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 Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2026 | 8 | Emma B |
| 14 Mar 2026 | 8 | Mary Brezin |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 26 | Ryan Steiner |
| 9 Mar 2026 | 6 | Anna Brown |
| 1 Mar 2026 | 7 | Scott Baron |
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
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.
Site Information
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.

