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Nature Center in Alexandria

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

The Ford Nature Center is located in West End Alexandria not far from the intersection of Beauregard St. and Sanger Ave. The Nature Center backs to Holmes Run behind William Ramsay Elementary School. The Nature Center is sited on Dora Kelley Nature Park, a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary with a one-mile long nature trail that meanders along streams, wooded hills, and freshwater marshland. Staff naturalists at the Nature Center welcome visitors and "explorers" interested in Alexandria natural history. For groups of 8 or more, make reservations and a staff naturalist will take you on a guided tour of the Nature Park.   you can see live animals up close and learn about the cultural and natural history of Dora Kelley Nature Park.  For more information, or to make program reservations, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559. The Nature Center houses the following attractions and exhibits:
  • Live turtles, snakes, toads and salamanders
  • Aquarium with native fish species from Holmes Run
  • Exhibit on Alexandria’s birds of prey
  • Mary Anne Warner’s beautiful 16’ x 7’ oil mural, “Wildlife of the Dora Kelley Nature Park”
  • Mounted black bear, red fox, turkey and bobcat
  • Interpretive exhibits on local geology, prehistory, and history
  • Small reference library with children's section
  • Games and activity stations for children
  • Greenhouse with tropical rainforest plants
The activity room of Ford Nature Center is available for use and rental by community groups and organizations.

Volunteering at the Nature Center

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above. Positions include front desk attendant, park conservation aide, and park watch assistant. Volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups in outdoor conservation and trail maintenance are also available from 9am-12pm on the following Saturdays: April 12, May 17, June 14, July 26, and August 23. For more information, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559.

Homes for Sale near the Nature Center

Properties in 22312

Ranger Hal at Rose Hill elementary school, in 1955

4 Personal Benefits of Volunteering

I recently started volunteering as a coach for Fort Hunt Youth Basketball and I believe volunteering has some great benefits.
  • Friendship- When people get together, relationships are formed. After coaching a few practices, it's not uncommon for volunteers to exchange phone numbers or social media information. By giving just a small amount of time, lifetime bonds may be established.
  • Community- Building with your community gives a sense of pride. Whether you are volunteering at your local recreation center or at your local food kitchen, this will save money. Saving money saves resources and funds can now go toward other local improvements.
  • Personal Growth- Experiencing new things and environments will lead to personal growth. Skills you may not have known you had will become more apparent.
  • Health- Volunteering will naturally make you a more active person. Research has found that volunteering has amazing health benefits. While thinking of others, one can battle depression and social confinement.
Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association

Are you looking for a public-school Montessori Program in Arlington VA?

Drew Model Elementary School, located in Arlington, Virginia, serves grades PK-5 in the Arlington County Public Schools district. find homes by school district Drew Model School Offers a multi-age Montessori program for children ages 3-11 with smaller age-grouped classes K-5. Drew Model offers Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)-Full day program four year old children. The school has an experienced, dedicated faculty and classroom volunteers that provide changing education through the arts partnership with the Kennedy Center (CETA). This school offers county-wide transportation. Drew Model Elementary School 3500 South 23rd Street Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 228-5825 Homes for sale near the Drew Model Elementary School