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Image Credit: Glenn Hall
May 2024
This month we are highlighting Oxon Run Park! Nestled within Southeast DC, Oxon Run Park serves as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As the warmer months approach, the park becomes a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts. However, many people might not know that this little oasis exists in the first place. Established in 1971, Oxon Run Park is the largest park under the Department of Parks and Recreation’s jurisdiction and yet has received very little in the way of recognition or investment until recent years.
Through efforts like the forthcoming Department of Energy and Environment-led stream restoration project and the installation of The Well urban farm in 2022, Oxon Run Park is receiving the spotlight it deserves. These improvements not only have enriched the health of the wildlife and local ecosystem but also give visitors a chance to further connect with nature and unwind. Whether it's jogging along the winding paths, picnicking under the canopy of trees near the James Bunn Amphitheater, or participating in one of the many activities put on by community organizations such as Friends Of Oxon Run, Casey Trees, or The Green Scheme, there is plenty to do. More importantly, the park serves as a model for celebrating natural beauty within the District while also promoting the important role green spaces play in our collective well-being. For those who want to visit, the park is only a 10-15 minute walk from Congress Heights Metrorail Station and is serviced by the A6, A7, W1, and W2 Metrobuses. Take a weekend to explore Oxon Run Park and witness its often-overlooked beauty for yourself.
Veggie Giveaways Are Back At the Department of Parks and Recreation Communal Farms
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) weekly veggie giveaways have started! Spring crops (kale, collards, chard, mustard, lettuce, peas, herbs, strawberries, etc.) at all three DPR Communal Farms are ready to harvest. Veggie giveaways are hosted every week until December at the following times and locations: Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.-noon at Edgewood Rooftop Farm (Ward 5), Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m.-noon at Lederer Gardens (Ward 7), and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-noon at Powell Communal Farm (Ward 1). For more information, please reach out to Josh Singer at Joshua.singer@dc.gov or visit https://dpr.dc.gov/page/partner-urban-farms.
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Three DC Schools Earn US Department of Education Green Ribbon Honors
On April 26, Marie Reed Elementary School (Ward 1) and St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School were named 2024 US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. The Catholic University of America was named a Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee. The three schools, nominated by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), are among 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. To learn more about Green Ribbon schools visit OSSE’s website here.
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Interstate Commission On The Potomac River Basin 2024 Potomac River Conference Call for Presentations and Posters Now Open
The call for presentations and posters is open for the 2024 Potomac River Conference: Reeling in the Challenge of Aquatic Invasive Species. The 3rd annual conference will be on October 17 at The River View at Occoquan in Lorton, VA. This is an in-person conference to enhance awareness of the ecological roles that aquatic invasive species have or could assume in the Potomac River basin and the adverse impacts they impart when natural controls are missing. The conference will expound on the science, policy, and management of invasive fishes and other aquatic species in the Potomac River basin. For more information and to submit an abstract visit https://www.potomacriver.org/event/2024-potomac-conference-reeling-in-the-challenge-of-aquatic-invasive-species/. Submissions are due by Friday, May 31.
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Office of the State Superintendent of Education Accepting Applications for Environmental Literacy Leadership Cadre
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is now accepting applications for their 2024 Environmental Literacy Leadership Cadre. This program brings together a group of individuals
from public and public charter schools across the District who are responsible for developing a plan to implement the Environmental Literacy Framework at their schools and coordinating its implementation. The Leadership Cadre, in partnership with OSSE, will meet to (a) receive comprehensive professional development related to Next Generation Science Standards, (b) develop a school-based environmental literacy program to implement student-driven, place-based projects that use the school building and grounds as teaching tools, (c) network with others to discuss creating systems of support for environmental literacy implementation in schools, and (d) disseminate information about environmental literacy to their community and garner feedback on the school-based environmental literacy program. Applications are due May 31. For more information and to apply please visit https://osse.dc.gov/service/environmental-literacy-leadership-cadre or email Grace.Manubay@dc.gov.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Young Changemakers Fellowship Now Accepting Applications
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Young Changemakers Fellowship is a program dedicated to collaborating with and empowering the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders.
