April 2025
Photo credit: University of District of Columbia
There was a time when the early signs of summer in DC included a mesmerizing light show from swarms of fireflies and a deafening concert from an influx of insects. Dandelions, milkweed, purple violets, and iris grew on sidewalks, highways, and alleyways and the supply of food sources for pollinators was plentiful. Over time, insect numbers declined as urban development and our desire for perfectly manicured lawns increased, reducing natural wildlife habitat.
Without natural habitat for pollinators and insects, food production would be drastically reduced, and biodiversity would suffer. As the District’s population grows and the demand for housing and commercial development increases, how can we maintain polished green space without relying on harmful pesticides and chemicals?
The Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy mandates that District Government facilities implement IPM policies and practices in green space management, but residents and businesses can apply these methods too. In addition, DOEE's RiverSmart Homes program helps pollinators by encouraging residents to replace impervious surfaces with native plants and trees and create habitats and food sources for pollinators through bay scaping, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure projects. In the end, urban development can work with nature rather than against it, offering a solution that benefits both the garden, the greater environment and its inhabitants.
District Sustainability Award Winners Announced
Destination DC and the Department of Energy and Environment announced this year’s District Sustainability Award winners at the second annual Sustainability Summit. The winners are Ama, A-Peace LLC, Electrify DC, Leonina Arismendi, Our FarmDC, and Rodrick West. The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working towards a more sustainable DC. Descriptions of the winners can be found on the District Sustainability Awards webpage and full case studies are coming soon.
|
Short Film “Electrifying the District” Premieres
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network worked with Howard University film students Mykal Bailey, Georgia Jenkins, and Natalie Scott to develop an exciting and inspiring tale of electrification in DC. This short film tells the story of how climate change is impacting the lives of four District residents and why they are focused on transitioning to clean energy. “Electrifying the District” premiered at the Festival Center on March 30 at an event that featured popcorn prepared on an electric induction stovetop and remarks from Department of Energy and Environment, DC Sustainability Energy Utility, and others. See https://chesapeakeclimate.org/electrify-dc/ to view the film.
|
|
 |
Sustainable DC Partakes in Spring Engagement Activities
It’s been a busy few weeks for the Sustainable DC team as we’ve engaged in community events around town! Here’s a recap of the highlights:
Community Day 2025: U.S. Botanic Garden Production Facility
On March 15, Sustainable DC partnered with the Department of Parks and Recreation and U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) for a community day. The event took place at USBG’s production facility in Ward 8. It served as an opportunity for the community to explore the grounds and production facilities, promoting environmental stewardship and the plant management process.
|
|
 |
Global Recycling Day at Union Station
On March 18, experts from Reuse DC, Fix It DC, and Call2Recycle discussed ways community members can limit waste through reusing, reducing, and recycling.
|
|
 |
World Water Day at Union Station
Sustainable DC participated in Union Station’s World Water Day event on March 22. Activities included trivia on local waterways, viewing an interactive stream condition index, floodplain models, info on progress toward water quality goals, and maps of underground aquifers.
|
|
 |
Office of State Superintendent of Education DC STEM Fair
On April 5, the Sustainable DC team was thrilled to provide a judge for the DC STEM Fair. The STEM Fair and Elementary STEM Exhibition is the longest-running student competition in the District of Columbia. The fair included an elementary exhibition for students in grades K-5 and a competitive fair for secondary students in grades 6-8 and 9-12.
|
|
 |
Want to see if Sustainable DC can participate in an event in your community? Reach out to us!
 2025 Small and Accessible Sustainability Grant
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) seeks an eligible entity to advance the District’s sustainability, zero waste, and urban agriculture goals. The grantee will provide small subgrants to entities undertaking projects to promote these goals. The subgrant projects should fit within the programs of DOEE’s Office of Urban Agriculture and DOEE’s Donation and Reuse Program, Reuse DC. The amount available for the project is $190,000 and the deadline is May 30. For more information, see https://doee.dc.gov/release/request-applications-2025-small-and-accessible-sustainability-grant.
 Green Zone Environmental Program: Various Positions
Are you a high school senior, college student, recent graduate, or young adult interested in a short-term or summer job working with youth and the environment? If so, you can apply to be a Team Leader, Site Manager, Warehouse Project Manager, Communication Coordinator, Field Manager, or Operations Program Support Assistant for the Department of Energy and Environment’s Green Zone Environmental Program. For more information and to apply by May 18, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/summer.
