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June 2022

Photo Credit: Capitol Waterfront BID

Summer is finally here! Everything is all bright colors and intense sunshine. Sunshine sointense, you can see the humid haze in the air and the heat radiating from the sidewalks. A sure sign that the summer heat waves are here as well.

Extreme heat, often referred to as a "heat wave,” is an extended period of high temperature usually accompanied by high humidity. This past month DC saw one of the most extreme May temperatures in the last decade. Temperatures rose to the high 90s (highly unusual that early in the year) and we are set to experience even higher temperatures before the season ends.

Extreme heat can be, well, extremely dangerous. Temperatures in this range can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat can also decrease water and air quality, cause blackouts, and affect overall city infrastructure. In the District, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency’s (HSEMA) Heat Emergency Plan is available to address times of extreme heat. It is initiated whenever the heat index reaches 95 degrees, with “cooling centers” being activated across the city.

Cooling centers are places where residents can gain some relief during extreme heat periods. They range from air-conditioned facilities such as libraries and recreation centers to outdoor spaces such as swimming pools and spray parks. Once activated, these cooling centers are fully open to the public and available across all Wards.

Click here to access the District’s interactive 2022 Cooling Center Map and find your local cooling center.

You can start preparing for the heat ahead by staying informed through District social media and communication channels, downloading the free HSEMA app, signing up for AlertDC, creating a Family Emergency Plan, or building and re-stocking your Emergency Kit. For more information on where to go and what to do, call 311 or text 32311.

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Panel Highlights Flood Resilience On June 2, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities held a virtual discussion focused on photographers, filmmakers, and planners who address flood resilience in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and other locales with threatened shorelines. This was all to celebrate the Fragile Beauty exhibition that opened in May. Featured speakers were artists Alexandra Silverthorne and Bahar Yürükoğlu, New Orleans architectural designer and planner Jaime Ramiro (Rami) Diaz, and the Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE’s) Allyson Criner Brown. To view a recording of the discussion, visit this webpage.

Anacostia Environmental Youth Summit Draws Local Students to Learn About Their Environment

DOEE’s Watershed Protection Division welcomed 350 3^rd through 8^th graders from DC Public Schools at Anacostia Park for the 2022 Anacostia Environmental Youth Summit on May 20. DOEE partnered with the Friends of Anacostia Park for this fun day of learning about the ecological and human history of the Anacostia River. Students went on boat tours of the river with the Anacostia Watershed Society, Earth Conservation Corps, and Anacostia Riverkeeper. They enjoyed music and roller skating in the National Park Service’s Anacostia Skating Pavilion. And they participated in engaging activities with 15 education partners. The summit also included a zero-waste lunch, with compost and recycling as a central focus. Ultimately, it was great educational day out at Anacostia Park.

10th Annual DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix Showcases Student Knowledge On April 30, DOEE, along with partners Global Energy Education Environment (Global EEE), Pepco, and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), hosted the 10th annual DC Electric Vehicle (EV) Grand Prix at the Bertie Backus-UDC Campus. The DC EV Grand Prix is a mini EV energy efficiency race amongst high school students. DOEE partners with Global EEE to teach high school students about energy efficiency concepts, the role EVs play in our environment, and how to construct vehicles to compete in the DC EV Grand Prix.  During the Grand Prix, over 20 teams participated, including teams from as far as Baltimore County. It was a very competitive race as all the teams put on display the concepts they learned during the education sessions. After three long heats, Perry Hall School from Maryland emerged as the 1st place winners, and Jackson-Reed High School (formerly known as Wilson High School), came in 2nd place. The event drew a crowd of over 100 people and was a huge draw for the community! For more information, visit this webpage.

GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Request for Applicants for the Chesapeake Bay Program Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Coordination Grant

DOEE seeks eligible entities to field a person(s) who will facilitate and coordinate the implementation of key elements of the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Implementation Plan. The DOEE-CBP partnership seeks to advance a vision of clean water, abundant life, conserved lands, public access to water, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a diversity of engaged citizens and stakeholders. The deadline to apply is July 22 at 11:59 p.m.For more information and to apply, visit this webpage.

Request for Applicants for the Enhancing Green Infrastructure Community Benefits Grants

DOEE seeks eligible entities to increase the benefits that District Stormwater Retention Credit - generating green infrastructure provides to property owners, nearby residents, and other stakeholders, with a focus on historically marginalized communities and communities that face historical or current environmental injustices. These grants will fund projects that implement a participatory planning and design process to identify community-identified green infrastructure benefits, in addition to stormwater runoff reduction, and develop best practices for future engagement with communities towards identifying their desired green infrastructure benefits. The deadline to apply is August 5 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit this webpage.

