Sunday March 30th, 2025
10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Stone House, Merrimac Farm WMA (directions)
Family-friendly (no pets allowed), Free – timed entry ticket required, donations appreciated
Dress for muddy conditions!
Join us for a magical day celebrating Prince William County’s official flower—the Virginia Bluebell! During this special event, the floodplain comes alive with a breathtaking carpet of blue blooms, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Important Notice: Due to the event’s popularity and past traffic challenges, timed entry is now required to improve parking and reduce congestion. Please register in advance!
Important Event Details
🎟️Timed Entry Tickets Required
This event is free, but due to its popularity, registration is required for timed entry. Secure your spot here in advance! 🎟️1 ticket –> is good for 1 car 🚗
💵 Bring Cash for Vendors
Wifi and cell signal is limited so many vendors may not be able to accept cards. Be sure to bring cash for food, crafts, and other fun items.
🌱 Support Conservation
Donations are encouraged and directly support the Bluebell Festival and Prince William Conservation Alliance’s ongoing conservation efforts.
🚶♂️ Trail Information
- The Bluebell Trail is a 2-mile, one-way circuit (counterclockwise) during the festival to help manage foot traffic on the narrow paths. It’s been our experience that walking the trail counterclockwise (as shown below) optimizes the awe-factor of the bluebell blooms.
- If you prefer a self-guided visit on another day, you are welcome to purchase a Daily Access Permit and explore at your own pace.
💧 Be Prepared for Muddy Conditions
This event takes place in the floodplain, so wear appropriate footwear and be ready for muddy trails. Trails are not ADA accessible.
🚗 Limited Parking – Please Carpool!
Parking is limited, so we encourage carpooling whenever possible.
Tour Schedule
| Time | Tour | Presenter/Tour Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00AM | Opening Remarks | – Ashley Studholme, Executive Director of Prince William Conservation Alliance – Col. Jenny A. Colegate, Commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico – Tom Gordy, Supervisor of the Brentsville District |
| 10:20AM | Water, Wetlands and Wildlife: It’s All Going on in the Floodplain | Charles Smith, VNPS |
| 10:40AM | Natives and Invasive Plants Along the Bluebell Trail | Clara Buchen, WSSI |
| 11:00AM | Birds of the Woods | Kevin Parker, PWCA |
| 11:20AM | Watershed Walk | Kim Lowther, PWSWD |
| 11:40AM | Mycology1 Walk | Robin Firth, PWC Mosq & Pest Mgt. |
| 12:00PM | How to Find and Expand Your Local Plant Communities | Valerie Huelsman, VCE PW Master Gardeners |
| 12:20PM | Things that fly–Birds, butterflies, and dragonflies | Larry Meade, NoVA Bird Club |
| 12:40PM | Looking closely at what is under our feet | Cindy Smith, MowCow |
| 1:00PM | Floodplain Ecology | Charlie Grymes, PWCA |
| 1:20PM | Woodland, Wildflowers and Other Native Plants | Nancy Vehrs, VNPS/PWWS |
| 1:40PM | Explore the Wonders of Spring! | Claudia Thompson-Deahl , PWWS |
| 2:00PM | Insects that Need Native Plants | Judy Gallagher, NVBA |
| 2:20PM | Native Trees and Forest Ecology | Julie Flanagan, New Earth Photography |
About Merrimac Farm WMA
Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is owned by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Through a partnership with Prince William Conservation Alliance and Marine Corps Base Quantico together we manage the area for quality habitat for wildlife and create opportunities for residents to delight in nature. An access fee is required outside of this special event.
Thank you to our exhibitors!
- the study of fungi, which includes mushrooms, molds, and yeasts ↩︎