Tag: environment
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 … Continued
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 … Continued
Celebrate Earth Day Saturday in Annandale
Celebrate Earth Day with your neighbors and friends next Saturday in Annandale. Fairfax County’s Community Revitalization Section is hosting an Earth Day event at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, on April 19, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Activities include: The Earth Day event is a great way to connect with community members, learn about … Continued
Bill to curb car exhaust noise vetoed
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed legislation passed by the General Assembly that would have made it easier for the police to enforce the ban on noisy vehicles. House Bill 2550, sponsored by Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6th District), would have given Fairfax County a tool to crack down on illegal, modified exhausts that create significant noise … Continued
More transparency needed on Lake Accotink preservation study
By Martin “Shep” Shepherd The update on the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study, provided in the February edition of Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s newsletter, “The Braddock Beacon,” highlights several ongoing efforts and key milestones. However, critical questions remain unanswered, and gaps in public transparency persist. Below is a detailed evaluation of the update, key takeaways, and … Continued
Committee suggests ways to make Mason District greener
There are dozens of ways to improve sustainability in Mason District, according to a committee of individuals knowledgeable in environmental issues. Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez appointed Ken Sandler, an expert in environmental science and policy, last April to convene a Greener Mason Advisory Committee. The committee was charged with proposing both long-term and short-term … Continued
BoS urged to act on illegal dumping
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council is urging county leaders to take action to curb illegal dumping along roadways and in parks, streams, and neighborhoods. EQAC recommends the Board of Supervisors assign a county agency to take on a leadership role for eliminating illegal dumping. It also calls for better signage at dump sites … Continued
TJ student is on a mission to reduce light pollution
Rushil Kukreja, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is so committed to reducing light pollution, he founded a nonprofit organization and is working on drafting legislation to address the problem. He even spoke at a science summit at the United Nations in October on potential solutions. Princia, the 501(c)(3) Rushil … Continued
Plastic bag tax generated over $6 million
Fairfax County’s plastic bag tax has generated over $6.2 million in revenue since it took effect on Jan. 1, 2022, the county reports. The largest share of those funds supported Operation Stream Shield, a program that pays homeless people for temporary work removing debris from streams and other locations. Funds also went to waste collection … Continued
Justice HS holds a Recycling Fair
Justice High School student volunteers helped local residents declutter their homes while keeping unneeded items out of landfills.
Lake Accotink is being drained for an evaluation of the dam
Part of the lakebed at Lake Accotink is exposed, as the water level is being lowered to facilitate a study of the dam structure.
Lake Accotink sedimentation study to start this fall
The U.S. Geological Survey has gotten the go-ahead to carry out a $1.14 million three-year sedimentation study of Lake Accotink.
Committee advises Jimenez on creating a greener Mason District
The Greener Mason Advisory Committee, a group set up by Supervisor Andres Jimenez, is development recommendations for making the environment of Mason District “measurably cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant.”
Community speaks out against Plaza 500 data center
Days before the Board of Supervisors’ hearing on data centers, Bren Mar Park residents and environmental activists staged a rally and press conference urging stricter rules to protect neighborhoods.
Paint recycling program launched
Fairfax County launched a paint-recycling program that will provide job training while reducing waste in landfills. The 12-month pilot program, announced June 13, is being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in collaboration with Operation Stream Shield and the Washington, D.C.-based Pangea Markets, an organization dedicated to sustainability. Participants in … Continued