Through the program, high school students from the United States, U.S. territories, and tribal nations build skills around creating change in their home communities, culminating in a self-designed action project. In addition to taking local action, the changemakers also learn about and provide NOAA leadership with their perspective on large-scale issues such as the climate crisis, ocean issues, environmental justice challenges, and more.
Fellows take part in an in-person summit in DC in the summer and virtual meetings throughout the school year. These meetings include everything from project planning workshops, to communication training, to roundtable discussions with NOAA leadership. For more information about the program and to apply, please visit https://www.noaa.gov/young-changemakers-fellowship. Applications are due June 10 at 11:59 p.m.
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Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards Applications Open
Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions across metropolitan Washington are now officially invited to apply or nominate candidates for the 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards offered by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Winners serve as a role model for the region, and are recognized in front of local, regional, and national officials for their innovative climate stewardship projects and programs that engage and serve the region’s underserved communities. Climate efforts are recognized in three categories: government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions. The deadline for submissions is June 30. For more information, visit the awards page.
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Washington Area Bicyclist Association to Host Earn-A-Bike Camp
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association will be hosting its Earn-a-Bike Camp this summer from July 29-August 2. Earn-a-Bike Camp is a free, weeklong summer bike camp held at the DC Dream Center open to students in grades 6 through 12. This camp offers a unique opportunity to learn essential bike repair skills while having campers earn a bike for themselves or a family or community member. Campers will dive into the world of bicycle mechanics, gaining practical knowledge and confidence to maintain and repair their bikes. This camp will cover topics such as fixing a flat tire, brake adjustments and brake pad replacements, Derailleur adjustments, chain replacement, drivetrain maintenance, bearings systems, safe city riding, and much more. For more information and to be added to the waitlist, please visit https://waba.org/blog/2024/04/earn-a-bike-camp/.
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Chesapeake Bay Summit For Students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Service Institutions
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is hosting its annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU/MSI) Chesapeake Bay Summit this year from September 8 to September 9. This free summit is a great opportunity for HBCU/MSI students and faculty in DC and Maryland to engage on a wide range of topics impacting the Chesapeake Bay watershed and also offers the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in the environmental sector. To be notified when applications open, please fill out this interest form.
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GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Request for Applications – DC Green Cleaning Program
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is pleased to announce the availability of a grant for the development and implementation of the District’s Green Cleaning Program (GCP). This initiative aims to support Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) in disadvantaged communities, specifically in Wards 5, 7, and 8 of Washington DC, in transitioning to safer and more sustainable cleaning products.
Funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Fiscal Year 2023 Pollution Prevention Grant: Environmental Justice through Safer and More Sustainable Products, the GCP Request For Application (RFA) has $284,000 allocated for the project over 24 months.
Key components of the RFA include:
- Identification of CSPs in disadvantaged communities
- Implementation of an outreach strategy
- Development of capacity-building activities
- Financial assistance for CSPs transitioning to sustainable products
- Assessment, monitoring, and reporting on best practices and lessons learned
The full text of the RFA is available on the DOEE website. To obtain a copy of the RFA, you can download it from the following link: https://doee.dc.gov/node/1722256. The deadline for application submissions is June 17.
JOBS
Chesapeake Bay Trust – Program Assistant (2 openings)
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust) seeks qualified candidates to serve as Program Assistants. The Trust is currently hiring for a position on the Outreach and Education team as well as one on the Restoration team. These positions will assist the Trust with grant review, grant management, and grant tracking. These hires will be key members of a 35+ person staff. These positions are full-time salaried positions (40 hours per week). For more information and to apply, visit https://cbaytrust.bamboohr.com/careers/47. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until these roles are filled.
Living Classrooms – Kingman Rangers
A Kingman Ranger is a valued member of the Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region Kingman Island team, playing a key role in the success of the Kingman and Heritage Islands Conservation Area and the restoration of the Anacostia River. Responsibilities include: assisting in managing, restoring, and maintaining three miles of trails on Kingman Island, appropriately greeting visitors, and fielding questions/inquiries while on the islands. Also assist onshore support for boat tours, volunteer events, and other activities with groups of people on Kingman Island. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. For more information and to apply please check out the job listing here.
