Only Rain

Spring 2026

Only Rain empowers Northern Virginia residents, businesses, and organizations to take positive actions that protect our local waterways and ensure clean, safe water for our community and environment to thrive for future generations.

About the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners

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CLEAN THE BAY DAY

Ready to make a difference for the Chesapeake Bay and our local streams?

Join volunteers across Virginia for Clean the Bay Day, a region-wide effort to remove litter and debris from rivers, parks, and shorelines before it reaches our waterways.

Clean the Bay Day – Oronoco Bay

When: Sat. May 2 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria

Clean the Bay Day – Stonewall Park

When: Sat. May 2 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Stonewall Park, Manassas

Find an Event Near You

GET INVOLVED THIS SPRING

Rain Barrel Workshop

Catch the rain and put it to good use!

Build you own rain barrel and learn how collecting rainwater can help protect local waterways with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District!

When: March 25 | 6:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Arlington

Stream Monitoring Field Day

Join the City of Alexandria for a hands-on field experience collecting macroinvertebrates—small stream organisms that help scientists measure water quality.

Want to learn more about stream monitoring, explore upcoming workshops with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, or become a certified stream monitor?

Start Your Journey

Spring E-CARE Recycling Event

Safely dispose of hazardous materials and electronics at Arlington’s Environmental Collection and Recycling Event.

When: March 28 | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Wakefield High School, Arlington

Join an Event

YOUR COMMUNITY

Conservation Scholarships & Youth Programs

Opportunities are open for students to learn, create and grow!

College Scholarships for Conservation and the Environment - apply by April 1

Youth Conservation Camp - applications due April 20

Conservation Poster Contest "Soil. Where it all Begins" - entries due June 30

Stream Restoration Projects

Work is continuing on restoration projects to improve stormwater systems across the region, including substantial improvements on the Stafford Drive Stream restoration project and the Ashby Pond dredging and retrofit project in the City of Fairfax.

The city is also soliciting bids for the restoration of two heavily eroded outfall channels at Van Dyck Park and Providence Park.

Construction is expected to start in summer 2026.

Learn More

STORM DRAIN MARKING

Help protect local waterways by volunteering at a Storm Drain Marking event! Volunteers place “Only Rain Down the Drain” markers near storm drains to remind residents that stormwater flows directly into nearby streams, rivers, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

Ready to learn about stormwater management practices and how small actions can make a big difference in protecting water quality? Join a Storm Drain Marking Event!

Storm Drain Marking | Friends of the Rappahannock

When: Sat. April 11| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: 50 Potomac Hills Dr, Stafford, VA

Storm Drain Marking Events | City of Alexandria

Get Involved this Spring and Summer!

Contact Anthony.Minnick@alexandriava.gov to learn more.

Storm Drain Labeling and Education | NVSWCD

Stay tuned for June 2026!

Contact ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov for details.

SEASONAL TIPS

Build Your Own Rain Garden!

Rain can carry pollutants from yards, driveways, and streets down the storm drains and into our local waterways. Starting a rain garden with native plants helps capture and absorb stormwater before it reaches our streams! Rain gardens not only reduce runoff, they also provide habitat for pollinators and improve soil health.

Choose Native Plants

Plants native to Northern Virginia are adapted to local conditions and require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species. By planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can help stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and support local wildlife. Small changes in your yard can make a big difference in protecting our waterways!

Explore Native Plants

Local Clean-Up Events

Historic Holmes Run Stream Cleanup

When: April 11 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, Alexandria

Potomac River Cleanup – Gravelly Point

When: April 18 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where: Gravelly Point Park,

Arlington

Spring Cleanup Fairfax

When: April 19 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Van Dyck Park, City of Fairfax

Widewater State Park Community Cleanup

When: April 25 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Widewater State Park, Stafford

Potomac River Cleanup – Great Falls

When: May 2 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where: Great Falls Park, McLean, VA

Crow’s Nest Wetlands Cleanup

When: May 23 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Crow’s Nest Canoe Launch, Stafford

Festivals & Fun

Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is the perfect time to get outside, connect with nature, and learn about sustainability through hands-on eco-activities!

Earth Day Manassas Community Center

When: April 22 | 5 -7 p.m.
Where: The City of Manassas Community Center

More Info

Earth Day Loudoun

When: April 25 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park, Purcellville

Event Details

BioBlitz Event

Ready to discover the biodiversity at Leopold's Preserve?

Join the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and the White House Farm Foundation to document plant and animal species with guidance from staff and experts.

When: April 25 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Leopold's Preserve, Broad Run, VA

Join the BioBlitz

Dirt Day – Dig Into Soil Science!

Looking for a free, family-friendly outdoor activity?

Bring the kids to Dirt Day at Claude Moore Park and explore the world beneath our feet through hands-on soil activities, gem searching, and gardening fun.

When: May 11 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Where: Claude Moore Park

Learn More

National Kids to Parks Day – Explore the Outdoors!

Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with a free nature-themed event for families at Dean Park in Manassas.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy interactive activities and learn about about local watersheds and wildlife.

When: May 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Dean Park, Manassas

Event Details

The Northern Virginia Clean Water Partnership is coordinated by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and funded in part by a grant from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.