Earth Day Celebration Tomorrow! Environment Expo at Fort Hunt Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | |
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Earth Month Spotlight - Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture
Arcadia Farm, located on the historic grounds of Woodlawn Estate, is dedicated to making a change in food sustainability throughout the region. Arcadia's mission is to cultivate vibrant local food systems that prioritize health, equity and sustainability. They work to improve public health through equitable access to better food, increase the viability of local farmers and preserve the environment for future generations.
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Arcadia has programs for everyone, from youth farmer and nutrition education to mobile markets which provide affordable food to low income, low food access communities. In 2019, Arcadia launched its Live, Eat, Grow (L.E.G.) Route 1 Project which focuses on creating a more equitable and sustainable food system along the Route 1 Corridor through collaborative efforts with partner organizations aimed at improving food access, reducing food insecurity and fostering better nutrition. The L.E.G. Route 1 Project focuses on development and support of school and community gardens. The Gum Springs Community Center Garden was built as a part of the L.E.G. Route 1 Project which offers access to fresh fruits and vegetables to our community. Learn about ways to get involved.
Thank you Arcadia for all you do to help our community thrive and for being a steward of food sustainability in the District and beyond. This Earth Month or anytime of the year you can visit Arcadia Farm by signing up for programs or volunteering!
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5th Annual Environment Expo
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A
8999 Fort Hunt Rd.
Come join me for the 5th Annual Environment Expo, to engage in environmental efforts all around us, learn about the County’s new CECAP Action Plan and the County’s leadership in reducing our carbon footprint to protect Mother Earth. This fun, free, family-friendly event features live music by the Anthony James Band, live animal demonstrations, hands-on-activities, nature and bird walks, an electric vehicle showcase, giveaways and more! Learn more.
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Earth Day 2023: Ten (or More) Ways to Take Climate Action
Fairfax County is joining communities around the world in celebrating Earth Day, an annual observance that highlights the need for environmental stewardship and sustainability for a healthier planet. While Earth Day occurs on April 22 every year, it’s important to remember that there are climate actions we can take every day to reduce our environmental impact and help invest in our planet. Read more from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
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Climate Action Dashboard Now Available
The 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. The long-term goals include achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050 and for County government operations by 2040.
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Plant Clinics by Master Gardeners
Starting in May through the end of September, Fairfax County Master Gardeners will staff weekly plant clinics at farmers markets, community gardens and libraries throughout the County. Bring your questions, gardening problems and samples in person so Master Gardeners can diagnose them with scientific research-based information. Check out the Plant Clinic schedule here.
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Where Water, Energy and Climate Meet
It takes a considerable amount of energy to process, treat and heat the water that you use for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other household uses. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that water heating alone accounts for about 20 percent of a household’s home energy use. By being more water-conscious, you can reduce your energy consumption and, therefore, your environmental impact. Read the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's recent blog post on the connection between water and energy.
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Make the Most of Spring Showers with a Rain Barrel
April showers bring May flowers. And you can collect, store and use that water in ways that benefit your wallet, your home landscape, and the environment. Read the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's recent blog post on rain barrels and how they can help you reduce emissions and green your garden this spring!
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Gil McCutcheon Park Work Day
Thank you to the 25 people who went out and participated in the Gil McCutcheon Park Work Day. In addition to the trail completion and spreading of the load of stone dust on the western trail along Fort Hunt Road, volunteers moved and spread three piles of mulch in the area recovering from the bamboo infestation, installed two large water bars on the trail at the north-east end that should help the erosion problem, removed 32 bags of thorny Multi-flora Rose, highly invasive Garlic Mustard and the pesky Tea Viburnum. Thank you for the great work!
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Little Hunting Creek Clean Up
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped with the Friends of Little Hunting Creek, Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Paul Krizek's Little Hunting Creek Clean Ups. Between three sites and 48 volunteers, there were 89 bags of trash collected, 7 shopping carts, 3 car tires, 2 children's bikes and even an electric bike! Some volunteers even found traffic cones, home siding, scooters, cell phones, a street sign and a mattress. If you weren't able to participate last weekend, please consider taking even a few minutes to walk around your neighborhood or community and pick up what you can!
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EQAC Seeks a Student Member to Join for 2023-24
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) has opened the application period for its student member term running from July 2023 through June 2024. EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement, including submitting an annual report on the state of the physical environment for Fairfax County.
The council generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:15 p.m. If you know of a current sophomore or junior in good standing (including public, private, parochial or homeschool students) who would be interested in serving in this capacity, visit the EQAC web page to learn more and submit the online application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3.
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Reduce Your Energy Use: Conservation vs Efficiency
Energy conservation focuses on the actions that reduce or prevent use of energy, while energy efficiency is about using energy more wisely. Both strategies are needed to cut down energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Read the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's recent blog post on the difference between conservation and efficiency.
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Community Information & Events | |
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Juneteenth Resiliency Award Nominations Open Through May 5
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Juneteenth Resiliency Award for residents ages 13-21. This award recognizes the incredible resiliency shown by young people in Fairfax County who have made meaningful contributions in their lives and in the lives of others. Learn more.
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6th Annual Scam Jam
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. – Noon
In-Person: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax
Virtual: Zoom
AARP Virginia and the Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force are delighted to bring you the 6th Annual Scam Jam featuring former San Diego Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood and Kate Kleinert, Fraud Survivor and a Warrior in the Fight Against Fraud. You’ll learn the red flags to proactively spot scams and protect yourself and your family, as well as how to report fraud. There will be additional remarks from the Fairfax County Police, Fairfax Adult Protective Services (APS), FBI and the US Postal Inspector. Register for in-person. Register for virtual.
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2023 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman Gerry Connolly is excited to announce the start of his 2023 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is open to all high school students who are residents of the 11th Congressional District regardless of where they attend school. Due to space limitations, students may not submit more than two pieces of art. Students will get the chance to see their art exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, from May 5 to May 21. All entries, including the artwork AND entry forms, must be dropped off at Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax District Office by close of business Monday, May 1. Learn more.
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