Soul Trak Outdoors – Outdoor Programming Assistant
Soul Trak is a DMV-based community-driven organization dedicated to expanding access to outdoor experiences and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive in nature. Are you a current college student based in the DMV area passionate about the outdoors and social media? Are you looking for a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in outdoor programming and digital content creation? If this sounds like you, join Soul Trak for a summer internship from June 3-August 12. For more information about this position, please check out the job listing here. To apply, send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position to Tyrhee@soultrak.com. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.
Public Participation
Connecticut Avenue Multimodal Safety Improvement Project Virtual Public Meeting
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a virtual public meeting for the Connecticut Avenue Multimodal Safety Improvement Project on Monday, June 3, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is for DDOT to update the public on the current concept for the project. DDOT staff will be available to answer questions and gather comments. For more information about the public meeting, contact connave.multimodal@dc.gov, (202) 716-5302, or visit https://ddot.dc.gov/event/connecticut-avenue-multimodal-safety-improvement-project-virtual-public-meeting.
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Help the Department of Energy and Environment Find Locations for Future Electric Vehicle Charging
The Department of Energy and Environment is looking for public input on where publicly-accessible electric vehicle chargers should be placed throughout the District. Propose sites that the team can use for future funding opportunities that place chargers at convenient locations for everyone to use. Fill out the questionnaire here.
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EVENTS
eCYCLE Collection Events for Recycling Covered Electronics
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, tablets, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet. See below for upcoming eCYCLE DC events around the District.
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Saturday June 1, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on corner of D St SE & 3rd St SE (southeast of Folger Park) (Ward 6)
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Saturday June 8, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle at 3650 Ely Pl SE (in front of Sousa Middle School) (Ward 7)
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Friday June 14, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on corner of Sumner Rd SE & Wade Rd SE (near Barry Farm Recreation Center) (Ward 8)
Please visit the eCYCLE DC website to check for any updates closer to the event date.
Department of Energy and Environment Resource Fair
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is pleased to announce the first Resource Fair on June 1 from noon-4:00 p.m. The DOEE Resource Fair is an opportunity for District residents to walk Kingman Island and learn about various programs available to enhance and improve the quality of life for people living and working in the city. Representatives from DOEE and other organizations will be on hand to answer questions and give insight into how to take advantage of programs offered by the District. Programs include Lead and Healthy Homes, Watershed Protection, RiverSmart Homes, Flood Risk Management, Fisheries and Wildlife, Energy Programs, Sustainability, DC Water, DC Public Library, Living Classrooms, the Emergency Care Team, and more! For more information stay tuned to @doee_dc on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
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Twelfth Annual Electric Vehicle Grand Prix
The 12th Annual DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix will be held on a purpose-built racetrack on June 1 from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. alongside the annual Truck Touch . Cheer on high school students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia as they strategize and race their hand-built electric vehicles! Families with children are welcome to get an up-and-close look at the cars while the students work on passing the technical inspection and as they prepare to race. Practice and qualifying begin at 10:00 a.m., and race heats start at 12:30 p.m.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to blend learning with fun, entertainment, and community spirit in the heart of the District of Columbia! RSVP HERE!
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Fix It DC
Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Wednesday, June 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl SW). Visit https://doee.dc.gov/service/fix-it for more information and to register.
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Spring Ephemerals for Residential Gardens: The article from Penn State Extension explores the vibrant and fleeting world of spring ephemerals, a group of woodland wildflowers that bloom briefly in early spring before the forest canopy fills in, and which play a crucial ecological role by providing early pollen and nectar for pollinators and sometimes fruit for wildlife.
How Washington DC fixed their Metro’s biggest problem: This informative YouTube video explores some of the challenges and solutions involved in improving the District’s metro system and features discussions on infrastructure, technology upgrades, and policy changes that contributed to the Metro's expansion of the Silver Line.
D.C.’s New Plan to Slash Its Trash: This article from The Washington Informer discusses the District’s ambitious plan to divert 80% of solid waste from landfills and incineration by the year 2040, focusing on recycling, composting, and reducing the use of single-use plastics. |
