nature | ARLnow.com

Arlington Prepares to Sink Its Teeth Into Ballston Beaver Pond Project, Sans Beavers

Published August 22, 2019 at 9:00AM

The Ballston Pond (file photo)

The Ballston Beaver Pond is about to get a makeover, but a little later than originally anticipated.

In January, county officials re-initiated a public discussion on a redesign for the pond. The pond was originally built in 1980 to collect stormwater runoff from I-66. To the surprise of county officials, beavers moved in and made the pond their home. The beavers dammed up the drainage system and were joined in the habitat by muskrat, geese, ducks, heron, egrets, redwing blackbirds, fish, turtles.

Events

Firefly Festival to Light Up the Night at Fort C.F. Smith Park Next Month

By Michael O'Connell

Published May 28, 2019 at 2:45PM

Families looking to enjoy the spectacle of bioluminescent beetles can check out the Firefly Festival next month at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.) in Arlington.

The annual event is being held Sunday, June 30 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and will include games, bug hunts, crafts, nature walks and talks about fireflies.

Around Town

Arlington Parks Maintain Fourth-Place National Ranking

By Vernon Miles

Published May 22, 2019 at 5:15PM

McCoy Park near Lee Highway

On the heels of being named the fittest “city” in America, Arlington has also earned a fourth-place ranking in parks from the Trust for Public Land (TPL).

The national ranking has been fairly consistent for Arlington, while neighbor D.C. surpassed Minneapolis to take the first place spot. The “ParkScore” rankings rank the quality of the park system of the top 100 cities in the United States, including Arlington.

Around Town

Four Renovated Parks Ready for Summer Activities

By Vernon Miles

Published May 17, 2019 at 2:30PM

Fairlington Park playground (photo via Arlington County)

With summer around the corner, Arlington County has shared an update regarding four newly renovated parks.

The parks have either recently completed renovations or are planned to open soon.

Events

Bluemont Bird Bash Happening This Saturday

By Airey

Published May 7, 2019 at 9:15AM

Bird festivities in the park last year (photo courtesy Arlington County)

Bird lovers of all feathers can head to Bluemont this weekend for a morning of avian education and exploration.

“World Migratory Bird Day Festival” will feature bird walks, games, activities, and free coffee from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Lacey Woods Park, organizers say. Attendees to the free event are asked to meet at the park’s basketball court near the intersection of Washington Blvd and N. George Mason Drive.

Around Town

Wildlife Encounter Season Starts Now, Says Arlington Animal Control

By Airey

Published May 2, 2019 at 2:30PM

Arlington Fox (Flickr pool photo via GM and MB)

With many animals preparing to rear their young, the season of wildlife encounters is upon us, says the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

Animal Control Chief Jennifer Toussaint told ARLnow that service calls to her department typically increase this time of year. She shared some tips on making sure the encounters are safe for both humans and animals.

Events

Arlington Asking People to Snap Nature Photos This Weekend for Science

By Airey

Published April 25, 2019 at 10:00AM

Arlington is asking residents to submit nature photos in a contest for which locality can log the most nature sightings in urban environments.

Around Town

Eagle Nest Spotted in Ft. Bennett Park

By ARLnow.com

Published March 19, 2019 at 11:45AM

As has become something of an annual occurrence, an eagle nest has again been spotted in or near Arlington’s Ft. Bennett Park, overlooking the Potomac.

Though we haven’t heard of any eaglet sightings so far, county naturalists believe the behavior of the eagles that have been tending the nest suggests there are, in fact, eggs or hatched chicks inside.

Feature

Arlington Startup Aims to Save Sharks with Artificial Intelligence

By Vernon Miles

Published November 19, 2018 at 3:15PM | Updated November 19, 2018 at 4:06PM

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

(Updated at 4 p.m.) JJ Linser and Jack Linkous have a dream. They want to save sharks, and they want to do it with artificial intelligence.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 27, 2018 at 9:00AM

Fire at Retirement Home — A fire broke out in the laundry room of the Sunrise at Bluemont Park senior assisted living facility Sunday morning. The blaze was quickly extinguished, but not before filling part of the building with smoke. No injuries were reported. [Twitter]

Serious Crash on Arlington Blvd — Arlington County police investigated a crash involving critical injuries and a reported vehicle rollover last night on Route 50 at N. Pershing Drive. One person was transported to a local hospital. [Twitter]

News

Arlington’s Salamander Patrol Goal? No Squishes

By Bridget Reed Morawski

Published February 9, 2018 at 4:15PM

A spotted salamander burrows in its tank at the Long Branch Nature Center.

Why did the salamander cross the road? To get to the vernal pool breeding grounds, of course.

Most people wouldn’t laugh at that, but the joke might have killed at Thursday’s salamander patrol training session at Arlington’s Long Branch Nature Center.

Events

Friday Children’s Class to Combine Nature and Yoga

By Chris Teale

Published August 9, 2017 at 4:30PM

Kids aged 7-10 can combine a walk among nature with yoga and relaxation at a class this Friday (August 11) at the Long Branch Nature Center.

The class, entitled Yoga in the Nature Center, begins at 10 a.m. at the center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Road). It first begins with a short walk, then attendees return to practice poses that represent the plants and animals they find.