Only Rain

Summer 2025

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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Join Millions of People Reducing Their Plastic Waste!

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution—so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?

Take the Challenge

GET INVOLVED THIS SUMMER

Clean the Bay Day

Each year, on the first Saturday of June, thousands of Virginians simultaneously descend on the rivers, streams, beaches, and inland parks of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to remove harmful litter and debris.

Be a part of this statewide cleanup effort on June 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.!

Find a Location Near You

Conservation Poster Contest — Home Is Where the Habitat Is

Calling all K-12 student artists in Fairfax County!

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is inviting student artists to design posters emphasizing our responsibility to be good stewards of all habitats. Entries are due June 30.

Enter Now

Green Breakfast with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

Join Matt Gerhart, Conservation Director of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, on July 12 to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting.

Learn More

SEASONAL TIPS

Lawn Care & Gardening

From composting to fertilizing, Northern Virginia localities provide information about how their residents can practice more environmentally friendly gardening and lawn care habits.

Car Maintenance

If possible, take your vehicle to a commercial car wash where water use is regulated then sent to a treatment plant.

If you wash your car at home, choose environmentally friendly detergents. Learn more about responsibly washing your own car.

YOUR COMMUNITY

Ashby Pond Dredging Continues

Work is continuing on the Ashby Pond Dredging and Environmental Improvements in Fairfax. About three fourths of the accumulated sediment has been removed and work is starting on the first of two outfall channels that feed the pond.

Progress on Stafford Drive Stream Restoration

The Stafford Drive Stream Restoration project in Fairfax is well underway. With tree removal complete, crews are now focused on lowering the floodplain through significant excavation and hauling.

Apply for Free Trees Planted on Your Property in Arlington

Arlingtonians can apply now for free trees planted on your property through the Tree Canopy Fund program and get a credit on your Stormwater Utility bill in 2026.

Apply by June 23

Tree Giveaway in Stafford — SOLD OUT!

Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR)’s “Tree Giveaway” in April on behalf of Stafford County was a huge success, providing up to 245 native trees for free to 53 households!

Local Clean-Up Events

Occoquan District-Area Clean-Up

When: June 7 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Bethel Church

Coles District-Area Clean-Up

When: June 21 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Rosa Parks Elementary

Mason Neck State Park Clean-Up

When: June 26 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Various locations throughout the park

Falmouth Beach Clean-Up

When: June 28 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Meet at the Falmouth Beach parking lot

Festivals & Fun

Manassas Stormwater at the Farmers Market

Stop by the City of Manassas Stormwater Division's booth at the Historic Manassas Farmers Market for plenty of information and games for all ages!

When: June 5 and August 9

Where: Manassas Farmers Market

Learn More

"I Love Lakes" with Prince William Water

Prince William Water is presenting their “Bart and the Big Stink” interactive storytime as part of the summer “I Love Lakes” library program. Attendees will hear about Bart and his adventures exploring a river and discovering the impact of pollution.

Search Library Events

Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show — Conservation Alley

Join Prince William Water at Conservation Alley! Get the latest information, tips and giveaways to help everyone take part in protecting our environment and resources.

When: June 7 – 8 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Occoquan

Plan Your Visit

Manassas Bee Festival

Enjoy interactive exhibits, beekeeping demonstrations, and a honey-tasting station at this festival celebrating the importance of pollinators!

When: June 21 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Liberia House and Grounds

Bee There

Firefly Festival

Join Arlington County in celebrating summer’s natural night lights through bug hunts, games, crafts, walks, and talks about fireflies.

When: June 22 | 7 – 9 p.m.

Where: Fort CF Smith Park

Fly In

Freshwater Ecology Naturalist Walk

Take a free guided walk by a professional naturalist at Leopold’s Preserve and learn all about the fascinating critters that inhabit our freshwater systems.

When: June 21 | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Leopold’s Preserve

Learn More

Later this Summer

Rippon Lodge Bird and Bug Day

Ready to explore nature's wonders? Bring your binoculars and cameras to record the variety of insects and birds found every day at the historic site.

When: August 23 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Rippon Lodge Historic Site

Learn More

Arlington Green Community Tour

Get inspired to build a greener community on this tour of sustainable homes and gardens in Arlington, featuring energy-efficient and water-saving technologies.

When: September 14 | 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where: Arlington Central Library

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.