Help Get another Wonder Wagon Rolling!
Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) first Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center is a special vehicle bringing environmental and nature programs to underserved and underrepresented communities. Neighbors attending community outreach events, summer camps, SACC programs at Title 1 schools in Fairfax County and other popular gatherings will have fun with hands-on learning about our local environment. WONDER stands for ‘Wild Outdoor Nature Discovery Everywhere Revealed’!
The Wonder Wagon is rolling along to reach more than 3,500 individuals and to make over 150 site visits per year. It has visited camps, senior centers, community centers, festivals, Rec-PAC sites (merged with NCS Camp Fairfax); schools, parks and other events! Environmental education is offered to supplement the Virginia science Standards of Learning content; to promote county-wide messaging and initiatives; and to lead positive civic outcomes.
The FCPA aims to ensure that underserved areas of the county have access to environmental education and to raise the profile of nature exploration as an activity with all residents to promote resilient communities and landscapes. By providing memorable experiences with nature in their own communities, residents will gain a greater understanding of the natural and cultural resources around them and seek to preserve them. Bringing environmental education to the public will increase their connectedness to nature where they live.
Its popularity is proof that a second version of the Wonder Wagon is needed to adequately serve more Fairfax County residents and reach children and families in low-income communities. Naturalists and staff recognize the value of incorporating a recreational component to the educational experience. Children’s outdoor recreation is not just all fun and games, it’s a critical part of child development as they play, explore and discover new things.
The reviews are in! The Wonder Wagon is a hit - A truly WONDERful educational experience!
Everyone is thrilled about the Wonder Wagon!
Parents have said – “What I love about the Wonder Wagon is that it brings nature to you and it’s very convenient and it’s got a lot of cool little things that you can look at and learn from” and “I think it’s great! It helps our children experience the wonder of nature.” One excited child said - “It’s really cool. I liked the bugs!!!”
Educators appreciate its informative component - “Even with the scorching heat, so many people came out to participate. This wonderful educational and fun program with its hands-on, interactive activities and opportunities for environmental exploration was able to captivate both the kids and adults. They were delighted to learn about the fascinating insects and birds that live in and around them and shared with us that they would love to enjoy more Wonder Wagon programs. I hope they will expand this program,” said Salima Hassoni, FCPL Youth Services Manager, George Mason Regional Library.
The demand for Wonder Wagon programming is great, so a second vehicle is needed to serve and inspire more in a county as large as Fairfax. The Fairfax County Park Foundation is accepting donations to support another Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center!
Funds will be used for a second vehicle and for Equity Outreach initiatives featuring the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center. Your gift can help provide exploration equipment including touchable nature artifacts, bug jars, bug nets, magnifying lenses and bins to carry supplies. These funds may also support needs of the naturalist staff who will lead and schedule Mobile Nature Center visits. They will connect to the rich, natural and cultural resources in our area, and understand their stewardship role. The FCPA offers a variety of programs and projects that cover a number of topics, including natural sciences, threats to native habitats, local wildlife and best practices for making environmentally friendly choices wherever they are.
We are grateful to you, our valued and loyal supporter, for helping make the Wonder Wagon a reality. The educational value it is bringing to our students is evident. By learning first-hand about nature and the world they live in, children are understanding the importance of stewardship and taking care of our precious parks.
Make another Mobile Nature Center a reality!
Every gift helps and contributions in any amount are welcome and appreciated!
- Those giving $1,000 or more will be featured on signage at 2nd Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center opening event.
- Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be invited to the 2nd Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center Opening Celebration event.
- Donations of $250 or more are listed below.
Donate ONLINE by credit, debit or PayPal OR print this to MAIL a donation.
Please join these like-minded sponsors by making your tax-deductible gift to support equity outreach and FCPA’s environmental education!
Mobile Nature Center Outreach Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
Vehicle Sponsor & Outreach Ambassador $100,000+ or In-Kind Vehicle Gift
- All Benefits listed below PLUS
- Exclusive Logo or Name as Sponsor on vehicle back door (for the life of the Wonder Wagon)
- Photo Op in Mobile Nature Center Driver’s Seat
- Vehicle/Ambassador Level Sponsor feature in FCPA Information Release (300+ media outlets)
Outreach Benefactor $20,000 - $99,999
- All Benefits listed below PLUS
- Benefactor Level Sponsor listing in FCPA Information Release (300+ media outlets)
- Feature Donor Profile in FCPA’s Parktakes Magazine (200,000+ circulation)
Outreach Patron $10,000 - $19,999
- All Benefits listed below PLUS
- Listing in Park Foundation Annual Report (30,000+ circulation)
- Recognition on Park Foundation website as a member of the Leadership Society
- Company specific message and logo with web Link in Park Foundation Newsletter (35,000+ subscribers)
- Logo on sign to be displayed at Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center Opening Celebration event
Outreach Supporter $1,000 - $9,999
- All Benefits listed below PLUS
- Name on sign to be displayed at Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center Opening Celebration event
- Company recognition on FCPF Facebook page (1,500+ followers)
- Company logo with web Link on Park Foundation website (79,400+ visits/year)
- Company logo with web Link in Park Foundation Newsletter (35,000+ subscribers)
- Company logo in FCPA’s Parktakes Magazine (200,000+ circulation)
- Invitation to Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center Opening Celebration event
Outreach $250 - $999
- Recognition on Park Foundation website (79,400+ visits/year)
- Charitable contribution (tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law)
Vehicle Sponsors & Outreach Ambassadors
Contributing $100,000 or more
Outreach Benefactors
Contributing $20,000 - $99,999
Outreach Patron
Contributing $10,000 - $19,999
Gail Ruf
Outreach Supporters
Contributing $1,000 - $9,999
Heidi Allen
Linda and Clarence Carr in honor of South Run Lifesaving Staff
Mario Ceste, Jr.
Julius and Tiffani R. Chen
Laura Eakin Erlacher
Rich and Sue Harpe , in loving memory of Dorothy Klokis
Cynthia Miller & M. Korn
Elise, Thomas and Bobbi Longworth
Barbara Perry
Susan Lynde Duval Phipps Foundation, Inc.
Outreach Donors
Contributing $250 - $999
Hillary E. Anderson
Rebecca Bartholomae
Barbara Biddle
Wesley Callender
Minja Doh
Friends of Dyke Marsh in honor of Nelson DeBarros
Carolyn Gamble in memory of Norma and Fred Hoffman
Susan Sandner Gibson and Timothy James Gibson
Healthy Strides 5K/10K Participants
Hampton and Oksan Hite
William and Young Hwang in honor of Sharon Bulova
David Klubes
Mr. and Mrs. T. Michael Louden
Shirley Lytle
Mary Petersen
David Singer
Jennifer Victor
Virginia Native Plant Society in honor of Nelson DeBarros
Dan and Liz Webber
Thanks to our partners for supporting this important outreach initiative!