Upcoming Meetings and Events

Chapter Events Calendar

Click here for the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Events Calendar

Environmental Meetings/Events in and near the Potomac River Group area

Landscaping for Wildlife

WHEN: April 5, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, free

WHERE: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

Northern Virginia Bird Alliance’s Alda Krinsman will review steps to create habitat in your yards or common areas for species that need help due to loss of habitat, such as certain birds, moths and butterflies. This presentation will review steps to create a certified Wildlife Sanctuary on your property, including a free visit and advice from a Wildlife Sanctuary Program Ambassador. Register here

More info

Understanding Climate Change: From Concern to Action

WHEN: April 7 - May 5, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, free

WHERE: virtual

Dr. Jamie Bacon, retired Biologist, and Gloria Mog, coordinator of the Leadership Team for Elders Climate Action (ECA) Virginia, are offering a 5-session on-line course on understanding Climate Change. The course is offered free under the auspices of the Virginia Chapter of ECA. The goal is to help people become “climate literate” so that they are able to speak more confidently about the challenges with people in their communities and are inspired to become more active with climate groups working to advocate on behalf of the planet. The course covers: science and problems, climate models - featuring MIT’s En-ROADS Climate Solution Simulator, renewables and other solutions, new ways of thinking, and moving to action.

Register with gloriamog@verizon.net. Class size is limited. No fee, some homework suggested.

VA 2026 General Assembly Wrap-Up

WHEN: April 8, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

WHERE: virtual

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will share updates on the policies they championed, evaluate their impact on water quality, and highlight the work that still lies ahead to reduce pollution, restore rivers and streams, and protect the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come. You'll also learn how your advocacy made a difference—and how you can stay engaged to ensure continued progress throughout the year.

Register here

Falls Church Spring Community Clean-Up

WHEN: April 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

WHERE: Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Building, Falls Church, VA 22046

Join us for a City-wide clean-up! Help keep The Little City beautiful and our waterways clean. Perfect for families, groups, and individuals who want to make a difference! Be sure to wear clothes that can get dirty as well as closed-toe shoes. We'll provide all the cleanup gear you need. No registration required.
Questions? Email Recycling@fallschurchva.gov.

Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Showcase

WHEN: April 11, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: 3210 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302 

Test drive different electric vehicles from local dealerships and talk to local EV owners about their experiences, charging, and the benefits of electric transportation. Don't drive a car? Test ride a scooter or e-bike from a local retailer or one of the City's micromobility operators. 

More info

Menhaden Policy Review: 2026 General Assembly

WHEN: April 13, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

WHERE: virtual

Want a more focused look at how policies impacting Atlantic menhaden—a critical fish to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem—fared? The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will recap how the Virginia General Assembly addressed menhaden issues during the 2026 session. You'll also learn how these legislative decisions impact the Bay, coastal communities, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Register here

Right to Plug-In

WHEN: April 14, 7:00 – 7:30 pm, also May 18 and June 15

WHERE: virtual

Plug-in solar panels provide a simple, reliable way to save money by generating your own electricity. Plug-in panels connect to a standard power outlet. This lets you go solar without a complicated installation. Small scale plug-in systems can be placed on a balcony, in a front or backyard, or on a roof deck. Join us for our monthly Right to Plug-In call to learn more about what bills are in play and how you can support them. The 2026 Virginia General Assembly passed legislation allowing residents to install small plug-in solar generation devices without needing approval from their local electric utility. Gov. Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign the bill into law.

Register here

Prevent Food Waste Workshop

WHEN: April 22, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

WHERE: Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library meeting room, 4701 Seminary Rd

Alexandria, VA 22304 

In celebration of Earth Day, please join to learn practical tips and resources to reduce food waste.

More info

8th Annual EcoExtravaganza

WHEN: April 23, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

WHERE: Clare & Don's Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046

Join EcoAction Arlington to celebrate work in the community caring for our environment. It wouldn't be a celebration without YOU! General Admission: $40, Students 25 and under free with valid ID.

Register here

Eco-City Alexandria Earth Month Proclamation

WHEN: April 25, 9:30 am 0 10:30 am

WHERE: Buddie Ford Nature, 5750 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22311

Eco-City will celebrate Earth Month with the reading of the Earth Month Proclamation and memorialize it with a tree planting. This event is also a celebration of our City’s youth through the ACPS “Lights, Camera, Action: Spotlighting Steps to a Greener Alexandria” themed artwork showcase.

More info

Native Habitat Planting at Dyke Marsh

WHEN: April 18, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  

WHERE: Belle Haven Marina, 6401 George Washington Memorial Parkway

Alexandria, VA 22306 

Join the Friends of Dyke Marsh and Sierra Club Great Falls Group to plant pollinator plants in Dyke Marsh near the Mount Vernon Trail and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Bring: gloves, trowels, drinking water, sunscreen

Additional Directions: Meet at the Haul Road Trail bulletin board, just off the road to the Belle Haven Marina. Parking is available in the Belle Haven Parks south lot, a short walk from the Haul Road Trail.

Register here

Virginia Conservation Network General Assembly Recap

WHEN: April 24, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, $15 

WHERE: virtual

Join this recap to get the inside scoop from environmental policy experts about the conservation community’s biggest victories, the missed opportunities, and any surprise outcomes from the 2026 General Assembly session. This public event is open to anyone wanting to learn which environmental bills are becoming Virginia law.

More info

Earth Day Every Day Festival on Langston Boulevard

WHEN: April 26, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

WHERE: 4500 Cherry Hill Rd, Arlington, VA 22207, in front of the Lee Heights Shops

The Langston Boulevard Alliance is hosting its 4th annual Earth Day Festival! This family friendly event has something for everyone. There will be live music, art vendors, local food and more. We will also be featuring a host of educational programming as we all learn how to better take care of the beautiful planet we call home. The Sierra Club's Potomac River Group will have a few electric vehicles (EVs) on display and the owners will be available to answer questions. It is a great opportunity to learn from real experience. There will also be plenty of information on EVs, home electrification, and the Sierra Club. 

More info

Ballston Missing Middle Tour

WHEN: May 2, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

WHERE: Ballston Metro, Arlington, near the bus bays on Fairfax drive, look for the CSG flag

Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) for an interactive walking tour of beautiful Ballston and the many forms of housing this diverse neighborhood has to offer. We're hitting the pavement to take a closer look at "missing middle" housing - the duplexes, townhomes, and smaller apartments that bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rises. We will hear from local leaders and advocates, like Arlington Councilmember JD Spain, on the importance of missing middle in our housing ecosystem. Following the tour, we will head to Quincy Hall to continue the conversation over lunch. We look forward to seeing you there! Walk will be approximately 1 mile.

Register here

Check out your local environmental commissions and committees

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

 

Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings

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.