News

RAIN PLANS Open House- Sat April 22

Posted on by Mike Maleski

RAIN PLANS for OPEN HOUSE

Due to predicted rain and thunderstorms on Saturday April 22nd, we are planning to:

-end the Open House at 1pm (when weather is supposed to get worse.)

For those ticket holders of 10a-1p session, you can come as planned.

For those ticket holders of  1p-4p session, you can come to the MORNING SESSION 10a-1p!

We will plan to do as many activities as the weather allows, but there may be a few showers in the morning. 

We will move some programs inside if possible and have a tent over the campfire for S’MORES!

Please bring rain gear and sturdy shoes. 

The Outdoor Lab is wonderful on a warm, cloudy day.  Students go outside for field trips no matter the weather.  (Some animals venture out and fish seem to be hungrier;)

Thank you for understanding.

Mike Maleski, President

Celebrate EARTH DAY at the Outdoor Lab Open House scheduled for Saturday April 22nd 10a-1p OR 1p-4p.

The Outdoor Lab welcomes all Arlington Families to the Open House. Grab your “pod” and explore our 226 acres of mountain trails, meadows, streams and pond.  While at the Lab, your family can:

  • fish in the pond (cane poles & worms provided!)
  • paddle the boats
  • hike our trails (over 5 miles, various hiking abilities)
  • observe critters in our Nature Center (maybe pet a snake?)
  • find a perfect spot for a family picnic! (bring your lunch!)
Get your Tickets!

To help manage visitors, we need families to pre-register through Eventbrite here.

  • Please choose EITHER 10a-1p ticket OR 1p-4p ticket (NOT BOTH) This will allow us to allow as many families as we can.
  • Each ticket is for one Carload. Please do NOT register for a ticket for each person in your car.
  • Tickets are “donate what you can online” or “FREE, I’ll donate later” (The Outdoor Lab is owned by the non-profit Arlington Outdoor Education Association, a 501c3, tax exempt organization)
  • We will create a waitlist if needed, if your plans change and you don’t plan to come, please let us know

For the Safety of Visitors:

  • all visitors must sign in
  • NO Dogs allowed
  • please leave only footsteps and take only pictures
Other Info

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer.  We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!

You can find Directions here, look for signs and volunteers on where to park.

Bad weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.

We look forward to seeing you!

Share your pictures and tag #LovetheODL

ODL Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Posted on by Mike Maleski

The Outdoor Lab staff and board celebrate Native American Heritage Month.  We reflect on the great contributions of Native peoples to our Commonwealth and Country and strive to learn and tell their stories of achievement.  The land of the Outdoor Lab was originally settled by Manahoac peoples, a Siouxan speaking tribal alliance, which descended from Mississippian mound building cultures.  They originally inhabited the Ohio River valley region, with one group migrating east, sometimes called the Eastern Sioux, and another migrating West.

The Manahoac had little interaction with the English colonists in Jamestown and were shielded by the Powhatan confederacy on the coast and Tidewaters.  In addition to diseases introduced by Spanish and English explorers, the Manahoac faced pressure from the Haudenosaunee confederacy (Six Nations of Iroquois) and Susquehannock tribes (Iroquoian speaking, also known as Conestoga) who raided their Piedmont homes. The Manahoac migrated South toward the related Monacan tribes and eventually merged with them and the Siouxan speaking Tutelo, Saponi, and Occaneechi.

What we have learned about the Manahoac culture comes from the few interactions documented by Europeans, often through translators from rival tribes,  and their archaeological record.  They were semi-nomadic and followed the animals they hunted including Deer, Bear, and Eastern Buffalo.  They generally settled near streams and rivers and built palisaded villages with small round or oval dwellings covered with reeds and bark.  They grew the Three Sisters of corn, squash and beans and managed their game lands by prescribed burning of forests.

