The Spirit of Arlington Parks Embraces Life, Not Killing

Arlington, Virginia is a small suburb located directly across the Potomac River from our Nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C.; we are part of a larger metropolitan area known as The DMV, which encompasses Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Arlington County ranks in the top ten wealthiest and most educated counties in the United States. Our county is progressive and known for its commitment to inclusion and cultural diversity.

We have quality schools, responsible and responsive Police and EMS services, state of the art medical facilities, and arts and entertainment. We also have many community centers, nature centers, libraries, and much more.

Arlington, Virginia’s most precious gift is our natural local parks. Our 26 square mile county boasts 52.3 miles of multi-use off-street trails. All Arlington citizens and visitors have the ability to easily access and connect with nature.

Within five minutes walking distance from my home is Barcroft Park, where the Four Mile Run Trail begins in South Arlington. The trail is actually seven miles long, passes straight through four more parks, and runs parallel to the Four Mile Run stream.

I have many fond memories of family picnics, visiting nature centers, and walking in the various Arlington parks along the Four Mile Run Trail, which ends in North Arlington.

My sister, Suzie, and I enjoyed walking on the rocks. My father always found the best shaped rocks to skip across the water; we thought it was amazing what he did. Although we attempted many times to skip rocks like dad, we weren’t adept at finding the best rocks or throwing them. Our rocks always sank, but we never stopped trying.

Nowadays, on a daily basis, I walk through Barcroft Park near my home for exercise, meditation, and to rejoice in a deep feeling of oneness with nature.

Arlington, Virginia parks are beautiful sanctuaries. They are natural spaces of peace and relaxation away from the stress and tumult of routine daily life.

Our woodlands are home to a glorious diversity of wildlife, including white-tailed deer. These vital green spaces are learning centers of the natural world. They inspire admiration and respect for the reciprocal relationship between plants, animals, and humans.

Arlington, Virginia’s elected governing body, The Arlington County Board, makes our county policy decisions. The Arlington County Board voted unanimously to cull up to 125 white-tailed deer using sharpshooters; this figure represents over 40% of Arlington’s surveyed deer population.

It is the responsibility of the Arlington County Government to preserve our local parks and the wildlife that lives there - not transform our parks into killing fields.

For more information on White-tailed Deer in Arlington, visit The Animal Welfare League of Arlington website.

For more information visit: No Killing Deer in Arlington

The Arlington Deer population has declined 23% from 290 deer in 2021 to 222 deer in 2025. Ask the Arlington County Board and Department of Natural Resources to stop the sharpshooting of deer and instead place a complete emphasis on successful science-based, non-lethal solutions that respect and protect deer, humans, and our ecosystem.

Click here to write the Arlington County Board and Department of Natural Resources.

Please be polite and professional with your communication.

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