09-03-2025
This month’s issue includes a Sustain Fairfax Challenge tip of the month; staying safe during power outages; protecting yourself from mosquitoes and ticks; becoming a Green Business Partner; an Energy Conservation Assistance program success story; a Charge Up Fairfax project in Reston; early impact of the AC Rescue program; the Franconia Rec Center energy project; making the switch to solar; a draft EV Readiness Strategy and Active Transportation and Trails Plan; National Drive Electric Month; a major milestone for Fairfax Connector; a Capital Bikeshare expansion; biking and walking events this fall; a Unified Sanitation District proposal update; a student truck art design contest; tips for properly disposing of medical waste; protecting the county’s waterways; managing invasive plants; saving the Beech Trees; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Challenge Tip of the Month: Prepare Your Home (For Renters)
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What Is It? Tips for renters to help prepare their homes for disasters, address safety risks, and work with landlords to create a safer and more resilient living environment
What Can You Do? You can secure non-structural hazards, check for missing safety alarms, document valuable belongings, obtain renters' insurance, and collaborate with your landlord to address maintenance, structural issues, and disaster preparedness.
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September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to promote awareness and planning for emergencies and disasters to build a more resilient community.
There are some surprisingly simple things you can do as a renter to make your home ready and resilient in the event of a disaster that really make a difference —like securing items in cabinets, making sure those smoke detectors are working, and getting renters’ insurance.
Visit the Sustain Fairfax Challenge for more tips to help renters make their home ready and resilient in the event of a disaster.
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Stay Safe During Power Outages
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What Is It? A guide to help you prepare for and safely manage power outages with practical tips and precautions.
What Can You Do? You can prepare an emergency kit, prioritize safety during outages, stay informed through alerts, and have backup plans for medical or urgent needs.
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Power outages can happen unexpectedly and last from minutes to days but being prepared can keep your family safe and comfortable.
Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) suggests creating an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and medications, prioritizing food safety by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed, using flashlights instead of candles, and never operating generators or grills indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Preparing in advance and staying calm can help you manage outages safely and effectively.
Protect Yourself from Vector-Borne Disease
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What Is It? Guidance for preventing vector-borne diseases spread by mosquito and tick bites.
What Can You Do? Protect yourself by using EPA-approved repellents, wearing appropriate clothing, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, removing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding, and staying informed about local vector-borne diseases and their symptoms.
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 Vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and ehrlichiosis, are illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, and the risks are increasing due to climate change.
To protect yourself, the Fairfax County Health Department suggests using EPA-approved repellents like DEET, wearing long, light-colored clothing, treating gear with permethrin, checking your body and pets for ticks after being outdoors, and removing standing water in your yard to prevent mosquito breeding. The health department also offers free services like tick identification and yard inspections for mosquito prevention, while also monitoring diseases, conducting community education, and analyzing insect populations to safeguard public health.
Read the recent post on the Climate Matters Blog to learn more about winning the battle against vector-borne disease.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Time is Running Out: Act Now to Claim Expiring EV, Solar, and Home Energy Tax Credits
Several federal tax credits for clean energy technologies are ending earlier than expected, so homeowners and EV buyers must act quickly to take advantage. Key deadlines include:
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EV Tax Credits: Claim up to $7,500 for a new EV or $4,000 for a used EV if the vehicle is purchased by September 30, 2025 (eligibility rules apply).
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EV Charging Equipment: Install eligible charging equipment by June 30, 2026 to secure a tax credit.
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Home Energy Upgrades: Complete energy-saving projects, such as insulation or efficient HVAC systems, by December 31, 2025 for credits.
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Solar Energy Systems: Install systems by December 31, 2025 to qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. With demand rising, signing a contract soon ensures timely installation.
Don’t wait — check eligibility requirements, consult your tax advisor, and act now to secure these valuable incentives.
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Join the Movement for Climate Action and Sustainability: Become a Green Business Partner
Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners program is growing, with three new members — Your Edge For Success YES (Alexandria), Trace Right Labs, Inc. (Reston), and MBP (Vienna) — joining its ranks. The program recognizes and supports businesses committed to sustainable practices that drive climate action and advance the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
With three levels of participation — Leaders, Members, and Allies — the program offers networking opportunities, educational resources, promotional support, and ways to engage with a community of like-minded businesses focused on energy efficiency and sustainability.
