Mt. Zion Historic Park

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...

02/27/2020

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS-- A Very Historic Mill
Today we're looking back to one of our most read Throwback Thursday posts of last year.

In 2006, Aldie Mill became the 20th park in the NOVA Parks system. The 200-year old mill processed grain using the waters of the Little River, and it is one of the best-preserved mills in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to NOVA Parks’ ownership, the mill was owned by the Virginia Outdoor Foundation (VOF) and restored with a generous gift from the Mellon family.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/wgiG50yxp3s

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #tbt #novaparks

02/20/2020

TONIGHT, February 20th is our last presentation of our Prelude to Gettysburg series.

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for a presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 3: Battle of Middleburg at Slater Run Vineyards on February 20th.

Enjoy a glass of wine while hearing about our local Civil War history! Free admission and no reservations required.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks #mtdefiancehistoricparks

02/18/2020

Thursday, February 20th is our last presentation of our Prelude to Gettysburg series.

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for a presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 3: Battle of Middleburg at Slater Run Vineyards on February 20th.

Enjoy a glass of wine while hearing about our local Civil War history! Free admission and no reservations required.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks #mtdefiancehistoricparks

02/14/2020

Thursday, February 20th is our last presentation of our Prelude to Gettysburg series.

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for a presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 3: Battle of Middleburg at Slater Run Vineyards on February 20th.

Enjoy a glass of wine while hearing about our local Civil War history! Free admission and no reservations required.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks #mtdefiancehistoricparks

02/12/2020

Thursday, February 20th is our last presentation of our Prelude to Gettysburg series.

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for a presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 3: Battle of Middleburg at Slater Run Vineyards on February 20th.

Enjoy a glass of wine while hearing about our local Civil War history! Free admission and no reservations required.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks #mtdefiancehistoricparks

02/08/2020

Are you looking for something fun, educational and FREE to do this afternoon?

Join us for a guided tour 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. One hour tours begin at 1pm and 3pm. No admission fee and no need to register. Meet in the parking lot at 35945 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg.

02/07/2020

Guided Battlefield Tour
Mt. Defiance Historic Park
Saturday, February 8th
1PM and 3PM

Join us for a guided tour 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. One hour tours begin at 1pm and 3pm. No admission fee and no need to register. Meet in the parking lot at 35945 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #mtdefiance #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

02/04/2020

Guided Battlefield Tour
Mt. Defiance Historic Park
Saturday, February 8th
1PM and 3PM

Join us for a guided tour 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. One hour tours begin at 1pm and 3pm. No admission fee and no need to register. Meet in the parking lot at 35945 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg.

Civil War Trails, Inc.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #mtdefiance #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

01/30/2020

Just a reminder: TONIGHT is Part 2 of 3 of the Prelude to Gettysburg lecture series.

Part 2: Battle of Middleburg at Mt. Defiance Cidery on January 30th

Free admission and no reservations required.

For more information: http://ow.ly/QMrU50y8pNN

Loudoun County Public Library

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

01/30/2020

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS-- The Power Plant That Never Was

Today we're looking back to our most read Throwback Thursday post of last year.

Our most popular story is the story of Algonkian Regional Park. The park's story may be one of fate or simply just one of luck. The park spans 838 acres next to the Potomac River, a swath of land that was once set aside for a coal burning power plant.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/dhls50y85F2

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks

01/27/2020

Do you love Civil War history? Do you enjoy a nice glass of hard cider? If you do then we have the program for you on Thursday Night!

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for Part 2 of a 3 session presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Sessions will be held within a two-month time frame, each one on or near the actual battlefield lands. Come to one, two, or all three sessions to hear the stories of the valiant men who met face-to-face in the summer of 1863. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 2: Battle of Middleburg at Mt. Defiance Cidery on January 30th

Free admission and no reservations required.

Loudoun County Public Library

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

01/14/2020

NOVA Parks seeks to preserve local history through the 1863 Fund

NOVA Parks has a long tradition of preserving local historical sites. We strive to continue this tradition for many, many years.

http://ow.ly/vHxA50xVgZ3

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

With the 1863 Fund, the regional parks association hopes to continue to preserve local historic sites and continue to tell war stories for years to come.

01/11/2020

Looking for a way to take advantage of today's uncharacteristically warm weather?

Join us for a guided tour of the Mt. Defiance battlefield, part of the June 19, 1863 Battle of Middleburg. Tours will take place at 1PM and 3PM.

For more information: http://ow.ly/NtME50xS7EW

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #mtdefiance #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

01/09/2020

Do you love Civil War history? Are you looking for something to do outside on Saturday to take advantage of the uncharacteristically warm January day?

Join us for a guided tour 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. One hour tours begin at 1pm and 3pm. No admission fee and no need to register. Meet in the parking lot at 35945 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg.

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks

01/09/2020

Calling all Civil War and Loudoun County history enthusiasts! Tonight is the first session of the Prelude to Gettysburg presentation.

Prelude to Gettysburg Part 1
Thursday, January 9th 7PM-8:30PM
Cana Vineyards

Join local historian Rich Gillespie for a three-session presentation of the cavalry battles that took place in Loudoun County between June 17 and 21, 1863. Sandwiched between the famous battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg, these often-overlooked battles proved the worth and fighting power of both Northern and Southern cavalrymen and their mounts. Sessions will be held within a two-month time frame, each one on or near the actual battlefield lands. Come to one, two, or all three sessions to hear the stories of the valiant men who met face-to-face in the summer of 1863. Co-sponsored by Loudoun County Public Libraries.

Part 1: Battle of Aldie at Cana Vineyards on January 9th

For more information; http://ow.ly/20jj50xR6ad

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #novaparks