Friends of Runnymede Park

08/17/2026

Fairfax County offers free trees to community groups for planting on private properties:

Fairfax County is bringing back a popular program that provides free trees to community groups for planting on privately owned properties. The county's Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) is currently accepting applications for its tree distribution program until Oct. 30, inviting any local...

08/16/2026

Happy turtle 🐢 on this rainy Sunday 🌧️ in the park 🌳

(Large three-leaved plant behind the turtle is poison ivy).

08/02/2026

Liatris and New York Ironweed in bloom in the meadow. We are entering late summer when the meadow showcases its biodiversity (despite some invasive plants, such as the Queen Anne’s Lace [white flower], which has naturalized).

07/31/2026

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) in bloom along the northern most part of Runnymede Park. A native that prefers wet sites and is quite striking in dabbled shade. Cardinal flower is native to every county in Virginia according to the Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora. It is a nectar source for hummingbirds and visited by butterflies, too.

07/31/2026

Friends of Runnymede Park President, Jessica Schelling, sat down with Herndon Mayor Keven to highlight the largest, natural space within Herndon—Runnymede Park. The Friends of Runnymede Park is a non-profit group that supports the park.

07/24/2026

Boy Scouts will be in the park tomorrow, July 25, resurfacing the paths in the native plant garden. This is an Eagle Scout project. If you're out for a walk and go by the garden, stop and cheer them on!

07/24/2026

The August bird walk has been canceled. Plan to join us on Saturday, September 12 at 8AM for the start of fall migration.

07/01/2026

Box turtle enjoying a leafy 🥬, watery snack on this scorcher of a day in Runnymede 🐢

07/01/2026

And if you’re out enjoying Runnymede Park, please note there is a new water fountain installed with the traditional drinking fountain option, a water bottle refill station, and a dog bowl.

An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect through July 3, with dangerously high temperatures expected across our area.

Take care of yourself, check on neighbors who may need assistance, and stay safe during this period of extreme heat.

05/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out on a chilly day to purchase native plants at our Spring sale. We appreciate your support. Wishing you happy planting and may your plants bring you much joy and many bees and butterflies!