WHEN: May 16, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

WHERE: Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22304, shelter #2

Please join us for our spring picnic! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Sierra Club members in our area and to hear from members of our Executive Committee about what we have been working on in Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church. We will be providing healthy food from CAVA, and you are encouraged to bring your own reusable cups, plates, and utensils (we will bring some also) so we can minimize waste. You may invite friends who are not currently Sierra Club members but may be interested in joining. After we eat, we will have a short walk for those interested to highlight some of the beautiful trees in the park. Please register so we will know how much food to order.

Register here

WHEN: May 6, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, free

WHERE: virtual

Join us to learn about how cool (and hot!) heat pumps are and all the benefits they can bring to heating and cooling your space. This presentation from the experts at Rewiring America will answer your questions about upgrading to a heat pump, including what it means to electrify, how heat pump technology works, and potential savings and other benefits from making the switch.

You’ll also learn about the Capital Area Switch Together Program!

Register here

WHEN: May 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, free

WHERE: virtual

We are lucky in our region to have an amazing Metro system and an expansive network of bus lines. But it’s no accident. It’s the result of hard work by the agencies, elected officials, and advocates. Come join experts from Northern Virginia to learn about local and regional transit initiatives and opportunities and challenges to …

Register here

WHEN: May 9, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

WHERE: Woodlawn Park, 1325 N Buchanan St, Arlington, VA 22205, USA

Join community volunteers to preserve and restore the natural areas of this beautiful park where Lubber Run Stream begins. No experience necessary. These events help our local ecosystem to regrow and support our trees and other plants, pollinators, birds, fireflies, and bats. We use "assisted natural regeneration" by removing non-native invasive plants and allowing forest, meadow, and streamside habitat to regrow. We protect emerging trees with deer caging, and use rope fencing to designate areas for regrowth. In limited circumstances we plant new, locally-grown native plants that are no longer present in the ecosystem.

Register here

More events

WHEN: May 12,  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

WHERE: virtual

Please join EcoAction Arlington for a virtual happy hour. This is a chance to learn about future events, test your environmental knowledge with trivia and mingle! We hope to see you there!

Register here

WHEN: May 15, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, free

WHERE: virtual

No matter the size of your yard, you can create an inviting space that supports wildlife year-round. Each of us can play an important role in supporting native plants and animals in the face of challenges like habitat loss, declining biodiversity and climate change. Join Master Naturalist Amy Bolton to discuss how to incorporate the basic needs for wildlife into your outdoor space. Learn how choosing a few strategic plants can attract a host of birds, butterflies and mammals. Be surprised at the biodiversity you can support by planting native plants and creating a four-season habitat.

Register here

More events

WHEN: May 15, morning and evening commute times

WHERE: various locations in the DMV

This year, Arlington County is hosting seven pit stops where registered riders can pick up their free commemorative purple T-shirt, enjoy refreshments, and grab some swag. If you are cycling through Arlington, plan to register for one of these locations:

• Ballston (Welburn Square): 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

• Rosslyn (Gateway Park): 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

• Columbia Pike (Penrose Square): 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

• National Landing (Water Park): 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

• National Guard (TARC): 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

• Langston Blvd (Lyon Village): 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Met Park (Amazon HQ2): 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Register here

More info

WHEN: May 26, 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm

WHERE: Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Looking for a space to talk about climate change and the things affected that we love? Join us for a monthly discussion focused on a relevant topic. Register to receive the materials suggestions.

Register here

WHEN: May 27, 2:00 pm 

WHERE: virtual

Rights of Nature represents a groundbreaking shift in environmental protection — a legal framework that recognizes rivers, forests, and other natural entities as having inherent rights to exist, flourish, and remain clean. This transformative model emerged in the Global South, led by Ecuador, the first country to enshrine Rights of Nature in its constitution. It has since inspired movements and legal debates worldwide, redefining the relationship between people and the planet. Join us for a special Keynote in which lawyers, civil society activists, and academics discuss how Rights of Nature is being interpreted and applied in the courts of Ecuador and Colombia. They will also explore the challenges this paradigm faces and highlight the opportunities it creates for strengthening environmental protection and advancing sustainability. The conversation offers a rare, frontline look at the evolving global dialogue on environmental justice.

Register here

WHEN: May 30, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

WHERE: Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

This spring and summer, Alexandria’s Natural Resources Team is heading out into the community to meet residents, share knowledge and celebrate the environment that makes the city thrive. From hosting interactive "meet and greets" like this to participating in major community events, the team will be your go-to resource for all things land, water, wildlife and plants. These events are a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about local ecosystems, and find ways to get involved. 

More info

WHEN: Every month, dates vary

WHERE: In every jurisdiction – virtual and in-person

Have you ever attended a meeting of your local environmental commission? Meetings are public and it can be a great way to learn about what is going on in your community. Commissions often consider issues of concern and welcome public comment. Click on the links below to find out more about your local commissions. Meeting schedules are provided on the linked websites. The agenda for an upcoming meeting is usually posted several days in advance of the meeting.  

Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission

Arlington Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission

Arlington Energy Committee

Arlington Forestry and Natural Resources Commission

Falls Church Environmental Sustainability Council

The MeetUp group for Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) is a special activities section of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. The group organizes hikes and other events in Virginia, DC and Maryland. No Sierra Club membership is necessary to participate. SCPRO welcomes all people on a variety of outdoor adventures, nature walks, conservation outings, and exploration of our natural and regional history. Join SCPRO MeetUp here.