As the temperatures begin to cool and the autumn colors set in, here is the chance to get a little exercise while we take a series of ambles to discover some of the hidden natural and historic gems in the parks in the Arlington area. During this series of 90-minute excursions, three Arlington naturalists and a historian will guide would-be explorers as we check out various natural and historic sites in search of migrating animals and birds, changing leaves and just the enjoyment of the beauty of the fall season. Each site will offer its unique set of flora, fauna and scenery. The session leaders have chosen personal favorite parks to share. These outings will offer enough variety to excite even the most finicky explorer. Join us this fall to explore these local treasures – our parks and nature preserves.

All sessions will include 90 minutes of easy walking, unless otherwise noted. Most walks will be 1.5 miles or less. The Theodore Roosevelt Walk may be a bit more; the perimeter walk is longer but flat. The classes will go on, light rain or shine. However, classes will be canceled if rains are heavy or there are unsafe weather conditions. Wear study walking shoes; bring water.

Parking is free at all sites. Some parks are now charging a special fee for groups over 12 in number. If that is the case, Encore Learning will cover the expense. Unless noted, parks are not near public transportation stops.

Session 1: Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center/Dora Kelley Nature Park, Alexandria (Nayeli Arellano, 10/22)
Location: 5750 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA. This 50-acre park has 1 mile of nature trails that follow along Holmes Run, a relaxing way to explore a mostly shaded trail. Expect some sloping trails and steps but mostly paved nature trail. We will park/meet at the nature center. Both the nature center and restrooms are open until 4 p.m.

Note: The Alexandria Dash bus 35 runs between Van Dorn and Pentagon metro stations every 10 minutes. This route stops at Beauregard and Sanger, a 10-minute walk from the nature center.

Session 2: Belle Haven Park/Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria (Gabby Hrycyshyn, 10/29)
Location: Belle Haven Road, Alexandria, VA. We will meet at Belle Haven Park, near the public restroom building. Most know this area as the parking area for the Mount Vernon Trail. The start is located just a short walk from the trailhead to the Dyke Marsh Trail that explores a 485-acre tidal marsh along the Potomac River. The trail is a ¾ mile long (one-way) combination pea gravel and boardwalk trail. If the day is sunny, there will be much full exposure to the sun, so hats and water are recommended. Binoculars recommended, too. Restrooms available at Belle Haven.

Session 3: Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls (Rob Barnovsky, 11/5)
The trail is ½ mile (one-way; we will do a round-trip) that starts out very flat along Scotts Run, but ends up at a hill that goes up and down as you approach the Potomac River, ending in a beautiful vista. When we approach the river, we will be greeted by a view of the closest natural waterfall near D.C. The hill can be a bit rough/steep, but it is worth it for the view and we will take our time. No restrooms readily available and no water sources for drinking. Bring water with you. Two stream crossings across flat stones.

Directions and Meeting Place: Scotts Run Nature Preserve. Location: 7400 Georgetown Pike (VA-193), McLean, VA. We will meet at the end (near the swing gate) of the large parking lot across from Swinks Mill Road, not the entrance near I-495. Scotts Run's parking can be limited at times but is not usually bad on weekdays. You may want to consider carpooling. Sturdy shoes recommended. Binoculars helpful at times.

Session 4: Roosevelt Island (Blake Lindsey, 11/12)
Although the island looks like it developed naturally, it was designed by landscape architects at the Olmsted Brothers firm and cleared, graded and replanted by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Join our historian, Blake Lindsey, to explore the 2.5 miles of trails through board-walked swamps, marshes and woodlands and discover what grows in those habitats. The entrance to the park is from the northbound George Washington Parkway or via a 10-to-15-minute downhill walk from the Rosslyn Metro. We will meet at the bridge by the parking lot. Restrooms available onsite.

Session 5: Huntley Meadows Park (Itzamar Cruz, 11/19)
Location: 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. We will meet at the parking lot near the trail leading to the nature center. This walk will take us on dirt and board-walked trails leading through the large freshwater marsh where birds and scenic areas abound. A great place to bring binoculars as well as a hat and water. The nature center and restrooms should be open and available for use.

Nayeli Arellano has been a park naturalist at Long Branch Nature Center since November 2025. Previously, she worked at Hidden Oaks Nature Center as a naturalist for 2.5 years. While working there, she earned a degree in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Conservation from George Mason University.

Gabby Hrycyshyn, a naturalist at Gulf Branch Nature Center, has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Penn State University, a master’s degree in interdisciplinary ecology from the University of Florida and a master’s certificate in project management from The George Washington University. She worked with the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia and trained at the Minnesota Raptor Center, the Linwood Springs Research Center in Wisconsin and Boise State University. Before coming to Arlington, she worked for the Fairfax County Park Authority and has extensive experience working with birds of prey, including owls and hawks at Potomac Overlook Regional Park.

Rob Barnovsky is a naturalist at Long Branch Nature Center. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and has worked as a naturalist in the eastern United States and at a raptor rehabilitation center in Ohio. He was an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the first-ever naturalist for the city of Jacksonville, FL. He has also worked as a naturalist and natural resources specialist for Fairfax and Loudoun counties. He has been doing environmental education in public parks for more than 34 years.

Blake Lindsey is an Arlington County park historian at the Civil War Visitor Center. He was previously employed in public history at Ford’s Theatre and the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. His writing on the D.C. area’s Civil War history has been featured in publications across the country.

Itzamar Cruz is a park naturalist at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington. She is passionate about connecting communities, particularly urban populations, to nature. In her current role, she uses her background in environmental science and anthropology to conduct nature programs for diverse audiences. Her career has been dedicated to the D.C. area as well as New York City.