Fairfax County businesses interested in leading the way on climate action are encouraged to explore the Green Business Partners program. Learn how your organization can join the growing list of climate-conscious businesses and gain recognition for your efforts. Visit the Green Business Partners and connect with us on LinkedIn to stay up to date!
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Burke Church Cuts Energy Use by 73% with Fairfax County Grant
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Burke is the latest success story of Fairfax County’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program, leveraging a $10,000 reimbursement grant to replace 75 light fixtures and 350 fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
The project is expected to achieve a remarkable 73% reduction in energy use, translating to annual savings of $5,664. With a payback period of just over three years after the grant, this upgrade highlights the cost-effectiveness of sustainable improvements.
Since its launch in 2016, the Energy Conservation Assistance Program has distributed over $201,000 in grants, supporting energy efficiency projects completed or in progress across the county as of August 2025. Together, these projects represent more than $1 million in energy upgrades, helping organizations like St. Stephen’s lower costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to Fairfax County’s broader climate and sustainability goals.
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Midtown North Condos Installs EV Charger With Help from Charge Up Fairfax
As the latest community to benefit from the Charge Up Fairfax program, Midtown North Condominium Unit Owners Association in Reston received a $7,000 reimbursement grant after installing a dual-port electric vehicle charging station to serve the community's 75 condos. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter L. Alcorn joined members of the condo board and OEEC staff at a ribbon-cutting event on August 19.
Increasing the use of electric vehicles helps improve local air quality and drives us toward a more sustainable future. Charge Up Fairfax is designed to help common-interest communities and other organizations install EV charging stations. The program offers technical and financial assistance with grants now starting at $8,000.
Homeowner and condo associations, nonprofit organizations, and places of worship are encouraged to apply!
AC Rescue Program Offers Cooling Relief for Residents in Need
Fairfax County’s new, innovative AC Rescue program has installed nearly 40 portable and window air conditioning units since summer 2024, providing vital relief to residents in dire need.
Designed to bridge the gap for residents ineligible for traditional cooling programs, AC Rescue offers a lifeline to those facing dangerously hot conditions in their homes. The program is operated by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination as part of the county's Resilient Fairfax plan, in collaboration with the non-profit Rebuilding Together-AFF.
Programs like AC Rescue are growing in importance as temperatures continue to rise. Extreme heat is a silent but deadly threat, as exposure to high temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions.
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“AC Rescue is about more than providing comfort—it’s about protecting lives, as heat is the most fatal natural hazard in Fairfax County and in the U.S.,” said Allison Homer, program manager for Resilient Fairfax and AC Rescue.
Unlike other programs that primarily assist with utility bills or cater to limited groups, such as seniors with very low income, AC Rescue is available year-round to Fairfax County residents of all ages and abilities who do not have working AC at home.
Residents seeking assistance can call Rebuilding Together at 703-528-1999. Those looking for general information about the program can visit the AC Rescue program page or call 703-324-7262.
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Here Comes the Sun: Exploring Summer Climate Patterns
It’s starting to feel more like fall. Before we let the extreme heat and flash floods of recent months become a distant memory, it’s worth taking a look at the climate trends we experienced this summer.
For a good stretch of the summer, extreme heat started to feel like the norm, and we were receiving severe weather alerts on a near-daily basis. Are our summers warmer, wetter, weirder than they used to be? Check out our latest post on the Climate Matters Blog to find out!
Join OEEC This Fall to Take Climate Action at Community Events!
OEEC is looking forward to connecting with residents of all ages to inspire climate action at community events this fall, including:
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Community Emergency Preparedness Expo | Sat, Sept. 6 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax
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Culmore Community Day | Sat, Sept. 13 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Culmore Community Library, 6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
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Providence Day | Sat, Sept. 20 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | George C. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
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Public Safety Day 2025 | Sat, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center, 4890 Alliance Dr., Fairfax
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. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and read our Climate Matters Blog.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Franconia Rec Center Undergoes Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades
 The Franconia Rec Center in Alexandria is undergoing renovations to improve energy efficiency, enhance air quality, and boost user comfort.
