Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends

06/04/2026

It’s a great day to explore Ellanor C. Lawrence Park!

Trail maps are available at the Walney Visitor’s Center or download here:https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/nature-history/eclawrence/eclawrence-trail-guide-map-july-2021-b.pdf

06/04/2026

Lace up and hit the trail! 🌿
National Trails Day is this Saturday, June 6, and we’re celebrating with trail-themed programs and outdoor adventures all month long across more than 340 miles of trails.

Whether you’re into chill scenic walks, bike rides with friends, wildlife spotting, or trying out a new hike, there’s a trail for every vibe and experience level.
🔗 Check out our outdoor programs and events, and get all the details on the National Trails Day webpage:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/topics/national-trails-day

06/02/2026

🐢 Oh SNAP! Did you know we have an abundance of snapping turtles in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park?

This time of year, these prehistoric looking creatures are also busy building nests and laying eggs. But watch out! They have powerful jaws and can be especially combative out of the water. If you see a snapping turtle, give it plenty of room!

The turtles are fertile
This year, I hear.
Look but don’t touch,
And don’t come near!

ECLP staff has fenced off existing nests in and around Walney Pond...please do not disturb these creatures and stay back from fenced off areas.

✨Poem courtesy of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends board member Chris McGlone. Thanks Chris!

Fairfax County Park Authority Fairfax County Park Foundation

05/29/2026

BIG NEWS NORTHERN VIRGINIA! 📢
For the VERY FIRST TIME EVER, Fairfax County Park Authority is swapping fireworks for a spectacular DRONE LIGHT SHOW as part of the America 250 celebration! 🇺🇸

⏰ Saturday, June 27, Noon- 10 p.m. | Drone show - 9:15 p.m. (arrive by 8 p.m.)
📍 Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 22039

Make it a full day of celebrations:
💦 Splash into The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole during the day (separate admission)
🎶 Enjoy live music from The Reflex, The Sonic Boom & School of Rock (Herndon)
🌮 Grab food truck favorites + drinks
🏕️ Explore trails, boating, fishing, camping & family activities

And when the sun goes down… 🌌
The night sky will come alive with hundreds of synchronized drones creating patriotic scenes, stunning visuals and a one-of-a-kind celebration of America’s 250th anniversary ❤️🤍💙

🚗 Reserve your parking online-
$20 online (through June 26) or $25 at the gate (limited spots on a first come first serve basis): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lake-fairfax/250th-independence-day/062726

The event is brought to you by the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

05/27/2026

Summer break is almost here… and so are the “I’m bored” complaints. 😅☀️
Now’s the time to register the kids for their favorite camps and activities. We still have spots available for indoor, outdoor and virtual camps across Fairfax County locations!
🔗Search camps and sign up online: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/camps

05/25/2026

😎 It’s the official start of summer! And it’s the official roll-out of the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends Summer Slugfest! 🥎

If you’ve ever played for CYA or SYA sports, you’ve just been called up to join the team! This epic game is all about fun, community, charity, and of course taking home the Slugfest Cup!

Mine your closets for purple and red and get ready to cheer on your fave team on Saturday, July 25 from 12-3pm.

Enjoy cold treats and hot dogs, a raffle and prizes, as the guys from the CYA Sideline podcast broadcast live from the field — calling the game and calling out the prize winners.

📅 Saturday, July 25
🕛 12–3 PM
📍 Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Softball Fields - 5000 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151
🎟️ Free admission and open to the public

Proceeds support youth camp and field trip scholarships, so every kid can enjoy a classic summer of fun.

To register to play or for more information please go to www.eclpfriends.org/summer-slugfest-22026. Stay tuned for more details! It’s time to play ball!

Chantilly Youth Association SYA Sports

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day we honor & thank all those who served 🇺🇸

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the courage and sacrifice of those served us. 🇺🇸


📷: Barbara Saffir

05/25/2026

🐾 Daytime fox sighting? Totally possible and often totally normal.

Seeing a fox in broad daylight doesn’t necessarily mean it’s sick. Foxes sometimes adjust their activity based on food, safety, and raising young, so a mid-day appearance isn’t unusual.
🦊 The key is to keep your distance and pay attention to behavior. If it looks seriously ill or acts strangely, that’s when it should be reported.

Learn more about foxes and other local wildlife 🌿. Visit the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park webpage for FAQs https://bit.ly/3QhNXgR

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to honor our veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
On Monday, May 25, enjoy FREE access to FCPA Recreation Centers, including indoor pools and gyms, plus complimentary camping at Lake Fairfax and wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park.
Thank you for your service. 🍃
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2026/memorial-activities-service-members

05/23/2026

🐢 We counted nine turtles on this log. How many do you see? Apparently it’s standing-room only for World Turtle Day!
Fairfax County parks are prime real estate for these slow and steady sunbathers. Head to Huntley Meadows, Ellanor C. Lawrence or Hidden Pond for some top-tier turtle watching. Bonus points if you catch them lounging on a log. 💚🤎

📸: Jane Gamble