In 1608,  colonist John Smith explored up the Rappahannock river to its headwaters and documented various tribes and settlements of the Manahoac.  Smith captured a wounded Manahoac warrior named Amorolec who told Smith about the tribes of the Manahoac, their enemies and related tribes who lived from the Fall Line up to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia’s rivers. The Whonkentia were settled in current Fauquier County and we can assume from artifacts found at the Outdoor Lab that other Manahoac tribes were living along Broad Run and its tributaries here at the present Outdoor Lab.

In 1754, Thomas Jefferson observed native peoples conducting ceremonies at a burial mound near his Monticello home in Albemarle County, Virginia.    He later dug into the mound and recorded his findings in an organized fashion as part of his Notes on the State of Virginia (1787).  Jefferson is recognized as an early archaeologist for this work.

The Monacan nation exists today and in 2018 became a federally recognized tribe with tribal land at Bear Mountain in Amherst County, Virginia.  The Monacan nation recognizes the Manahoac as part of their ancestors.  A living history presentation of a Monacan Village can be seen at Natural Bridge State Park.

The Outdoor Lab encourages you to learn more about the Manahoac and other native peoples and their rich history, culture and accomplishments in our history.

Join the AOEA Board!

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

The Outdoor Lab is a partnership between the Arlington Public Schools (APS) and the non-profit Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA).

  • APS provides the teachers, educational program and buses.
  • AOEA owns and manages the land and buildings as well as advocates for outdoor education, STEAM curriculum, and hands-on, experiential leaning.

We need  members of the Arlington community to step-up and help us in this critical time for educating our students.  

We need Board Members for the AOEA!

Current and past Board Members have a variety of experience and skills.  Many are parents, teachers or staff of Arlington schools.  Others are scientists, marketing professionals, real estate agents/builders or consultants.  We need a variety of experiences to challenge our organization to improve and grow.

If you are willing to help Arlington children and the Outdoor Lab (or know someone who might) please contact the AOEA President to learn more about our Board of Directors at president@outdoorlab.org.  We elect a slate of Directors at our annual meeting May, but have openings year round.

If you’d like to volunteer to help the Outdoor Lab learn more HERE.

APS Students- Join the AOEA Board

In 2021, the AOEA Board began a student Board Member program.  The Inaugural Student Board Member was Maria Soukup, a senior at Yorktown High School.

The student Board Member participates in AOEA board meetings, offering advice and voting on AOEA business.  They participate in AOEA events at the Outdoor Lab and in Arlington.  And acts a liaison to their schools and student groups in APS.

If you are a rising Junior or Senior at an APS high school and are interested in learning more.  Contact AOEA Board president at president@outdoorlab.org.

Open House- Sat May 15th 10a-4p*

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

The Outdoor Lab Open House is scheduled for Sunday October 17th 10a-1p OR 1p-4p.  

The Outdoor Lab welcomes all Arlington Families to the Open House. Grab your “pod” and explore our 226 acres of mountain trails, meadows, streams and pond.  While at the Lab, your family can: 

  • fish in the pond (cane poles & worms provided!)
  • hike our trails (over 5 miles, various hiking abilities)
  • observe critters in our Nature Center (admission in small groups)
  • find a perfect spot for a family picnic! (bring your lunch!)
Get your Tickets!

Due to COVID, we need families to pre-register through Eventbrite here.

  • Please choose EITHER 10a-1p ticket OR 1p-4p ticket (NOT BOTH) This will allow us to meet COVID limits and allow as many families as we can.
  • Each ticket is for one Carload. Please do NOT register for a ticket for each person in your car.
  • Tickets are “donate what you can.” The Outdoor Lab is owned by the non-profit Arlington Outdoor Education Association (a 501c3, tax exempt organization)
  • We will create a waitlist if needed, if your plans change and you don’t plan to come, please let us know

For the Safety of Visitors:

  • all visitors must sign in
  • masks must be worn while inside and when social distancing is not possible
  • NO Dogs allowed
  • please leave only footsteps and take only pictures
Other Info

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer.  We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate! 

You can find Directions here, look for signs and volunteers on where to park.

Bad weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.  An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday Oct 24th 10a-4p. 

We look forward to seeing you!  

Share your pictures and tag #LovetheODL 

Summer Camp 2023

Posted on by Mike Maleski

Outdoor Lab Summer Camp is Back!

