smallest to largest, they are the downy woodpecker,the hairy woodpecker, the red-bellied woodpecker, the Northern(yellow-shafted) flicker and the pileated woodpecker. They range fromabout four inches to 12 inches in height while standing on a branch.

Two other species can be seen in the area, but Smith says they’rea little tougher to spot.

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is primarily a winter resident,migrating north to New England and Canada to breed.

The red-headed woodpecker is a year-round resident, but is onlyfound in isolated enclaves. According to Smith, “the red-headedwoodpecker is probably the most striking and unusual of our wood-peckers in its vocalization and habits. The irony is that although it isnot common, where it does occur it’s not shy.” Smith says there areregular reported sightings at Huntley Meadows Park, but the bestplace in the area to view them is at Sky Meadows State Park nearParis, Virginia. They’ve also been seen at Lake Fairfax.

The red-bellied woodpecker is sometimes mistaken for the red-headed woodpecker because both have red on their heads.

WOODPECKERS ARE EXPLORERS by nature and spend their dayspecking at tree trunks in search of insect and insect larva. (The flickeris the only species that forages on the ground as well as in trees.)

Smith points out they are ideallydesigned for their work. Wood-peckers have:

� long tongues with barbs forgetting insects out of nooksand crannies

� stiff tails that they use as propswhen they are pecking anddigging

� strong neck muscles

� brains that are apparently cushioned in a unique way to allowthem to use their bill like a chisel and battering ram.

They also usually have two toes in front and two in back — mostother birds have three front and two back. This is an adaptation forclinging to the sides of trees and underneath branches.

WOODPECKERS ARE CAVITY NESTERS who make their homesin the holes they chisel out of trees, and their work is important tomany other woodland animals. Bluebirds, flying squirrels and miceare among those that commonly make their homes in cavities carvedby woodpeckers.

Homeowners may be lessenthusiastic about the wood-pecker’s abilities when it targetswood siding or trim. However,Smith says the woodpeckers“aren’t capable of evil intent.” Infact, he says woodpeckers tendto be “a symptom,” not theproblem. If you have wood-peckers, chances are they’re justfeasting on insects that havealready invaded your woodwork.

If you want to spot wood-peckers in your neighborhoodor local park, don’t make the

WHAT’S INSIDE . . .

Events ........................... 2

Park Foundation ............ 3

Retirements ................... 4

Partnerships .................. 5

Nature and theBurke Lake Railroad ....... 6

Caring for FamilyTreasures ....................... 8

Kids in the Garden ........ 9

Volunteers ................... 10

Dog Parks .................... 11

Concert Drummers on Forest TreesBy Carol Ochs, FCPA Volunteer

INSIDE:Nature and the

Burke Lake Trainpage 6

Pileated woodpecker

continued on page 8

2 ResOURces

NATURE CENTERSAND HISTORIC SITES

BURKE LAKE PARK7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station

Call 703-323-6600

COLVIN RUN MILL10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls

Call 703-759-2771

ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK5040 Walney Road, Chantilly

Call 703-631-0013

FRYING PAN PARK2709 West Ox Road, Herndon

Call 703-437-9101

GREEN SPRING GARDENS4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria

Call 703-642-5173

HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER7701 Royce Street, Annandale

Call 703-941-1065

HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield

Call 703-451-9588

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria

Call 703-768-2525

LAKE ACCOTINK PARK7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield

Call 703-569-3464

LAKE FAIRFAX PARK1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston

Call 703-471-5414

RIVERBEND PARK8700 Potomac Hills Street

Great FallsCall 703-759-9018

SULLY HISTORIC SITE3601 Sully Road, Chantilly

Call 703-437-1794

Need directions or more information?VISIT www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

E V E N T S

Editor/Writer: David Ochs

Photos: Don Sweeney, FCPA

Administration: Jatinder Kaur

Production: Innovative Projects, Inc.

Published quarterly by theFairfax County Park Authority,

12055 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax, VA 22035-1118.

Available at park sitesand Fairfax County libraries.

Visit ResOURces online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources

c ResOURces is printed on recycled paper.

GREEN SPRING GARDENS703-642-5173Garden Getaway: Colston C. Burrell’sBird Hill and Morningside NurseryTuesday, July 10, 7am-4pmTour Bird Hill, a ten-acre pastiche of woodland,meadow and garden. Lunch at MorningsideFarm and Nursery. Trip suitable for agile walkers;steep inclines. $68, lunch included.