As part of the project, outdated air-handling systems in the fitness center and racquetball courts are being replaced with energy-efficient models to provide better temperature control while lowering energy consumption. In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit and a new exhaust system will be installed to manage humidity and improve air quality for swimmers and spectators. Additionally, ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to the swimming pool facility to enhance air circulation and further reduce energy use.
“These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” said FCPA Chief Operating Officer Sara Baldwin.
Franconia Rec Center is one of the latest facilities where the county is actively replacing old HVAC systems with high-efficiency technologies and implementing other energy-saving measures. These supports the county’s Operational Energy Strategy, which targets a reduction in energy consumption of 25% by 2030, as well as a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
By implementing energy-efficiency upgrades at the Franconia Rec Center, the county demonstrates how local investments in sustainability not only benefit the environment but also create healthier, more enjoyable spaces for the community.
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Switch to Solar and Save: Program Open For Additional Week
Originally set to close on September 3rd, the sign-up deadline for Switch Together has been extended by one week, through Wednesday, September 10.
Switch Together is a group buying initiative of national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors that allows residents to go solar at a significant discount, with optional electric vehicle chargers and battery storage. By signing up with Switch Together, you'll receive a free, customized solar recommendation from a pre-vetted installer. The current program is expected to save the average household almost $7,000 on a typical-sized solar installation.
Please note that any new registrants, or existing participants who have not yet signed a contract, are most likely to be scheduled for installation in 2026. As a result, they would not qualify for the 30% federal tax credit that remains available if the installation occurs by the end of 2025.
Discover how much you can save by going solar.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
EV Readiness Strategy Due in September
Fairfax County is developing its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy — a roadmap to support the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads.
Working with consulting firm AECOM, county staff are analyzing EV infrastructure patterns and projecting future growth in EV registrations. This analysis will identify existing gaps and propose strategies for increasing charging opportunities. The project also includes a transition study for the county’s vehicle fleet.
Staff recently held a townhall and a public comment period to get feedback on the Draft EV Readiness Strategy. The final strategy will be completed in September.
For more information, visit the Fairfax County EV Readiness Strategy page.
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Celebrate National Drive Electric Month and Discover the Benefits of EVs
National Drive Electric Month, Sep 12 - Oct 12, 2025, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
People all over can take a stand for climate by switching to cleaner transportation choices, and electric vehicles are fast, fun to drive and less expensive than fossil fuel vehicles. See for yourself by attending a National Drive Electric Month event near you to talk to EV drivers and learn more!
Fairfax Connector Celebrates 40 Years of Moving People, Not Just Buses
 Fairfax Connector is celebrating a big milestone this year— the county bus system turns 40 years old on Sept. 28, marking four decades of growth and service to residents.
What started in 1985, with just 10 routes, 33 buses and 33 operators, has become one of the largest and safest bus systems in Virginia. Today, Fairfax Connector operates more than 90 routes with over 340 buses and employs more than 800 people, including drivers, mechanics and office staff.
On the latest County Conversation podcast, host Jim Person talks with Kala Berry, head of marketing for Fairfax Connector, about the Student Bus Pass Program for middle and high school students, the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), and Fairfax Connector’s 40th anniversary.
Give Your Input on the Active Transportation and Trails Plan
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) invites residents and commuters to provide feedback on the updated draft of the Active Transportation and Trails Plan (ATTP), which merges the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan. The ATTP aims to provide information for a safer, convenient network for people walking, biking, and using other forms of active transportation. Please share your thoughts on the ATTP to help create a more inclusive, accessible, and effective transportation network for all users by filling out the survey. County staff will host two virtual community meetings to present the draft plan and gather community feedback on:
- Wednesday, September 3, 7 - 8 pm Thursday, September 4, Noon - 1 pm
For more details, visit the plan webpage.
Capital Bikeshare Now Serving Huntington, Innovation Center Metro Station Communities
Big news for bike enthusiasts and commuters alike! Fairfax County has expanded its Capital Bikeshare network, adding 10 new stations and 70 electric bikes to the fleet.
