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Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and the Walney Vistor Center

Description

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a nature destination with creeks and ponds, forests and meadows, and an interpretive center. Walney Pond, about once acre in extent, is bordered by a marshy margin that attracts an impressive variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. During late spring and early summer the forests are filled with birdsongs. Listen for an assortment of woodland species including Scarlet Tanager and several species of warblers. There are approximately four miles of trails at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park located in upland and bottomland forest and along the meadows. The trails generally skirt Walney Creek and Big Rocky Run, and are accessible from Walney Visitor Center, Middlegate/Cabell’s Mill complex, and Walney Pond. The Walney Visitor Center is a public park facility that offers educational exhibits, programs, and information. Situated in a converted 1780 farmhouse, the center contains an information desk, restrooms, sales area, live animal exhibits, historic exhibits, children’s touch table area, greenhouse, and classroom.

Wildlife Sightings

163 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and the Walney Vistor Center:

  • Red-shouldered Hawk
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Northern Flicker
  • Eastern Phoebe
  • Blue Jay
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • American Robin
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Canada Goose
  • Mourning Dove

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
14 Mar 20268Emma B
14 Mar 20268Mary Brezin
10 Mar 202626Ryan Steiner
9 Mar 20266Anna Brown
1 Mar 20267Scott Baron

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Birdability Report Available

Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events, Visitor/Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations

This location has a Birdability Site Review available

Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces

Maps & Directions

View on Google Maps

Physical Address: 5040 Walney Park Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151

From Reston, take VA-286/Fairfax County Pkwy south, turn right onto Stringfellow Rd, turn right onto Poplar Tree Rd, turn left onto SR-657/Walney Rd, and the parking area will be on the right in approximately 0.6 miles.

Access Requirements:

  • Free, Daily

Contact Information:

  • Phone: 703-631-0013
  • Email: FCPAECLawrence@fairfaxcounty.gov
  • Visit Website
  • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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