Alexandria, VA – At the end of May, a group of dedicated volunteers came together at Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria to plant 55 native oaks, chokeberries, and sumac trees. These species were selected not just for their beauty, but for the vital role they play in supporting local wildlife and community health.
Why native trees? Native trees are deeply rooted – literally and figuratively – in our local ecosystem. They’ve evolved alongside the birds, bees, and butterflies of this region, offering the food and shelter these and other animal species need to survive. An oak tree, for instance, can support hundreds of species of insects and birds, while a non-native tree may support only a handful. Native trees also help filter our air and water, stabilize streambanks, reduce urban heat, and bring cooling shade to neighborhoods – benefits we all feel, even if we don’t always see them.
Four Mile Run is a vibrant green corridor that stretches across Alexandria and Arlington, offering both recreational and ecological benefits. Volunteers coordinated by the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation and the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists work to enhance the lower reaches of the Run and its parks by removing invasive plants, planting native species, and picking up litter on land and by kayak. “When we think about how people affect natural spaces in the city, we shouldn’t overlook the positive impact of volunteers caring for nearby nature,” says the Foundation’s president, Kurt Moser. “At Four Mile Run, it isn’t just the variety of habitats that make it a hot spot for wildlife. It’s the loving care that people invest in a natural space that they enjoy as they work, learn, play — and volunteer.”
And there’s even more to look forward to and enjoy: the Foundation is adding a public kayak/canoe launch to Four Mile Run Park, expected to open in a few months, making it easier than ever for residents to access the Potomac River and enjoy Alexandria’s beautiful waterfront from the water.
Want to help protect and enjoy this special place? Join in! Visit the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation website for details on upcoming volunteer events and educational programs. Whether you’re planting a tree, pulling invasive vines, or launching a kayak, you’ll be making a lasting difference – for nature and our community.
Learn more about the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation at fourmilerun.org.
