Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
Most of the content here is written in English. Translate your search to find more content? Translating "" to English... Searching for English phrase ""
  • Live
  • Play
  • Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Projects & Plans
  • Calendar
  • I want to…

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 January 12, 2026 at 8:53 AM

Parks

  • Overview
    • General Information
    • ParkLink
  • Planning & Projects
    • Capital Projects
    • Open Space
    • Park Planning
  • Park Operations
    • Park Operations
    • Natural Resources
    • Trees & Urban Forestry
  • Community Gardens
  • Dog Parks
  • Park Rentals & Permits

Share

Bluesky Share on Facebook Share on X Share via Email
Translate icon
Translate icon
XWARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

What's New in Natural Resources?

Web Updates

The Natural Resources webpages have been updated! We are excited to bring more information about the natural resources you can find in the City of Alexandria. Please explore below to see new content and pages for habitat, wildlife, and volunteering opportunities! 

Upcoming Events

Exciting things are on the way!

  • January brings a new video on spotted lanternfly egg removal.
  • Celebrate spring ephemerals around Valentine’s Day.
  • Join us in March for a guided nature walk.
  • April marks Earth Month, and features meet and greets, education, and community conversation.

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.

Image of natural resources graphic in hues of green and blue
Icon of natural resources wildlife

Wildlife

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

Icon of natural resources vegetation

Vegetation

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

Icon of natural resources land

Land

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

Icon of natural resources water

Water

Freshwater and groundwater reserves support ecosystems and communities.

Icon of natural resources air

Air

Clean air supports community health and helps regulate climate.

Icon of natural resources energy

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

Two hands holding the NRMP manual with the title Natural Resource MAnagement Plan City of Alexandria, Virginia

Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP)

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

Three individuals planting a plant in the ground, only their knees and hands are showing

Volunteering

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

RPCA RO S Jordan St Holmes Run 10

Habitats of Alexandria

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

Hands cupped together with a soil on them showing the camera

Geology and Soils

Learn about the ground beneath your feet.

Image of part of Ben Brenman Park with water and vegetation around it

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:  

  • Eco-City Alexandria
  • Urban Forestry Management
  • Beautification Commission
  • Park Planning & Capital Projects

Connect With Us

Icons of Instagram, Facebook, and X in white laid on top of shades of green background

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Follow Us on Instagram
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on X
Icon of a newspaper folded up with the word NEWS on the top and a mouse icon on the bottom right of the newspaper

Keep Up With Parks News

Stay informed about Parks initiatives, special events, community meetings, and more.

White icon of an envelope with a telephone on the lower left corner overlapping it on a background of solid green with paintbrush-style marks on the top left and bottom right corners in lighter green

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.

Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • BlueSky
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Jobs
  • Payments
  • Departments
  • Newsroom
  • Social Media
  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Accessibility
  • FOIA Requests
  • Privacy & Legal

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2023 City of Alexandria, VA and others.
Hold on, redirecting...