Mt. Zion Historic Park

08/07/2020

GUIDED TOURS OF MT. DEFIANCE BATTLEFIELD
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
11AM-1PM
FREE

Join us for guided tours of the Mt. Defiance battlefield, part of the June 19, 1863 Battle of Middleburg. Led by Bryan Robbins, Historic Preservationist and student of the Civil War, the tour will look at site features and the battle events in context, and will include strategic military aspects of the battle, landscape features, and engaging human-interest stories. A mounted Union cavarlyman also will be on site to answer questions about cavalry in the Civil War. Please wear a face mask and keep socially distance as mush as possible during the tours. Free and no registration required.

04/29/2020

04/23/2020

Collaboration in the Time of Pandemic | Feature | Parks & Recreation magazine | NRPA

During this fast-changing COVID-19 pandemic crisis, as a collective team, the Northern Virginia park and recreation directors have built on well-established ties to provide a coordinated response and work through difficult decisions together.

You can read the article about this collaboration, written by NOVA Parks Executive Director, Paul Gilbert, at:

http://ow.ly/bDpF50zmKSB

You can also listen to the podcast at:
http://ow.ly/QxHH50zmKSW

#flattenthecurve #stayhomestaysafe

During this fast-changing COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a group of park and recreation directors in Northern Virginia have built on well-established ties to provide a coordinated response and work through difficult decisions together.

04/22/2020

Happy Earth Day from NOVA Parks

NOVA Parks is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Here are 5 great ways you can celebrate Earth Day at home!

https://youtu.be/JpaivH1T5KI

#earthdaystartsathome #novaparks

NOVA Parks is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Here are 5 great ways you can celebrate Earth Day at home!

04/22/2020

We want you to stay safe! Please do your part to flatten the curve and maintain social distancing when finding exercise and recreation options today!

#stayhomestaysafe #flattenthecurve

04/21/2020

We've been working hard to move many of our NOVA Parks programs online. You can check them out on our NOVA Parks' YouTube channel. Take a virtual nature hike, learn about the Critters at Potomac Overlook, make some Discoveries Through Trash, learn about native plants, and more! We're adding new content daily!

http://ow.ly/b0E550zk9Pm

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #stayhomestaysafe #novaparks

04/21/2020

Happy Tuesday! Please continue to adhere to social distancing when you are finding exercise and recreation options close to home! We'd love to see photos of your neighborhood adventures!

#flattenthecurve #stayhomestaysafe #reducethecrowdsreducethespread

04/20/2020

We look forward to welcoming you to our monthly 4th Sunday tours of historic Mt. Zion when COVID-19 is behind us!

04/20/2020

Join the sites of the Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail for a weekly lunchtime discussion of the public spaces where Civil War graffiti can still be found today.

Grab your lunch and your computer to tune into these interactive programs.

Below is the weekly schedule:

April 8: Historic Blenheim
April 15: Ben Lomond Historic Site
April 22: Liberia
April 29: Mt. Zion Historic Park
May 6: Graffiti House

04/19/2020

We want you to stay safe! Please do your part to flatten the curve and maintain social distancing when finding exercise and recreation options today!

#flattenthecurve #stayhomestaysafe

04/16/2020

Meadowlark read alound title

Today is a great day to go on a Listening Walk. What sounds can you hear when you stop and listen? If you have young children, this Read Aloud from Meadowlark Gardens is a great book to listen to before you head out on your walk.

http://ow.ly/VTYQ50zfQpK

#flattenthecurve #stayhomestaysafe

Let's go on a Listening Walk with Jules from Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. She will be reading The Listening Walk written by Paul Showers.

04/13/2020

Historic Blenheim/Civil War Interpretive Center

Make sure to tune in on Wednesdays at noon to hear about the historic sites on our Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail. Mt. Zion will be featured on April 29th!

Graffiti, Grub and Go!

04/10/2020

Conversations in History: Lord Dunmore and the Coming of the Revolution

https://youtu.be/bpQC0oYhZJQ

If you haven't yet had the chance to watch our virtual "Conversations in History" lecture about Virgnia Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, here's your chance! Thank you to our partner, Mosby Heritage Area Association, and their Public Programs Coordinator Travis Shaw. Enjoy!

Presented by NOVA Parks and the Mosby Heritage Area Association. We look at the life of Virginia's last Royal Governor, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, and...

04/10/2020

Thank you to all our guests who are working to flatten the curve and are staying home and staying safe!

We miss you and can't wait to welcome you back!

