04-03-2025
This month’s issue includes the Sustain Fairfax Challenge webinar; getting ready for gardening season; flood preparedness; making an emergency kit on a budget; Earth Day events in April; the Operational Energy Strategy in Action; opportunities to go solar; a Healthy Homes Fair; an EV Readiness Strategy for Fairfax County; free and reduced bus fares for students; VDOT’s Paving and Restriping Program Proposals; a Walk and Win Challenge: Clean Fairfax’s Earth Daze celebration; volunteer for a Fix-It-Clinic; the “Lights Out for Birds” campaign; a grasslands bird sanctuary at the I-95 landfill complex; Parks Needs Assessment Survey; a conservation poster contest; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Watch “Sustain Fairfax Challenge: Empowering a Greener Future”
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What Is It? An informative session to introduce a new, easy-to-use, web-based platform for taking climate action.
What Can You Do? Watch the video, visit the site, create an account, and share what you’re doing to be more sustainable and resilient.
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Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently held a live webinar, “Sustain Fairfax Challenge: Empowering a Greener Future,” for residents to learn how the new web-based platform is making it simple, easy, and fun to take action to save money, reduce carbon pollution, and create a healthier, sustainable future for Fairfax County.
Think Spring! 12 Ways to Get Ready for Gardening and Growing Season
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What Is It? Practical tips and resources to effectively prepare your lawn and garden for spring.
What Can You Do? Take actions to get your garden ready and contribute to a greener environment.
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As temperatures rise and spring approaches, Fairfax County offers a range of tips and services to help residents prepare their lawns and gardens.
 These include advice from Master Gardeners, the promotion of native plants, lawn fertilizer and soil testing guidance, local plant shopping and swaps, free mulch, invasive species recognition and reporting, composting and rainwater recycling, safe disposal of hazardous waste, reducing light pollution for migrating birds, participating in the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, preventing tick bites, and engaging in community events like farmers markets, garden tours, and Earth Day celebrations.
These initiatives aim to support a greener, healthier environment while fostering community involvement and sustainable practices.
5 Ways to Protect Your Property From Floods
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What Is It? Resources and support to mitigate flood impacts and ensure community safety.
What Can You Do? Take steps to better protect your home and family from flood risks and contribute to the overall resilience of Fairfax County.
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As Fairfax County’s climate changes, becoming warmer, wetter and weirder, it is imperative for residents to prepare and adjust. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. And in Fairfax County, some areas are more prone to flooding.
Understanding flood risks and obtaining flood insurance are crucial, as standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover flooding. The county's Flood Mitigation Assistance Program provides financial support for eligible floodproofing projects.
Emergency Preparedness on a Budget: 5 Low-Cost Ways to Build Your Supplies Kit
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What Is It? Guide to building an affordable and effective emergency kit.
What Can You Do? Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit, ensuring you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency.
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Emergencies can happen anytime, and a basic emergency kit can make all the difference. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend much to prepare. By using what you already have, gathering free supplies, and planning ahead, you can build a kit over time to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Fairfax County Champions Climate Action Despite Federal Changes
A Letter from John Morrill, Director, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Spring has arrived, but for many of us it may still feel like a dark winter. With federal rollbacks on climate and environmental policies and funding happening so rapidly, it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion.
During these challenging times, please know that Fairfax County remains unwavering in its commitment to its climate work and environmental goals. Across the county government, we are making significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to extreme weather conditions. Our Sustain Fairfax campaign, in collaboration with public partners and stakeholders, aims to foster a culture of sustainability and resilience in our community.
Although federal changes may introduce new obstacles, they will not deter us from our mission. The steadfast dedication of the Board of Supervisors and our community is vital for ensuring a greener, healthier Fairfax County for all.
We are in this together, and your efforts truly make a difference.
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Celebrate Earth Month with OEEC at Events in April
Fairfax County is joining communities around the world in celebrating Earth Month, to highlight the need for environmental stewardship for a healthier planet. Make plans now to participate in county events throughout April that will provide awareness, education and opportunities for positive actions. Join OEEC at these events in April:
Come by and learn about climate action and energy-saving programs and resources.
Interested in having an expert from OEEC speak at your next event? Visit our Request a Speaker page to learn more and to submit your request.
Podcast Alert: Sustain Fairfax is Focus of County Conversation
 On a recent edition of the County Conversation, host Jim Person talks with John Silcox with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination about Sustain Fairfax and the Sustain Fairfax Challenge.
2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process Moves Into Screening Phase
Fairfax County received 53 nominations during the 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) submission period, which ran from Jan. 13 to Feb. 13. The SSPA process allows the public to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use and development decisions in the county.
