NOVA Parks News
Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS--PRESERVING THE BEAUTY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
NOVA Parks has always been on the forefront of conservation in the Northern Virginia region. The park authority has endeavored throughout its existence to acquire land for such purposes, whether it be by purchase or through donation. Preserving and maintaining the natural beauty of regional land is a large part of what forms the identity of NOVA Parks.
Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park is a great example of conservation in the region. The original 75 acre donation of land was owned by Mr. Gardiner Means, Ph.D. and his wife, Mrs. Caroline Ware Ph.D,, both of whom were devoted to the idea of not letting Northern Virginia get overly developed commercially.
Meadowlark Gardens was a great gift to NOVA Parks. It was envisioned as a place where a permanent haven of trees, shrubs, and flowers could exist and grow to beautifully envelop natural streams and ponds across the property. Walking trails were built throughout the park that wind in and around the land so visitors can come and enjoy a place of peaceful natural tranquility. The park authority took the couple’s vision and created the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
NOVA Parks added to the originally donated land by purchasing another 20 acres adjacent to it, increasing the total conservation area to 95 acres. The park has many aspects that visitors can experience and enjoy such as the Virginia Gardens, special herb gardens, an area of cherry trees, the Springhouse Gardens, lakes Gardiner and Caroline along with their wildlife, and the unique Korean Bell Garden.
Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park stands as one great example of the many conservation projects that NOVA Parks has built to provide the people of Northern Virginia, as well as visitors to the region, places where natural beauty can be experienced and enjoyed.
