Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
FACILITY HOURS & ADDRESS
ADDRESS
5750 Sanger Ave. | 703.746.5559
Center Director: Coline Hay
HOURS
Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission is FREE for all visitors.
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
Erin Dempsey, Environmental Educator
Paige Edwards, Environmental Educator
Patrice Gribble-Fetter, Environmental Educator
Nature Center News
Monarch Butterflies
Saturday, September 21
- All Ages: Monarch Butterflies @ 11 a.m.-12 p.m. ($5)
- Green Teens: Monarch Butterfly Field Trip @ 3-4:30p.m. (Free)
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
Click the links above to register.
Nature 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.
2024 Programs
Program | Date | Age | Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Green Teen Club | 3rd Wednesdays |
11-18 |
Free (fees may be |
Little Adventures | Fri, 9/13 | 3-5 w/ adult | $12 |
Monarch Butterflies | Sat, 9/21 | All Ages | $5 |
Nature Play | Sat, 9/28 | 2-4 w/ adult | $5 |
Art & Nature Camp | Thu, 10/3 | 5-10 | $75 |
Native Virginia Camp | Fri, 10/4 | 5-10 | $75 |
Invasive Plant Hike | Sat, 10/5 | All Ages | $5 |
Little Adventures | Fri, 10/11 | 3-5 w/ adult | $12 |
Spooky Spiders | Fri, 10/11 | All Ages | $5 |
Nature Play | Sat, 11/2 | 2-4 w/ adult | $5 |
Junior Scientist Camp | Mon, 11/4 | 5-10 | $75 |
Little Adventures | Fri, 11/15 | 3-5 w/ adult | $12 |
Decorate a Tree for Birds | Sat, 11/23 | 5-11 | $5 |
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!
School Programs – Virtual & In-person
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 Erin Dempsey at erin.dempsey@alexandriava.gov.
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.
Interested in a Nature Party? Email Erin Dempsey at erin.dempsey@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
Give your scouts an experience they'll never forget with the Nature Center!
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.
Join our team and let your love for nature shine!
Check Out Our Facility & Animals
Follow Us on Social Media
Receive Our Program Guide By Mail
Stay in the know! Receive RPCA’s Seasonal Program Guide and view offerings before registration opens.