The 2022-23 DC Futures Program

The DC Futures Program aims to help District college students complete their first associate or bachelor’s degree. The program offers last-dollar scholarships (tuition, fees, and cost of attendance) at three local universities in addition to college coaching, as well as personal and financial support services for all participants. One of the eligible majors is a B.A. in Urban Sustainability from the University of the District of Columbia. The application for the 2022-23 school year closes on August 19. Interested individuals are invited to review the student information and submit a DC Futures Program Application.

Request for Proposals for The Environmental Justice Data Fund

The Environmental Justice Data Fund aims to help frontline communities that have been historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice. The Fund will enable frontline communities in the United States to use data to unlock resources, increase their access to Justice40 benefits and federal infrastructure funding, and advocate for new policies that empower communities to address past environmental harm and pave the way to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will close on September 16. For more information and to apply, visit this webpage.

JOBS

Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Protection Specialist

This position is in the Watershed Protection Division (WPD) of the Natural Resources Administration of DOEE and will fill the role of Tree Planting and Policy Coordinator. The mission of the WPD is to conserve the soil and water resources of the District of Columbia and protect its watersheds from nonpoint source pollution. The incumbent will serve as the agency’s point person on tree planting and policy and will manage the District’s Urban Forestry Advisory Council. The deadline to apply is June 28. For more information, visit this webpage and search for the role using this Job ID: 17536.

Department of Energy and Environment – Climate Program Analyst

This position in the Urban Sustainability Administration will coordinate the implementation of plans to achieve the District’s ambitious goals to cut carbon pollution and prepare for climate change within the agency, across related District agencies (including HSEMA, The Office of Planning, DC Health, The District Department of Transportation), and with community partners. Responsibilities include developing new strategies to reduce carbon pollution and advance climate resilience, coordinating annual progress reports, developing and strengthening community partnerships, and engaging with residents on climate change (with a focus on black, indigenous, and people of color who are overburdened by climate change impacts). Strong facilitation, communications, project management, and analytical skills are required in addition to experience in, and knowledge of climate policy. The deadline to apply is June 30. For more information, visit this webpage and search for the role using this Job ID: 17670.

Department of Energy and Environment – Green Food Program Analyst

This position with the Urban Sustainability Administration will help launch the District’s new Green Food Purchasing Program, a next step in advancing the District’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. In supporting the District’s first assessment of greenhouse gas emissions associated with food procurement, and recommendations for reducing that impact, this individual will work closely with a diverse set of partners and stakeholders. This will include collaborating with a network of cities and institutions with shared goals, including signatories to the Cool Food Pledge, as well as with non-governmental organizations and District government agencies. Specific duties include establishing a methodology and collecting data in order to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food purchases, identifying and supporting strategies to reduce emissions from food and other government purchases, and reporting progress. This individual will support the broader work of the Urban Sustainability Administration to advance climate action and institutionalize environmentally preferable purchasing. The deadline to apply is June 30. For more information, visit this webpage and search for the role using this Job ID: 17671.

DC Greens – Produce Prescription (Rx) Coordinator

DC Greens is a nonprofit organization that advances health equity by building a just and resilient food system in the nation’s capital. It is currently seeking a Produce Rx Coordinator who will support the implementation of the DC Greens Produce Prescription (Produce Rx) program and coordination of a “Food as Medicine” campaign. The successful candidate will have an interest in community health and nutrition as well as building a just food system with the people of DC. This position involves communications with a diverse group of stakeholders and community members, event and meeting planning, as well as program coordination and data management. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply, visit this webpage.

The Anacostia Watershed Society – Manager of Education 

The Anacostia Watershed Society seeks a Manager of Education to engage watershed communities (youth and adults) in learning about, experiencing, and restoring the Anacostia River and its watershed through environmental education programs. This full-time, exempt position will teach watershed education in area classrooms, lead field studies on the Anacostia River, conduct teacher trainings, and engage students as well as other volunteers in service projects. For more information and to apply, visit this webpage.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Apply to Join the Green Building Advisory Council as a Private Sector Representative

The Green Building Advisory Council (GBAC) is a volunteer commission that makes recommendations on green building policies and monitors the District's compliance with green building requirements. Made up of representatives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the GBAC continues to support the District as a leader in green building innovation. To view agendas for upcoming meetings and minutes from past meetings, visit the GBAC webpage. The next GBAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The meeting agenda, including a link to join the virtual meeting, will be posted to the GBAC webpage at least 48 hours before the meeting. The GBAC is seeking applicants who live or work in the District to fill one vacancy for a private sector representative. For more information or to apply, visit the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments website.

