High Five! Now Recycling #5 Plastics in FCPS!
Starting today, #5 plastics are being accepted for recycling in FCPS. Here are the currently accepted items for recycling:
- Mixed paper (except glossy paper used in products such as magazines)
- Cardboard
- Plastics #1, 2, and 5
- Aluminum and tin cans
Please note that the accepted items are specific to our hauler, Republic Services, and may differ from what you can recycle at home with a different waste hauler.
The recycling coordinator for Republic Services, Jessica Miller, is available to help your school increase recycling participation and divert as much recyclable material from the waste stream as possible. She provides presentations to students, teachers, and administrators, as well as resources such as recycling brochures/handouts on what is accepted and not accepted, lesson plans, videos, and information on the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Manassas, Virginia. Contact Jessica for more information or to request a virtual program or school visit.
If you need additional recycling posters for your school, you can print updated 8.5 x 11” recycling posters or order large versions of the updated recycling posters through TMPC (must be on FCPS network). Learn more about recycling in FCPS.
Fourth-Graders Revitalize, Restore, Replant
 The Revitalize, Restore, Replant! (R3) program transforms existing stormwater drainage facilities (like catch basins, rain gardens, or dry ponds) on Fairfax County public school campuses into outdoor classrooms. In this video, Fairfax County Government ecologists introduce Lemon Road Elementary School fourth graders to stormwater and watershed ecosystem management and lead a hands-on native plant installation. If you are interested in doing a R3 planting at your school, contact the Department of Public Works Watershed Education & Outreach team at watersheds@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Arcadia’s School Garden Q&A Series
Arcadia’s School Garden Q&A sessions continue! Arcadia is offering their free "Learn, Grow, Go!" virtual garden Q&A sessions one Wednesday of each month from 4:30-5:30 pm during the school year. Juan Pablo Echeverria, Arcadia's Outreach and Education Manager, along with guest speakers will be providing timely school garden tips each month with time for you to ask questions.
Join the next session on Wednesday, November 2 from 4:30-5:30 pm. The focus will be on extending the growing season using less expensive and less labor-intensive methods (including a discussion about greenhouses. See the flyer for dates and registration information and to share with colleagues.
Envirothon Competition
Help your 9th-12th grade students develop Portrait of a Graduate skills and provide an opportunity for them to earn their Science and Environment diploma seal! Envirothon is a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in meaningful learning, all while working collaboratively to solve real-world environmental problems. Learn more about Envirothon and look for 2022-23 updates coming in October.
Save the date for the annual Envirothon training on Saturday, November 19 at Graves Mountain Lodge. This regional training focuses on the fields of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and the 2023 special topic – Adapting to Climate Change. Get support in creating or strengthening your Envirothon team and learn more about the program. Other benefits:
- NVSWCD will pay for student and teach registration, lunch is provided
- Transportation may be available for Envirothon teams
- Training experiences include a soil pit, stream monitoring, wildlife skulls and pelts, tree identification, and speaking with topic experts
Contact Ashley Palmer, Communications and Education Specialist with Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District for more information and to register. Registration is required.
Lake Accotink Watershed MWEE
The Lake Accotink Park in conjunction with the Fairfax County Park Authority is offering meaningful watershed educational experiences through onsite field trip events for elementary schools that are located within the watershed. Staff are available to come to your school to connect students directly to the watershed through activities such as exploring the watershed in your neighborhood, soil infiltration and identification and watershed walk to identify features on the school property that affect the watershed. To schedule an event or for more information contact Karen Roos at Lake Accotink, karen.roos@fairfaxcounty.gov or Alex Marstall at Fairfax County Park Authority, alexandra.marstall@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Trex Recycling Challenge
Join schools nationwide in friendly competition to collect the most plastic film. The schools that collect the most plastic film will receive a composite bench. The challenge begins on America Recycles Day on November 15 and lasts until April 15. Trex will provide your school with promotional materials and three recycling bins. The winner gets A volunteer must weigh and report the collected materials each month before delivering them to a participating drop-off retailer location. Winners will be announced on Earth Day. Learn more about the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge and how your school can join.
Youth Garden Grant
KidsGardening’s Youth Garden Grant supports school gardens that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities. In 2023, fifty programs will receive award packages consisting of a cash prize and a variety of gardening tools and supplies. Applications are due Friday, December 2, 2022. Recipients will be announced on Friday, January 6, 2023. Learn more and apply for the 2023 Youth Garden Grant.
Recycle Your Halloween Pumpkins for Wildlife
Halloween is now behind us, but that doesn't mean your jack-o-lanterns have to be trashed! Learn how you can recycle pumpkins to help wildlife.
Connect students to Sustainable Development Goals for Climate Change
The SDG Goal 13 Climate Change Activity Guide for Middle/High School and Activity Guide for Upper Elementary School are designed to support UN SDG Goal 13 Climate Change to develop a deeper foundation in which students can engage in self-reflection, dialogue with their peers and community, and environmental justice-centered action.
Master Gardener School Garden Support Request Form
Need some advice to get your school garden thriving this school year? Green Spring Gardens Extension Master Gardener volunteers are available for consultation to answer your questions, provide free advice, and make a site visit if necessary to support your school gardens projects. Request a garden visit by completing this form.
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