#stayhomestaysafe #flattenthecurve

04/09/2020

Throwback Thursday--Row Your Boat
Today we want to re-visit one of our most popular Throwback Thursday stories from 2019. The story of the creation of Sandy Run Regional Park and its significant regatta facility.

In the 1970’s, NOVA Parks teamed up with the vocational education program of Fairfax County Public Schools. Boat houses and other related facilities were built in what became Sandy Run Regional Park. With great sight lines from its miles of waterfront and minimal current in the reservoir, Sandy Run is a significant regatta facility today, hosting competitions with thousands of spectators and participants.

For the complete story please visit: http://ow.ly/XeUx50z9Ohb

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

04/09/2020

Please remember to find exercise and recreation options that are within walking/biking distance from your house. Together we can all do our part to flatten the curve!
#flattenthecurve #socialdistance #stayhomestaysafe

04/08/2020

Exciting news from our sister park, Carlyle Historic Park:

Carlyle House is thrilled to be part of ALX at Home LIVE! Catch us on Visit Alexandria VA page on Tuesday, April 14 at 2 p.m. for the story of the Grandest Congress!

Teachers--this is a wonderful distance learning activity for your history units!

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #carlylehouse #novaparks

04/08/2020

Today's a great day to find new adventures in your neighborhood! Please help reduce the crowds and reduce the spread! Stay home, stay safe!
#flattenthecurve #socialdistance #stayhomestaysafe

04/07/2020

Did you get out in your backyard or neighborhood yesterday while you were staying home and staying safe? Did you see any earthworms? Last May Potomac Overlook Regional Park found this 11 INCH earthworm at their park? Anyone find a bigger one?

If your little scientists want to learn more about Earthworms please visit National Geographic for Kids: http://ow.ly/Fngx50z7zCs

#stayhomestaysafe #adventuresinyourbackyard #flattenthecurve

04/06/2020

Mt. Zion Church: Evolution of a Loudoun Landmark - Loudoun Now

NOVA Parks has many historic parks. Here's a wonderful story of NOVA Parks' Mt. Zion Church.

http://ow.ly/t4WC50z6JlH

Loudoun Now#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #mtzionchurch #novaparks #loveloudounhistory #

In February 1865, Eliza Davis, living on a farm two miles east of Aldie, wrote to her mother-in-law in Connecticut a first-hand account of life on the home front during the Civil War:

04/06/2020

A Message from NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert

We know it's a glorious Spring day today and you're itching to get outside for some exercise and recreation. However, please do your part to flatten the curve and choose recreation and exercise options that are within walking or biking distance from your home.

Please see this important message from NOVA Parks Executive Director, Paul Gilbert, advising park goers on how they should be accessing our parks and trails during the current COVID-19 situation.

http://ow.ly/JqqS50z6C1M

This brief message from NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert is intended to advise park goers on how they should be accessing our parks and trails duri...

04/05/2020

As a reminder, all NOVA Parks gates and parking lots are closed. Please do not drive to our parks to access the trails. We urge you to use the trails you can access through walking or biking. Groups of more than 10 people are strictly prohibited. Social distancing should be maintained at all times.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!

#flattenthecurve #socialdistance

04/04/2020

YOU can be an everyday hero by simply adhering to Governor Northam’s order to limit travel to essential travel only. Please find exercise and recreation options that are available within walking or biking distance from your home. The faster we flatten the curve the faster we can re-open our parks.

#flattenthecurve

04/03/2020

With the weekend upon us we want to emphasize the need to limit groups to less than 10 people in our parks. Social distancing guidelines should be strictly followed while on our trails and in the parks. We can all do our part to flatten the curve.

#flattenthecurve

04/02/2020

We know you want to get back to our parks but we all need to do our part to flatten the curve. Please do not drive to our parks to access the trails. Please adhere to strict social distancing guidelines. We can flatten the curve if we all work together!

#flattenthecurve

04/01/2020

A Message from NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert

To all our NOVA Parks friends. This brief message from NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert is intended to advise park goers on how they should be accessing our parks and trails during the current COVID-19 situation. If you have any questions regarding what parks are accessible please visit our website at novaparks.com.

https://youtu.be/SjTAv_3YgSI

This brief message from NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert is intended to advise park goers on how they should be accessing our parks and trails duri...

04/01/2020

Please note--all NOVA Parks entrance gates and parking lots are closed to vehicular access.

We urge you to use the trails you can access through walking or biking.

Groups of more than 10 people are strictly prohibited.

Social distancing should be maintained at all times.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

03/30/2020

As per Governor Ralph Northam’s Stay at Home Order, issued today and effective immediately, do not drive to our parks. If you live close enough to walk or ride a bike you may access the trails, but there is no parking. Also please note, Governor Ralph Northam stated all Virginia residents only make essential trips which including seeking medical attention, work, care for family or household members, obtain goods and services like groceries, and prescriptions.