EVENTS

Urban Farm Tours with DC Greens Join DC Greens as they give tours of the newly opened Well at Oxon Run throughout June. This urban farm is a community and wellness space dedicated to serving the residents of Ward 8. Grab the chance to get down and dirty and find out more about urban farms in the District. Tours will take place in Oxon Run Park at 300 Valley Ave SE on the following dates: June 23, 2:00–4:00 p.m. June 30, 2:00–4:00 p.m. For more information, visit this webpage.

2022 Flood Awareness Week  During the third week of each June, DOEE (in conjunction with HSEMA; The Department of Insurance, Savings, and Banking; and the DC Silver Jackets) hosts the annual Flood Awareness Week to raise public knowledge of flood risk in the District, encourage the public to take actions to reduce their flood risk, and provide information on available resources. This year’s flood week programming, occurring from June 21 to June 24, will present flood related topics aligned with the needs of DC residents. Programs will allow residents to work with elected officials to create a more cohesive program that will leave a major impact on the community.

Commission of Arts and Humanities’ Exhibition on Fragile Beauty With the Fragile Beauty exhibit, 33 DC artists seek to bring a sense of balance to an array of environmental injustices. Their art and their vision advocate awareness, mindfulness, consciousness, and stewardship, offering pathways towards personal partnership with our planet. They tell their stories with painting, sculpture, prints, photography, and installations. They inform us of both the joyful and the sorrowful, the woeful and the hopeful. Featured artists include Tammy Barnes, Jeffrey Berg, Monica Jahan Bose, Elizabeth Casqueiro, Gloria Chapa, and more. The exhibit is being held at 200 I Street SE from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The exhibit is open until July 1. For more information, visit this webpage.

Come to the Next Fix-It DC Event Let’s celebrate repair! Come and learn to disassemble and troubleshoot all your broken objects at the next Fix-It DC event. Fix-It DC is a program which includes all-ages community events where people bring their broken household items and learn how to assess, disassemble, and repair them instead of sending them to the landfill. Attend the upcoming Fix-It events at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Labs on: Wednesday, June 22, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2:30 p.m.  If you would like to learn more about Fix-It DC program, visit the Fix-It DC website.

The Department of Energy and Environment’s Pollinator Week Event on Kingman Island DOEE will be holding an event for Pollinator Week on June 25 on Kingman Island from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. DOEE and partners will have information about pollinators and how residents can support them in the District. There will be activities for kids, a nature walk with a botanist, and a seed giveaway at the end of the day. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to the event. The nearest streetcar stop is Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE on the H/Benning line and the nearest bus stop is Benning Road and Anacostia Avenue NE. For more information, visit this webpage.

eCYCLE Collection Events By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics. The following items are banned from the trash and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events: computers and monitors, tablet, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet.

• Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 1400 41^st St SE (Ward 7, near Fort Davis Recreation Center)
• Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 1230 Sumner Rd SE (Ward 8, near Barry Farm Recreation Center)
• Saturday, July 9, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Near corner of Champlain St NW & Columbia Rd NW (Ward 1, near Unity Park)
• Saturday, July 9, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 1350 49th St NE (Ward 7, near Deanwood Library)
• Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Near 403 7th St SE (Ward 6, near Southeast Library)
• Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 1555 34th St NW (Ward 2, Near Volta Park Recreation Center)

Please visit the eCYCLE DC website to check for any updates closer to the event date.

The Capital Pride Guide: Here’s your guide to celebrating Pride Month all over the District. Check out the many events planned for June and go out and show your pride!

Summer Road Trip to Assateague & Shenandoah: Have nothing planned for the summer? Take on the Assateague & Shenandoah Road Trip! Leave from Washington DC and drive through the Assateague Island National Seashore, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway and more. Click here to find the nearest EV charging stations on the route.

The Surprising History of Electric Cars: Did you know electric cars were on the roads as far back as the 19th century? Watch this video and find out the surprisingly long history of electric cars.