Photography Workshop:Nature and the Great OutdoorsFriday, July 13, 7-9pm and Saturday,July 14, 8-11amLearn to capture striking images of gardens andnatural landscapes. An illustrated lecture,graphic handouts, and a shooting session. Anycamera appropriate. $75

Beatrix Potter Birthday PartyThursday, July 19, 9:30-10:30amor 11am-noon; or Saturday, July 21,10-11am (3-5 yrs. with accompanying adult)Celebrate Miss Potter with a garden party,games, and treats! $5

Plants That Sizzle, Not FizzleSaturday, July 28, 10-11:30amNumerous plants thrive in the hot hazy days ofa late Washington summer. $16

Using Native Plants in YourLandscape DesignFriday, August 3, 1:30-3pmEnhance your garden and the environment withnative plants. Dress for a walk through severalgardens. $11

There’s more at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks or seethe “Nature” and “History” pages in the county publication Parktakes.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARKHidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588,has a Friday night summer series of eventsfor kids. Here are some of them. Call the parkfor more offerings. (Some events canceled ifthere’s rain.)

Stream StudyJune 22, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9pmBe part of a year-long survey of the fish popu-lations and diversity of Pohick Creek within ourpark boundaries. Reservations required. $4

Glowing and Eye ShineJuly 6, (6 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pmThe nighttime forest. Reservations required. $4

Natural SuperstitionsJuly 13, (6 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pmA Friday the 13th program about superstitionsinvolving nature. Reservations required. $4

BeetlemaniaJuly 27, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9pmMeet the beetles. Reservations required. $4

Diurnal and NocturnalAugust 10, (3-8 yrs.), 7-8pmDelve into reasons some animals prefer the night.Reservations required. $4/child, parents free

Night FlyersAugust 24, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9:30pmThere’s more than bats in the night sky. Reserva-tions required. $4

Park LoreAugust 31, (All ages), 7:30-9pmActual history and unconfirmed legends. HiddenPond has a few good stories. Reservationsrequired. $4

ALSO KEEP IN MIND:June 17: The 34th Annual Antique CarShow at Sully Historic Site.July 25: Humdingers of History at Sully.Aug. 4-5: The 4-H Fair and Farm Show atFrying Pan Farm Park.Aug. 8-10: Sully Sleuths.Aug. 11: The Water Festival at Hidden OaksNature Center.Aug. 11, 8-9pm: Skywatching and MeteorShowers scheduled just before the Perseidmeteor shower peak at Sully Woodlands.Reservations required. 703-324-8523.

CUB RUN RECENTER703-817-9407Reservations required. $4 child/$2 adult

Bat WatchingFriday, August 17, (Families with children5 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pm

Insect SafariSaturday, August 18, (Families),11am-noon. An insect scavenger hunt.

CONCERTS FOR CHILDRENColvin Run Mill Historic Site. 703-759-2771.Thursday, July 18, 2pm, OTO Percussion DuoThursday, August 15, 2pm, OTO Brass Quintet,Free

Summer 2007 3

P A R K F O U N D AT I O N

There is a distinctive ambiance up in a tree house. Leafy branches rustle in thebreeze, birds perch at eye level, kids dream up fanciful games as their imagi-nations soar. Tree houses are safe sanctuaries that elicit the creative energy of

youth. With traditional tree houses, trees and ladders pose an obstacle to kids inwheelchairs, crutches, and walkers. You can help overcome the limitations. TheFairfax County Park Foundation hopes you will join us in building an AccessibleTreehouse in Lee District Park.

Families will “climb” up the Accessible Treehouse along gently graded rampsthat provide access to all. For some children, it will be the first time to experiencethe feeling of climbing a tree and looking out over the forest canopy. In our area,many families live in homes where the landscaping often does not allow them tobuild a tree house, especially one with the space for ramps.

The Accessible Treehouse will be a place of learning and inspiration, literally inthe trees. Children need the contact with the natural world that tree houses provide.To be built on the edge of the forest of Lee District Park, the Accessible Treehousewill be surrounded by a variety of trees that include chestnut oak, known for itsattractive, deeply furrowed bark, glossy leaves that turn yellow or red in autumnand large acorns relished by squirrels and deer. The sights and sounds of woodlandcreatures will include children’s favorites like the chipmunk, deer, squirrel, birds,reptiles and insects.

The Accessible Treehouse will be a demonstration of community spirit, built byvolunteer participation and through donations.

