|
|  |
- Sixth Annual EcoExtravaganza
- Meet the EcoAction Arlington Board
- Volunteers Needed
- Upcoming Events
- EcoAction Arlington Caring for Our Community
- Sustainability Tip
| |
Sixth Annual EcoExtravaganza | |
Over 100 guests gathered together at Clare & Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church on April 25 for a festive night celebrating under the stars. Weyessa McAlister(pictured above), Director of Community Conservation, Potomac Conservancy, spoke of his work engaging residents in protecting our nation's watersheds and his journey there from Ethiopia. Virginia Delegate Adele McClure (pictured center below) showcased important contributions of our state leaders in protecting our natural resources and advancing Virginia’s work to combat the climate crisis. | |
The 2024 EcoAction Arlington Impact Awards were presented to volunteer Barbara Fillip, the Penrose Tree Canopy Equity Team, and RE Tech Advisors for their dedication and leadership in environmental stewardship, helping to advance EcoAction Arlington’s mission. | |
(from left to right) Kara Simon, Outreach Assistant, Mike Lowe, EcoAction Arlington Board Chair, and Ting Waymouth, Program Manager present EcoAction Arlington Impact Award to Barbara Fillip | |
(from left to right) Mike Lowe, EcoAction Arlington Board Chair and Kisha Sogunro, Outreach Manager present EcoAction Arlington Impact Award to representatives of the Penrose Tree Canopy Equity Team | |
Mike Lowe, EcoAction Arlington Board Chair (L) and Bill Campbell, Energy Masters Coordinator (center) present EcoAction Arlington Impact Award to RE Tech Advisors | | |
|
Meet the 2024-2025 Board of Directors | Norman Barth, Elizabeth Elee, David Forney, Sampak Garg, Aisha Husain, Angelo Ioffreda, Sirisha Karra, Mike Lowe, Jim Lyon, Levi Novey, Andrea Reese, Joseph Testa, Laura Vickers, Nina Wurster. | Thank you to our departing board members: Eliza Gromada, Melody Starya Mobley, Ruth Ivory-Moore, and Jenn Yates. | | |
|
Call for Volunteers
Volunteers are needed for EcoAction Arlington Spring events. Assist with a climate-themed art project with the Art Truck or help lead a clean up. No experience needed. Volunteers are the battery that keeps us running! Sign up now, contact volunteer@ecoactionarlington with any questions.
Sign Up Now
| | |
|
|
Get geared up to hop on a bike and ride with us this Bike to Work Day (BTWD), whether you’re working at home or commuting to the office. Join people all over the region in celebrating this fun, healthy, and sustainable activity. EcoAction Arlington will be at the Shirlington stop with information and inspiration.
Sign up and more information.
| | |
|
Solar Switch 101 - May 23 | |
Learn how to make the switch to solar in Arlington County with the virtual webinar Solar Switch 101 on May 23 at 1-2:15 p.m. Presented by Solar United Neighbors.
Free, registration required.
Learn more and RSVP here
| | |
|
Art Truck: Climate Hope - various dates | |
Contribute to a community art project on climate change. EcoAction Arlington is a community partner for this project with Climate4Change. Free. All Ages. No registration required except for Author's Talk.
-
Thursday, May 9 – 3-7 p.m. - MoCA on the Move with MoCA Arlington at MET Park, S Elm St between S 13 and S 14th Streets
-
Saturday, May 18 – 10-1 p.m. - Family Fun Day in the Park, Alcova Heights Park, 901 S George Mason Drive
-
Saturday, May 25 – 11-2:30 p.m. at Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Avenue ; 11-1: activation outside-(drop by anytime), 1-2:30: artist talk in library and community performance/procession from library to Jennie Dean park. There is limited space for the artist talk indoors. Sign up here.
More information
| | |
|
2024 Green Community Celebration & Tour - June 2
The 21st annual Green Community Tour will showcase sustainable homes and gardens in Arlington with a free Community Welcome Event at Central Library Plaza from 11-12:30 p.m. featuring electric vehicles, exhibits, and family-friendly fun! From 12-4:30 p.m. take a self-guided tour of green homes and gardens across Arlington, $5. The celebration and tour are sponsored by EcoAction Arlington, Virginia Cooperative Extension/Master Gardeners, Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, Arlington Public Libraries, Arlington County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management.
Register to receive a tour map
(maps will be emailed closer to the event date)
| | |
|
BE.Hive - June 11
Rare's one-day summit uniting environmental changemakers, behavioral scientists, designers and thought leaders is June 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C.
This dynamic conference features the invaluable role of behavioral and social sciences in driving environmental outcomes. Attendees can expect a day filled with notable speakers, interactive games, and evidence-based behavioral solutions. Reduced rate and scholarship tickets available, based on need.
Register
| | |
|
Solstice Celebration - June 21
Save the Date to celebrate summer with EcoAction Arlington! Volunteers will participate in removing invasives at Bluemont Junction from 6-8 p.m. Join us for a beautiful evening celebrating the longest days of the year for service, sunshine, and socializing!
Registration coming soon!
| | |
|
Clean the Bay Day - June 1
Clean the Bay Day is an annual Virginia wide clean-up where thousands of Virginians simultaneously descend on the rivers, streams, and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to remove harmful litter and debris. For questions, contact ctbd@cbf.org.
To learn more about Clean the Bay Day and view clean-up sites, visit cbf.org/clean.
| |
Engaging Our Community in Caring for Our Environment | Here's a look at some of our activities during Earth Month - | |
pictured above EcoAction Arlington staff l-r: Ting Waymouth, Program Manager; Kara Simon, Outreach Assistant; Michele Bianchi, Communications Coordinator. Volunteers Gaston Araoz of Dominion Energy and Johnny Grady (not pictured) picked up the mattress from the road. | |
Monthly Sustainability Tip | |
In May, our thoughts turn to plants and trees. Here are some tips to conserve water while tending to your plants and gardens: | |
-
Stop overwatering. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
-
Reduce or eliminate lawn areas, which require excessive watering. Consider replacing or minimizing your lawn with drought-tolerant plants, ground covers, or hardscaping.
-
Compost. Well-amended soil retains moisture better.
-
Water deeply in the early morning to minimize evaporation and allow plants to absorb moisture efficiently.
-
Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture, prevent evaporation, and protect roots.
-
Collect and use rainwater with rain barrels; use collected water for garden irrigation.
-
Group plants with similar water needs to ensure efficient watering and prevent over- or under-watering.
| | |
-
Opt for native or drought-resistant plants which need less water.
-
Remove weeds and competing plants to conserve moisture.
-
Allow grass to grow longer to shade the soil, reducing evaporation. Adjust your lawn mower height accordingly.
-
Use water-retaining crystals or gel in containers which help retain water, reducing the frequency of watering.
-
Check for leaks, inspect hoses, faucets, and irrigation systems for leaks. Repair any issues promptly.
-
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing waste.
-
Create a rain garden to reduce runoff pollution by up to 99%.
-
Avoid toxic chemical fertilizers. Opt for organic alternatives. This helps prevent harmful runoff into waterways.
| |
|
EcoAction Arlington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to educate, advocate, and act to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis.
You are receiving this email because you've previously subscribed to our mailing list, attended an event, or are an EcoAction Arlington member.
| Too many emails in your inbox? Need a break? We get it. To choose which communications you'd like to receive click on the Update Profile link below. To unsubscribe to ALL EcoAction Arlington emails click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. | | | | |
