Jake Aull, Author at Nature Bridges

Photographic Opportunities on Nature Trails

Posted on August 10, 2025 (August 5, 2025)

Dramatic sunlight over boardwalk, Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Woodbridge, VA Photo credit: Lisa Dukeman Nature trails and photography go hand in hand. Every step on a path reveals an opportunity for a new image that captures the landscape, wildlife, and the seasonal beauty of a location. As more people explore outdoor spaces with a camera or phone in hand, thoughtful design can make a nature trail more engaging, accessible, and photo-friendly. Property owners and designers can include photography as part of the user experience, which adds value and encourages repeat visitors. Scenic Overlooks Scenic overlook at WaterColor Community’s Dune Crossover, Santa […]

Summer Safety for Outdoor Structures

Posted on July 22, 2025

Boardwalk in the sun, Robinson Preserve, Bradenton, FL Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Summer is the perfect time to be outdoors, whether it’s the beach, park, or a scenic trail. But, just as it’s important to prepare your outdoor structures for winter, it’s critical to ensure the summer safety of your residents or visitors. This applies whether you’re designing, maintaining, or actively using the structure. Heat Protection Matters Whether you’re using a dune crossover to get to the beach, walking along a boardwalk with bridges, or lounging under a pavilion, long hours in the heat and sun can lead to […]

Dock Systems for Lakeside Properties

Posted on July 15, 2025

Lakeside dock system including a recreational area and boat launch, Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Many waterfront property owners see their dock as more than just a simple structure. It connects people to the water and can be a launching point for adventures or even a place for gathering, relaxing, and making memories. Dock designers can create systems that offer function, style, and even a sense of community togetherness. These structures enhance the appeal of lakefront homes and recreational areas while withstanding the challenges of a constantly changing environment. Whether you’re planning a new favorite […]

Longevity and Bridges: A Look at Lafayette Heritage Trail

Posted on June 27, 2025

A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s covered bridge and approach in 2014 and 2025, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL 2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Nature Bridges has been designing and constructing beautiful outdoor structures in sensitive environments since 1997, and we’ve always been proud of our durable, eco-friendly structures and our talent for connecting people with delicate natural habitats. Recently, we had the opportunity to look back at a project we completed in 2014. We build every project for durability, but we’re still always amazed at how stunning our construction looks and feels […]

Integrating Art and Architecture in Bridge Designs

Posted on June 11, 2025

Timber bridge at WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach, FL Bridges are more than a way to get from Point A to Point B – they’re an opportunity to blend utility and creativity. Whether your bridge is nestled in a park, nature preserve, or residential landscape, it can be designed with elements that turn a standard structure into a visual masterpiece. When you incorporate architectural art into bridge construction, designers create spaces that invite movement and admiration. Railings That Tell a Story Railing at Cranes Roost, Altamonte Springs, FL One of the most visible areas for artistic expression on a bridge […]

Understanding Zoning Laws for Natural Construction Projects

Posted on May 23, 2025

Pier Park, Panama City Beach, FL When you start planning for an outdoor structure like a boardwalk, bridge, or pavilion, it’s easy to focus on the style and benefits to visitors. You likely know that you need to comply with local building codes. However, it’s also important to understand and comply with local zoning laws. In fact, this is one of the most critical components of any structure. Zoning regulations determine what you can build, where you can build it, and what conditions you need to consider. If you ignore zoning laws, it can create delays, redesigns, and possibly even […]

Bird-Friendly Structures: Enhancing Biodiversity and Education

Posted on May 12, 2025

Great blue heron flying over Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Woodbridge, VA Photo credit: Keith Eugene Peterson Outdoor structures are functional for the people who visit parks, trails, and nature preserves, but they can be so much more – they can also be essential tools for protecting wildlife and educating the public about nature. When designed with birds and biodiversity in mind, structures like boardwalks, observation decks, and educational signage can be powerful assets for conservation and learning. When we integrate these and other bird-friendly elements into outdoor construction, we support the environment as well as the communities that […]

Building Community and Nature Appreciation at Bonnet Springs Park

Posted on April 25, 2025 (April 25, 2025)

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida exemplifies how thoughtful design and construction of outdoor structures can foster community engagement and nature appreciation. This sprawling urban park, transformed from a once abandoned rail yard, is now a green oasis in the heart of the city, thanks in part to the contributions of Nature Bridges. We are proud to have played a role in making this park USA Today’s Best City Park of 2025 through construction of custom boardwalks and other wooden structures. Nature Bridges’ Role at Bonnet Springs Rodda Construction brought Nature Bridges into the project in 2018 to collaborate on […]

Earth Day: Renewable Energy

Posted on April 22, 2025 (April 14, 2025)

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” This theme focuses on the expansion of renewable energy, and it reminds us how important it is to consider sustainability. We can integrate these practices into everyday structures like bridges and boardwalks. One way we can do that is with solar lighting, which supports this vision and enhances the safety and security of our outdoor spaces. Solar Lighting: Sustainability, Safety, and Security Solar lighting is a key player as we work towards renewable energy in outdoor construction. It offers reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly lighting solutions for outdoor structures such […]

Innovative Pavilion Designs for Parks

Posted on April 10, 2025 (March 24, 2025)

When you’re responsible for a park, creating an innovative and incredible experience for visitors can be complicated. One potential answer is to add pavilions. These versatile structures enhance both public and private parks and provide a sheltered space for outdoor events, picnics, and even community gatherings. When designing a pavilion, functionality and aesthetic appeal are both important, and innovative approaches can help balance community needs with the visual appeal of communal recreation spaces. Blending Functionality and Style The best pavilion designs harmonize with their surroundings, whether they’re nestled in a natural park or an urban public area. Architects can push […]

Author: Jake Aull

Posts by Jake Aull