If you would like to help, please contact Fairfax County Park Foundation, 12055Government Center Parkway, Suite 404, Fairfax, VA 22035, call 703-324-8581or e-mail Robert.Brennan@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Accessible TreehousePhoto by Jan Brown Checco/City of Cincinnati Parks

THE ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSEBy Nancy Russo, Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and allcontributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Diversity Celebration at Hidden Oaks

Children of all ages enjoyed the third annual Celebrating Diversity Children’sDay at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on April 21. Performing groups fromseveral countries shared the richness of their cultures that comprise the

Annandale community. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors was on hand to open the event and praise thebenefits of diversity in the community.

Young people stole the show throughout the day. Children ages 4-6 years withCaporales San Simon Virginia USA presented a native dance from Bolivia. Dancersrepresenting El Salvador and Vietnam also performed, and students from FairfaxHigh School highlighted the cultures of Korea and Ethiopia. Visitors also enjoyedmaking crafts from the cultures that were saluted throughout the afternoon.

4 ResOURces

R E T I R E M E N T S

As a young boy, I would ask my mother if I could go outside andplay in the woods. Friends and I would head for the “gully” insearch of snakes, frogs, bugs or anything that moved. My

enthusiasm for the outdoors grew when my family moved to NationalistChina for three years. Again, I played in the woods near our housethere, and there were cool, creepy lizards and colorful birds to find.

Later, I graduated from college with a forestry degree and wanted tomanage a large forest out west with tall trees. My naturalist careerbegan with five years in the National Park Service, interpreting naturaland cultural resources. I then spent three years in Bowie, Maryland,managing a municipal park system.

In 1977, Fairfax County Park Authority hired me to develop and operatea newly acquired park that was little known at the time. They named itHuntley Meadows Park, and with over 1,200 acres, it was the ParkAuthority’s largest park. Developing and managing this natural island ina suburban sea was a challenge, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

A quick 30 years has passed and I still haven’t made it to that largeforest out west. I fell in love with that little known county park. It is apart of me and always will be as I begin travels around the world to

Mike Kane

Gary Roisum

For 30 years, the Fairfax County Park Authority has benefited from two important resourceswho are leaving their county posts. Here are thoughts upon departure from Park Authority

Director MICHAEL KANE and Huntley Meadows Park Manager GARY ROISUM.

It’s Always Hard to Say GoodbyeBy Michael Kane, Director, Fairfax County Park Authority

Thirty years ago, when I startedworking for the Park Authority asthe Wakefield RECenter snack bar

manager, I never envisioned myself asthe agency’s director. Not in my wildestdreams. Maybe a park manager oneday…that’s the pinnacle I aspired to.

But this organization gave me wonder-ful opportunities, and I have not made this

journey alone. Along the way I have had committed, passionate andprofessional partners in the trenches. It may sound like a cliché, but it’strue: it’s people working together as hard as they can who’ve made myjob as director incredibly rewarding…and easier.

I’ll miss them all — not just the paid employees, but the volunteersand the board members who give their time as well.

Complacency and mediocrity have never had a place in the ParkAuthority that I know. That’s what makes this organization so incred-ible, and the citizens of Fairfax County benefit from the staff’s strongwork ethic and commitment to excellence.

Balancing key responsibilities as an organization has always been achallenge. We have seen the pendulum of emphasis swing slowly awayfrom aggressive facility development to where it is today — in motionredefining one of the core characteristics of our organization — beingmodel stewards of the precious resources entrusted to our care. I believethat not too far from now, a primary measure of communities, like thecrime rate or unemployment rate, will be how well they preserve and

My 30-Year Niche with the Park AuthorityBy Gary Roisum, Park Manager, Huntley Meadows Park

protect and care for their environmental and cultural resources. I alsobelieve that the Park Authority is in the best position it has ever been totruly lead in our community — demonstrating and educating how toexercise stewardship in a manner that will exceed all measures andexpectations. We could never have achieved what we have without theincredible leadership, passion and dedication from all our paid andvolunteer staff.

We also seek a higher level of professionalism, and towards thatgoal we are pursuing accreditation for the Park Authority. Professionalismis complementary, not mutually exclusive, with innovation and risk taking.We’ve got to have our act together and become really good — incrediblygood — business managers in order to achieve a balance with prudentrisks and thoughtful innovation.

In its lifetime, the Park Authority’s priorities and focus have evolvedfrom land banking to facility development to focusing on customerservice. Strategic planning has helped chart the course for theseevolutions. The new strategic plan approved last November will take usto the next phase and identify the issues that will shape our future. Sowe’ve consciously engaged staff at all levels of the organization to givethem an understanding of, and a dominant voice in, that future.

