Natural Resources

The City of Alexandria and its Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) have a strong commitment to the stewardship and sustainability of Alexandria’s natural resources. RPCA is the lead land management agency in Alexandria and oversees and manages nearly 600 acres of City natural area parks and easements.
Page updated on August 24, 2026 at 3:53 PM
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What's New in Natural Resources?

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Join the ALX Herbarium Hunt

Put your plant detective skills to the test all September long! The ALX Herbarium Hunt begins September 1. Solve plant mysteries for a chance to win weekly prizes!

Click to learn more

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Tell Us What You Think About the Seed Libraries

The first season of Alexandria’s Native and Heirloom Seed Library Network is wrapped! Did you visit a seed library? Take our short survey and tell us what you liked, what could be better and whether you’d like to see the program return next spring.

Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs Joint Webbox

Spotted Lanternflies Are Back!

Spotted lanternflies are currently in their nymph stage and will emerge as flies later this summer. Alexandria is focused on education and invasive Tree-of-Heaven removal. Residents can help by identifying and squashing nymphs and removing Tree-of-Heaven on their property. Click here to learn more.

ALX Herbarium Hunt: Solve the Mystery!

Put your plant detective skills to the test all September long!

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Follow the Clues

  1. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for mystery plant clues.
  2. Use the AVCH number on social media to identify the plant.
  3. Check iNaturalist to find where it grows in Alexandria.
  4. Visit a City park and snap a photo of the “Mystery Plant.”
  5. Tag us and share your guess using #RPCAHerbariumHunt.
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Win Prizes!

Win different prizes throughout the ALX Herbarium Hunt! Correct answers each week are entered into a Prize of the Week raffle.

Every participant is also eligible for the Grand Prize: a Student Plant Press Kit to start your own collection of pressed plants and flowers!

Natural Resources in Alexandria

What are natural resources?

Natural resources encompass all things that make up the natural landscape, which includes land, plants, wildlife, biota, air, water, groundwater, drinking water supplies, and other such resources. Alexandria harbors a rich diversity of habitats and wildlife within its 15.5 sq miles.

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Icon of natural resources wildlife

Wildlife

Aquatic and terrestrial species can pollinate flowers, clean water, and bring joy to see.

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Vegetation

Plants such as grasses, trees, and vines make up our forests, meadows, and wetlands.

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Land

The soil, rocks, and landscape make up our parks, hiking trails, and scenic views.

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Water

Freshwater and groundwater reserves support ecosystems and communities.

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Air

Clean air supports community health and helps regulate climate.

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Energy

Sunlight provides energy through solar panels.

Protecting and Preserving Our Natural Spaces

Learn how climate change is impacting Alexandria’s parks and natural areas, including heat, flooding, wildlife, and plant health. This overview explains the challenges facing local ecosystems and highlights how healthy natural spaces help the community adapt and stay resilient.

Natural Resources Fact Sheet & Climate Change

Learn how climate change is affecting Alexandria’s natural resources and what RPCA is doing to protect local habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems. This fact sheet highlights impacts, trends, and actions to support a more resilient environment.

Protecting Our Natural Landscape

The program works to preserve Alexandria’s native landscape and biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural resource management supports the protection, conservation, and restoration of these natural spaces.

Managing and Improving Natural Areas

Staff inventory natural resources across parks, open spaces, wetlands, and waterways, while offering environmental guidance and best management practices to care for natural areas.

Restoration, Stewardship, and Education

The Natural Resource team creates pilot programs, leads nonnative invasive plant control efforts, and provides ecological programs that inspire community education and stewardship.

Your Guide to Natural Resources in Alexandria

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Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP)

Read the 2019 Natural Resource Management Plan, and learn more about new studies.

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Volunteering

The City of Alexandria is home to many passionate and civically engaged citizens. Discover the available natural resource volunteering here.

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Habitats of Alexandria

See what kinds of natural habitats are located within Alexandria and the habitat programs supported by the Natural Resources Division.

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Geology and Soils

Learn about the ground beneath your feet.

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Vegetation

Learn about the plant communities found within the City of Alexandria.

RPCA RO Cameron Run Regional Park 1

Wildlife

Learn about the wildlife found within the City of Alexandria.

Online Resources

Environmental Projects

Learn more about what environmental projects the City has going on.  

Interested in Sustainability?

The City of Alexandria Library system as a sustainability video series on YouTube. Watch it here.

Learn More

In addition to Natural Resources, you may find exciting environmentally focused information at:  

Helpful Links

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Contact Us

For questions, contact:
Katrina Napora
Natural Resources Manager
katrina.napora@alexandriava.gov

Raychel Frye
Natural Resources Manager
raychel.frye@alexandriava.gov

Oscar Mendoza
Division Chief
oscar.mendoza@alexandriava.gov

View manager bios or visit the leadership page for program oversight details.

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Back to Parks Homepage

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Back to RPCA Homepage