Bellevue Forest in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
History of the Nature Center
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
| | 50th Anniversary | |
Potomac Overlook Regional Park was founded by NOVA Parks in 1971 with a 3-fold mission statement in mind: (1) preserve the land; (2) educate the public on natural and cultural history and (3) provide a natural setting for recreation and exercise. The nature center opened in 1974 and has since been filled with native animals and other environmental education exhibits, keeping the mission statement a priority.
Built in 1912 as a summer home, multiple generations lived in this house before it became the Potomac Overlook Regional Park Nature Center. The 98 acres of land it sits on (to include the 67 acres of the park) were bought by Robert Donaldson in 1842, and turned into a farm called "Fair View". The farm was passed down to Robert's sons and continued until the early 1900's when the land became home to an apple orchard farmer, as well as other residential families. Various artifacts from previous residents, including Native Americans, are on display in the nature center.
In 2010, the nature center was named after James Mayer, one of Arlington's leading civic leaders and longtime board member of NOVA Parks with a special interest in environmental issues. He served as Chairman of the Board until he passed in 2009.
The James I. Mayer Center for Environmental Education is home to a wide variety of interactive
this page online
Erected 2021 by NOVA Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1971.
Location. 38° 54.854′ N, 77° 6.483′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Bellevue Forest. It is on Marcey Road 0.2 miles north of Overlook Trail, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington VA 22207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Indian Spring (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Native American Home Site (about 600 feet away); Old Barns at Potomac Overlook (about 700 feet away); The Farm Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); This is Potomac Overlook! (approx. 0.2 miles away); Glenmore (approx. 0.4 miles away); Navigation of the Potomac
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 14, 2022
2. The James I. Mayer Center for Environmental Education
Other markers no longer nearby. Abner Cloud Mill (was approx. half a mile away in District of Columbia but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Abner Cloud House (was approx. half a mile away in District of Columbia but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
