Annandale celebrates Earth Day
While children painted birdhouses and pinecones at the Earth Day festival in Annandale on April 19, the adults learned about volunteer opportunities with local organizations dedicated to protecting the environment.
The Earth Day event, at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike, was organized by the Community Revitalization Section in Fairfax County’s Department of Planning and Development.
Among the organizations with tables at the event:
Fairfax Tree Stewards, a group of about 50 volunteers, is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the area’s urban forests.
The group promotes the use of native trees and educates the public on how to plant and take care of trees, says member Jeanne Kadet. They also identify and measure trees for the Virginia Big Tree Program.
Another group focusing on the tree canopy, Plant NOVA Trees, urges people to avoid planting non-native trees, which disrupt the ecosystem. Caterpillars, birds, fireflies, frogs, and butterflies depend on native plants for food and shelter.
Volunteers with the group participate in tree rescuing activities, including an upcoming one at Roundtree Park on May 2, 1-3 p.m.
Friends of Holmes Run also hosts invasive removal activities, as well as stream cleanups, as part of their mission to protect and restore the Holmes Run/Tripps Run watershed.
Related story: Lake Barcroft group supports sustainable habitats
Stream cleanups are one of the main activities of the Friends of Accotink Creek. This group focuses on restoring the water quality, natural habitat, and ecological well-being of the watershed running through Wakefield Park, Lake Accotink Park, and other areas that drain into the Potomac River.
Hands On Harvests encourages people to grow their own food by supporting community gardens, providing seeds and mentorships to gardeners, and educating people on gardening techniques. The all-volunteer group maintains the demonstration garden at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.
Hands On Harvests invites the public to the following events:
- April 24 – Free Cooking Demonstration, Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Learn how to make apple coleslaw and talk with a Virginia Cooperative Extension nutrition expert.
- April 26 – Help create a garden at the AUMC Mission Center, 7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Green thumb not required. RSVP: [email protected].
- May 17 – New Gardener Orientation and Planting Party, Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale. At 9:30, a.m., learn about the garden and how you can help grow food for the community. At 10 a.m.-noon, plant tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-weather crops. No experience needed; tools and gloves provided. RSVP: [email protected].
Other displays at the Earth Day Festival represented Community Art for Everyone (CAFE) the Annandale Greenway, Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez, the ACCA Child Development Center, Fairfax County’s Wastewater Management office, Fairfax Recycles, the Fairfax Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, and the Park Authority’s Wonder Wagon.