If you are seeking recreation and physical activity look for a park that is within walking or biking distance of your home. Please note: no picnicking, sports, boating or fishing are allowed at this time at NOVA Parks. You may walk on the trails only if you can get to them by foot or on bicycle.

03/30/2020

Conversations in History: Lord Dunmore and the Coming of the Revolution

Greetings friends of Mt. Zion Historic Park! The first in our 2020 "Conversations in History" lecture series co-sponosred with Mosby Heritage Area Association was scheduled to be given at Mt. Zion on March 29th, but alas, COVID-19 got in the way of an on-site presentation. What to do?? Bring it to you via Youtube! So, here's our excellent speaker, Travis Shaw, Public Programs Coodinator with MHAA, to tell you all about Virginia's last Royal Governor, John Murray, Lord Dunmore. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/bpQC0oYhZJQ

Presented by NOVA Parks and the Mosby Heritage Area Association. We look at the life of Virginia's last Royal Governor, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, and...

03/24/2020

NOVA Parks Open to Trail and Passive Use Only

Effective at 11:59 P.M. on March 24, 2020, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Park Authority) will move to the Passive stage of its Pandemic Plan. At this stage, all entrance gates and parking lots will be closed to vehicular access. The public may continue to use the trail systems and is encouraged to use proper social distancing.

Previously NOVA Parks had closed all buildings, restrooms, golf courses, historical sites, gardens, nature centers, boat launches, playgrounds, campgrounds, and visitor centers. Public access to trails is the same level as Fairfax County Park Authority, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, and several other area park systems.

For complete information on this update please visit: http://ow.ly/IS2d50yUDn3

03/20/2020

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States, NOVA Parks has focused significant efforts on the safety of guests and staff. This is a dynamic situation and conditions are subject to change. As of Friday, March 20, 2020, we have updated this message with some new important details.

CURRENT STATUS:
While many parks are open for individual use, programs organized by NOVA Parks are canceled. Each parks page has now been updated to reflect its current opening status, including what, if anything, is open to the public at each facility. You can find the current status update listed under Park Hours. Parks are open for passive use only.

NOVA Parks Headquarters building is CLOSED.

Should COVID-19 affect any future operations, we will update you as things change, especially regarding hours of operation and availability of services.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and each other. Practice the good health guidelines that have been communicated on the Virginia's COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) page http://ow.ly/rgsf50yR2Dd
The page also contains resources for healthcare professionals, travelers and more.

03/19/2020

Many of NOVA Parks trails are still open for our guests to use. However, we would like to provide the following recommendations for trail users on observing social distancing minimums.

✔️Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
✔️Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
✔️Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
✔️Note--NOVA Parks public restrooms are closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
✔️Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains should not be used.
✔️Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
✔️Please respect posted trail closures due to conditions or other considerations in order to protect the trails for longevity.
✔️Remember to keep your dogs on leash- it’s the law.

03/16/2020

UPDATED: A NOTE FROM NOVA PARKS REGARDING COVID-19

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States, NOVA Parks has focused significant efforts on the safety of guests and staff. This is a dynamic situation and conditions are subject to change. As of Monday, March 16, 2020, we have updated this message with some new important details.

CURRENT STATUS:
While park and facilities are open for individual use, programs organized by NOVA Parks are canceled.
All NOVA Parks facilities and buildings will be closed beginning at the close of business on March 16 and remaining closed for at least two weeks. Many parks will remain open for passive use – trails, general visitation, etc.

Should COVID-19 affect any future operations, we will update you as things change, especially regarding hours of operation and availability of services.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and each other. Practice the good health guidelines that have been communicated on the state’s COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) page. The page also contains resources for healthcare professionals, travelers and more.

03/13/2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Surveillance and Investigation

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States, NOVA Parks has focused significant efforts on the safety of guests and staff.

This is a dynamic situation and conditions are subject to change.

Current Status:

A NOTE FROM NOVA PARKS REGARDING COVID-19
While park and facilities are open for individual use, programs and events organized by NOVA Parks are canceled.

At food service facilities including golf course and Brickmaker’s Café, only prepackaged food items are being sold.

Should COVID-19 affect any future operations, we will update you as things change, especially regarding hours of operation and availability of services.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and each other. Practice the good health guidelines that have been communicated on the state’s COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) page. http://ow.ly/mu8P50yL0lM
The page also contains resources for healthcare professionals, travelers and more.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Cases of COVID-19 are als...