Tag: environment
Community presents complaints about Justice Park parking lot to school and park officials
The proposal for Justice Park. Click to enlarge. Fairfax County Public Schools and Park Authority officials agreed to consider community members’ objections to the proposal to carve out space for a parking lot in Justice Park. However, they didn’t indicate that any alternatives would be feasible. At a virtual meeting on the project May 6 … Continued
Solar energy furthers the mission of Peace Lutheran Church to address climate change
The roof of Peace Lutheran Church is being prepared for the installation of solar panels. For Peace Lutheran Church in Lincolnia, protecting the future of the planet is a key concern – and, as a result, the church is taking action to address the climate crisis by installing solar panels on its roof. Pastor Sarah … Continued
More alternatives should be considered for Justice parking lot
A rendering of the Justice High School addition. By Nazir Bhagat The proposal by Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Park Authority to build a parking lot in Justice Park as part of a school expansion project has led to widespread opposition among the community. Nearby residents have been having a hard time … Continued
Residents demand answers on parking lot in Justice Park
A meeting on a proposed parking lot in Justice Park was held in the park’s outdoor classroom. About 100 people showed up at a meeting at Justice Park Sunday afternoon to learn more about a plan to create a parking lot in the park – and strategize on how to fight it. Fairfax County Public … Continued
Toxic chemicals found in Annandale drinking water
According to the D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), Annandale zip code 22003 has the highest levels of toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluorakyl) chemicals in Fairfax County The EWG tested tap water at 19 locations in Northern Virginia at private residences, commercial establishments, and parks.
Watch the Green Grow program encourages residents to protect the watershed
A native garden in Annandale. Fairfax County residents who take actions to protect the watershed – by not using toxic chemicals on their lawn or replacing invasives with native plants, for example – can chart their efforts on an interactive map. The map is part of the Park Authority’s Watch the Green Grow program, which … Continued
Lumber not landfills: Use urban wood instead of throwing it away
A conference table in Harrisonburg is made from an ash tree reclaimed by the city government’s urban wood program. [WHSV] By Marie Reinsdorf “We envision a future where every tree has a use at the end of its life – a level of use that honors its existence.” – vision statement from the Virginia Urban … Continued
Fairfax County plans to install solar panels on government buildings
The Mason Government Center. Fairfax County is proposing a plan to install solar panels at 22 public buildings. The Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing March 9 on a proposal to lease county-owned property to Sigora Solar LLC for the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic panels for electricity generation.
Residents encouraged to take surveys on Fairfax County’s Energy and Climate Action Plan
Solar panels, like the ones on this Annandale roof, are an increasingly common sight in Mason District. Fairfax County is asking residents to take three surveys to inform county staff on how they feel about climate change issues. The surveys will provide feedback as the county develops its first-ever Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan … Continued
Supervisors ban plastic bags for yard waste
The correct way to put yard waste on the curb. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 Feb. 23 to ban the use of plastic bags for curbside yard waste pickup. Instead of plastic bags, county residents now must use paper bags or reusable bins. Another alternative, suggested Eric Forbes of the Fairfax County … Continued
Fairfax County supervisors to consider banning plastic bags for yard waste
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is holding a hearing Feb. 23, 4 p.m., on a proposed ordinance to ban the use of plastic bags for yard waste collections. The proposed change is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in streams and soil, contaminating the environment.
Flowers for your vase: Go local
Elegance Formula Sweet Pea Mix from Johnny’s Seeds catalog. By Marie Reinsdorf Spring is on the way, and Culpeper County flower grower Bob Wollam is starting his sweet peas in a hoop house. They go in now to beat the heat but must be undercover where the soil won’t freeze. Sweet peas have a heavenly … Continued
Plan to turn park space into parking lot angers residents
Local residents and environmental advocates are concerned about a plan to create a parking lot inside Justice Park as part of the upcoming expansion of Justice High School in Seven Corners. The park is on Peace Valley Lane across the street from the school. Under a plan under discussion by Fairfax County Public Schools and … Continued
Explore a Park: Ecological restoration and history at Fitzhugh Park in Annandale
This article is part of the Annandale Blog’s Explore a Park series. Previous parks in the series include Manassas Gap Park and Luria Park in Annandale and Lillian Carey Park in Bailey’s Crossroads. Fitzhugh Park is a 10-acre park in Annandale between the Bristow Village condominium, the Ravensworth-Bristow neighborhood, and the beltway. Features: Playground, basketball … Continued
Salt on roads harms waterways
With wintry weather predicted for Wednesday, it’s a good time to think about the ecological damage caused by using salt on icy roads and driveways. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will introduce a new a Salt Management Strategy Toolkit at a public meeting next month with resources and recommendations for best practices to reduce … Continued