On Thursday, March 23, the Northern Virginia Science Center proudly hosted its inaugural community engagement event, Birds of a Feather, at Kincora in Ashburn. The event brought together numerous organizations focused on environmental education and introduced them to the project, the site, and the unique connection the science center will have to the natural landscape. More than 30 community organizations viewed the completed design for the science center and Habitat gallery presented by Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, Nene Spivy, and Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, Katie Jones. The Jameson at Kincora provided the breathtaking view of the on-site heron rookery from the complex’s rooftop terrace. Representatives from the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy were present, offering scopes to enhance the view of the herons as they nested.
Moreover, the science center launched an open-source community photo library of nature and wildlife photographs during the event. Community members are encouraged to submit their nature photographs for consideration for use in the Habitat gallery, one of five galleries being planned for the science center. Habitat will offer a wide range of interactive experiences that invite guests to discover how we are not apart from nature, but a part of nature.
The event offered the opportunity for potential community partners to learn more about the Northern Virginia Science Center and sparked ideas about how to collaborate to further environmental education efforts throughout the region.
