Trees, Nature Trail, and Five-Acre
Forest at Saint Peter’s
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia is home to a five-acre forest with more than 35 species of trees, many native to Virginia. Our campus includes a nature trail, arboretum-style tree tags, county-recognized notable trees, and a champion Loblolly pine in the Memorial Garden. We invite parishioners, neighbors, and visitors to walk the grounds, notice the trees, and give thanks for the living world entrusted to our care.
Native Virginia Trees on Our Campus
The grounds of Saint Peter’s feature over 35 distinct species of trees, most of them native to Virginia. Through the decades, our five-acre forest has long been treasured as a unique habitat under the care of the Creation Care Mission and the Building and Grounds Commission.
County Champion and Notable Trees
In 2025, parishioner and Virginia Master Naturalist Doug Marshall, together with volunteers from the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria, began a study of the forest to identify as many trees as possible, including potential notable trees and champion trees, five of which have since been officially recognized by Arlington County. Saint Peter's was awarded five certificates at the September 2025 County Board Meeting.
Of particular note is our county champion Loblolly pine in the Memorial Garden. Notable trees include a Deodar Cedar, Red Maple, and Kousa Dogwood. Sadly, a notable White Pine fell in a storm this past summer, although we still have a beautiful "sister" standing along the southern edge of the parking lot. There is also a European Horse Chestnut planted in 1997 by founding parishioners Fred and Anita Wagner from a seed brought back from Cambridge, England. That tree can be admired along the new nature trail.
Tree Tags and Trails
To cap off this effort, we ordered arboretum-quality tree tags from one of the nation's leading arboretum supply companies, National Band and Tag of Newport. Kentucky. We selected about twenty trees for their uniqueness and beauty, and for the fact that they grow along our most-traveled pathways and walkways. The tree tags are designed to be permanent, and after careful consideration, we decided to get the type that attaches directly onto the tree. These are spring-loaded, allowing for future growth, and do not harm the tree. The tags are all-weather, laser- etched aluminum and have already received a number of compliments from parishioners and visitors.
Please take time to enjoy our trees. They represent the best of our natural world, and support our resident wildlife through the many insects, caterpillars, berries, nuts and other staples they provide. We will be ordering more tags this year so please let us know if you want to see a particular tree recognized and would like to have us order a tag for it.
Visit the Saint Peter’s Campus
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 4250 North Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the trees and nature trail during daylight hours.
The trail offers a quiet place to notice native trees, wildlife habitat, and the beauty of creation in the heart of Arlington. Our prayer is that as you walk on our campus, you will be drawn more closely to the heart of God.
Saint Peter’s is a worshiping community. Consider worshiping with us on Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m. or Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.