Weekend in the Parks: Flying Squirrels, Winter Birds + Visiting a Groundhog Burrow

Editor’s note: The following information is from the Fairfax County Weekender. Photo courtesy of Frying Pan Park

Friday, Jan. 30: It’s Ferns’ Turn

Garden Talks with Master Gardeners — Fern Gardening: Have a damp or shady yard where it’s difficult to grow flowers? Consider using ferns. Master gardeners introduce a wide variety of ferns that add texture and interest to spaces that are not suitable for sun-loving flowers. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Friday:

Wild Weird Winter Program: Ages 3-6 experience nature’s wildest and weirdest stuff through this program full of science experiments, live animals and outdoor exploration. Bring a snack to enjoy. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. $18/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Jan. 31: Soaring Squirrels

Flying Squirrels — Gliding in Tonight: Look for these amazing night gliders at roosting boxes and learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. From 6 to 7 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Saturday:

Garden Design Lecture — Putting Your Garden Together: Landscape designer Amy Neiberline teaches how to combine plants for your own garden. You will develop a plant list and learn about pricing and installing a garden plan. From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. atGreen Spring Gardens. $36/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Winter Birds at Mason Neck: You don’t need to be a bird expert to search for bald eagles, tundra swans, hooded mergansers, ruddy ducks and loons that winter along the Potomac. Take a hike in the first wildlife refuge to protect bald eagles. Pack a lunch and enjoy a bird discussion and picnic at Mason Neck State Park after the hike. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge. Meet in the parking lot for the Great Marsh Trail. Dress in warm layers, wear shoes for hiking. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have them, or share ours. $15/person or$35/family. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!:Sing, shake and sound out rhythms while trying regional Latin dances and practicing Spanish words. Dance to “La Bamba” and discover the colors in Spanish. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Burke Centre Library. Free. Register online. For information, call 703-249-1520.

Jazz Masters with John Eaton — Richard Rodgers, One Man and His Lyricists: Whether it was with Lorenz Hart or Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers made beautiful music. Come discover the man behind “Oklahoma!,” “The Sound of Music,” “Pal Joey” and so many other American musicals. Jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist John Eaton brings his popular continuing education program for an entertaining and insightful afternoon that combines Eaton’s peerless knowledge of music, hilarious commentary and elegant, ultra-tasteful renditions of lyrical standards. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $10/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

One Night Only — The Magic of Music: Presented by Front and Center Productions, One Night Only brings together some of the area’s best and brightest talent for a night of your favorite show tunes, new and old. Great for families, theater lovers and music lovers. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. $30/person. Buy tickets online. Light refreshments provided and an a la carte cash bar is available in venue. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Feb. 1: A Shadow of a Doubt

Groundhog’s Day Out: Find out if groundhogs can really predict the weather. Visit a groundhog burrow, learn cool groundhog facts, enjoy games and make your own groundhog friend to take home. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Hot chocolate provided. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Also on Sunday:

Recipes from the Hearth: Come to the 1794 kitchen and learn about Thornton, the Lee family’s enslaved cook. Make beaten biscuits and corn pone, a staple of the enslaved community’s diet. Then go next door to the laundry to find out about Madam Juba and Patty who did the washing for the Lees. You may be surprised to discover how different laundry day was 200 years ago. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Tours are $8/adult, $7/student and $6/senior or child; pay at site. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Winter Lecture — Ornamental Edible Gardens: Can edible gardens be both functional and beautiful? Yes! Designer Sandra Clinton will share the delightful history of kitchen gardens. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $10/person for advance registration and $12/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

A complete list of county calendars is also available online.

To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187.

TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.