Declining bird populations urgently need restored and new habitat to survive.

The greatest cause of decline in bird populations is habitat loss, and an urbanized (and urbanizing) area like northern Virginia is a contributor. But there are steps we can take to help reverse that trend. That is the goal of our Stretch Our Parks program.

Parks are a refuge for people and wildlife, but the land is limited and northern Virginia’s growing population puts pressure on the wildlife habitat in the parks. Development and typical suburban landscaping compound the problem by fragmenting the available high-quality habitat. The purposes of Stretch Our Parks are:

• stretching the positive ecological impacts of our parks beyond their borders, into their surrounding neighborhoods

• building healthier and greener habitats in, around, and between key parks

• stretching the involvement of all northern Virginia communities with their neighborhood parks

In order to accomplish its goals of improving and creating valuable wildlife habitat and decreasing habitat fragmentation, Stretch Our Parks relies on partnerships among ASNV, parks, conservation groups, and neighborhood and community groups. So, Stretch Our Parks is both a conservation and a social initiative, aimed at improving and creating wildlife habitat while building a greater commitment by a broader northern Virginia community in saving wildlife.

Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation are challenges threatening many of our beloved local bird species. The birds (and the insects they rely on) need habitat in both public and private spaces if they are to survive. As Doug Tallamy says, nature starts in your backyard. Join Stretch Our Parks and help us make more of Northern Virginia into a bird-friendly environment. 

Target Parks And Our Partners

To get started, we are focusing on three sites, in close collaboration with several partners:

• Upton Hill Regional Park and Powhatan Springs Skate Park in Arlington

  • Partners:

    • NOVA Parks

    • Arlington Regional Master Naturalists

    • Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation

    • Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria

    • Dominion Hills Area Recreation Association

  • We are continuing to build partnerships with other organizations. Volunteer with ASNV or one of our management partners to help. Contact Joan Haffey if you want to get involved!

• Four Mile Run Park and Monticello Park in Alexandria

  • Partners:

    • Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities

    • Four Mile Run Conservancy Foundation

    • North Ridge Civic Association

  • We are continuing to build partnerships with other organizations. Contact Libby Lyons if you want to get involved!

• Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge, VA

  • Partners:

    • Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

  • We are continuing to build partnerships with other organizations. Contact Libby Lyons if you want to get involved!

Stretch Our Parks in Pictures

Upcoming Events

Please join us for an upcoming bird walk, nature outing or service opportunity!

View more information about these and other ASNV events here.

Get Involved

We are looking for volunteers to help us engage the communities around these parks! If you would like to help us, please sign up to volunteer here and mention which park you are interested in working in.

Further Reading

• Service Project Series at Monticello Park

• Attracting Pollinators to Upton Hill

• About Spring Migration at Upton Hill

• Partnerships Mean Success - Upton Hill Regional Park

• State of the Birds 2022

• Great website about Monticello Park - Mpnature.com

How you can help your local park

Stretch the impact of your neighborhood park by trying some of the following tips:

1. Remove invasives in your own yard and plant natives.

2. Leave dead trees UP on your property for as long as it is safe to do so. Snags are great habitat!

3. Keep your cat indoors. It is safer for the cats and for wildlife. And keep your dogs leashed in the park.

4. Reduce stormwater runoff by planting a rain garden and getting permeable driveway pavers.

5. Reduce your lawn over time, converting it to native plants to help wildlife.

6. Leave a brush pile in your yard, but, please, never toss yard waste (or anything else) into a park.

7. Stay on park trails when you visit. Remember, take nothing and leave nothing behind.

8. Never release pets or animals into a park.

9. Resist the urge to feed wildlife in your yard (other than birds).

10. Get involved in your neighborhood park. Join the Friends of the Park group, or consider forming one.

Resources

• Invasive Plants and How to Remove Them - Video Series by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.

• Plant Nova Natives - A fantastic website with many resources about native plants.

• Arlington Stormwater Credit Program - save money on your stormwater bill and be a good park neighbor!

• Northern Virginia Conservation Trust - learn how to put your property under conservation easement.

• Fairfax County Park Authority Friends Group Handbook - learn how to start your own Friends of the Park group.

• How to make your HOA more nature-friendly - suggestions from Plant Nova Natives.

• How to protect your property forever with a conservation easement - from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.