Alexandria introduces new leaders, outreach programs at Natural Resources Division

Alexandria’s Natural Resources Division is introducing new leadership and a slate of upcoming community engagements in 2026.

The city has hired Raychel Frye and Katrina Napora as new natural resource managers, it announced yesterday (Wednesday), with Oscar Mendoza continuing to oversee the division as chief. Under the new leadership, Natural Resources will have a “renewed focus on education, stewardship, and community engagement.”

Frye has prior experience with the U.S. Forest Service and the Gila River Indian Community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology and ecology from Arizona State University and is interested in native plants, wildlife and sustainable land management.

Napora grew up near the Blue Ridge Mountains and has worked with the U.S. Geological Survey on streams and wetlands research. She holds a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from Christopher Newport University.

Their arrival comes roughly two years after the contentious departure of the division’s former manager, Rod Simmons. He retired after raising several objections to the city’s environmental approach, namely through the Taylor Run Stream Restoration and high-density development.

The new duo will lead several community engagement events and programs this year, including a video for residents to learn how to remove invasive spotted lanternfly eggs from trees.

In February, the division will release a seasonal feature “highlighting early blooms in our parks,” while March will bring a guided nature walk alongside the new managers. “Earth Month” in April will include meet-and-greet events with division staff.

Exact dates of the events will be announced at a later time.

The division, located within Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, manages nearly 600 acres of natural areas, parks and easements. It is responsible for inventorying natural resources in these areas, in addition to leading invasive plant control and “offering environmental guidance and best management practices.”

Following the outreach events, the division intends to survey the public and publish a complete summary of feedback in December, in addition to sharing the results with RPCA, “relevant commissions, and key stakeholders,” according to the city.