The Winkler Botanical Preserve

The city of Alexandria has a finite amount of open space. City parks often follow winding stream valleys, wetlands and occasionally the forested hilltop or adjoining slope. Many parks have a specific recreation function, while others feature winding trails and bike paths. Yet one of the largest tracts of natural forest in the city is entirely in private hands: the Winkler Botanical Preserve. In development for three decades, the preserve has become a remarkable open space on the western margin of the city. Essentially a stream valley hemmed in by office buildings and residential development, it’s a green treasure of native forest in an extensive but discreet naturalized landscape setting.

- Keith Tomlinson

It started as a favored picnic location for Mark Winkler and his family as he bought and developed large tracts of western Alexandria in the postwar years. Ultimately the family decided to conserve the area and establish a managing philanthropic foundation. Catherine Winkler Herman, noted patron of the arts, education, science and conservation, managed the preserve’s unique mission until her death in 2007. While regional development moved forward at breakneck speed, the foundation had the insight to conserve and dramatically improve the woodlands that became the preserve. Between 1985 and 1995, enormous investments in time and effort produced some of Virginia’s finest naturalized rock gardens and native plant horticulture. At the same time, much of the existing forest was carefully studied and preserved. It’s a nationally unique project but remains very much a private endeavor. Although it remains private, it is routinely open to the public.

The original forest is unique and surprisingly diverse. White, red and rock oaks are dominant on the higher hills. Lower, wetter soils support beech, black gum, tulip poplar and witch hazel along the main stream course. Many members of the heath family are present. High bush blueberry, huckleberry, deer berry, dangle berry and stagger bush are all found in specific soil types. Mountain laurel thrives in many locations, creating a sensational show in late spring when its pleated white flowers bloom.