Nancy Ho Foster Photography: Walking through Winkler | Alexandria, VA Child Photographer

I recently took my little muse to scope out another local park that I had heard might be a good spot for photos. Winkler Botanical Preserve in Alexandria, VA is a beautiful, tranquil woodsy getaway right off a major highway (I-395), well-hidden from the hustle and bustle of a very busy residential area. You'd really never know that this nature sanctuary existed unless someone told you about it. And it doesn't even have its own website. The link above is just to the Friends of Winkler group that recently won a major battle against Virginia Dept of Transportation that had wanted to destroy nearly 1/3 of the Preserve to put in an exit ramp and a roadway - way to go Friends!

The 44 1/2 acre property is devoted to preserving local area plants and trees and providing free environmental education to Alexandria City Public Schools. And sure enough, when we were there, we came across a couple elementary school groups learning about levers, leaves, and lily pads. A trail map does not exist, but the hiking trails are well-maintained, straightforward, and great for easy strolling -- totally doable for little people. There is a lovely man-made waterfall, mountain lodge, fun wooden benches, a little stream, cute bridges, and stone outcroppings. At this time of year, there aren't really any flowers, but there is abundant shade, which is great for photos. I had heard that deer and fox live in the Preserve, but to the disappointment of my little one, we didn't see any critters -- I'm sure they were hiding with all the kids around.

The Winkler Preserve is truly an urban treasure and definitely worth visiting again. Here are a few photos from our quick visit.

Here's another view of the super cute wooden bridge. I let out an audible gasp of excitement when we came around the corner and saw it.

Lovely stone bridge. Would be sweet to have a family walk over it.

There were several cute little wooden benches along the trail. Couldn't convince her to sit on one by herself, but she was somewhat agreeable to at least standing on one briefly.