The Comprehensive Plan is Fairfax County’s blueprint for growth and development. It sets the long-term vision for land use, housing, transportation, public facilities and environmental protection. The process gives the public a direct role in shaping that vision by allowing individuals, community groups, developers and other stakeholders to suggest changes to the plan.
The SSPA process is important because it helps ensure that the county’s land use policies reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Changes to the Comprehensive Plan can affect everything from the types of housing available to the location of new schools, parks and businesses. By participating in the process, residents and businesses have a chance to influence these decisions early on.
To help everyone understand the proposed changes, the county is holding a series of community meetings through April.
Climate and Energy Leadership Awards Celebrate Sustainability and Innovation in the Washington Region
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) will launch its annual Climate and Energy Leadership Awards, April 22-June 30, 2025! In this program winners are recognized for their innovative climate stewardship projects and programs that engage and serve the region’s underserved communities. The three main award categories are:
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Government Agency (local, state, regional, quasi-govt, utilities or authorities)
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Non-Governmental Association (non-profit, for-profit, citizen or community-based groups)
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Educational Institution (K-12, public, private, or higher education)
To learn more, about the program and past awardees, visit the awards page.
Call for EQAC Student Members!
 EQAC is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2025 through June 2026 term! The application is open to all interested high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. Eligible public school, parochial, private school, and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply. Applications due by May 5, 2025.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Operational Energy Strategy in Action: Building for a Greener Future
The construction of net zero-energy buildings is a critical component of Fairfax County’s plan to achieve energy carbon neutrality in its operations by 2040. Watch the latest Operational Energy Strategy in action video to see how the county's commitment to green building design is helping to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and promote a healthier environment.
Revitalization Work at Oakmont and Franconia Rec Centers
The Fairfax County Park Authority is undertaking significant revitalization projects at Oakmont and Franconia Rec Centers to enhance pool air quality for swimmers and spectators. These efforts align with the county’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles, and operations by 2040.
At Oakmont Rec Center, work is underway to upgrade the pool dehumidification system, with completion expected by April 2025, weather permitting. At Franconia Rec Center, Phase I of the revitalization project will begin in mid-April and conclude by early May 2025, weather permitting. These improvements will significantly enhance air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for swimmers and spectators.
Similar upgrades at Spring Hill Rec Center in spring 2024 have already demonstrated positive results.
More Opportunities for Fairfax County Residents to Go Solar
Interested in letting the sun pay your bills? Two programs available to Fairfax County homeowners – Switch Together and Solarize Virginia – are back for another round.
Fairfax County is pleased to support these group buying programs, which helps homeowners and small businesses secure a high-quality rooftop solar installation at a lower price. Both programs make switching to solar a snap by offering:
- A free assessment to find out whether your home is a good candidate for solar installation
- Bulk discounts on solar systems, at least 10% lower than the regional average
- Access to a qualified solar installer, ongoing support and no obligation to purchase.
“Going solar can seem like an overwhelming and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be,” said John Morrill, Director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “Through the power of group purchasing, Solarize and Switch Together provide an excellent opportunity for residents to switch to clean, renewable energy.”
Powering Up for Earth Day: HVAC, Solar, and Energy Savings for Homes & Houses of Worship
 Is your congregation looking to replace an aging HVAC system, electrify appliances, or explore solar energy? Are you a homeowner interesting in improving your home’s energy efficiency?
Join the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) on Wednesday, April 30 to learn how the Power of Faith program helps Northern Virginia congregations cut costs and reduce energy waste! The event is from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna. Hear from a panel of experts and partner congregations who are successfully navigating the program, and gain practical insights on energy tracking, solar energy, and local funding opportunities. After the panel, you’ll have the chance to participate in expert-led breakout discussions to dive deeper into key topics and get your questions answered.
Attend the Ultimate Home Electrification Event on May 10
Register today for the biggest, consumer-facing, home electrification event in the United States on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1-5 pm at Catholic University!
Visit the Healthy Homes Fair to explore the products, services, and incentives available to combat climate change while increasing health and comfort. With more than 100 exhibitors, an appliance “petting zoo,” an e-bike tasting party, a bouncy castle for the kids, food trucks, and much more, the Fair is bound to have something for everyone!
The jam-packed program will include induction cooking demonstrations, caulking workshops, and incentives calculator demos, equipping both renters and homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to decarbonize their homes! Attendees can also participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, such as state-of-the-art induction cooktops, portable plug-in versions, and more!
OEEC will be there. Will you? Register today.
