FACILITY AMENITIES

Free Admission, Meeting Rooms, Exhibit Space & Free WiFi

Program Guide Nature Trail Map

FACILITY HISTORY

Jerome “Buddie” Ford worked for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for 47 years. Visit Alexandria's very own Nature Center, where visitors can see live animals up close, and learn about the cultural and natural history of the neighboring Dora Kelley Nature Park. We offer year-round programs and interactive exhibits for children and adults of all ages. Come explore and enjoy Alexandria’s wild side with us! 

Contact Information

Coline Hay, Recreation Manager II / Naturalist

Paige Edwards, Environmental Educator

Patrice Gribble-Fetter, Environmental Educator

Bring the wonders of the Nature Center into your classroom! Let us help you cover your science standards with an engaging, interactive program built to meet Virginia's Standards of Learning. Some of our most popular program offerings include: adaptations, habitats & ecosystems, geology, oceans, and more.

Looking for additional information and educational resources? Check out our Educational Resources page devoted to school programs and educational resources for teachers, educators, and families.

Interested in a Nature Program at your school? Email Arianna Kelly at arianna.kelly@alexandriava.gov.

Fees

• City of Alexandria residents: $275 ($300 non-residents)

• Optional: craft add-on $3/child

Themes

• Creepy Crawlies 
• African Adventure
• Alexandria Natives
• Animals from Around the World

Bring your troop to earn a badge, patch, bead, challenge, or "try-it" at the nature center. We will provide the learning activities, program materials, and set a time to suit your troop's schedule (you provide the badge, patch, etc). 

Are you working on an individual badge or award? Contact us to create a project tailored to your requirements.

$50 per troop for up to 15 children ($5 for each additional child).

Contact Paige Edwards at paige.edwards@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5559

Just outside the Nature Center lies Dora Kelley Nature Park, a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary with a one-mile long nature trail that meanders along streams, wooded hills, and freshwater marshland. A paved bike trail connecting Sanger Ave. and Van Dorn St. winds through the park which is ADA accessible. 

Seasonal tours of the park are offered periodically. Stay tuned for upcoming dates. These tours are free of charge. 

Stop by the Nature Center for more information or a map.

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above. Positions include visitor experience volunteer and garden volunteer. Volunteer opportunities for groups can be arranged by contacting Paige Edwards.

Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Volunteer for a complete list of available volunteer opportunities, position descriptions, and to apply.