What do I take the most pride in from my three decades with thePark Authority? It’s the professionalism, the passion and, most of all,the people. What will I miss? Again, it’s the people.

Thanks for the support. Thanks for the enjoyment. Remember: greatcounties have great parks…and great parks have great people.

enjoy the beauty and mystery of theplanet’s natural and cultural treasures.

Fairfax County is rich with natural andcultural resources. County residents areblessed to have access to over 400 parkscontaining a variety of resources! However,during the last 30 years, I have seen harmcome to these fragile resources. Exoticinvasive plants aggressively alter naturalecosystems throughout the county by displacing native vegetation. Anexcessive deer population degrades our forests, affecting plant diversityand future forest composition and growth. Suburban developmentburdens our streams, causing increased erosion and sedimentation. Subse-quently, our lakes and wetlands are affected by non-point source pollution.

All of us can find our niche in a park. We all play an important rolein protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage forgenerations that will follow us. Find out how much of a difference youcan make by visiting the Park Authority’s website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. Find your “gully” and volunteer!

Summer 2007 5

P A R T N E R S H I P S

Volunteers in Fairfax County parks

Honors for Our VolunteersThirty Resource Management Division volunteers were honored

during the 2007 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards presentation

for contributing at least 250 hours of service in calendar year 2006. 

Congratulations and thanks to them all!

Cultural ResourceManagement and Protection

Bill BrickhillC.K. GaileyChris Ramey

Colvin Run Mill Historic SiteMarjorie Lundegard

Mike MoranKitty O’HaraJoe PrudenSam Swartz

Nick Yannarell

Green Spring GardensLynne GlasserFrances Tyler

Hidden Oaks Nature CenterJean Laub

Carol Porter

%Hidden Pond Nature Center

Henna AfendyArthi Aravind

Matt BaltzMichael Belovitch

Kathleen BradshawDavid GawaltBailey HaaseBobby HaaseCody Henson

Sally HoltgrieveKyle Hughes

Neal MacDonaldErin McCaffrey

Jessie PixleyGina Reistrup

Allison Van Gilst

Huntley Meadows ParkDorothy Raduazo

Kind Wordsfrom a Friend

The Resource Management Division (RMD)of the Fairfax County Park Authority(FCPA) is grateful for kind words from a

good friend and partner. The Northern VirginiaSoil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD)named RMD its 2006 Cooperator of the Year.

In its annual report, the district said theFCPA “has become a valuable district partner,”and made special note of the Resource Man-agement Division. The report said the RMD’s“dedication to environmental stewardship andresource conservation is matched by a willing-ness to share with and learn from other agen-cies.” It added that RMD’s “focus and energyare transforming the way our parks are managed,enhancing the health of Fairfax County’s naturalresources, and encouraging the environmentalcommitment of local citizens.”

In the past year, NVSWCD and RMD workedtogether on a stream restoration project at LittlePimmit Run and teamed to reduce invasivespecies. We also developed a volunteer tempera-ture monitoring program, created low impactdevelopment demonstration projects at fourcounty parks, and installed stream crossings atTurner Farm Park. Resource ManagementDivision staffers appreciate the award and theproductive partnership.

A NATURALIST’SGUIDE TO THEBURKE LAKE RAILROAD

6 ResOURces

There’s more to the Burke Lake Railroad than train and tracks.

Here’s a look at one of the most popular attractions in the Fairfax

County park system through the eyes of natural resource specialist Charles Smith.

N AT U R E

THE JOURNEY STARTS AT THE STATION,behind the J.P. Huntington replica locomotive#343. On the right, seconds after departure,are the umbrella-like leaves of the springwildflower mayapple. Above is floweringdogwood, a species being lost in the wild todogwood blight.

If there’s a flat-topped, white flower clusteron the left, that’s viburnum in bloom. Thehighbush blueberry there helps form a niceunderstory in the woods. But there are alsoinvasive species — Japanese honeysuckle,Japanese barberry and multiflora rose.

ABOUT 80 YARDS OUT OF THE STATION,the trees change from pine to larger varieties.Holly, mountain laurel and woodland aster (itblooms white in summer) in this area alsoindicate the soil is probably stable and rich.

AFTER AN INITIAL CIRCLING, THE TRAINREACHES ITS MAIN LINE. At this point,there’s a younger tree stand on the left withpine. Just past the track juncture, on the left,is an eye-catching trio of trees standingtogether. The Virginia pine in the group isabout as large as the species gets. Next to itare a beech and a holly.

