Green Events

Challenges and the Path Forward, a 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.

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/

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