Woods Wind Wander

They take conservation seriously there.  This amused me to no end. Conservation trash talk! Fraser Preserve is admittedly a new discovery to me and my family.  It was property given to the Nature Conservancy in the 70's that allows and encourages walkers to enjoy.  It doesn't have tremendous mileage in terms of trails, but you can easily extend your walk via their connector trail west into Seneca Regional Park via the fire road or Potomac Heritage trail or east via the Potomac Heritage Trail towards Riverbend (see my very detailed map below).  The actual preserve is rich in wildlife and lush vegetation.  Once you enter the park from the parking lot there is, what I named in my map, an unmarked "Obvious Dirt Trail" to the left.  Take it!  I have never seen so many toads and frogs in one place in all of my life.  I dubbed that "Frog Forest."  It is also a pretty spot to stop for a snack or to have a picnic lunch.  The "Obvious Dirt Trail"...

We have moved from June to July here in Virginia and with this change has come an increase in temperature along with it.  For today's walk, I wanted to go somewhere different to keep it fresh, as we've been walking everyday, but not too far as I didn't want us to be out in the midday sun.  I, therefore, chose to go to Algonkian Regional Park. Algonkian has many advantages: ample parking, wide open space, and many places to play and picnic. While Algonkian itself doesn't have billions of miles of trail, if you are just beginning to hike with your kids, if your children are younger, or if you'd like a flat (yay!), short(-er) walk, than Algonkian is the place for you.  If you'd like a longer walk, Algonkian is along/a part of the Potomac Heritage Trail.  To the west (to the left when facing the river) you can connect (behind the cabins or along the river) to Countryside's beautiful trail system, and to the east, you can follow the Potomac Heritage Trail all the...

I would imagine that no matter where you live, there are aspects of it that you take for granted.  Oftentimes in looking for things to do or places to explore, it is easy to overlook the obvious (your own backyard or town!) and set your sights elsewhere.  I know that we certainly have.   If you live in a rural area, the connection to the outdoors is pretty obvious, you might even see critters that you don't necessarily want to (Hello, Snakes!), but even if you live in a city, there is almost certainly green space or botanical gardens to seek out. We are fortunate enough to live in a place that is undoubtedly suburban, but has a deep connection to nature at its core.  Yes, there are housing developments and small shopping centers like most suburbs, but they left the woods and mature trees up surrounding most areas so you are still flanked in forest when you are out walking your dog or driving to the grocery store.  Don't want to drive to the grocery store?...