On the right, toward the lake, there’s anolder tree stand with oaks. Farmers likelyweren’t clearing the land that sloped towardthe old stream valley that lies under the lake.The track here appears to form a dividing line— pine to the left, hardwoods to the right.The track may be built over an old farm road.

MOVING DOWN THE TRACK, there arequite a few maple and beech trees. Themaples are tolerant of wet conditions, sothey’re more common closer to the lake.

Cormorants, geese, heron, gulls, ospreyand loons may be on the lake. Swallows maybe flying low over the water and feeding ifthere’s an insect hatch — mayflies or midges(the common, so-called no-see-ums). Mallardsand wood ducks may be around in spring orfall. The cormorants may be diving under thewater to catch fish.

There are sassafras trees about 20 yardsbefore the tunnel. They have three different

leaf shapes — a three-lobed leaf, an ellipticalleaf, and a mitten-shaped leaf. Their berriesare a good wildlife food source, and theirleaves were the original primary ingredient ingumbo.

AFTER THE TUNNEL, the woods on the rightside of the tracks display a large mass of run-ning cedar, a form of club moss. It covers asignificant area of woods, which is commonin old pine forests.

Closer to the lake near hardwood treesare shrubbery-like highbush blueberries andviburnum — plants that indicate a stable,undisturbed area. People aren’t tramplingdown the soil, and the ground’s not com-pacted like the area around the station, wherefew plants grow.

AT THE TRESTLE JUST PAST THE TUNNEL,there are obvious signs of human activity. Thatdriving range is not a concern. The tees areover 350 yards away. The bottom land aroundthe trestle has a lot of maple trees of signifi-cant size.

The thicket past the trestle is full of gray-stem dogwood, a first cousin to the flower-ing dogwood. It’s common along waterwaysand low, moist areas. This area can drawrobins, wood thrush, Eastern bluebirds andchipping sparrows.

Summer 2007 7

N AT U R E

There is a longer version of this story on the Internet atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/archives/.

Click on Nature and the Burke Lake Train.

A maple-dominated wooded area returnsas the train nears its secondary station on therun. The tallest tree straight across from thewater barrel is a willow oak.

PAST THE WATER BARREL AND THEWINDMILL there are a few sizable oak trees.Larger birds like herons might be seen in theshallows of this silted-in part of the lake. Woodducks also frequent this spot.

of what a fairly healthy forest looks like. Therearen’t invasive species covering the forest bot-tom and climbing the trees. There are oldtrees, young trees and shrubs, and there’s acarpet of native wildflowers and ferns. Shrubsoffer a lot of food and cover and help creatediversity in the woods.

There are violets growing along the tracks.There’s also arrowwood viburnum, so namedbecause Native Americans harvested it forarrow shafts. The gnarly knobs on the mapletree that sits on the lake side of the tracksjust past the creek crossing is likely caused bya fungus. The loud “teacher, teacher, teacher”cry of the ovenbird can be heard here.

WHEN BURKE LAKE ROAD APPEARS, theride has reached the shallowest part of thelake. The ‘peep’ of spring peepers, likely com-ing from across the road, can occasionallybe heard. There could be migrating songbirdshere as well in late spring and early fall.

Mountain laurel, highbush blueberry andflowering dogwood grow near a ditch thatmay be an old farm road. There are areaswith a fair number of young trees and otherareas that are almost clear. That may be theresult of deer browse. Close inspection ofsmall branches may show that some tips oflimbs have been chewed and stripped. Some-times there are raccoon tracks in the mud.

The train has an accessible platform at the station.

Mayapple

THE TRAIN CIRCLES AGAIN ON THIS ENDOF ITS RUN AND HEADS BACK HOMEDOWN THE SAME PIECE OF TRACK. Justbefore arrival back at the station the tracksplits, and there’s another healthy piece ofwoods and another good example of whatforest would look like if left alone.

Human influence, deer browse, invasivespecies and time all play a part in the look ofthe Burke Lake forest communities. There’s alot to be learned about what is there, andwhat was there, with a set of open eyesduring a ride on the Burke Lake Railroad.

Dogwood

PAST THE RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN, thetrain enters mature forest that has a fairly goodunderstory with a lot of mayapple on bothsides of the track. Behind the old tree stumpon the lake side of the tracks are a pair ofriver birch — trees with flaky bark that indi-cate wet bottomland.

On the other side of the track, in a smallcreek bed, is a field of well-named skunkcabbage. It spreads underground and popsback up, so a large area could be, essentially,the same plant. A colony like this one couldlive for a thousand years.

