Spring is just around the corner and no one is happier about this than

the North American wood frog. This frog species—found in the northern

United States and Canada—has special adaptations that help it survive

the freezing winter temperatures. By using special sugars in its body

(cryoprotectants), the wood frog can prevent cell and tissue damage

before it freezes. That’s right, this species freezes completely and

survives. This is due to the cryoprotectant’s antifreeze properties that

prevent the insides of the cells from freezing and minimizes the amount

of water that diffuses out of the cells. While frozen, the wood frog has

no heartbeat and does not breathe or move. When the temperature

finally warms up, its body thaws and comes back to life.

We also see toads this time of year. There are some main differences between

frogs and true toads. Toads usually have warty skin and short hopping legs as

opposed to the long jumping legs and smooth skin of frogs. They also have

special glands on the back of their heads called paratoids, which can release a

toxin that makes them distasteful to eat.

Remember that you do not need to be an expert to participate in FrogWatch!

If you love frogs and want to learn more about them, login online and

complete the training session, then you’ll be ready to venture out with our

volunteers and monitor throughout the breeding season. Many previously

abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines both in the United States

and around the world and it's essential that scientists understand the scope, geographic scale, and cause of these

declines.

Hop Into Spring!

Virginia has 27 native species of frogs and toads. Of these, 13 can potentially be found in Northern

Virginia.

NATURE PROGRAMS PAGES : 2-4

2019 SUMMER CAMPS PAGES : 5-6

News Nature

T H E J E RO M E “ B U D D I E ” F O RD NA TU R E C E N T E R’ S

S E A S O NA L NE W S L E T T E R

Spring/Summer 2019

CITY NATURE CHALLENGE PAGE : 7, 9-10

FOUR MILE RUN EVENTS PAGE : 8

Contrary to popular belief, you will not develop warts if you touch a toad.

Nature News 2

Spring/Summer 2019

Little Adventures

Friday, April 5, May 3, June 7

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Children and their parents are invited to explore

the world of nature through a series of

programs developed just for them. We’ll play

games, do crafts, hike through the forest, and

much more! Siblings welcome. Fee covers the

cost of all three sessions.

Ages 3-5

$29 (Non-residents $48)

Activity #469800

Fledglings

Friday, April 26, May 17, June 14

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Let by a Naturalist, toddlers will participate in

nature themed lessons. Each session features a

new activity and outdoor exploration (weather

permitting). Fee covers cost of all three sessions.

Ages 2-3

$19 (Non-residents $38)

Activity #469801

There are three ways to register for a nature program:

• Online www.alexandriava.gov/recreation

• Mail-in completed registration form to the Lee

Center at 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA

22314 with checks payable to City of Alexandria.

• In-person at the Lee Center or the Nature Center.

Nature Programs

Family Fishing at Lake Cook

Saturday, June 15

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Catch the big one! The naturalist staff will meet you at Lake

Cook for a morning of fishing. Fishing poles and tackle provided

as well as basic fishing lessons. Registration fee required for

each child, and all children must be accompanied by at least

one adult. Catch and release only.

Ages 6-10 $9 (Non-residents $18)

Activity #469844

Spring/Summer Registration Opens

Wednesday, March 13

Nature News 3

Spring/Summer 2019

Summer Solstice Overnight

Friday, June 21– Saturday, June 22

7:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.

Kick off your summer with an overnight at the

nature center! The night will include hikes,

animal encounters, and other fun nature-

oriented activities! In the morning, we’ll go on a

sunrise hike, followed by a light breakfast.

Ages 7-10

$85 (Non-residents $120)

Activity #469845-01

Nature Programs

Green Craft Series: Soaps and Scrubs

Saturday, May 11

1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Create your own unique soaps and scrubs just in

time for Mother’s Day! Cleanse, moisturize, and

sooth your skin with handmade soap created from

natural oils, pure essential oils, organic herbs, and

spices. Children under 8 must be accompanied by

an adult.

All ages $9 (Non-residents $18)

Activity #459800-01

Insect Safari Saturday, May 5

1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Did you know that insects are the most abundant

animals on earth? Set out on an insect safari in

the park to take a close look at these wonderful

creepy-crawlies and learn about the many

necessary benefits they provide to humans and

wildlife.