Adopt-A-Tree
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division needs help with caring for our city trees. Young and recently planted trees need 20 gallons of water a week to thrive. This is especially important during hot and dry weather. The "Adopt-A-Tree" program is an initiative by DDOT that encourages residents to water street trees, ensuring their survival and contributing to a thriving urban canopy. The D.C. Tree Watering App allows residents to locate trees in need of water, tag trees they have watered, and upload photos, assisting DDOT in managing and monitoring the city's urban forest.
|
|
 |
Beekeeping with DC Beekeepers Alliance
Public participation in beekeeping in the District plays a vital role in promoting urban agriculture, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity. Residents are encouraged to engage through educational programs, local beekeeping associations like DC Beekeepers Alliance, and community garden initiatives that support pollinator health. Public participation in beekeeping not only raises awareness about the importance of bees to the ecosystem but also strengthens local food supply by enhancing pollination for community gardens and green spaces across the city. Here’s a list of ten things you can do that help District honeybees! If you’re interested in starting your own colony and have questions, refer to the Department of Energy and Environment’s Beekeeping in the District resource guide here.
|
|
 |
Become a RiverSmart Homes Ambassador
The Department of Energy and Environment’s RiverSmart Homes program focuses on helping homeowners reduce stormwater runoff from their properties. It helps with installing features like rain barrels, shade trees, and rain gardens, often with copayments and rebates. The RiverSmart Homes Ambassador Program seeks interested residents in Wards 7 and 8 to be extensions of the program by providing outreach and engagement support. Ambassadors inform their neighbors, friends, and family about the program, speak at local Advisory Neighborhood Commission/Civic Association meetings, and promote RiverSmart rebates and incentives. To learn more and sign up, visit the RiverSmart Homes Ambassador page.
|
|
 |
DC Air Quality Awareness Week
The purpose of Air Quality Awareness Week, taking place from May 5 to May 9, is to bring attention to air pollutants the damage human health and environmental health. The Department of Energy and Environment will be hosting several events, including a webinar on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. called Clearing the Air: The Year in the District's Air, giveaways of Air Quality Index magnets on Wednesday, May 7 at various Metro stations starting at 3:30 p.m., and an online showing of the Idle Warriors documentary short and discussion of the District’s idling enforcement on Thursday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the Department of Energy and Environment’s website for more information.
|
|
 |
DC Climate Week
The District will be host to the first DC Climate Week April 28-May 2. Organized by a volunteer steering committee that includes representatives from climate tech, policy advocacy and more, the week-long event aims to establish DC as the nation’s center of climate innovation by providing opportunities to engage with policymakers, fund climate solutions, and showcase cutting-edge technologies. Each day will focus on a climate theme, such as urban development and mobility and nature-based solutions. Learn more at https://www.dcclimateweek.com/.
|
|
 |
Electric Vehicle Grand Prix
The Electric Vehicle Grand Prix is a hands-on educational program for local high school students to construct and race battery powered electric cars. The program helps improve their understanding of renewable energy technologies and project management while working in a team environment. The event will be on Saturday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at RFK stadium Lot 8, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works’ Truck Touch and a resource fair by the Department of Energy and Environment and other agencies.
|
|
 |
Healthy Homes Fair
The Healthy Homes Fair is a free, fun, full-day event packed with practical resources for homeowners and renters, information on incentives available, and career enhancing opportunities for building professionals and jobseekers.
- Expo (1 to 5 p.m.): Explore more than 100 exhibits to learn how to upgrade your or your clients’ home for greater comfort, improved health, and lower energy costs.
- Academy (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Learn about heat pumps, battery storage, smart panels, electric vehicle chargers, insulation, and solar, geothermal and wind renewable energy solutions.
The fair will be Saturday, May 10 at the Pryzbyla Center at Catholic University. Visit https://www.healthyhomesfair.org/ for more information.
|
|
 |
Anacostia River Festival
The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the 11th annual Anacostia River Festival on Saturday, May 17 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Set along the Anacostia River in the heart of Anacostia Park, the event spotlights the rich diversity of Black culture by celebrating the African Diaspora. Activities include live musical performances, a curated marketplace, historical exhibitions, seed paper making, fishing workshops, and canoe rides. Learn more and register at https://buildingbridgesdc.org/arf/.
|
|
 |
 Anacostia High Schoolers Bloom by Publishing Book Analyzing Black Environmental Contributions: Anacostia High School students publish a book that captures the stories of the natural environment. Through essays, poems and personal reflections, the students share their deep connection to the land, waterways, and garden spaces that are often overlooked in their communities, highlighting the beauty and resilience of this community, with stories told by native Washingtonians redefining the neighborhood.
Bikeshare Beat: Snow Didn’t Slow Capital Bikeshare this Winter: Winter snowfall did not deter cyclists across the Washington region, as annual Capital Bikeshare ridership increased by 17.4% through February 2025 compared with the same point last year |
