The Virginia Chapter has directed GFG to start using a different software package, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, to produce this newsletter, which will be edited by the Chapter. You may notice a few changes in style.
DETAILS: We will have short presentations and then we will choose a breakout room to discuss and collaborate.
The District of Columbia has been a leader in reducing the use of single-use plastic. Our first speaker is from the DC Dept. of Energy and Environment. We will learn about DC's successful implementation of the bag fee and ways we can succeed in doing the same here in Fairfax Co. Next, Cheri Conca of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter will discuss NoVA transportation and smart growth projects.
Come be part of the solution! Whether you’re new to the cause, an experienced activist, or just curious about environmentalism, you’re welcome to join this dynamic meeting.
DETAILS: We're rallying for the planet, clean energy, a healthy climate, and a healthy future. Mother's Day was originally a day of political activism, so we're returning to those activist roots. We are determined to protect the climate for our children, our children's children, and all future generations. Register here. We have an incredible lineup of speakers:
WENONAH HAUTER, founder and executive director of Food & Water Watch. Wenonah has three decades of experience campaigning and writing on food, water, energy, and environmental issues.
BILL MCKIBBEN, author of over a dozen books, educator, environmentalist, and founder of 350.org. His 1989 book The End of Nature is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change.
HARRIET SHUGARMAN, author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action. She is also the Executive Director of Climate Mama and a professor of Global Climate Change Policy and World Sustainability.
JEROME FOSTER, youth activist, leader of Fridays for Future, and executive director of One Million of US , an international youth voting and advocacy organization.
New Mother's Day Proclamation by an organizational leader Music by SUN-SiNG Collective A children's story time will round out the program.
CONTACT: For more information, contact jmafnas@fwwatch.org SPONSORS: Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Sierra Club-Great Falls Group, Food & Water Watch
DESCRIPTION: Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are holding a meeting so you can learn more about the planned addition to Justice High School and the associated parking and improvements at Justice Park. Representatives of FCPS and the Fairfax County Park Authority will describe the plan and answer questions on the status quo and options.
Local citizens have opposed the plan, saying that it cuts into already scarce green space, was poorly publicized, and failed to consider workable alternatives. They also question if it fits the park and county master plans.
Progress and Issues with CECAP (Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan)
In April, the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) conducted a public meeting with businesses in the county as well as a separate meeting with four members of the business community who are also CECAP members. A concern was raised that OEEC was not following FOIA meeting requirements which they have imposed on the working groups. Also, It appears that OEEC is not including low-income and underrepresented population in their outreach.
The results of the February/March 2021 CECAP public surveys and the first draft of the CECAP report are available. The next public meeting of the entire Working Group will be held on May 10th, 6:00-8:30 PM
Transfer of Blake Lane Park to County Park Authority Celebrated with Day of Action
Board of Supervisors has unanimously agreed to transfer the Blake Lane Park site to the Fairfax County Park Authority.
The members of Save Blake Lane celebrated their victory with a tree planting and invasive plant removal on April 17th at the park.
Members of Quiet Clean NOVA attended the event and passed out fact sheets about the noise, pollution, environmental justice, climate change and habitat issues associated with gas-powered leaf blowers.
The next step is to create a new master plan for the park. Supervisor Palchik says park policies will help guide the planning, but the community will also be involved.
Removing invasive plants and replanting with natives is vital to restoring natural habitat.
For those who want a site of their own to work on, becoming an Invasive Management Area (IMA) site leader is an option. Generally, the candidate picks out a small area in a local park they'd like to restore and meets with IMA staff to discuss it as a potential site. It is also possible to share an existing site with another site leader.
Student Environmental Action Showcase Went Virtual on Earth Day 2021
SEAS, this year’s premier environmental action event for youth, went online. K-12 students from Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City/County, Falls Church, Loudoun, Prince William, and Maryland joined the event.
Students watched and participated in the Our Power Sessions, which bring students, elected representatives, and other decision-making stakeholders together to discuss environmental issues.
Others submitted poetry, led eco-partner presentations, or listened to information on the county's thermal camera loan program. The cameras can show heat images of objects and people, which can help with residential energy efficiency. This presentation was made possible through the outreach and collaboration of Great Falls Group.
GFG Leader Will Help Advise on County Climate Plan
Dr. Ana Prados, a member of the Great Falls Group Executive Committee, will serve on Fairfax County’s “Resilient Fairfax” Community Advisory Group.
This group will focus on anticipating and planning for the ill effects of climate change locally. It is holding its first meeting on May 5.
The group is expected to give input and insight to staff from the county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. This office is in charge of developing the county’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP). While these meetings will not be open to the public in real time, video recordings of the meetings will be posted to individual meeting pages linked below. Meeting agendas and other materials will also be posted to these pages for reference by members of the CAG and the public.
WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 8 AM-1 PM WHERE: Town of Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna
Description: This sale offers a wide variety of native plants from Hill House Farm & Nursery. Come early for best selection. Situated in Castleton, VA, Hill House grows native plants for gardens, landscape restoration and habitat creation.
