Great Green Escape: Winkler Botanical Preserve

This week I had the delightful experience of accompanying 19 first graders on a field trip to the Winkler Botanical Preserve in Alexandria, a 44 ½ -acre collection of plants and trees where Alexandria City Public School students get access to free environmental education programs. Although my oldest is in 3rd grade, this was my first opportunity to tag along on a class trip. 

After visiting, I have a new-found appreciation for the student- and community-driven effort to save Winkler from becoming a casualty of the Virginia Department of Transporation’s Base Realignment and Closure project a few years ago, which would have destroyed one third of the property.

What makes Winkler so special?

It is one of those urban treasures nestled in the woods just off of busy, heavily trafficked roadways. But, once you make your way into the preserve, it is easy to lose yourself in the sights and sounds of nature and feel as though you are many, many miles away.

Although I had attempted to visit Winkler with my family at least once before, because we had trouble finding the entrance (more below) we never made it inside.  I am really glad to have participated today as part of a guided learning experience and to have learned my way around.

Public parking is on the opposite end of the preserve from where the buses drop off students and teachers, which is why we had difficulty finding the right spot when we came on our own. Since I arrived early, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll during which I met two buoyant baby foxes. I later learned from the teacher that because of the noise level when the kids are exploring, the animals go into hiding, so it really was a special treat. Although the kids did not get to see the foxes, they did meet a turtle along the way.

Each of the three classes was paired with a guide as we set out to indulge in a study of plants. The first stop was at a small amphitheater in the woods, which was well camouflaged because the benches were made from tree trunks and stumps. A colorful patterned quilt provided the backdrop for the stage. Here the kids learned how plants grow from start to finish. From selecting a place to plant seeds to the eventual bloom of flowers, the kids discussed the parts of plants, how they need sunlight and water to help them grow and how a plant’s job is to create seeds. A student volunteer donned a costume and at the direction of the guide, demonstrated the process.

Next stop was the Plants Parts Café, complete with round tables covered with red and white-checkered table cloths. Students were given menus from which they ordered a variety of select (toy) foods. As they received their meals, they identified which were fruit and protected seeds (berries), stems (asparagus), flowers (broccoli), roots (carrot) and more. They also discussed how the components of a childhood lunchtime favorite, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, were derived from plants: the jam from fruit with seeds, the peanut butter from peanut seeds and the bread, made from wheat seeds.

After another short hike we came to our third stop, where our guide demonstrated how animals participate in the process of expanding plant growth. Students learned how bears eat berries, the seeds of which find their way back to the earth through the bear’s waste. This fertile compound is scattered throughout the woods and with some rain, eventually produces new plants. An adult in a bear costume added a fun and dramatic element to the learning.

We were quite surprised to see toy dinosaurs tucked here and there along the path back to the lodge. Here we learned that ferns, like the ones along the path, have been around for 350 million years, dating back to dinosaur days. We also discussed how ferns were different in that they have spores which are carried by the wind and that is how they are spread. We used our observations skills to count the number of hidden dinosaurs along the path before heading back to the lodge.

Before the kids headed back to the buses, they squealed with delight as they received a light misting from the Winkler sprinkler — a wonderful way to bring the field trip to a pleasurable end.

Whether you go to Winkler on your own or with a school class, group or club, it is definitely a place to which to return throughout the year.

If you visit Winkler on your own or with your family, there are a few things you should know.

1. When the entrance gates are open, it is difficult to tell that you are in the right spot. Tucked between the branches of the trees on the left side of the entrance, you will see a sign with the street address 5400 Roanoke Avenue right next to a bucolic-looking wooden stand. Drive past the wooden stand, park in the small lot to the left and follow the crunchy gravel laden path and you are on your way.
2. The park is open from 8:30 am – 5 p.m and is closed on major holidays.
3. Picnicking, recreational activities and pets (among) other things, are not permitted. Call 703-578-7888 for details before visiting.

After seeing first-hand the engaging and interactive way in which educational concepts are shared with children, I understand why their summer camp program is so popular. After getting the scoop from a few fellow mom’s who have gotten into the camp, I have an action plan in place for next year!