Algonkian Nature Preserve

I'd like to share with you our vision for what we have in mind for the Algonkian Nature Preserve (ANP) here at Algonkian Regional Park over the coming years. This is not an expansion of the existing park but rather an effort to re-task a specific area that historically has not been managed for any particular purpose and has generally been inaccessible to our park patrons.

To be sure, the ANP is a long term project that will be heavily dependent on the generosity of the general public in terms of donated time and money over the coming years. A certain amount of ongoing support and management will come from the NOVA Parks, but even then the success of the ANP will be through the hard work of volunteers and the public in general.

Our long term plans for the ANP are extensive. However, we do have two primary goals. The creation of an interpretive program as well as the construction of a wheelchair friendly accessible nature trail.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS:

We plan on developing a volunteer led program of guided nature hikes and night explorations within the preserve that cater specifically to kids, adults, and anyone interested in the natural world.

Also, we would like to make better use of technology to enhance as well as modernize the learning experiences that are available at the ANP. Instead of the traditional method of delivering interpretive information via big static signs that contain a limited amount of text and images, the ANP will deliver interpretive information via short video documentaries that can be viewed on a smart phone or tablet while out in the preserve. The only interpretive signage within the preserve will be small, attractively styled, single post signs that contain the NOVA Parks logo, one or more index numbers and one or more QR codes. When a QR code is scanned with a QR code reader on someone's smart phone or tablet, it will trigger a video presentation that provides educational information relevant to some aspect of nature for that particular spot. Video content can be about anything from small and specific, such as how to identify a plant to general information about the ecology of a Virginia flood plain. An information booklet that has sections organized by sign index numbers could also be produced for people without smart phones or tablets. Ultimately, we would like visitors to literally be able to use the ANP as a self- guided and self-paced outdoor course on Ecology with a special emphasis on Virginia flood plains.

ACCESSIBLE NATURE TRAIL:

There is no accessible wheelchair friendly nature trail available at Algonkian Regional Park. There are some paved walkways within the park that are pleasant enough but you really can't call them nature trails. It is envisioned that the current Woodlands trail will be expanded and upgraded to an accessible nature trail with the trailhead located at the gravel parking lot next to the athletic fields. When completed, the trail network will consist of about 1.7 miles of mostly compressed crushed gravel and some puncheon. Due to the scale of this project, this will not happen overnight but rather in phases over a number of years as resources become available.