Commending Huntley Meadows Park.

Commending Huntley Meadows Park.
Agreed to by the Senate, January 15, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 19, 2026
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park, a public park in the Hybla Valley of Fairfax County known for its incredible biodiversity and natural beauty, has served members of the community and visitors to the area for 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park is sited on land that was originally purchased by George Mason in 1757; two of his grandsons ultimately built homes on the property, including Huntley Hall, which is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, while several parcels were sold for family farms, the Mason family retained ownership of parts of the land until the early 1900s; the land nearly became the site of a transatlantic airport in the 1920s, but was ultimately purchased by the federal government in 1941; and
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park was officially established in 1975, when President Gerald Ford authorized the donation of 1,261 acres to the residents of Fairfax County for use as a public park; and
WHEREAS, shortly after the creation of Huntley Meadows Park, beavers returned to the area and began to reshape water flow, resulting in the park's distinctive wetlands ecosystem; more than 300 species of wildflowers, 200 species of birds, and dozens of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and other fauna have been identified within the park over the course of its history; and
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park is now the largest park administered by the Fairfax County Park Authority, with more than 1,452 acres of land and more than 3.8 miles of protected trails, including boardwalk trails, and observation stations for bird and wildlife watching; and
WHEREAS, more than 200,000 people visit Huntley Meadows Park every year, particularly professional and amateur nature photographers, many of whom have won national awards for the stunning scenes captured within the park; and
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park is supported by the nonprofit organization Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, which oversees park resources and raises funding for programs, internships, and equipment; and
WHEREAS, Huntley Meadows Park will commemorate its milestone 50th anniversary with special events, volunteer programs, exhibits, and presentations on the park's unique history and legacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Huntley Meadows Park on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Huntley Meadows Park as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the park's contributions to preserving the Commonwealth's natural and historic resources while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.