Monticello Park habitat restoration project. Photo: Libby Lyons
According to the 2025 State of the Birds Report, habitats that both people and birds rely on are disappearing at alarming rates. The report’s findings indicate that successful habitat restoration often happens through private land conservation and voluntary conservation partnerships. The Stretch Our Parks initiative follows both approaches to habitat restoration. By working closely with local parks and the surrounding private property owners, this program is both a conservation and social initiative. Volunteers work to restore native habitats by removing invasive species while also strengthening their relationships with fellow conservationists in northern Virginia. Research agrees that volunteer-based conservation efforts like these better the environments birds live in, while also bettering the communities we are all a part of.
Will you join us in our mission to Stretch Our Parks?
Volunteer invasive species pulls are coming up soon, along with a special volunteer event on October 25th. Check out the opportunities below and sign up today!
October 22 - Remove Invasive Plants at Powhatan Springs: Join us as we keep this park progressing towards a native habitat that's conducive to our local flora and fauna. Register through the Signup Genius page linked here!
October 25 - "Stretch Our Parks" Volunteer Event near Monticello Park: Come help us "stretch a park." We will remove invasive plants and plant new native trees, shrubs and flowers in a backyard adjoining bird haven Monticello Park in a layout partially designed by NVBA's Wildlife Sanctuary team. Hard-soled shoes and long sleeve shirts are recommended. Equipment, gloves, refreshments, and snacks will be provided. Let us know you’re joining us by filling out this form: Stretch Our Parks 10/25 Volunteer Intake Form
October 26 - DHARA Restoration Effort: Come help work on this exciting habitat restoration project! Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN), the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, and the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria have been collaborating with Dominion Hills Area Recreation Association (DHARA) via NVBA's Stretch Our Parks initiative to restore the natural habitat on DHARA property. Register through the Signup Genius page linked here!
October 29 - Invasive Plant Removal: The Lockwood/Elmwood senior housing complex is a partner in the "Stretch Our Parks" program to restore habitat in and around parks to improve and expand habitat for birds and other pollinators and wildlife. To join us on this exciting habitat restoration project, register through the Signup Genius page linked here!
