Eagle Festival and other Mason Neck State Park Events Canceled

Mason Neck State Park Events Canceled Due to Covid-19  Photo by Randy Streufert                      Mason Neck State Park has announced that the Eagle Festival, originally scheduled for May 9, 2020, has been canceled due to the risk associated with the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19.  The Park has also announced that all Park programs through April 30 have been canceled, as is any event of 10 or more people. This includes the Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup that was originally scheduled for April 25.   The Park Visitor Center, all restrooms and the Park playground are closed until at least April 30. The Park itself, including the kayak/boat launch, is still open and parking fees still apply.  Please remember to follow Federal guidelines and Governor Northam's orders if you visit the Park.  In particular, keep these rules in mind: If you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms that could be associated with Covid-19, please stay home.   Groups and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. This restriction will be enforced by park staff. Guests should keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others at all times.    While on trails, alert others of your presence and step aside to let others pass at a safe distance. Bring your own soap and hand sanitizer to the Park.  For up-to-date information on Park operations during the pandemic please check the Park's Covid-19 page. ________________________ Friends Board Members Meet with New Director of Virginia State Parks Four members of the Friends Board of Directors met on March 2 with Melissa Baker, the newly-appointed Director of Virginia State Parks. Ms. Baker is the former director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.  The Board members discussed the Friends' efforts to obtain more funding for Mason Neck State Park, emphasizing the Park's proximity to Washington DC's large international community and how well it is positioned to become a showcase for Virginia State Parks. They talked about the important part the Park plays in the local community including special programs for the under-served. Ms. Baker noted that this was the first time a park's Friends group had met with her. All agreed that we had established a good working relationship that would benefit both Mason Neck State Park and Virginia State Parks as a whole.   ________________________   Efforts to Increase Funding for the Park Move to Governor Northam's Desk The Virginia General Assembly has sent its proposed budget to Governor Northam for review.  Thanks to the efforts of Northern Virginia legislators, including Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Kathy Tran, the budget includes funding for two additional staff for Mason Neck State Park.   and repair of the Park's aging well water system.  The Governor must act on the proposed budget by April 6.  The General Assembly will reconvene to address the Governor's modifications on April 22. Given the concerns about the economic downturn due to Covid-19, it is possible that the Governor or the General Assembly may delete items from the budget.  Read the Friends' May 2020 newsletter to learn whether the funding efforts have been successful.    ________________________ Friends' Board Member Randy Streufert Wins Grand Prize in Photo Contest    Randy Streufert's photo of a male Prothonotary Warbler won the Grand Prize in the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife photo contest.  Randy, who is the Friend's Treasurer, is an avid nature photographer whose work is often included in the Friends' newsletters and website.  Randy's photo, which was taken as the bird enjoyed a shower under a mister set up in Randy's yard on Mason Neck, was chosen out of more than 4800 photographs submitted from all over the world.      Randy is a two-time winner in the NWF's photo contest.  His photo of two Cope's Gray Treefrog tadpoles in his backyard pool won an Honorable Mention. Congratulations, Randy! You can view all of the photo winners, which include two other photographers from Northern Virginia, at the NWF's photo website. ________________________ Thank You for Supporting Mason Neck State Park! We truly appreciate your membership in the Friends of Mason Neck State Park!  Your membership dues help us to support the Park's activities, and also enable us to fund special events such as our Owl Moon evening each fall and the annual Swanfall Holiday Program at the Jammes House each December.   If you aren't a member, or your membership has lapsed, you can become a member at Join the Friends of Mason Neck State Park.