Salamanders and turtles could be commonin this moist area, which is a good example

Skunk cabbage beside a creek

Four-hundred years ago, this probablywould have been an older forest with largertrees. There was likely a good mix of turkey,

beaver, bobcat, gray foxes, woodlandbison, elk, black bear and perhaps wolves.

Skunkcabbage

8 ResOURces

H E R I T A G E

Caring for Family Treasures

Look around your home. That photoon the corner stand, the heir-loom china pieces on a shelf, the

silverware you inherited, the handmadequilt in your closet, maybe even the oldrecliner your spouse refuses to part with.All are treasures that are part of yourfamily, and we’ve got some tips for takingcare of them.

• Photograph your treasures, and putthose photos in an album or on diskwith notations about the items.

• Inspect them regularly, looking fordamage, dirt or deterioration.

• Handle with care. Wash your handsbefore touching them, and handlethem only by sturdy, stable points. Don’t put anything fragile in aplace where it could be bumped.

• Keep temperatures and humidity constant. Generally, if it’s com-fortable for you, it’s fine for your treasures. You might want tokeep them out of attics or basements. Gently circulating air helps.

• Keep them out of direct light, and consider rearranging themoccasionally. Light can cause colors to fade, wood to bleach, andfibers to turn brittle.

• Keep treasures away from fireplacesor wood stoves. Soot and smoke areair pollution.

• Dust regularly with a magnetic cloth orsoft artist’s brush. Wash antique textilesby hand. Avoid household detergents,cleaners and waxing supplies.

• Store valuables in acid-free materials.Avoid plastic bags. Store paper andtextiles flat. Pad folds in quilts toprevent creases. Stuff precious clothes,like wedding dresses, with acid-freetissue to keep their shape. Don’t placeanything heavy on them.

• Check locks on windows and doorsto make cer tain they’re secure.

Insure your keepsakes — except for maybe that worn-out recliner.

QUESTIONS? Email Collections at resources@fairfaxcounty.govor call Historic Collections at 703-631-1429.

There are links and more information athttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/collections/caretips.htm.

The Fall 2001 issue of ResOURces has information on preservingyour favorite family photos. You can find it at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/vol2no1-fall2001.pdf.

HISTORYLOVERS,

SAVE THEDATE

%The third annual Fairfax CountyHistory Conference is scheduledfor October 20 at NorthernVirginia Community College.The first two gatherings ofprofessionals, historic societymembers and citizens havebeen very successful and well-attended. This year’s themewill be “400 Years of FairfaxHistory,” and the keynotespeaker will be Dr. DouglasOwsley of the SmithsonianInstitution, AnthropologyDepartment. Dr. Owsley is aninternationally renownedforensic anthropologist.

mistake of looking for them on branches where you might find other birds. Woodpeckers hang outon the trunks of trees.

While woodpeckers peck and pry for a living year-round, they don’t drum all the time, makingthem a little harder to find by ears alone. To learn more about their calls, Smith recommendsconsulting Birding by Ear, one of the Petersen Field Guides books.

And though it worked for Woody, don’t expect to hear ha-ha-ha-HA-ha!

WOODPECKERS continued from page 1

Woodpeckers aren’t picky about what wood theypeck for food, as long as the eating is good.

A few years ago, staff at Riverbend Park began noticing pileatedwoodpeckers landing on the nature center’s log cabin walls and givingthe occasional peck. Riverbend Manager Marty Smith says the birds“obviously found something” of interest at the center and soonbecame regular visitors.

A professional who was consulted suspected something likecarpenter bees might be attracting the birds’ attention. Smithsays staff “tried to be vigilant” about chasing the birds awaywhenever they heard them, but “it did little good.” The photosillustrate how the woodpeckers left their mark.

Summer 2007 9

Let’s Grow: Kids in the GardenParents sometimes say their kids grow like weeds.

Here’s a chance for the kids to show they can grow without weeds.

H O R T I C U LT U R E

It’s the Let’s Grow Kids’ Garden at GreenSpring Gardens.

This summer, 8 to 12 year-olds can grow gardenvegetables at Green Spring. They prepare the soil, plantthe seeds, dig the weeds. They’ll tend the carrots,radishes, tomatoes, lettuces, potatoes, beans,sunflowers and more. Then, the kids get to bring thefamily along to harvest the vegetables and flowers.

Mulch on ThisGreen Spring Master Gardeners marked a milestone earlier this year,

and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the group upon its fifth anniversary.