Ages 5-8

$5 (Non-residents $10)

Activity #469843-01

Nature News 4

Spring/Summer 2019

National Aquarium Field Trip

Monday, July 29

7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Spend the day at the National Aquarium with us! Explore the exhibits alongside our

naturalists as we see sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, and dolphins up close. You’ll learn about

the aquarium’s latest conservation efforts and discover how you can help our oceans.

Travel, admission, snacks and lunch included. Bring a refillable water bottle and wear

comfortable shoes.

Ages 7-13

$125 (Non-residents $160)

Activity #189800

Nature News 5

Spring/Summer 2019

Through up-close observations, investigations

and explorations, children participating

discover the fascinating world of native

animals. Theme-related arts and crafts,

stream and marsh investigations, and exciting

activities are featured.

July 8-12 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

$115 #179801

Children will explore the fascinating world of

the animal kingdom. Guided by a Naturalist,

they will be introduced to many native and

exotic animals that inhabit our world. This

camp features age-appropriate arts and craft

sessions, storytelling, live animals and more!

June 24-28 10:00—11:00 a.m.

$65 #179800

Budding Naturalist Camp Ages 5-6

Tadpole Camp Ages 3-4

2019 Summer Camps

Nature News 6

Spring/Summer 2019

Full-day nature camp offers exciting field trips and adventurous new themes!

Parents may drop off their children as early as 8:30 a.m. and pick-up by 3:30 p.m. After care is available.

Snacks and field trips are included in the registration fee.

EXCITING NEW THEMES FOR 2019!

Need a little extra time after work to pickup your

child from nature camp? This program

allows your child to stay longer and participate in

activities including arts and crafts, movies,

and games.

Monday-Friday 3:00—5:00 p.m. $65

Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st and 2nd Grade)

Wetland Explorers July 15—July 19

Activity #179802-01

Nature Adventures August 5—August 9

Activity #179802-02

Ages 8-10 (Rising 3rd and 4th Grade)

Wetland Explorers July 23—27

Activity #179803-01

Nature Adventures August 6—8

Activity #179803-02

9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. $355

Full-Day Nature Camps

Wetland Explorers — Join us and explore the wetlands of Dora Kelley Nature Park and beyond! Campers will

engage in fun, age-appropriate activities as we explore these amazing ecosystems. Trips include visits to local

parks where we will explore wetlands by foot and boat.

Nature Adventurers — Are you curious about nature? Join us as we investigate a variety of topics including

animals and earth science. Campers will engage in fun, age appropriate activities as we explore together. Trips include visits to local parks, the planetarium, and the

National Zoo.

July 15—July 19 179805-01

August 5—August 9 179805-02

July 22—July 26 179805-03

August 12—August 16 179805-04

Nature Camp Aftercare

Nature News 7

Spring/Summer 2019

Volunteer Opportunities

Nature Buddie Activity Booklet

The Nature Buddie Activity Booklet is geared

toward Scouts and our primary audience:

elementary school aged children. The booklet

contains 16 engaging activities that explore the

cultural, environmental, and historical aspects of the

Nature Center and the adjoining Dora Kelley Nature

Park. The purpose of this booklet is to educate,

increase awareness of our region’s natural resources,

and to foster a sense of environmental stewardship in

young children. When children complete the booklet,

they earn a patch and a personalized certificate!

Citizen Science Opportunity

April 26th - April 29th

Join us at Dora Kelley Nature Park for a Naturalist-led survey of the park's biodiversity or explore the region on your own. This event is open to all ages and skill levels.

Join the project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2019-alexandria-va

Naturalist-led surveys will take place on:

(Flyer on page 9)

