About
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center Programs include activities such as a short story in the library, Animal Brunch, and an Animal Meet & Greet. Children and families take part in wildlife and environmental education, family activities, and hands on fun, including meeting live animals and exploring interactive exhibits. Programs also include learning about the natural and cultural history of nearby Dora Kelley Nature Park and exploring topics like habitats, ecosystems, geology, and oceans.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Nature Center open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with weekly programs at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• Price: $50 per scout troop up to 15 kids for scout programs; $5 per extra kid.
Scout programs at the Nature Center include options to earn a badge, patch, or challenge for scout troops, as well as custom projects for individual scout badges or awards. School programs are aligned with Virginia's Standards of Learning. Visitors can explore trails at Dora Kelley Nature Park with a Nature Trail Map and join seasonal tours at the park.
Volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center are available for ages 16 and up, including Visitor Experience and Teen Outreach roles, and group volunteer opportunities are available by request. The Center Director is Coline Hay, and Environmental Educator Paige Edwards is part of the staff. Jerome “Buddie” Ford worked for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for 47 years.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Nature Center open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with weekly programs at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• Price: $50 per scout troop up to 15 kids for scout programs; $5 per extra kid.
Scout programs at the Nature Center include options to earn a badge, patch, or challenge for scout troops, as well as custom projects for individual scout badges or awards. School programs are aligned with Virginia's Standards of Learning. Visitors can explore trails at Dora Kelley Nature Park with a Nature Trail Map and join seasonal tours at the park.
Volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center are available for ages 16 and up, including Visitor Experience and Teen Outreach roles, and group volunteer opportunities are available by request. The Center Director is Coline Hay, and Environmental Educator Paige Edwards is part of the staff. Jerome “Buddie” Ford worked for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for 47 years.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
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