The Master Gardeners promote responsible horticulture and train volunteers to provide horticulturalinformation to communities as part of a national program that started in 1973 through WashingtonState University. A commitment of 100 hours is required in the first year to become a Green SpringMaster Gardener. After that, Master Gardener status requires 20 hours per year as a volunteer educatorand eight hours of continuing education in horticulture.

There’s a newstewardship brochure

available at countyRECenters,

parks and libraries.Learn how to make

your backyardbeautiful and healthy

with the brochure“Native Backyard Plants.”

See other stewardshipbrochures at

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/

stewardshipbrochures.htm.

The unique program runs on Saturday afternoons,1pm to 3pm, through August 4. The cost is $90. It’sa chance to learn garden lessons, grow some foodand flowers, and have a lot of fun.

Let’s Grow is a collaborative project of GreenSpring Gardens and Green Spring Master Gardeners.More information is available at 703-642-5173 andat Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.

For more information, call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173 orgo online to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/mastergardener.htm

or http://mastergardener.wsu.edu/mgvp/mgvp.html.

10 ResOURces

V O L U N T E E R S

Masterpieces of NatureTHERE ARE 8,760 HOURS IN A YEAR.

The Park Authority recently recognized three volunteers who have dedicated over 10,000 hours —

more than one full year of their lives — to your county parks.

Here are words about and from long-time park friends:

“A friend may well be reckonedthe masterpiece of nature.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Although my career field was engineering, I’ve always had an enduringinterest in history. That’s how I ended up volunteering with the ParkAuthority, which has provided the means to pursue this interest.

Although I’ve participated in many different efforts at a number ofthe county’s parks, I’ve focused on Colvin Run Mill Historic Site for thefollowing reasons:

• Volunteering at Colvin Run Mill represents a merging of vocationaland avocational interests. It enables me to use my engineering back-ground to promote our industrial heritage and preserve our engi-neering history.

• The park’s school programs enable docents to contribute to educa-tion. We provide motivation for students visiting the mill to see prac-tical applications of what they’re learning and perhaps to take theirstudies more seriously.

The benefits of volunteering are professional and social. Volunteers, alongwith paid staff at the parks, become part of a very close knit family.

– Nick Yannarell

WHY WE VOLUNTEERI believe every person wants to be a respected member of a group offriends that are dedicated to community service. Fairfax County parkshave broad community support, and the park sites depend on dedi-cated and talented volunteers.

Volunteering at Colvin Run Mill provides me both friendships withsuch dedicated people and the satisfaction of working with others on ahighly valued community activity.

In retirement, I have had an opportunity to shop around for a volunteeractivity that works for me. Not all volunteer options succeed in providingthe needed associations and the satisfaction of giving a needed serviceyear-in and year-out.

Telling the story of 19th century milling and village life to the thousandsof school children and visitors that come to the mill is a rewarding experience.Sharing your satisfaction with other volunteers and staff enhances the per-sonal rewards. Being a volunteer and participating in the community’s valuedactivities becomes your way of life. There is no more rewarding service.

– Marjorie Lundegard

C.K.GAILEYCharles (C.K) Gailey is theCultural Resource Sec-tion’s 10,000-Hour Man.The former U.S. Armyserviceman has been with

the Park Authority since 1993 in a broad rangeof functions and he

✔ has entered all 3,244 archaeological sitesinto a database

✔ proofread, edited and contributed to theCultural Resource Management Plan

✔ records archaeological sites with the VirginiaDepartment of Historic Resources

✔ conducts archaeological field work, historicalresearch and laboratory analysis

✔ is the liaison with the Northern VirginiaChapter of the Archaeological Society ofVirginia

✔ serves as an outreach ambassador atfairs, open houses, school programs andorientations for new employees andvolunteers.

C.K. is the Gold Standard for volunteering.

– Liz Crowell, Manager,Cultural Resource Managementand Protection

MARJORIELUNDEGARDIn the 18 years thatMarjorie Lundegard hasvolunteered at Colvin RunMill Historic Site, she hasalways brought a smile

broad enough to brighten a gray day.Marjorie is a weekly education docent

working with up to 60 school children, teach-ing the history of milling and Colvin Run Mill.Her research has been incorporated into abrochure on Fairfax County mills, and herinvestigation has led to nine Arlington Countymills being added to the Fairfax County database of historic mills and mill sites.

Marjorie and husband Bob search for oldmills and mill sites and write On the Road withBob and Marge, a popular feature of the ColvinRun Mill volunteer newsletter.