Friday, April 26 at 10 am

Saturday, April 27 at 1 pm

Sunday, April 28 at 1 pm

Monday, April 29 at 10 am

Nature News 8

Spring/Summer 2019

Four Mile Run Spring Events

March 3/9 TBD DOJ Clean-up

3/16 10:00-11:30 am Nature Walk: Animal Tracks

3/24 TBD Spring2Action Early Clean-up

April 4/6 9am-noon Invasive Garlic Mustard Removal

4/7 TBD Garlic Mustard Greens Giveaway at Farmers & Artisans Market

4/11 1:00-4:00 pm Reingold Clean-up

4/13 TBD SCA Clean-up or Potomac Watershed Clean-up

4/26 8:00-9:00 pm City Nature Challenge (CNC) Bat & Frog Call Walk

4/27 8:00-9:30 am CNC Bird Walk

4/28 9:00-11:00 am CNC Nature Walk

May 5/4 9am-noon Kayak Clean-up

5/10 4:30-7:00 pm Afternoon/Evening Kayak Clean-up

5/18 9am-noon Kayak Clean-up

The Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation is a non-profit corporation and volunteer organization formed in 2016 following years of community efforts to foster the preservation, beautification, improvement, maintenance, and enjoyment of Four Mile Run Park.

Below are the Spring events for Four Mile Run. For more information, visit their website at www.fourmilerun.org.

Additional contact information is listed below.

Phone: (703) 822-5741

Email: Info@fourmilerun.org

*Activities and dates are subject to change due to weather

Nature News 9

Spring/Summer 2019

Nature News 10

Spring/Summer 2019

Nature News 11

Spring/Summer 2019

Afterschool Nature Buddies is an engaging, nature-oriented program that provides fun and

imaginative ways to enrich your child’s experience both indoors and out.

Open to children ages 5-10, the program operates Monday-Friday from 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

following the Alexandria City Public Schools calendar. Bus transportation is provided by ACPS

from all schools. Snacks, supplies, and field trips are included in the registration fee. Sibling

discounts and financial aid are available for qualified households.

For more information and to register contact MJ Jarrar, Program Coordinator at

mj.jarrar@alexandriava.gov

Nature Buddies

Nature News 12

Spring/Summer 2019

ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT

Painted Turtle

Habitat: Painted turtles thrive in fresh water with muddy bottoms, basking areas,

and aquatic vegetation. Typically found in creeks, marshes, and ponds—they prefer

shallow waters with slow-moving currents. In our region, many painted turtles have

adapted to brackish waters.

Identification: Painted turtles range from 4-10 inches long. They have dark shells

with bright red and yellow markings. Their webbed feet aid in swimming.

Diet: Painted turtles are omnivores. In addition to fish, worms, and aquatic insects,

they will eat plants such as water lettuce, water hyacinth, and duckweed.

Fun Fact: Painted turtles keep a watch out for predators like raccoons and foxes and

seek refuge in the water at the first sign of danger. For protection outside of the

water, they can retract their head and legs into their shell.

Nature News 13

Spring/Summer 2019

Across

4. To emerge from an egg

6. Bright bellied bird with blue eggs

7. Hibernating, striped rodent

9. Aquatic larva of a toad or frog

10. Flower powder

Down

1. Foul smelling swamp plant

2. A young bird

3. Flowering tree, state symbol

5. Baby birds

8. Cup-shaped spring bloomer

Spring Nature Challenge

Nature News 14

Spring/Summer 2019

The City of Alexandria complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To request reasonable accommodation, or an alternative format, please call:

Jackie Pearson at 703.746.5423

Outreach Programs

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center offers a

variety of outreach programs for schools,

community groups, senior centers, and other

organizations. Programs include topics on the

natural and cultural history of Alexandria, and

feature live animals from the Nature Center. For

more information about this or any other service

listed in this section, call the Naturalist staff at

703-745-5559.

Scout Programs

Bring your troop to earn a badge! The fee is $50

per program for up to 15 children ($2 per each

additional child).

Birthday Parties

The Nature Center offers birthday parties for

children ages 4 to 12 featuring outdoor hikes, live

animals, crafts, and a private room. The fee is

$225 (for City of Alexandria residents) for parties

of up to 14 children. Additional children $10 per

child. Registration required.

Facility Rentals

The Nature Center’s activity room is available to

rent for meetings! Call for more information.

Community Service Events

Have your class, group, or club volunteer for

a conservation or trail maintenance project at

Dora Kelley Nature Park.

Nature Center Services

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center

5750 Sanger Ave

Alexandria, VA 22311

Phone: 703.746.5559

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 1pm-5pm (April 1-Nov 30)

Acting Director/Naturalist: Jane Yeingst

Program Coordinator: Majd Jarrar

Volunteer Coordinator/Naturalist: Tarryn Lee