Cutting-Edge Woodlands Stewardship Education Center Focus of FEEE Tour
 At Fairfax County, we have an employee green team known as Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence (FEEE), established by and comprised of county employees dedicated to environmental stewardship! Last Friday, this team embarked on a tour of the new Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.
To align with the sustainable mission and objectives of the Park Authority, this facility is built to meet the demanding sustainability criteria of the Living Building Challenge. Every element — structure, design, systems, materials, and operation — serves to educate about resource stewardship and promote healthy and environmentally friendly choices regarding water, energy, land use, and construction methods.
During their visit, FEEE not only explored the stunning building but also sought insights on how to integrate principles from the Living Building Challenge into their own initiatives. Plus they had a lot of fun!
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Readiness Strategy Will Advance EV Adoption with Focus on Equity and Infrastructure Expansion
Fairfax County is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to meet its emission reduction goals as outlined in the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) and the county’s Operational Energy Strategy. EVs offer environmental benefits and lower fueling and maintenance costs compared to traditional gas or diesel vehicles.
Expanding the availability of vehicle charging infrastructure is crucial for achieving these goals and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, has equitable access to the benefits of electric vehicles.
The county has embarked on an EV Readiness Strategy that includes a transition plan for the government vehicle fleet, and a Community EV Readiness plan with a particular emphasis on increasing the availability and use of EVs in vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities.
Stay tuned for information about an upcoming public meeting to be held in June 2025.
Penderbrook Community Enhances Sustainability with New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Penderbrook Community Association in the Springfield District recently celebrated the installation of 4 dual-port chargers to support its 1,776 homes. The community is one of 20 participating in the Charge Up Fairfax program, which provides technical and financial assistance to support installing charging stations for electric vehicles.
Fairfax Connector Programs Offer Free and Reduced Fares for Students, Low-Income Riders
Did you know that there are transit opportunities available to students and low-income riders? With the Student Bus Pass and Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), residents have enjoyed more than 4 million free and low-cost trips across the region.
Since 2015, Fairfax County middle and high school students have been able to ride Fairfax Connector and Fairfax City CUE buses for free using the Student Bus Pass. Each week, student riders depend on local bus service to get to school, work, extracurricular activities and more.
Under the benefit, students may ride buses at no cost from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The program requires parent/guardian permission. Applications for free Student Bus Passes are available online and should be returned to the school’s administrative office in order to receive your bus pass.
Fairfax Connector Team Wins Overall Competition at State “Roadeo”
 Dozens of transit operators and maintenance teams from across Virginia competed in the annual statewide Bus and Maintenance Roadeo at Fairfax County’s West Ox Bus Garage in Fairfax. The prestigious competition tests the skills of bus operators and maintenance professionals from jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. Winners of the maintenance and operation events are invited to compete at the international competition to be held this April in Austin, Texas.
Fairfax Connector continued its outstanding performance in the annual competition, winning the overall combined maintenance and operator score and bringing home the coveted Virginia State Bus and Maintenance Roadeo traveling trophy.
Fairfax County and VDOT to Host Online Meetings for 2025 Paving and Restriping Program Proposals
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a series of online meetings in April to discuss proposals for the 2025 Paving and Restriping Program. The meetings will include an overview of the repaving process and upcoming projects by VDOT and restriping improvements proposed by FCDOT.
As part of VDOT’s annual repaving program, FCDOT and VDOT work together to identify transportation infrastructure improvements to increase driver, bicyclist and pedestrian safety. The proposed 2025 Paving and Restriping Program includes bike lanes and potential crosswalk improvements, which will be presented for community feedback.
Walk and Win Challenge: April 2-30 2025
 Step into spring with the 2025 Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge, April 2–30! Simply walk a designated loop and join the fun!
Participants can enter their walking activity online or via social media (details coming soon) for a chance to win weekly prizes, including gift cards from area retailers and merchants. Log your walks by sharing a photo or a screenshot of your route from your walking app. Submissions can be made by either scanning the QR code on the route and entering online or sharing a photo from your walk on social media with #WalkWinFX.
The more you walk and enter, the more chances you have to win!
Ready, Set Commute!
 Running from March 3-May 31, 2025, the goDMV Commuter Competition is a friendly contest that rewards commuters for traveling sustainably. By registering and logging your sustainable trips, you can win tons of exciting prizes and incentives as you climb the leaderboard! Best of all, it’s free to participate. You can participate through your employer if they’ve joined, or on your own.
Looking to organize or register an employer team? Jump to the goDMV Employer Teams section.
