Lake Barcroft group supports sustainable habitats

As we approach Earth Day on April 22, it’s a good time to recognize the local residents who are working all year to improve their community’s natural environment.

Lake Barcroft residents formed a group called SEED to support sustainable habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. SEED (Service, Education, Ecology, Discovery) is sponsored by Lake Barcroft’s Environmental Quality Committee.

“We have a dedicated core team of club members and more than 50 residents who come out to help us with hands-on restoration work,” says SEED member Anne Brosnan.

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“Our efforts focus on stewardship of the Lake Barcroft common areas and the sharing of information about the natural environment,” Brosnan says. “We recognize that protecting and restoring the tree canopy is essential for the health of the Chesapeake watershed, which includes Lake Barcroft.”

SEED regularly schedules work days to remove invasive plants from trees and garden beds and install native plants, shrubs, and trees. Group members lead bird walks, put up nesting boxes for songbirds and waterfowl, present demonstrations on tree care, and organize shoreline cleanups.

“A major focus of our efforts is community outreach,” Brosnan says. SEED submits articles to the monthly Lake Barcroft newsletter on environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and local wildlife. The group also participates in Lake Barcroft community events “to get the word out about the importance of caring for the land and water.”

On April 26, SEED will team up with the Lake Barcroft Art League and Women’s Club at a Garden Party at the Woman’s Community Garden to celebrate Lake Barcroft’s 75th anniversary.

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“We have successfully advocated with the Lake Barcroft Board to protect and restore our common areas,” Brosnan says. “The response to our efforts from the board, the Lake Barcroft Watershed Improvement District, and residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Their appreciation and support are essential for our continued success.”

While SEED is a club for Lake Barcroft residents, the group has partnered with other organizations, including the Girl Scouts, Friends of Holmes Run, and NoVA Wild Ones. 

SEED also persuaded the Lake Barcroft Board to join the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance, a grassroots organization for HOAs and community associations that work on saving trees and promoting biodiversity.