Connecting the Community with The Alexandria Nature Trail  

In 2023, a vision to create a trail that would bring people together, expand access to nature, and protect the community’s fragile watershed took root in Alexandria. That vision grew into the Alexandria Nature Trail (ANT), a project that continues to unite and inspire residents through the efforts of the Friends of the Alexandria Nature Trail (FANT) and dedicated community partners.  

The ANT will eventually connect the Central Lakes Trail to schools, community trails, parks, and other areas of interest in the community, and increase access to nature for area residents.  

How it all started 

The beginnings of the ANT project actually go back to the 1980s, when flooding in the area led to the city obtaining a string of connected flood easements along what is now the trail corridor. But it wasn’t until more recently that the idea for developing the trail was brought to life. “Some of the impoundments to contain flood water in the trail corridor date back decades,” said Tim Schoonhoven, retired city engineer. “Out of the earlier need to address flooding, and interest from the community, the dream came about that instead of just a flood corridor, what if this was a trail?” Tim continues to be active in the ANT project since retirement.  

Following a groundswell of support from organizations in and around Alexandria, the trail project is now under development by the City of Alexandria. The Friends of the Alexandria Nature Trail (FANT) group provides outreach to connect community members to the project and works to secure additional support to drive project implementation. “The interest in ANT has been spontaneously contagious,” said FANT Treasurer Barbara Benson. “Once people hear about the vision, they want to help move it forward.” 

Progress Towards a Vision 

The planned trail route runs from I-94 up to Lake Le Homme Dieu, intersecting with existing paved trails and connecting Alexandria Technical & Community College, Woodland Elementary School, Discovery Middle School, Voyager Elementary School, as well as neighborhoods and the business district. Two schools use nearby grass trail segments for classroom activities, and the City of Alexandria plans to pave a section near Woodland Elementary. The City is currently working on securing easements before moving ahead with installing segments of the trail over the coming years.  

FANT recently received a grant from West Central Initiative to support continued community engagement along with funds to support completion of another segment of the trail near Target. Only 4 of the planned 13.4 miles of the Alexandria Nature Trail are complete, but progress is underway, and the broader vision continues to unite the community. 

A Nature Based Solution for Water Quality 

Beyond connecting the community and offering access to nature, the ANT helps protect water resources in Alexandria, with about half of the city’s stormwater draining into the watershed around the trail corridor. Running through undeveloped wetlands and waterways, the trail will safeguard these sensitive areas from development. These wetlands naturally absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, support wildlife, and filter runoff to keep the water clean.  

The watershed along the ANT corridor connects to the larger Long Prairie Watershed, which eventually flows into the Mississippi River through the Crow Wing River. Former FANT president John Riggle highlights the habitat’s importance for local wildlife, noting sightings of beavers, foxes, deer, mink, turtles, frogs, loons, herons, egrets, ospreys, eagles, owls, cranes, ducks, and more. “Healthy land and water sustain and nourish healthy people, families, and communities,” John shared about the multiple benefits of the project.  

Enjoying the ANT with FANT 

Carol Wenner, longtime resident and new FANT president, is passionate about the project and its potential to improve the community. “We are a group of involved citizens with an amazing mission of promoting and sharing the City’s vision of additional safe pathways for residents and visitors and buffer zones for nature’s precious waterways.”   

FANT hosts regular community nature walks on accessible parts of the trail, giving residents a chance to see progress firsthand and connect over a shared love of nature. Four walks are scheduled this fall, with more planned as new sections of the trail open. View a map of the trail and find out more about scheduled nature walks on the ANT website.