About
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center Programs include year-round programs and interactive exhibits for children and adults of all ages. Participants can see live animals up close, watch animal ambassadors snack on their favorite foods during Animal Brunch, and join an Animal Meet & Greet with animal residents at the Nature Center. Programs also feature a short story in the library, naturalist-led hikes, seasonal tours of Dora Kelley Nature Park, and visits from live animals with animal feeding and learning activities for scout troops.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Facility open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with weekday mini-interactives at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays (short story in the library), Thursdays (Animal Brunch), and Fridays (Animal Meet & Greet); Nature-Themed Birthday Parties include two hours in the party room plus 30 minutes each for set-up and clean-up
• Price: Nature-Themed Birthday Parties cost $275 for City of Alexandria residents and $300 for non-residents with an optional $3 per child craft add-on; scout programs cost $50 per troop for up to 15 children plus $5 for each additional child; admission to the Nature Center and seasonal tours of Dora Kelley Nature Park are free
Nature-Themed Birthday Parties are offered for children ages 4–12 with themes such as Creepy Crawlies, African Adventure, Alexandria Natives, and Animals from Around the World, and each party has a maximum of 15 children. The program offers scout programs tailored to badges, patches, beads, challenges, or “try-its,” with customizable projects for individual badges or awards. An International Day of Girls in Science event on February 7, 2026, is planned for girls ages 7–14 to conduct fun science experiments with colors, flowers, and balloons and learn about different career possibilities as scientists. World Water Day family activities on March 21 focus on the water cycle and the Chesapeake Bay watershed with hands-on activities for the whole family.
Volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above, including visitor experience volunteer and garden volunteer roles, and volunteer opportunities for groups can be arranged. The Center Director is Coline Hay, Recreation Manager II / Naturalist, and the leadership team includes Environmental Educators Addie Klimek, Paige Edwards, and Patrice Gribble-Fetter. Jerome “Buddie” Ford worked for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for 47 years.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Facility open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with weekday mini-interactives at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays (short story in the library), Thursdays (Animal Brunch), and Fridays (Animal Meet & Greet); Nature-Themed Birthday Parties include two hours in the party room plus 30 minutes each for set-up and clean-up
• Price: Nature-Themed Birthday Parties cost $275 for City of Alexandria residents and $300 for non-residents with an optional $3 per child craft add-on; scout programs cost $50 per troop for up to 15 children plus $5 for each additional child; admission to the Nature Center and seasonal tours of Dora Kelley Nature Park are free
Nature-Themed Birthday Parties are offered for children ages 4–12 with themes such as Creepy Crawlies, African Adventure, Alexandria Natives, and Animals from Around the World, and each party has a maximum of 15 children. The program offers scout programs tailored to badges, patches, beads, challenges, or “try-its,” with customizable projects for individual badges or awards. An International Day of Girls in Science event on February 7, 2026, is planned for girls ages 7–14 to conduct fun science experiments with colors, flowers, and balloons and learn about different career possibilities as scientists. World Water Day family activities on March 21 focus on the water cycle and the Chesapeake Bay watershed with hands-on activities for the whole family.
Volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above, including visitor experience volunteer and garden volunteer roles, and volunteer opportunities for groups can be arranged. The Center Director is Coline Hay, Recreation Manager II / Naturalist, and the leadership team includes Environmental Educators Addie Klimek, Paige Edwards, and Patrice Gribble-Fetter. Jerome “Buddie” Ford worked for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for 47 years.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
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