April 19, 2023

Neighbors,

Earth Day is just around the corner! The Board of Supervisors has made the environment a top priority through policy, strategies and programs being implemented by the Office of Environment & Energy, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, as well as other county agencies and nonprofits. But there is more we can do more in partnership with you, our residents. I encourage you to review what is underway in the county and get involved any way you can, whether providing feedback on policies, participating in an Earth Day event or picking up litter in your neighborhood. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Town of Vienna's Green Expo Tomorrow, April 20

Vienna is hosting its annual Green Expo on Thursday, April 20, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Dozens of local exhibitors will provide information on energy efficiency, green landscaping, zero waste and more. Learn more.

Roundtable Discussion with DPWES Director Chris Herrington and Congressman Gerry Connolly Friday, April 21

Fairfax County Director of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Director Chris Herrington will join Congressman Gerry Connolly and other guest panelists for a virtual roundtable discussion on the historic climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Register: https://bit.ly/3mnlprf Ask Questions: https://bit.ly/3UqPuTa

Earth Day Festival at Sully Historic Site Saturday, April 22

Celebrate “Healthy People – Healthy Planet” with a fun day packed with entertainment, activities and food vendors. At Earth Day Fairfax 2023 you will learn what Fairfax County is doing to support environmental sustainability and what you can do to help. Learn more.

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Fairfax County

Visit Fairfax has a great list of Earth Day activities countywide, including the Fairfax Veg Fest in Herndon. Learn more.

Climate Action Dashboard

The county's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently released the Climate Action Dashboard, a single site for explaining and sharing progress with residents on the county’s ambitious climate action goals. Visit the Climate Action Dashboard.

New Composting Pilot Program at I-66 Transfer Station

Two 20 feet long containers can be found at the I-66 Transfer Station for the county’s new Compost Outpost pilot program. It is designed to create optimal conditions for composting and is a test facility to demonstrate small-scale, decentralized, organics processing. Food scraps and yard waste are placed inside the receptacles and converted into processed compost that can be used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Learn more.

12 Ways to Get Ready for Gardening and Growing Season

There are many county services and resources available to gardeners. Residents can call a master gardener, pick up free mulch, attend plant swaps, get a soil test, remove invasives, and plant native. Learn more.

Learn About Litter and What You Can Do

We know the negative impacts of litter, including attracting rodents and insects, killing wildlife and degrading our water quality, plus, it's just ugly. Even if you don't litter there are several ways you can prevent littering, as simple as making sure you have a secure lid on your trash can. Learn more.

Farmers Markets are Back!

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the environment and healthy eating is the Park Authority's Farmers Markets and the Town of Vienna Farmers Market. On many Saturdays I can be found at the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne – I hope to see you there when the market opens!

Regards,

Walter

Founders Day

Reston's annual Founders Day was another great success! It was great to see so many neighbors last Saturday celebrating the life and legacy of Robert E. Simon Jr. There were terrific exhibits and performances, and great food, including the delicious cake that Delegate Ken Plum and I enjoyed.

Spring is a busy time in Hunter Mill District – I hope to see you at these upcoming events:

Saturday, April 29:

• Opening of Reston Farmers Market
• Taste of Vienna
• Reopening of Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center, 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 30:

• Vienna's annual "Walk on the Hill"

Tour de Hunter Mill is in less than three weeks, so make sure you register soon! There are three routes that all begin and end at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. The routes take you through some of our more scenic areas in Hunter Mill. The short and long rides include a pitstop at the beautiful Frying Pan Farm Park. Three routes: 

• Family Ride: 5.9 miles
• Short Ride: 15.5 miles
• Long Ride: 29 miles

The fee is $30, which includes a donation to our Tour de Hunter Mill partner, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and the popular Tour de Hunter Mill socks. Learn more and register.

From VDOT: Trap Road Temporarily Closed at Route 7 in Vienna April 19-22

VDOT announced last week that beginning today and continuing through Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m., Trap Road will be closed at Route 7 while crews continue to build the improvements in this area. Drivers will use Towlston Road for access between Trap Road and Route 7. By Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m., the eastbound lanes of Route 7 will shift to the south, and Trap Road will reopen at Route 7 to incoming traffic. Drivers on eastbound Route 7 will be able to turn right onto Trap Road. Access from Trap Road to eastbound and westbound Route 7 will be provided via Towlston Road until summer 2023. All residences, businesses and other public facilities will remain accessible. Learn more.

From Dominion Energy: Spring Hill-Tysons Underground Electric Transmission Project/Vesper Train Closures

Dominion Energy is preparing to begin construction this month for the Springhill-Tysons 230 kV Underground Electric Transmission project. This project will convert an existing overhead transmission line located between the Tysons Substation and future Spring Hill Substation to a new underground line. One of the impacts is closure of the Vesper Trail for approximately one week later this month. While most activities will occur during daytime hours, certain activities will require night work. Also, Dominion says to expect a longer closure of the Vesper Trail later this year when the bulk of the construction project gets underway. Learn more (including map)

Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting May 9 

The next Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting is Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library (Meeting Room 1). The agenda includes presentations on public facility needs from the Police Department, the Park Authority, and Fairfax County Public Schools. Learn more.

Reston Comprehensive Plan

Land Use Policy Committee meeting, next Tuesday, April 25

The Reston Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be discussed at the committee meeting on Tuesday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. More information on how to watch/listen to the meeting.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage

Draft staff recommendations for the Reston Comprehensive Plan (March 2023)

*Note: This draft document is not a formal release for public comment. Additional edits and modifications will be reflected in the published Staff Report expected to be published later this spring. 

• Jan. 24 Board Matter: Reauthorization of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study
• Watch Jan. 24 Board of Supervisors Discussion
• Watch Jan. 26 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion
• Watch March 30 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion

Mark Your Calendar for National Drug Take Back Day April 22

Saturday, April 22 is National Drug Take Back Day. Safely dispose of your unused or expired medications at several locations countywide,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off sites include Reston Hospital, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston (Rear entrance of Pavilion 1) and Tysons Emergency, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. Contact your district station to learn more:

• Reston
• McLean
• Fair Oaks

Taste of Vienna is Saturday, April 29

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) is hosting the 10th Annual Taste of Vienna on Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The VVFD back parking lot at 400 Center St. South will be lined with restaurants, a beer/wine tent, a stage with live performances, and kids activities. Admission is free and attendees will be able to purchase tastes from the individual vendors. Learn more.

Volunteers Needed to Provide Meals

Cornerstones is in need of volunteers to provide bagged meals at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. A donation of 30 bagged meals helps cover a half day’s need and 60 donated bagged meals cover an entire day’s need for shelter guests. For more information on available dates and how to prepare and deliver bagged meals, please contact Nate King at nate.king@cornerstonesva.org or 571-323-9569.

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

COVID-19 Resources

Updates from the Fairfax County Health Department

Library Branches Closed Friday, April 21

All Fairfax County Public Library branches will be closed all day Friday, April 21 for a countywide staff day. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, April 22.

Reston YMCA Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 29

The YMCA Fairfax County Reston is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 29 starting at 10 a.m. This free, annual event features family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season. Register and learn more.

Drop-off Hours Changing for Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Waste

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services announced that effective May 1, the hours are changing at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex for dropping off household hazardous waste and electronics waste. The changes are being made in order to maintain a consistent quality service at both sites due to current staffing shortages. Learn more.