One in a series of short videos providing information about Livability and other noteworthy items for the West End of Alexandria.
The Winkler Botanical Preserve is a little known 45 acre natural Oasis in the West End of Alexandria. Located next to the Mark Center, the Preserve has walking trails with change of elevation, a lake, waterfalls, streams, and a lodge used for educational programs. The Preserve protects native plants from the Potomac region.
I walked most of the trails in about 40 minutes, with stops to take photos and look at wildlife and the lake.
The Preserve is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily. There are 9 parking spaces, plus 1 handicapped space.
Parking options on the road leading to the Preserve appears to be limited due to residential parking.
NoVA Parks took over the Preserve starting October 1, 2022, thanks to the Winkler family transferring ownership after 43 years of operation. The Winkler family is donating $4M to NOVA Parks for operation, capital improvements, and educational programs. The City of Alexandria will receive an additional $1M to raise Community awareness and for education. The City intends to bring back educational programs for schools and Summer camps for children.
More information is available from NoVA Parks at novaparks.com/parks/winkler-botanical-preserve. Northern Virginia magazine has a good article on the Preserve (click the link).