WASTE REDUCTION
Wanted: Fix-It Clinic Volunteers
Do you have a talent for bringing damaged items back to life? Volunteer at a Fairfax County Public Library’s Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, May 10 and help community members who bring in small household objects, clothing, jewelry and more to be repaired.
FCPL is looking for volunteers skilled in:
- Electrical repair
- Fabric mending
- Small appliance repair
- Jewelry repair
- Other types of repair
Clinics will be held at multiple branches across the county and volunteers can sign up for particular branches at the link below.
Interested in helping out? Visit bit.ly/FCPL_FixItClinic for more information
Join Clean Fairfax for Their Annual Earth Daze Celebration on April 12th!
 Spring is in the air and Earth Month is here! It’s a time of year when you just can’t help but appreciate the wonders of nature as the seasons turn and the Earth wakes up. Clean Fairfax invites you to our 5th annual Earth Daze on Saturday, April 12th from 12:00-5:00 PM at Aslin Beer Company, 767 Elden Street in Herndon. It’s a free, fun event for the whole family, with food and beverages from Aslin, kid activities, music, and sustainable vendors outdoors. We’ll be there and we hope to see you too!
Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22nd each year. This year, Clean Fairfax’s theme for Earth Day and Earth Month is “Reach for Reusables.” We encourage you to do a mini audit of your habits and look for ways to embrace reusables over single-use items in one or more areas of your life. Swap-outs are easy once you get in the habit! Check out our Earth Month+ page for ideas and resources.
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on our website at www.cleanfairfax.org and follow us on social media: IG/X: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Protecting Drinking Water Sources for Today and the Future
Water utilities, like Fairfax Water, rely on sustainable sources of water that can be treated to provide reliable, high-quality drinking water. Fairfax Water, which provides water to over 2 million people in the region, draws its water from two sources: the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir.
Now is a great time to learn more about your drinking water sources and how to protect them considering the effects climate change has on our watershed. Read our recent Climate Matters blog post on how protecting the drinking water supply is essential for safeguarding human health, the environment, and the well-being of communities
Help Migrating Birds This Spring by Turning Off Unnecessary Lights
 Twice a year, billions of birds travel hundreds of miles between their winter and summer homes, mostly at night, using the stars to navigate. In Northern Virginia alone, an estimated 100 to 160 million birds migrate through our skies each spring and fall.
Artificial lights can turn their journey into a confusing and dangerous trek. Bright lights on tall buildings and city skyglow attract the feathered travelers, leading to window collisions or exhaustion from circling illuminated structures.
As birds begin their migration this spring, the county is supporting the "Lights Out for Birds" campaign led by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. The alliance, in partnership with local organizations such as Nature Forward, Friends of Huntley Meadows and DarkSky NOVA, encourages residents and businesses to reduce excessive outdoor nighttime lighting from 11 p.m. through 6 a.m., March 15 to May 31 — the peak of spring bird migration.
Endangered Grassland Birds Find Sanctuary at I-95 Landfill, Thanks to New Mowing Practices
In an inspiring turn of events for avian enthusiasts and conservationists alike, Fairfax County has modified its mowing procedures at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton to protect endangered grassland birds. The Eastern meadowlark and grasshopper sparrow, among other species, are thriving on a 50-acre meadowland atop the landfill, thanks to these new land management practices.
Read the latest Climate Matters Blog to learn more about the Green Vibes at I-95.
Arbor Day Event on April 26 to Recognize Importance of Trees
 Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division will celebrate Arbor Day at Mount Eagle Elementary School in Alexandria on April 26. The event will include the reading of a proclamation, as well a ceremonial tree planting.
Arbor Day is an annual observance dedicated to the importance of trees, which provide significant environmental, social and economic benefits for the planet. For over 30 years, Fairfax County has been proactive in raising awareness about the importance of trees and forests in our community.
Fairfax Couty Park Authority Launches Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment Survey
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is excited to launch the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment online survey to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. Community input is essential to shaping the future of Fairfax County’s parks, and they want to hear from you.
Residents have multiple ways to provide input. All members of the community are invited to share their thoughts through an online survey hosted on PublicInput. Additionally, a randomly selected group of households will receive a mailed survey as part of the project’s statistically valid data collection. If you receive a survey, please complete it—we appreciate your participation.
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Conservation Poster Contest – Entries Due June 30, 2025
Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking students to design posters to submit to the 2025 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘Home is Where the Habitat Is”.
This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additional poster contest format categories include digital art, braille, and additional assistance.
Learn more about the poster contest categories and guidelines and download your entry form!
More Environmental, Climate, and Energy News Online
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's monthly "Environmental, Climate, and Energy" e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate action plans, programs and policies. To see past issues of this newsletter, visit our website!
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