The Outdoor Lab offers three, week-long camp sessions that provide a number of nature-related activities and experiences to Arlington Public School students. who have completed grades 4 through 8.

A blend of traditional camp activities (hiking, evening campfires, crafts, skits) and nature exploration make this program fun and informative. Staff safely guide campers through various activities that may include aquatic studies, natural history, survival skills, and more. Campers are also provided opportunities to explore the natural world through focused activities of their own choosing and self-directed free-time activities, such as boating and fishing.

Students are transported from Arlington to the Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Lab in Broad Run, Virginia on Monday morning, and returned to Arlington on Friday afternoon of the same week. Campers sleep outside in platform tents and spend most of their day outside (weather permitting). They are provided three meals and snacks every day.

Sessions for 2023

  • Session A- Middle School  (for students who just completed GR 6, GR 7, GR 8):   June 26 to June 30
  • Session B- Elementary School  (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): July  10  to July 14
  • Session C- Elementary School:  (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): July 17 to July 21

Applications

Parents may apply for their student to attend camp by completing a short Google form found at Outdoor Lab – Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us) (NOW OPEN).

  • Registration is CLOSED. Go here for more info
  • Applications will be accepted on a first come-first served basis until Friday, March 31 2023 or until a session is full.
  • Once a student has been accepted, the family will be emailed an invoice for the tuition.
  • Payment is by check or money order.

More Info

Summer Camp 2023 Brochure (English) ; Summer Camp 2023 Brochure (Spanish)

More information about summer camp can be found here: Outdoor Lab – Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us).

Questions about summer camp should be directed to Outdoor Lab Coordinator Rochelle Proctor at rochelle.proctor@apsva.us or 540.347.2258

Women’s History Month @ODL

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

The Women who make the Outdoor Lab Great

Phoebe Hall Knipling

The Outdoor Lab owes its existence to Phoebe Hall Knipling. Her vision and determination that children should experience science first hand, led to the creation of the Outdoor Lab and other pillars of Arlington science education like the Brown Planetarium, Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. Learn more from a recent story from Arlington Library’s Womens Work series.

Anita Knipling Scott

Phoebe’s daughter Anita has served on the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Lab for years. She’s continued to build on her mother’s vision and helped thousands of Arlington families experience the joys of the Outdoor Lab.

Recently, Anita was interviewed for the Biscuit Mountain Breakdown and shared some of the early history of the Outdoor Lab. Click here to listen to podcast “Walking Down Memory Lane.”

Kendra Liddicoat

The Biscuit Mountain Breakdown podcast interviews leaders in the field of outdoor education.  Such as Dr. Kendra Liddicoat who researches memories as outcomes for programs like The Outdoor Lab.  Learn about how memories are an important feature of what happens at nature centers and how we can use that research to improve our program.  Click HERE for Podcasts.

ODL@Home- The Great Backyard Bird Count

Posted on by Mike Maleski

Help scientists from home by participating in The Great Backyard Bird Count

Outdoor Lab staff have participated in such events and documented a large variety of bird species at the Outdoor Lab.  Director Emeritus Neil Heinekamp inspired generations of APS students with his bird identification expertise.  His legacy continues, with current staff staff helping students identify birds by sight and sound.  Now you can help scientists from your own backyard!  Show us your favorite backyard birds. #GBBC #LovetheODL

From Audubon.org:

The 26th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20, 2023.

Please visit the official website at birdcount.org for more information and be sure to check out the latest educational and promotional resources.

  • The  GBBC is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations.
  • Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org.
  • Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.

Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the  National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. Recently, more than 160,000 participants submitted their bird observations online, creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations ever recorded.

Bird ID Resources

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, has also created an App called Merlin Bird ID to identify the birds you see or hear.  It can help with the GBBC or anytime you’re out in nature observing birds.

Volunteer @ the ODL Open House

Posted on by Mike Maleski

Help make the Outdoor Lab better than ever!  Celebrate EARTH DAY by volunteering at the Outdoor Lab Open House!

