Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs)
During the first Natural Resources Management Plan adopted on Nov. 13, 2010, several recommendations were made. One of these included the development of a new category of protected park lands, Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs). The primary management objective within an NRCA is conservation and preservation of existing natural resources.
Criteria for inclusion included an analysis of intact, significant natural resource features or attributes that represent the most ecologically sensitive natural lands remaining on County property. Approximately 126 acres (0.8% of Arlington) qualified as NRCAs - the best of the best that Arlington has left. These delineated areas of natural land provide for ecosystem-level protection to contiguous forests or plant communities of high value. Preservation of these natural sites through conservation management is considered a critical element of the Natural Resources Management Plan.
Each has an individual management plan, and include such stipulations as only local ecotype plants being allowed to be used for restoration efforts. There are currently 10 NRCA parcels in seven different parks. Area range in size from 1 to over 30 acres, and protect habitats from dry gravel terraces to magnolia bogs. View a virtual tour of the NRCAs.
Magnolia Bog
A globally rare ecosystem exists within Arlington County. Our Magnolia Bog is a true hidden gem.
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Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs) protect the highest quality natural areas in county parks – and cover less than one percent of Arlington County. Our smallest NRCA is one of our most unique.
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