The latest stations serve the Huntington and Innovation Center Metro Stations and their surrounding neighborhoods, offering a new way to connect to the county’s public transit system, local businesses, restaurants, jobs, recreation and more.
With 94 stations and more than 500 bikes spread across Fairfax County, Capital Bikeshare continues to grow as a key resource for getting around —whether you’re commuting, running errands or exploring your community. Riders can choose from a variety of purchase options, with discounted plans available for those who qualify.
Celebrate Active Transportation This Fall at Biking, Walking and Rolling Events
County residents have several opportunities to embrace active transportation this fall with events emphasizing biking and walking. These events promote fun, fitness, and community connection.
Bike & Walk to Worship Week is returning with a new name — Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week — and now includes two weekends for even more participation! This year's event will be held September 13-21, 2025. This unique event empowers congregations to celebrate in ways that reflect their own values and community spirit. Whether you organize a group walk or bike ride to worship, offer a “blessing of the bikes,” host a neighborhood prayer walk, or provide refreshments to those who arrive by foot or bike — your participation makes a meaningful difference.
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On Saturday, October 11, residents are invited to the Walk In The Park at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in the Sully District. This 2-mile active stroll will highlight the park’s history and upcoming events, providing a perfect opportunity for all fitness levels to enjoy a crisp autumn morning outdoors. |
Later in the month, on Saturday, October 18, the 10th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride is a chance for cyclists of all levels to explore the scenic northern and central Mount Vernon District on either a 20-mile or 40-mile route. Riders will enjoy historic sites, the Mount Vernon Trail’s stunning Potomac views, and landmarks like Fort Belvoir and the National Museum of the U.S. Army. Early registration offers perks, including special 10th Anniversary tie-dye socks!
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Design a Landmark: Looking for Local Artists for New Bus Rapid Transit Stations
 Fairfax County is partnering with ArtsFairfax to find artists to design locally inspired artwork for windscreens at the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station (known as "The One!") along Richmond Highway. The project — titled Community Charm — will incorporate elements of the surrounding neighborhoods into the station design based on themes developed with each community.
This phase of the Community Charm project builds upon previous efforts and aims to integrate original public art into each station to foster a sense of local character, pride and enjoyment of the new BRT system. The project offers artists a unique opportunity to create a significant visual impact with a large canvas, as each final design will adorn a windscreen that is approximately 60 feet by 8 feet.
Artists are invited to submit their qualifications by Sept. 30 to be considered for this project. To apply, artists must submit three existing artworks that demonstrate their artistic style and ability.
WASTE REDUCTION
County Pauses Unified Sanitation District Proposal for Further Study
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is pausing on a proposal to establish a Unified Sanitation District to allow for further study and community input.
The proposal aimed to consolidate trash and recycling collection services under county management, to improve efficiency and reduce costs for residents. However, concerns were raised by community members, private waste haulers, and other stakeholders about the potential impact on service quality, competition, and local businesses.
In order to move forward with a unified sanitation district, state law requires localities to give haulers a five-year waiting period between when they begin considering the change and actually implementing it. A hearing date was first pushed back to October 14, 2025, but is now postponed indefinitely.
The county will take additional time to develop potential options, analyze the financial and operational implications, and conduct a public forum with staff, licensed haulers and homeowners’ associations.
Attention Students: 2025 Truck Art Design Contest!
Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) has launched a Truck Art Design Contest to raise awareness about the benefits of zero-waste practices.
Students are encouraged to submit original artwork reflecting the theme: “Imagining a zero-waste future for our communities” to inspire residents to adopt waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices. Students can submit their entries by Friday, October 3, 2025. One winner will be selected from each age group (grades 5-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12). Winners will be announced on Fairfax Recycles Day in November 2025.
The winning artwork will be displayed on the county’s solid waste trucks. For more details, visit Fairfax Recycles Day.
Let’s Talk Trash about Medical Waste
In the latest episode of Trash Talk, Solid Waste staff met up with Health Department and Community Services Board staff to review the best ways to discard properly of dirty diapers and wipes, needles and “sharps”, and expired/unused medications.
