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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 28, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

27th Annual Eagle Festival to be held at Mason Neck State Park
Learn about eagles and see birds and other wildlife up close

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Owl demonstration at Mason Neck Eagle Festival)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Phot op with an eagle at Eagle Festival at Mason Neck State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Carline Seitz star of Kids Nature Shows performing at Eagle Festival)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Eagle in flight at Mason Neck State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Falcon demonstration at Eagle Festival at Mason Neck State Park)

LORTON, Va. – Mason Neck State Park will host the 27th Annual Eagle Festival on May 10 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This festival highlights the importance of eagles and their habitats as well as the natural history of Northern Virginia and combines fun with educational activities that encourage guests to gain a new appreciation for the environment. Park staff will be joined by various exhibitors on the visitor center lawn for a full day of animal shows, live music, hands-on activities and outdoor recreation clinics.

“New this year, there will be more activities for the whole family to enjoy,” said Mason Neck State Park Assistant Manager Jamie Leeuwrik. “Our activities also double as enlightening lessons in conservation and our festival aims to show people how easily they can get involved and make a positive impact on the environment in which they live.”

Parking for the event is offsite at George Mason’s Gunston Hall located at 10709 Gunston Rd, Mason Neck, Va. Shuttles will provide free transportation to and from the festival at Mason Neck State Park and will be running about every 15-20 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The event will include an assortment of food vendors, a variety of musical performances as well as a puppet show lead by Caroline Seitz, star of Kids Nature Shows.

“We love seeing all the kids’ and adults’ faces light up when they see an eagle, hawk, falcon or an owl up close,” said Leeuwrik. “We are grateful to have such wonderful staff and experts onsite that make learning fun. People of all ages love the mix of live animals along with the puppet show because they are fun ways to learn more about the eagles and other majestic creatures that call the park home.”

Almost 60 years ago, Elizabeth Hartwell led a successful grassroots effort to preserve more than 5,000 acres of wetland habitats on the Mason Neck Peninsula in Fairfax County. She succeeded by showing Congress how important it is to protect America’s natural resources. Today her legacy lives on – especially through the annual Eagle Festival at Mason Neck State Park.

This event celebrates the decades of conservation work that has taken place on the Mason Neck Peninsula. Had it not been for the work done by individuals like Elizabeth Hartwell, nicknamed “The Eagle Lady” and for whom the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is named after, the area would look drastically different than it does today.

For more event details visit Mason Neck State Park’s event page.

Virginia State Parks would like to thank the Friends of Mason Neck State Park for their continued support of the park and this event, and thanks to all of the Peninsula partners and sponsors that make this event possible.

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