The Park Management Branch Manager of Fairfax County Park Authority who gave permission for this virtual, specified that "the park is closed between a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise." **Outside of these times, DO NOT enter the park!** The gate is locked at 5 p.m. (promptly!!!), however there is limited parking available outside the gate and you may walk in from there as time permits. The Visitor Center is open Mon - Sat. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon - 4:30 p.m.

5 stages and a photo requirement. Most stages are handicap accessible, however I have provided some alternatives and notes for handi-cachers. This virtual is intended to be done in a counter-clockwise loop around the park, but a short, paved hill path can be used to approach stage 5 if you have trouble navigating wood chips on a hill. Please stay on established trails!

Stage 1: Glassed in porch of historic building: What 3 years are mentioned in the plaque? Ignore Roman numerals. No need to enter. 9/7/18 - It has been pointed out to me that the plaque is not permanently attached inside the porch. People are finding it outside on the ground. If you can't find it, use the handicap option and let me know. I will add information regarding the plaque location/permanence when I find out what is happening. I'm just trying to point out this historic building. Handicapped: if you cannot read the plaque inside: What 4 words are on the blue and white sign nearby?

Stage 2: Plaque on a bench. Fill in the blanks. In loving memory of Jack L. _______ who enjoyed _______ _______ ______. From his adoring family

Stage 3: Sculpture, plaque on the ground. Quote the last 3 lines. Handi-cachers who can navigate a short, paved hill are invited to visit stage 5 for the required photo, the trailhead for that half of the trail is near stage 1/the second parking coordinate. Otherwise, handi-cachers can fulfill the photo requirement at, or on, the big, white gazebo right here, it has a ramp.

Stage 4: 1st landscape on the left. Fill in the blanks. Bench inside is dedicated to ________ and __________. Handi-cachers: minor lip from pavement to fine gravel, if you can't see or get to the bench plaque, what is the metal feature in the center of the next landscape design to the right?

Stage 5: Take your picture here with the natural brown, wooden gazebo and the pond or fountain. Optional extra credit question: A large, flat rock with a plaque on it is outside the gazebo here. What are the last 2 words?

Remember: Send your answers to me privately!

Park includes: Outdoor classroom, a museum, and a national historic site (tours or English tea parties by reservation). Check out the kid friendly garden to the right of the 3 condo landscape examples by stage 4. The park has a wooded stream valley with ponds, a naturalistic native plant garden, more than 20 thematic demonstration gardens, a greenhouse, a plant shop, two gift shops, a historic house, and a horticultural reference library. The gardens and educational programs focus on practical landscaping techniques that are appropriate for the Washington metro area. The park also hosts some special events, like art shows and weddings.

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.

I spent a long time trying to select a location for my virtual reward. I considered and discarded many ideas. I have lived near this park for years and I never went inside. I finally visited in the middle of spring this year after work. There were not many people there, and due to the time of year, the grounds looked as bare as anywhere does before spring really gets in the swing of things. I felt a great sense of peace while I was here that day and I hope to share part of this experience with others.