Kayak Pohick Bay
Kayak Pohick Bay in southeastern Fairfax, on the Mason Neck peninsula. This bay is home to many kinds of wildlife in the water, on land, and in the air. Watch ospreys hunt for fish, and bald eagles spar with each other over the open water. A naturalist will talk about features of the bay, its wildlife and its importance to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The next trip is Saturday, July 15, 9 a.m.-noon. NVCT kayaking trips are open to Virginia residents and their guests. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, and a hat with a brim. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water are also highly recommended. Call 703-354-5093, x6 in case of inclement weather.
The park’s address is 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. Registration is required and these trips fill up fast. Cost is $40 per person. Additional donations are appreciated. Contact Whitney Bailey at 703-354-5093 or wbailey@nvct.org.
Nature Center Summer Camps at “Buddie” Ford
The City of Alexandria’s Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center is offering several summer nature camps in 2006 for children ages 3 to 12.
The camps will focus on sensory exploration, insects, reptiles and amphibians, and geology.
Other activities and items offered include games and prizes, T-shirts, field trips, and take-home crafts. Participants will meet the center’s wildlife residents, such as the new Eastern Screech Owl.
Tadpole Camp, for participants who are 3 and 4 years old, runs Monday, July 10, through Friday, July 14, 2-3 p.m., $55 per camper.
Budding Naturalist Camp, for children entering kindergarten and grade 1, runs Monday, July 17, through Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. to noon, $65 per camper.
Junior Naturalist Camp, for those entering grades 2 through 4. Session 2 runs Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, 1-4 p.m., $75 per camper.
Naturalist Aides Camp, for participants entering grades 5 and 6, runs Monday, July 10, through Friday, July 14, 9 a.m. to noon, $85 per camper.
The newly renovated Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, which was officially reopened and dedicated in November 2005, is located at 5750 Sanger Ave. Registration is currently open for all the center’s summer nature camps. To register, call 703-838-4829. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation/nature/buddie_ford_center.html.
Thursday/July 6
257th Army Band. Fort Ward Park, 4401 W. Bradock Road. 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4844.
First Thursday in Del Ray. Family-oriented street festival 6-9 p.m. the first Thursday of every month through September. July 4 keeps on going when Del Ray celebrates Independence Day. Free. www.visitdelray.com 703-683-2570.
Music at Twilight Concerts. From concert bands to soft rock, free concerts every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Fort Ward Park Amphitheater, 4301 W. Braddock Road. 703-883-4686. Continues through Aug. 10.
Saturday/July 8
Pre-Alexandria Birthday Celebration. Hosted by Dels. Brian Moran (D-46) and Jennifer McClellan (D-71) at 616 Tivoli Passage. RSVP by July 1 to Allison Lawrence at 800-322-1144 ext.239 or info@jennifermcclellan.com.
USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration. Concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. Evening culminates in Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with the firing of cannons. Oronoco Bay Park, Union & Madison Streets. Concert at 6 p.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m. www.alexsym.org or 703-883-4686.
Walk with a Civil War Soldier. Learn about the history of Fort Ward, the construction of Civil War forts, and soldier life in the Defenses of Washington when re-enactors lead tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Free. www.fortward.org 703-838-4848.
Wednesday/July 12
Lunch Bunch Concerts. Enjoy lunch outdoors when school groups perform at 12:15 at 44 Canal Plaza. Free. 703-883-4686. Next concert July 26.
Thursday/July 13
Second Thursday in Old Town. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, shops and galleries stay open until 9 p.m. with special events and live entertainment the second Thursday of the month, through September. www.secondthursdays.com or 703-838-4565, ext. 6.
Friday/July 14
Alexandria Citizens Band Concert. The city’s oldest performing arts organization performs at 7:30 p.m. in Market Square, 301 King St. Free. 301-883-4686.
Saturday/July 15
Archaeology Tour. Behind George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. For reservations call Alexandria Archaeology at 703-838-4399.
Jaycees Yard Sale. Alexandria Jaycees are seeking sellers for for a community yard sale at Anthony Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah St. Jaycees will sell food and drinks. Visit www.alexjaycees.org or call the eventline at 703-866-7171.
Kayaking Trip at Mason Neck State Park, sponsored by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. 9 a.m.-noon, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, and a hat with a brim. Call 703-354-5093, x6 in case of inclement weather. Registration is required and these trips fill up fast. $40 per person. Contact Whitney Bailey at 703-354-5093 or wbailey@nvct.org.
Ongoing Events
King Street Pedestrian Plaza. Join the festivities! The 100 block of King Street becomes a pedestrian plaza from 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday night through July 16 with outdoor dining and entertainment. For more information, call the Ramsay House Visitors Center at 703-838-5005.
Doggie Happy Hour. You and your four-legged best friend can socialize at the world-famous doggie happy hour. 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through October in the courtyard of Holiday Inn Select, 480 King St. www.doggiehappyhour.com or 703-549-6080.