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April 17, 2024
Neighbors,
As Earth Day approaches on Monday, I’m reminded of the motto “think globally, act locally.”
This isn’t just an expression. It’s a prescription for action. However small, actions can lead to big results like a tree sapling that grows into a champion tree. Last week, for example, I joined the students of Mr. Hunt’s class at Lake Anne Elementary School to plant birch trees. As they mature, these trees will absorb carbon dioxide and polluted runoff, helping us combat climate change and improve the health of our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.
In Tysons, I’m proud of the work that the community has done to preserve an urban forest. Better known as the “Tysons Forest,” this 65-acre stream valley is an emerald ribbon that stretches from the Dulles Toll Road to Gosnell Road just north of the Town of Vienna.
Because many different property owners own portions of this forest — including the Park Authority, homeowners and businesses — I brought together a community task force.
The group, chaired by local resident and Tysons Forest supporter Jack Russell, made recommendations on how to protect this forest for the future, and its final report was presented and accepted by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
As some of my colleagues on the board said yesterday, the task force’s work is a model for how to protect other forests in the county, especially in urbanizing areas that have multiple owners.
I’m inspired that task force members have already started implementing some of the recommendations, such as coordinating the installation of a wildlife learning trail along one of the commercial properties.
On Monday, we’ll carry out another of the report’s recommendations. I am co-hosting an Earth Day nature walk and litter cleanup in Tysons Forest, along with Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Celebrate Fairfax, and the Tysons Community Alliance. I hope you can join me at 10:30 a.m. for the cleanup. See you there!
Regards,
Walter
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