Come by yourself, grab your family or friends, or bring your group (Scouts, School Clubs, Garden Club, etc)

We still need volunteers for our Spring Open House Saturday April 22nd, EARTH DAY, 9a-4p.

No experience is necessary, but a love for nature and a desire to help others enjoy the Outdoor Lab is mandatory.

Please help us host various Arlington Families as they enjoy the Outdoor Lab.  We’ll have fishing, boating and hiking. We’ll also provide S’mores and families are welcome to bring a picnic.  A great way to earn community service hours!

We welcome VOLUNTEERS to come for part or all of the event. Help a bit and then explore and enjoy the ODL!

More Info and sign-up link here.

ODL celebrates Black History Month

Posted on by Mike Maleski

The Outdoor Lab Board and Staff celebrate Black History Month throughout February and the entire year.

We continue with our Cultural History Project to research, document, and share the stories of ALL the families who called the Pond and Biscuit  Mountain Gap home.  We continue to research African American families who worked and lived on Outdoor Lab and adjacent properties.

On a visit to the Afro-American History Association of Fauquier County, Outdoor Lab staff learned that part of the Underground Railroad went through our property.  The oral history was that enslaved people escaping through Fauquier were told “Follow the Pine/Pond Mountains” to freedom.  The map shows the path along the Bull Run Mountains (of which our Pond and Biscuit are a part) to safety with Quaker supporters in Waterford.

We continue to partner with other researchers, families and organizations as we progress with the Cultural History Project.  Please check back to see our progress.  If you have an interest in helping please contact president@outdoorlab.org.

New Monarch Waystation @ ODL

Posted on by Mike Maleski

The AOEA and Outdoor Lab staff continually work to improve the eco-system as the Outdoor Lab.

Each year we focus on a few projects in which AOEA volunteers and ODL staff plant native species and remove non-natives.

For the Spring of 2023 planting season, we are targeting a garden area near our cottage where we have been removing invasive Japanese Stiltgrass.  We plan to replace the invasive stiltgrass with native plants to create a Monarch Waystation.

If you’d like to help us with this project, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@outdoorlab.org.  This project will be on a weekend in Spring of 2023, date and time tbd.

Open House- Sun OCT 16 – 10a-4p

Posted on by Mike Maleski

The Outdoor Lab Open House is re-scheduled for Sunday October 16th 10a-1p and 1p-4p.  (We postponed from our original date due to Hurricane Ian)

The Outdoor Lab welcomes all Arlington Families to the Open House. Grab your “pod” and explore our 226 acres of mountain trails, meadows, streams and pond.  While at the Lab, your family can:

  • fish in the pond (cane poles & worms provided!)
  • hike our trails (over 5 miles, various hiking abilities)
  • observe critters in our Nature Center (admission in small groups)
  • find a perfect spot for a family picnic! (bring your lunch!)
Get your Tickets!

Due to COVID, we need families to pre-register through Eventbrite here.

  • Please choose EITHER 10a-1p ticket OR 1p-4p ticket (NOT BOTH) This will allow us to meet COVID limits and allow as many families as we can.
  • Each ticket is for one Carload. Please do NOT register for a ticket for each person in your car.
  • Tickets are “donate what you can.” The Outdoor Lab is owned by the non-profit Arlington Outdoor Education Association (a 501c3, tax exempt organization)
  • We will create a waitlist if needed, if your plans change and you don’t plan to come, please let us know

For the Safety of Visitors:

  • all visitors must sign in
  • NO Dogs allowed
  • please leave only footsteps and take only pictures
Other Info

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer.  We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!

You can find Directions here, look for signs and volunteers on where to park.

Bad weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.  An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday October 16th 10a-4p.

We look forward to seeing you!

Share your pictures and tag #LovetheODL

ODL celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Posted on by Mike Maleski

The Arlington Outdoor Education Association and the Outdoor Lab Staff celebrate national Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15 annually)

We honor the many Hispanic Americans who have contributed to our schools, community and country.  And celebrate our Latinx students who contribute their talents, skills and culture in all schools every day.