It is with sadness that I announce the departure of Cathy Ledec from the County Tree Commission (among many other duties and services to our community) due to her impending move out of the area. Cathy is a Tree Warrior and force of nature – by being a force FOR nature, with an intensity and focus that is truly remarkable and has served our natural world extremely well. She is a strong community activist, with a focus on environmentalism. Her achievements are not just volunteering, but also organizing, motivating others, demonstrating leadership, and serving as a role model and mentor.

Cathy has served on the Fairfax County Tree Commission since 2016, and as Chair since January 2019, until she recently stepped down. As Chair, Cathy led the creation of the 2019 Fairfax County Tree Action Plan, which was subsequently approved by the Board of Supervisors, and led to the institution of the Community of Practice in 2020. During Cathy’s tenure, she led discussions and compiled research for the Commission to comment on a variety of County Board priorities, including solar projects and trees, the Joint County/Schools Environmental Task Force (JET) recommendations, land use decisions affecting trees, actions affecting trees in the Community Energy and Climate Action Plan’s (CECAP), among others. As noted by the current Chair of the Tree Commission, Cindy Speas, “Cathy’s work made the Tree Commission more relevant in a changing environmental world through the adoption of the Tree Action Plan and the Community of Practice.”

Cathy has served on the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park since 2010 and as its elected President since 2012, where her leadership has contributed significantly to the long-term preservation of natural resources at Huntley Meadows and throughout Fairfax County. She volunteers with the Resource Management Division (RMD) of the County Park Authority (FCPA) assigned to Huntley Meadows, educating the public on the importance of being good environmental stewards and contributing to data collection supporting scientific research. Cathy has led countless cleanups, invasive species removals, bird counts, nature walks and organized volunteers for many other park activities. In 2020, Cathy received the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award for 17 years of volunteer service at Huntley Meadows Park and for the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Cathy is truly a protector of our natural world, from every bee to every tree. Her knowledge of trees, natural landscaping, climate and environmental issues, living shorelines and so much more is unmatched, as is her passion and enthusiasm. She has a strong conviction that we must preserve what we have, improve what we can, lead by example and love Mother Earth. Cathy is an inspiration to us all and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors and new community! To learn more about Cathy, read the full article…

With Cathy Ledec "leafing", we are in search of a new Mount Vernon District Tree Commissioner!

Despite urbanization, tree canopy covers more than 50 percent of Fairfax County. To maintain and ensure regeneration, as well as enhancing the quality of that cover, the County Board of Supervisors relies on the 15-member Tree Commission for advice and support regarding urban forest conservation and preservation. The Commission is composed of a representative from each of the magisterial districts plus one At Large member, and a representative of the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council, Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division.

Volunteering on these Board committees increases citizen participation in our District. If you are interested in serving on a county board, authority, commission, or committee (BAC), please provide a current résumé to [email protected]. Other committee openings can be seen here...

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is undertaking a study on the potential extension of the I-495 Express Lanes from the Springfield interchange (I-95 / I-395 / I-495) in Fairfax County across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, to the 210 interchange in Maryland.

Additional considerations include bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Over the next week, VDOT will be holding three additional public meetings to discuss this study and an online survey. While these potential express lanes may not help our community directly, if funds from the project can be used to address local feeder intersections and neighborhood gridlock, then I support consideration of extending the express lanes. For this reason, your attendance is important at these meetings, and I strongly encourage you to advocate for these needs.

We have been hearing from residents about the traffic backups at the intersection of Richmond Highway & Fort Hunt Road. In order to ameliorate the situation, County Staff recommended an at-grade intersection improvement to include roadway widening and additional right turn lanes from Fort Hunt onto Richmond Highway for those heading onto I-495. This North Gateway transportation plan was approved as part of the Comprehensive Plan in December 2020. The Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Association also adopted this plan as it has been shown in Fairfax County Department of Transportation studies to significantly alleviate congestion and improve the Level of Service of motor vehicle traffic through the intersection. Funds to improve walkability and bikeability of the North Gateway area with a trail connecting Huntington Park to Richmond Highway across to Old Town is an important use for some of these potential funds.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in the Fairfax Health District, testing remains a critical action to help stop community transmission. This is especially important as we see increases in the community and a growing number of outbreaks in schools and childcare facilities. Testing is important as prevention because those who are positive should stay home and away from others (isolate), reducing the chance of spreading infection to others in one’s family, to co-workers, or to people in the community. Learn more...

As the nationwide infant formula shortage continues due to a temporary shutdown of the plant that manufactures about half of the U.S. supply, local families are impacted, too. Our Health Department advises if you have any questions, check with your baby’s physician or healthcare provider, especially if your baby is on a restricted diet or has any medical conditions. Seven tips if your formula is hard to find...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and presents a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health, fight stigma, educate the public and provide support for those struggling with mental health issues. A series of podcasts will be featured on the County Health Department's Facebook page addressing mental health, suicide awareness, substance use and more. Learn more about these podcasts, online training courses and tools that are available for all residents...

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services has opened nominations for the 2022 Juneteenth Resiliency Awards. In recognition of Juneteenth, these awards recognize and celebrate Black resiliency in youth and young adults ages 13-21 who have exhibited true perseverance (also known as grit, determination, dedication and persistence) to strive towards meaningful contributions and outcomes in their lives and/or the lives of others in the black community.

Awardees will be celebrated at the Juneteenth Resiliency Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 7 p.m. The program will stream live on Fairfax County Channel 16. Nominations are due by close of business on Thursday, May 19, 2022. To learn more or submit your nomination...

The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) is getting ready for its big move into the Lorton Community Center! To prepare for the move new (or gently used) large boxes are needed. Boxes can be dropped off at the house: