Green Home and Garden Tour, Tree Canopy Fund, Solar Co-op, and more!

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May 28, 2021

Green Events

COVID-19 - Stay Safe

Information about Arlington's Covid-19 response, vaccines, testing, FAQs, assistance and resources:

Apply for the Tree Canopy Fund for Fall 2021!

Deadline: midnight on Friday, June 25

 

The goal of the Tree Canopy Fund is to increase Arlington County’s tree canopy. Through this program, owners of private property, including single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and places of worship, can apply to get a native tree planted on their property. Grants are also available for maintenance of champion trees.   The program was originally authorized by Arlington County Board in 2007. The program is administered by EcoAction Arlington in partnership with the Urban Forestry Commission. Since its inception, we have planted more than 2,000 trees!

 

Tree Type: Review the available species list here. The goal of the Tree Canopy Fund is to plant large canopy trees wherever possible. Do you have space on your property for a large canopy tree? If so, then please fill out the Tree Application Form.

 

Before You Apply: Please review the Tree Canopy Fund Guidelines for Fall 2021 and the Background Material and Resources page for more information about this tree planting program and different tree species.

 

More information.

 

Green Home and Garden Tour

Friday, June 4, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Virtual

 

Join us at the annual green home and garden tour, taking place virtually in 2021. This tour will feature homes with energy-efficient technologies, solar panels, and green renovations; watershed-friendly gardens, native plants, rain gardens, rain barrels, and edible landscaping.

 

First, watch the videos and view photos showing the highlights for each tour location: https://environment.arlingtonva.us/events/green-home-and-garden-tour-2021/

 

Then, join us on June 4 to hear from tour hosts and other local experts via Zoom breakout rooms. The suggested donation is $5 per household. Register at ecoactionarlington.org/events.

 

This event is sponsored by Arlington County's Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management, EcoAction Arlington, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture.

 

More information and registration

New 2021 Arlington Solar and Electric Vehicle Charger Co-op

Interested in solar or electric vehicle charging for your home?  Address climate change, save money and help our community reach its goal of carbon neutrality by joining our Co-op.   Tax credits and bulk buying make it more affordable than ever.  Join an info session to learn more:

 

o   June 4 at 12 p.m.

o   July 28 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Native Blooms for the Summer Garden

Friday, June 4, 10:00 – 11:30 am, ONLINE.  Spring brings an abundance of showy flowering plants to gardens in the Mid-Atlantic region, while Fall offers the beauty of colorful foliage, fruits, and seed heads. Summer flowering nativeplants have equally glorious ornamental qualities and provide your garden with continuity of bloom important to supporting local wildlife. Join Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills as she describes the characteristics and attributes of 35 native perennials, woody plants, and grasses that bloom during the summer months. Elaine, a creative force behind the MGNV resource Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic, will also discuss landscape uses, as well as care and maintenance tips for these native plants. Free. RSVP at https://mgnv.org/events/ to receive link to participate.

Third Annual EcoExtravagana

Join Arlington’s environmental leaders and your fellow community members for the 2021 EcoExtravaganza, a festive evening celebrating biophilia, a love of our living world. Our EcoExtravaganza is hybrid this year and includes a virtual event plus an optional pre-event social on May 27.

 

Our virtual event on June 10 will include

  • A featured presentation by Jason Samenow, Washington Post meteorologist.
  • A three-course dinner* from our featured Straw Free Arlington Partner, Busboys and Poets, The vegetarian dinner features fresh, seasonal ingredients and there are both vegan and gluten-free options available.
  • Remarks showcasing Busboys and Poets’ commitment to sustainability with reduced use of single-use plastics, an emphasis on locally-sourced foods, and attention to waste reduction by Patrick Bonisteel, Director of Training and Development.
  • Welcoming remarks by Takis Karantonis, Arlington County Board member.

More information.

Local Native Plant Sales

Check out the list of local native plant sales on Plant Nova Natives!

Rain Gardens for Homeowners

Did you miss the recent rain garden webinar?   Watch the video!

Rain gardens, also known as bioretention areas, are attractive landscape features that allow rain water and snow melt to infiltrate into the ground.  A layer of mulch and plants intercept water running off streets, driveways, and rooftops, slowing its flow and removing pollutants before the water reaches local streams, the Occoquan River and the Potomac River, drinking water supplies for the region.

 

My Tree Counts

Every tree planted makes a difference to the health of our communities and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and partners want to highlight tree planting projects from across the state. Submit your tree planting to show that your tree counts towards Virginia’s efforts to #ProtectOurBay! We’ll share these stories on the Community Tree Map and social media with #MyTreeCounts.  MyTreeCounts

 

New Tools for Advancing Racial Equity in Arlington

Arlington County has released a set of new tools to help advance racial equity efforts in Arlington. The collection of neighborhood toolkits and data dashboards are products of the County’s Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity (RACE) program.

Forestry and Natural Resources Plan

The Forestry and Natural Resources Plan (FNRP) is an update to the 2004 Urban Forest Master Plan and the 2010 Natural Resources Management Plan. This plan will collectively address the conservation, planting, and management of trees and unique ecosystems in Arlington County.

 

The scope of this project includes an analysis of Arlington’s existing conditions and planning for a greater future. Research methods in the forms of benchmarking, focus groups and community engagement will help inform many components of this plan. This plan will cover topics regarding impacts and opportunities related to Arlington’s tree canopy, natural lands, urban development, wildlife, recreation, public education and stewardship among others. Sign up for updates on this process here!

 

Energy Masters Outdoor Information Desk

Monday, June 14 from 3-4:30 pm EST

Do you enjoy home projects and want to apply your hands-on skills to a volunteer program that makes energy efficiency upgrades in affordable housing units? Do you have questions about your water, gas, or electric bills? Come to our table and talk to existing Energy Masters volunteers to learn about the program and talk about energy-related topics. Program representatives from Virginia Cooperative Extension's Energy Masters and SNAP-Ed programs will table at the Francis C Hammond Middle School in the City of Alexandria. Registration is not required.

Energy Masters Bingo

Thursday, June 17 from 5 - 6 pm EST

Join us for free, fun bingo events suitable for the whole family and get tips to make your home more comfortable, information on how to reduce your energy and water bills, and ideas to protect our environment. Presented in both English and Spanish. Prizes include $25 Visa gift cards and LED light bulbs. Prizes, however, are only for players who can present an Arlington County or City of Alexandria mailing address. Register by June 16 at https://tinyurl.com/energymastersbingo

 

Únase a nosotros para Bingo a través del mismo enlace anterior el 17 de junio de 5:00 a 6:00 p.m. Los premios incluyen una tarjeta de regalo Visa de $25 y una bombilla LED. Todos los jugadores están limitados a ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $25 cada dos meses. Los premios son solo para jugadores que puedan proporcionar una dirección postal en el condado de Arlington o en la ciudad de Alexandria. Registrarse aquí antes de 16 de junio: https://tinyurl.com/energymastersbingo 

Cómo presupuestar sus facturas de luz, agua y gas

Tuesday, June 22 from 6-7 pm EST

Únase a un evento gratuito para aprender cómo presupuestar sus facturas de electricidad, gas y agua y conozca sobre ciertos programas de asistencia financiera. Registrarse aquí antes de 21 de junio: https://tinyurl.com/utilitybillspanish 

The Hospitable Gardener: Welcoming Birds to Your Garden

Friday, June 18, 10:00 – 11:30 am, ONLINE.  Birds are some of the most visible and charming visitors to our gardens. Are you interested in being a better host to them? This talk will provide practical cultural tips and plant suggestions to invite them in and help your feathered guests feel at home. Speaker Alyssa Ford Morel is an Extension Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and the Audubon at Home Co-Coordinator for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Free. RSVP at https://mgnv.org/events/ to receive link to participate.  

 

Ask the Expert - Rain Gardens

Wednesday, June 23, 9:30am-10:30am.   A rain garden is a constructed landscaping element where stormwater is captured and filtered by native plants. Maria Harwood from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will give some basic background and answer questions that are submitted ahead of time. Register here. 

How to Cool Your Home

Thursday, June 24 1-2pm.  Are your summer energy bills high? Do you want to learn easy tips to extend the life of your air conditioner? Join a free online talk from Energy Masters to learn tips to cool your home, manage your bills, and conserve resources. This event is open to the public and is offered through the Arlington Parks and Recreation's 55+ program. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/coolhomeEnglish. 

Backyard Habitat Webinars

Join David Mizjewski from the National Wildlife Federation for webinars on Backyard Habitat and Saving Pollinators. David is one of the leaders of the Garden for Wildlife movement, writing a best-selling how-to book on the subject, hosting the Animal Planet series "Backyard Habitat" and doing thousands of media appearances promoting native plants and natural gardening to support birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

View the webinars.

Naturalist Hour 

Enjoy these sessions with local regional nature experts to learn about various topics, including trees, lichens, orchids, bees, edible plants, and more! 

 

Each program has an 80 registrant limit. Participants will be emailed the link on the day of the program. If you don’t receive the email, please check your spam folder. Registration closes at 9 a.m. on the day of a program occurring at 1 p.m. Registration closes at 2 p.m. on the day of a program occurring at 7 p.m. If you have trouble accessing Zoom during the program, please contact diane.lill@anshome.org.

Learn more and sign up for a session!

 

 

Flood Resilient Arlington Storymap:  Challenges and the Path Forward

Challenges and the Path Forward, a just-published, visually rich Story Map, illustrates how Arlington’s peak 20th century development took place amid few standards for stormwater — and the ramifications for today’s more frequent, intense rain storms lasting very short periods of time.

 

Also explained and illustrated: the County’s ongoing efforts to upgrade capacity within its stormwater infrastructure, as well as potential public-private options for future overland relief and retention.

 

The County continues to encourage residents and businesses to evaluate flooding risks on their property. The online Story Map (use a Chrome browser for full enhancements) points the way for taking action.

 

Trees Are Good for Your Wallet

There are many reasons to preserve and plant trees, as it helps to maintain and increase our urban forest here in Arlington, but it can also be good for the bottom line.  Check out this video about the benefits of trees!

 

 

Stormwater, Flooding and Sump Pumps:

Learn how the County is working to help residents manage stormwater runoff on this Stormwater Q and A Chat. 

 

 

 

Reduce Your Risk of Flooding

Flooding can be a very costly disaster. The risk for flooding can vary within the same neighborhood and even property to property.  Flooding can occur not only in identified high-risk areas, but may also occur in areas that may not have been identified as high risk.  More than 20% of flood claims are from low to moderate flood risk areas.

 

Here are steps that you can take as a property owner to reduce your risk of flooding:

 

https://environment.arlingtonva.us/flood-insurance-rate-maps/reducing-your-risk-of-flooding/

 

Only Rain Down the Drain!

 

Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in Northern Virginia. Please pick up the dog stuff, recycle used motor oil, and don’t over fertilize your lawn.

 

Visit Clean Water Partners at http://www.onlyrain.org/

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainable Landscape Services

If you are looking for a sustainable landscape designer or installer, consider hiring someone with the new Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification.   The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification is a new, voluntary credential system for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes.  The credential training and examination are based on a core set of standards in sustainable landscaping emphasizing stormwater best practices and conservation landscaping with native plants to benefit the environment.

 

Do you hire a company to take care of your lawn? Landscaping companies registered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as Green & Clean Landscapers agree to follow landscaping practices that will reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff into our streams and rivers. Such practices include testing the soil for nutrient content before applying any fertilizer, adhering to caps on the amount of nitrogen applied to grass throughout the year, sweeping up any fertilizer that lands on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, and recycling grass clippings back into the soil. Learn more about the program and see the full list of companies on the Green & Clean registry.

 

If you contract with a landscaping company that uses your County-provided collection services to dispose of yard waste, you are responsible for coordinating with your contractor to ensure that any yard waste is placed in your County-provided yard waste cart, paper bags, bundles or household containers and set out for collection after 5 p.m. on the day prior to your service day. Your contractor may not set out yard waste in plastic bags for collection. Plastic isn't compostable and won't be collected. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags will be collected.

 

 

Turn Your Yard into a Wildlife Sanctuary!

Would you like to turn your garden into a welcoming space for birds, butterflies and other native wildlife and help enhance the value of our urban green spaces?  Get free advice on how to make your yard more wildlife friendly!  The Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary certification program assists homeowners in restoring their home’s natural habitat by providing information on sustainable gardening practices. These practices include using native plants, removing invasive species, reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers, and creating space for native flora and fauna.
  
Audubon at Home ambassadors will visit and consult with you on suitable native plants, landscaping, water retention, or other best practices. To learn more about the program in Arlington or Alexandria, please visit audubonva.org to learn more.  If you have additional questions, please contact Alda Krinsman or Alyssa Ford Morel. Volunteer ambassadors will arrange a site visit and talk with you about ways to enhance habitat in your garden.

Take the Guess Work Out of Choosing Native Plants for Your Yard!  

Maybe you know a little about native plants and how they are important for the ecological functioning of our landscapes, including assisting our sagging populations of butterflies and other pollinators. Maybe you know nothing about natives and just want some new ideas for beautifying your landscaping. Whatever your goal and whatever your knowledge level, the Plant Nova Natives website includes terrific, picture-filled, and easy to follow information that will help you choose native species that are suited to your property and available at local nurseries. On the website, you will find a colorful guide to local native species, a list of local businesses that supply natives, and links to organizations that will come to your property and offer customized landscaping recommendations.

 

 

Tree Care Resources

 

Concerned about your trees? The pruning of medium to large trees is best left to qualified arborists both in terms of evaluating the need, and applying the treatment. While well executed pruning can reduce the risk of storm damage, poorly executed pruning can increase the risk. And always deter tree topping as a risk reduction treatment.

 


For a list of certified arborists in this area: http://www.goodtreecare.com and look for the Find an Arborist tab.
 
Selecting and Working with an Arborist:  http://www.extension.org/pages/66492/selecting-and-working-with-an-arborist


Tips for Checking and Caring for Storm Damaged Trees:  http://www.extension.org/pages/66211/tips-for-checking-and-caring-for-storm-damaged-trees
 
Storm Damage and Tree Pruning http://urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/stormdamage/resources/pruningbroch.pdf
 
VA Dept. of forestry has some tips also at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/trees/damaged/storm-trees-prepare.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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