 Behind the Trees: The Lasting Legacy of Conservation and Recreation at Prince William Forest Park with Superintendent Tanya Gosset
Monday, October 26, 7pm
RSVP Required, click here to register
Prince William Forest Park is the largest natural greenspace in Northern Virginia and a favorite getaway for local hikers and campers. Nearly 400,000 visitors a year enjoy its trails and campgrounds, but often have no idea how ecologically vibrant and historically unique the park is. |
Rural Crescent at Risk! Preserve at Long Branch wants access to public sewer and triple the houses
On October 20, 2020, Supervisors were slated to vote on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning application seeking approval for access to public sewer to build 102 new homes in the Rural Crescent, more than triple the density currently allowed. At the request of the applicant, Supervisors voted to defer this proposal indefinitely. Read more...
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 This Land IS Your Land
Monday, Monday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. Click here to register (required)
In a follow up to our program in July with photographer and author Dudley Edmonston, we bring you This Land IS Your Land, a community conversation with prominent local nature enthusiasts of color. |
 Dragons and Damsels with Larry Meade, NoVA Bird Club
Thursday, September 24, 7pm.
Click here to register (required)
Dragonflies and damselflies are colorful denizens of our local ponds and meadows. These speedy hunters can have intriguing names such as Widow Skimmer, Halloween Pennant and Ebony Jewelwing. Read more... |
 Self-Guided Walk at Merrimac Farm
Identify plants blooming now at Merrimac Farm WMA! The plants along the trail from the Stone House to the North Parking Lot are flagged and identified by the number written on the flag, which matches the list you can download here. Learn more about the native plants that live in our community! |
 Independent Hill Small Area Plan (SAP) proposes to remove 170 acres from the Rural Crescent
Planning Commission vote scheduled for September 16 has now been deferred indefinitely.
The Independent Hill SAP is located on both sides of Route 234 in the vicinity of the Prince William County landfill. This area is mostly undeveloped, with environmental and cultural resources that offer an opportunity to create a sense of place in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. However, the staff proposal overlooks the value of existing resources and instead proposes a dense community at a location not served by transit. Keep reading...
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 Rural Area Incentives
Supervisors have implemented none of their recommendations aimed at supporting the value of our protected rural area, the Rural Crescent. Without incentives, we're looking at only one piece of the picture. Read more... |
 Quarantine at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge with Kelley Studholme
Green open space close to home has never been more important.
I love the Spring just before total leaf out, here in Prince William County. We are so fortunate to live in a place near the Occoquan River, Belmont Bay, Occoquan Bay and Potomac River; all of which are tidal, causing a constant ebb and flow of the water and wetland areas. Each day is new and different offering migrating birds and ducks and other water fowl, not to mention the many plants, reptiles, and animals.
Due to the quarantine, I have limited my time outdoors to only a few locations in the area to observe wildlife and get a little exercise. Lately, Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge (OBWR) has been my go to place to enjoy nature. My back yard also works but I don't get as much exercise there. Read more... |
Take a 3D tour of the Bluebells at Merrimac Farm WMA! |
 BOCS votes to initiate a Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would more than triple residential densities and allow access to public sewer in the Rural Crescent
After multiple failed attempts and with only one week notice, on Tuesday, December 3, 2pm meeting, Supervisors took an 11th hour vote to initiate a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Mid-County Parks & Estate Homes development plan proposed by Classic Concepts Homes. Click here to read more...
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 Places Worth Protecting: Silver Lake Park
Rare plant communities found at Silver Lake
In September 2009, two important, globally rare plant communities were discovered at Silver Lake: a basic oak-hickory forest (ranked G3) and an upland depression swamp (ranked G2). Read more...
The diversity of habitat at Silver Lake is an important contributing factor that explains the large variety of birds that can be found there. Once on a Christmas Bird Count, it was so cold that the quarry was one of the only unfrozen bodies of water in the entire count circle. The number and variety of ducks that sought refuge there that year was amazing, read more... |
 Volunteers Plant 158 Trees at Silver Lake Park
With 270 acres, Silver Lake Park is a wonderful place for families to explore the great outdoors. Nearly 100 volunteers joined us on November 2 to plant 13 large trees along the entrance drive and 135 small trees near the picnic area. Read more... |
 PWCA 2020 Youth Achievement Award Program
Recognizing outstanding efforts of high school and college-aged persons for projects that make a difference. Accepting nominations now! Read more... |
 Presentations and video from PWCA's Grow Smart Forum: A Community Conversation on Rural Area Incentives with Countywide Benefits |
 14th High School Proposed for Environmentally Sensitive, Limited Access Property on Prince William Parkway
Thursday, June 20, 7pm at the Development Services Building, Room 107. Learn more about the high school proposed for a property on the southern side of PW Parkway near the Hoadley Road intersection. Sponsored by PWCA and MidCounty Civic Association, School Board Member Willie Deustch and Occoquan Supervisor Ruth Anderson will be there to hear community comments and answer questions. Read more...
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 C2019 Annual NABA Butterfly Count, Manassas Circle
Help us count butterflies for the annual 4th of July Butterfly Count and learn more about butterfly populations close to home. Registration is required! This count is part of a national program led by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), click here to read more. |
 PWCA Honors Local Conservation Heros
Jim Waggener receives 2018 Wildlife Champion Award ... Nancy Vehrs receives 2018 Heart of Gold Award! Jim and Nancy's long-term support has helped conserve important natural areas. Their enthusiasm and knowledge has encouraged generations of naturalists of all ages. Read more...
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 PWCA Named ‘One of the Best’ Nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy
PWCA is delighted to be recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. Since 2002, our work has opened doors to community action, from reclaiming native habitats to support for smart growth initiatives. “People want to know where to give and they need trusted information, says Bob Wittig, Executive Director of the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
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PWCA works to establish desirable, equitable, sustainable communities, promote environmental stewardship, and create opportunities for residents to engage in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.
2020 Data for Bluebird Trails at Merrimac Farm WMA and Chinn Parkland is online here!
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Check PWCA's YouTube Channel here!
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Settlement
The “Settlement” in Gainesville is a historic community where freed slaves “settled” after Emancipation and where their descendants continue to live today
Is This Land Your Land?
Discussions around why African Americans and other People of Color might not think so, with Dudley Edmondson
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and Beyond
Urban Planning in the Time of Coronea with Tom Eitler, Urban Land Institute
Planning for the Future: The PWC Comprehensive Plan with Bill Milne, Planning Commission Chair
Re-thinking the Suburban Stormwater Paradigm, Part 1 and Part 2, with Jake Hosen, Purdue University
Beauty and the Bees with Judy Gallagher, insect enthusiast |
 Northern Virginia Nature Guide
Find out who's living in your backyard
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 Kristi Olson talks about living along the Occoquan Reservoir Shoreline and the value of green open space. |
 Virginia Scenic Byways for PWC: A Little Something to Brag About
Nearly 40 miles of roads in Prince William are now included in Virginia's network of Scenic Byways status. Why should you care? More...
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2020 Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm WMA
 Cancelled, hope to return in 2021!
Read more about last year's festival here and view photos on Facebook here. |
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 Bluebird Trails at Merrimac Farm & Chinn Park |
 Merrimac Farm Trail Map
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The Occoquan Watershed and Your Drinking Water Supply