Marjorie is a founding member and fund-raising chairman of the Friends of Colvin RunMill. She’s also sometimes the mill store keeper,the first contact for site visitors. Her contagioussmile, knowledgeable answers, and keeninterest in mills are invaluable first impressions.

Marjorie is a multiple award-winner for heroutstanding volunteer work and a true assetto Colvin Run Mill.

– Mary Allen, Colvin Run MillVolunteer Coordinator

NICKYANNARELLNick Yannarell has accruedover 22,000 volunteer hoursin 25 years with the FairfaxCounty Park Authority,mostly at Ellanor C. Law-

rence Park and Colvin Run Mill Historic Site.Nick interprets history, conducts research, writesprocedure manuals, sets up computer programsand trains new volunteers. “Moonshiner” Nickalso set up, demonstrated and interpreted theold still he helped restore at Colvin Run Mill’sAutumn Traditions program.

Nick prepared and submitted all the papersfor the incorporation of the Friends of ColvinRun Mill, and he served as the first president.Like Marjorie Lundegard, he’s a multiple-awardwinner as a volunteer, and he’s a valued com-munity asset for whom volunteering is truly away of life.

– Mary Allen, Colvin Run MillVolunteer Coordinator

Summer 2007 11

There’s always been room for Fluffy and Clifford at Fairfax County Park Authority parks.Public health, good stewardship, resource protection and courtesy dictate that youclean up after your dog. So scoop the poop, bag it, and find a trash can. Also, remember

to keep your dog on a leash. That’s for the protection of other people, wildlife, and your dog.

There’s a lot more information, and even a surprise gift, in the stewardship brochurePets in Parks. It’s available at county RECenters, county parks, libraries, Board of Supervisors’offices, dog parks, and from the county wildlife biologist.

Stewardship brochures also are online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/stewardshipbrochures.htm.

There’s more information about pet waste at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/newsletter/dogwalker.htm. The Fairfax County Health Department, at 703-246-2411,can answer questions about pet waste health hazards.

The FCPA has dog parks, which are fenced areas where unleashed dogs can run free. Infor-mation about those parks is online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/offleash.htm.

You can volunteer to work at one of those areas by calling 703-324-8594.

S T E W A R D S H I P

Take Your Best Friend to the Park

DOGS ARE WELCOME

Starting line at pug races in the park. Photo by John Finegan.

Naturalist Jaime Brooks leads free hikesfor dogs and their owners at Ellanor C.Lawrence Park (ECLP). It’s a great way tosee and learn about the park and its plantand animal life, and you can pick up a tipon things in nature that might harm yourdog. Jaime says it’s “a great opportunityfor the canines and their owners to getthe fresh air and exercise we all very muchneed. It’s also a great opportunity tosocialize the dogs in a small group, andfor the owners to be able to meet newpeople.” Lake Accotink also has exten-sive dog programs.

For information, call either ECLP at703-631-0013 or Lake Accotink

at 703-569-0285.

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Apt. #

❑ Nature centers

❑ Local history

❑ Kids’ projects

❑ Hiking

❑ Birds

❑ Archaeology

❑ Events

❑ Historic sites

❑ Gardening andhorticulture

❑ What else?

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S T E W A R D S H I P

DRAIN MARKERSHave you seen one of these at a

RECenter or in a park?

SOMETHING SIMPLE YOU CAN DOTO BE A GOOD STEWARD:

Print copy on both sides of paper when you’reusing a computer printer.

You’ll be seeing more of them in coming days. They’re remindersthat water from our streets flows into storm drains and then intoour creeks and rivers, not into sewer lines. Remember, trash onthe streets and spilled oil follow the same path. If it’s down astorm drain, it’s in your water.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/stormdrained.htm

Bargains Galore atCommunity Flea Market

Come to a huge Flea Market on Saturday July 28,from 9am-1pm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

Join the fun and peruse selections from many vendors, or sign up to bea vendor yourself. For only $30, you can clean out your basement andgarage and make some money. Admission is FREE for shoppers.

This recycling and reusing event helps the Resource ManagementDivision fulfill part of its mission to preserve the natural resources ofFairfax County. Proceeds from the vendor fees benefit the RMD Volun-teer Program and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

For more information contact Erin Chernisky at 703-324-8750.

Riverbend Park

EQUAL ACCESS/SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONSThe Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to equal access

in all programs and services. Special accommodations will be providedupon request. Please call the ADA/Access coordinator at 703-324-8563,at least 10 working days in advance of the date services are needed.

ADA/Access Coordinator 703-324-8563 • TTY 703-803-3354www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada.htm

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