MNPS Field Trip: Winter Tree and Plant ID Hike

Sponsoring Organizations: MNPS and Ford Nature Center

Learn how to identify native trees in winter by their bark, buds, and where they grow.  Plant Ecologist Rod Simmons will lead a walk at Dora Kelley Nature Park in the City of Alexandria, Virginia exploring the natural history of our local forests, with an emphasis on upland oaks of the fall line and inner coastal plain.  Program is free; ages 16 and up.  Hot cocoa provided.

Leaders: Rod Simmons

Contact: Call the Naturalist staff at the Ford Nature Center at 703-746-5559 for more information or contact Jennifer Millwood at Jennifer.Millwood@alexandriava.gov

Register: REQUIRED through City of Alexandria alexandriava.gov . Registration limit is 25.

Notes: Dora Kelley Nature Park stretches along Holmes Run at the eastern end of the Holmes Run Gorge and is one of Alexandria’s largest parks.

Directions: Shirley Highway (395) to King St. (Rt. 7) west exit.  Gradually move to left lane after exiting and take left onto Beauregard St. at bottom of hill (Beauregard St. becomes Walter Reed Dr. at this intersection at edge of City of Alexandria and Arlington County).  Follow Beauregard St. south and uphill past Seminary Rd. and downhill to Sanger Ave.  Take right onto Sanger Ave. and continue a short distance to its end.  Turn left into parking area (shared entrance with school) and proceed to parking lot at woods edge and park.  Meet at the Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave.