Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
Most of the content here is written in English. Translate your search to find more content? Translating "" to English... Searching for English phrase ""
  • Live
  • Play
  • Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Projects & Plans
  • Calendar
  • I want to…

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

Discover the City's hidden nature gem, where curiosity takes flight, and learning and fun collide!
Page updated on April 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM

Recreation Centers

  • Locations
  • Fitness Passes
  • Recreation Programs
  • Registration Information

Share

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
Translate icon
Translate icon
XWARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

Picture of Outside of Nature Center

FACILITY HOURS & ADDRESS

ADDRESS

5750 Sanger Ave. | 703.746.5559

Directions 

Center Director: Coline Hay

HOURS

Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is FREE for all visitors.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

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

Nature Center Programs

To learn more about and register for Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center's classes and activities online, use WebTrac and click the Environmental Education tab. For additional information, contact us at 703.746.5559.

RPCA Green Teen Club Webbox 2

Green Teen Club

3rd Wednesdays of each month @ 6-7 p.m.
2/19, 3/19, 4/16

Free (field trip fees may be required)
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

Click here for more information.

ALX Beyond Webbox

ALX Beyond

Discover more Alexandria programs offered across the City.

Weekdays at the Nature Center

Enhance your weekday visit to the Nature Center with one of our mini-interactives, happening on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Read more below!

Wednesdays

Join us for a short story in our library starting at 11 a.m. every Wednesday.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Thursdays

Watch our animal ambassadors snack on their favorite foods during Animal Brunch starting at 11 a.m. every Thursday.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Fridays

Get to know our animal residents at the Nature Center during our Animal Meet & Greet starting at 11 a.m. every Friday.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

School Programs

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.

Children at a stream with nets

Discover the wonders of nature with our immersive school programs!

Nature-Themed Birthday Parties

The Nature Center offers birthday parties for children ages 4-12. Each birthday party includes two-hour use of the party room, a Naturalist-led hike a visit from some of your favorite live animals, and an animal feeding. Families will be given an additional 30 minutes each for set-up and clean-up. Maximum 15 children.

Birthday Party at the Nature Center

Interested in a Nature Party? Email Dena Ahmed at dena.ahmed@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

Scouts Programs

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

Scouting at the Nature Center

Give your scouts an experience they'll never forget with the Nature Center!

Dora Kelley Nature Park

RPCA RO Dora Kelley Nature Park 1

Click here to learn more about Dora Kelley Nature Park!

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

 

Volunteer Group at the Nature Center

Join our team and let your love for nature shine!

Check Out Our Facility & Animals

RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 18
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 25
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 27
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 26
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 37
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 17
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 50
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 51
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 5
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 9
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 15
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 16
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 24
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 68
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 71
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 43
of
Grid View Close Modal
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 18
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 25
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 27
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 26
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 37
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 17
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 50
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 51
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 5
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 9
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 15
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 16
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 24
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 68
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 71
RPCA RO Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center 43
RPCA Social Icons

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Follow Us on Instagram

  • Like Us on Facebook

  • Follow Us on Twitter

Winter Break Camps 2022 Registration Webbox Image

Register for Classes

Are you interested in taking classes at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center? Register online now!

Program Guide Subscription Webbox 3 Image

Receive Our Program Guide By Mail

Stay in the know! Receive RPCA’s Seasonal Program Guide and view offerings before registration opens.

  • Subscribe to our guide
  • Update your address
  • Cancel your subscription
Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Social Media
  • Privacy & Legal
  • FOIA Requests
  • Departments
  • Jobs
  • Payments

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2023 City of Alexandria, VA and others.
Hold on, redirecting...