All of these items can present dangers to human health and the environment if they enter the waste stream incorrectly. With more people treating medical conditions at home, it’s important to be safe, as well as protect our waste collection workers, and prevent the contamination of waterways and natural spaces.
Volunteers Needed for October Fix-It Clinic
 Do you have a talent for bringing damaged items back to life? Do you have a passion for sustainability and believing in the tenet of reduce, reuse, recycle and REPAIR?
Volunteer at a Fairfax County Public Library’s Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, October 4 and help community members who bring in small household objects, clothing, jewelry and more to be repaired.
The library is looking for volunteers skilled in:
- Electrical repair
- Fabric mending
- Small appliance repair
- Jewelry repair
- Other types of repair
Clinics will be held at our Burke Centre, Chantilly Regional, Pohick Regional and Sherwood Regional branches. Volunteers can select which branch they wish to help at bit.ly/FCPL_FixItClinic.
NATURAL RESOURCES
County Strengthens Commitment to Protecting Waterways
 The Board of Supervisors recently reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its vital water resources, which include 30 watersheds, over 800 miles of streams, reservoirs, and wetlands that flow into the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. These waterways provide critical wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and essential ecological services like pollution reduction and flood risk management.
Guided by the 1972 Clean Water Act, the 1993 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, and the 2017 Environmental Vision, Fairfax County has taken significant steps to improve water quality, including creating Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) and revising land use requirements. While progress continues, impactful measures and educational initiatives to safeguard stormwater systems, reduce soil erosion, and protect the Potomac River, the Occoquan Reservoir, and the Chesapeake Bay are making a difference.
To reinforce this dedication, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution affirming its ongoing efforts to protect the county's waterways.
Join Clean Fairfax for Fall Cleanups and Environmental Education Opportunities!
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
Every year, Clean Fairfax supports community members and groups who participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.
Officially, ICC Day is Saturday, September 20, 2025, but cleanups are happening throughout the fall, and not just on the coast. All of our waterways here in Northern Virginia drain directly into the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Join or organize a cleanup yourself with your friends, family, workplace, or community group — request free cleanup supplies.
Also, it’s not too early to book your environmental speaker for this fall, winter, or even next spring via the Clean Fairfax Speakers Bureau! We have presenters who can give talks on recycling, going greener at work, native plants, resource recovery, bottle bill legislation, and even zero waste cooking demonstrations. Submit your speakers bureau request now to lock in speaker availability.
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.
Planet-Friendly Pages: Books for Every Reader
 In celebration of Book Lovers Day in August, the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination and Fairfax County Public Library teamed up to share an environmentally-focused reading list.
Check out the recent post on the Climate Matters Blog for a sample of the climate-related books available to Fairfax County residents of all ages. Whether you're an adult looking for sustainable opportunities in everyday life, a young adult who craves knowledge about those who are leading the climate movement, or a child who is just starting to show an interest in the environment, we have the book for you!
Tackling Invasives the Focus of September Green Breakfast
Do you want to know what resources are available to help you rid your property of invasives? Did you know there is a new Virginia law requiring stores to label non-native invasive plants? Do you want to get involved with community groups advocating for removal of invasive vegetation?
Wendy Cohen and Rekha Dolas, two of the founders of the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance, will share stewardship and advocacy resources for tackling invasives in our community at the next In-person Green Breakfast on Saturday September 13, beginning at 9am.
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District facilitates these bi-monthly events to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting on a Saturday morning. This Green Breakfast will be at Ornery Beer Company, 3950 University Drive in Fairfax, and includes actual breakfast! Registration is requested. The cost will be $15, payable in cash at the door.
You can view past events on the Green Breakfast YouTube playlist.
Saving Beech Trees: Fairfax County’s Fight Against Beech Leaf Disease
 Beech leaf disease is a fast-spreading threat to one of our most valuable native trees. Rainbow Ecoscience Arborologist Mark Ware and DPWES Urban Forester Katharine Layton recently gave a demonstration at Riverbend Park of a new treatment that can save beech trees from decline. Check out the video from Fairfax County’s Channel 16 and learn more about this promising solution to save the beech trees.
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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