Prince William Forest Park

An ongoing archeology project at Prince William Forest Park is studying an area known as Hickory Ridge, which was a mixed community before the park was established. This study included talking to descendants of the Hickory Ridge community and combining those stories with an archeological survey. The archeological work for this project wraps up this winter and we'd like to share some of their work with you! On January 14, visitors are welcome to watch an excavation and ask questions of park staff between 10am and noon. Park at Parking Lot D along the park's Scenic Drive, where a ranger will direct you to the excavation site. 

Please be sure to check the park website and calendar for any event updates in the case of inclement weather or schedule changes. 

Today, Prince William Forest and Fort Hunt are pleasant places for recreation. Did you know that during the 1940s, both were used by secret intelligence organizations to help the Allies win World War II?

Join authors Michael Warner and Jörn Happel for a special presentation of World War II and Cold War history! The seminar will be hosted by park rangers from Prince William Forest (Melissa Weih) and Fort Hunt Park (Daniel Blier). The seminar will end with a Q&A session during which attendees can ask the presenters questions. Registration is free but required.

Michael Warner is command historian at United States Cyber Command. He has written and lectured on intelligence history, theory and reform and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University and American University. Dr Warner sits on the board of editors of Intelligence and National Security, a leading journal focused on the role of intelligence in international relations. He is the author of The Rise and Fall of Intelligence: An International Security History (2014) and the coauthor of The Use of Force for State Power: History and Future (2020).

Jörn Happel is the director of the Professorship for Eastern European and East-Central European History at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, Germany. His research interests include the history of Russia, Central Asia, Siberia and Poland. Dr Happel’s research on Eastern Europe and excellence in teaching have both been recognized with prestigious awards. He is the author of Der Ost-Experte: Gustav Hilger — Diplomat im Zeitalter der Extreme (The East Expert: Gustav Hilger – Diplomat in the Era of Extremes), published 2018.

Register for this Zoom virtual program at https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16020641

We're looking for volunteers to join us for a little spring cleaning in our historical cabin camps to get them ready for the season! Please join us Saturday, April 4th to help us clean up our historic cabins! Bring family and friends along, this opportunity is suited for individuals and groups; people of all ages are welcome. The event runs from 9am - 1pm with check-in beginning at 8:30am. Meeting locations will be emailed prior to the event.

Please RSVP by March 27th to volunteer for this event by calling 703-221-2847 or emailing Alyssa_Cavallaro@partner.nps.gov or Kerri_Syrus@nps.gov

We're looking for volunteers to join us for a little spring cleaning in our historical cabin camps to get them ready for the season! Please join us Saturday, April 11th to help us clean up our historic cabins! Bring family and friends along, this opportunity is suited for individuals and groups; people of all ages are welcome. The event runs from 9am - 1pm with check-in beginning at 8:30am. Meeting locations will be emailed prior to the event

Please RSVP by April 3rd to volunteer for this event by calling 703-221-2847 or emailing Alyssa_Cavallaro@partner.nps.gov or Kerri_Syrus@nps.gov

Come earn your Junior Ranger badge at Prince William Forest Park! Join park rangers at Pine Grove Picnic Pavilion in the park for activities from 10:00am to 1:00pm on April 18. Events for the day include:

• Complete an activity book to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger
• Join a nature scavenger hunt in the picnic area with park partners the Merrimac Farms Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists
• Join a ranger to create some nature arts and crafts. Make nature stamps, watercolor paint or draw your favorite park scene, and take leaf etchings!

All craft supplies will be provided and Junior Ranger books and badges are available!

Did you know that part of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail passes through Prince William Forest Park? Take a hike through history at Prince William Forest Park on the Crossing Trail, which follows part of the route where, in 1781, General Rochambeau's French Army and General Washington's Continental Army marched troops south from New York to fight the British Army in Yorktown, VA during the Revolutionary War. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence by following in the footsteps of these armies as you learn about travel in the 1700s along this half mile trail. Bring water and bug spray on this mostly shaded one hour hike.

Join us for Yoga in the Park at Prince William Forest Park, a peaceful outdoor class designed to help you unwind, stretch, and reconnect with nature. This Hatha yoga session focuses on gentle, mindful movement, breath awareness, and basic postures suitable for all levels—from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, you’ll have the opportunity to slow down, build strength and flexibility, and enjoy a calming, supportive environment. Each class encourages balance between body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and grounded.

 
Please note: Participants must bring their own yoga mat and any props they may need (such as blocks, straps, or blankets). Dress comfortably for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated.

If you plan to attend, please email yogaintheparkva@outlook.com by May 2nd at noon so we can plan accordingly. Registration for the event is capped at 12-15 people. Yoga will take place in a grassy, shaded open area near the park's visitor center. Come breathe, move, and relax with us in the fresh air!

Forest Bathing, also known as Forest Therapy, is a slow, mindful immersion in nature that originated in Japan. The guide suggests voluntary activities called invitations that help participants let go of the busyness of everyday life and immerse themselves in the soothing sensuality of nature.

Forest Bathing has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and alleviating stress. It also clears the mind and increases creativity. This session of Forest Bathing is run by a Virginia Master Naturalist from the Merrimac Farm Chapter. It is recommended that visitors wear long pants and walking shoes and bring water and insect repellant.

Join us for Yoga in the Park at Prince William Forest Park, a peaceful outdoor class designed to help you unwind, stretch, and reconnect with nature. This Hatha yoga session focuses on gentle, mindful movement, breath awareness, and basic postures suitable for all levels—from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, you’ll have the opportunity to slow down, build strength and flexibility, and enjoy a calming, supportive environment. Each class encourages balance between body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and grounded.

 
Please note: Participants must bring their own yoga mat and any props they may need (such as blocks, straps, or blankets). Dress comfortably for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated.

If you plan to attend, please email yogaintheparkva@outlook.com by May 17th at noon so we can plan accordingly. Registration for the event is capped at 12-15 people. Yoga will take place in a grassy, shaded open area near the park's visitor center and is weather dependent. Come breathe, move, and relax with us in the fresh air!

Meet a ranger at 2:00pm at the Visitor Center to work on completing the Junior Ranger activity book and earn a badge. Take leaf etchings, make your own stamp, and draw pictures of your favorite park landscape! All craft supplies will be provided and Junior Ranger books and badges are available.