Next date: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Step into the forest to explore the history, folklore, and cultural connections of our local trees. This guided hike blends basic tree identification with stories of how trees have provided food, inspiration, and meaning throughout history. Registration required.
Arlington Climate Together Open House
Please join us for the Arlington Climate Together Open House — an interactive event where adult and youth participants can learn about Arlington’s current climate progress and take part in activities that help shape Arlington’s climate future.
June 1, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM, Central Library
At the event, participants will:
Learn about Arlington’s current climate initiatives and progress
Explore key climate topics affecting the community
Share ideas and priorities through interactive activities
Help shape the vision and framework for the Climate Action Plan
Help Shape Arlington’s Climate Future
Arlington is developing a Climate Action Plan, and we want your input to help shape our vision and priorities for a more sustainable, resilient future.
We invite you to complete the Climate Action Plan Visioning and Framework Feedback Form to share your ideas, concerns, and priorities for climate action in Arlington. Your feedback will help guide the goals, strategies, and community priorities included in the plan which will be presented to the County Board for adoption. The feedback form will remain open through June 26, 2026.
Partnering with Pollinators
Friday, June 5, 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. ONLINE. In anticipation of International Pollinator Week in mid-June, join Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills to discuss the small animals that perform such an important role in our home landscapes. Learn about the characteristics of our pollinators and the plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region that will attract them and fill their needs, whether your garden space is large or limited to a patio or balcony. Special attention will be given to keystone plants, soft landings plantings beneath trees, and the needs of pollen specialist bees. FREE. Sign up online to receive the link to attend “Partnering with Pollinators”.
Next date: Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Adults, teens and families ages 9 and up. Join us restoring habitat in our parks. We meet regularly in over a dozen parks to remove invasives, plant natives, protect tree seedlings, and do other environmental stewardship work. Volunteers improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors. For more information and to sign up, visit our Invasive Plants page.
Firefly Festival
Next date: Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Families. Come celebrate summer’s natural night lights as we learn about these bioluminescent beetles! Activities include: bug hunts, games, crafts, walks, and talks about fireflies. Bring a picnic blanket as we wait for sunset and the natural lights to come out. Cancelled if raining. More information.
Replacing Invasive Plants with Natives
Friday, June 26, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ONLINE. This talk explains why the destruction of native plant habitats is contributing to a significant and ongoing decline in bird and insect populations. By removing invasive, non-native species and planting a greater diversity of native plants in your own backyard, you can make a difference. Extension Master Gardener Julie Acker will show you how to identify many non-native invasive plants and suggest alternatives that look and "behave" similarly. FREE. Sign up online to receive the link to attend “Replacing Invasive Plants with Natives”.
Apply for a Free Tree by July 15th!
The Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund Planting Program offers Arlington property owners the chance to receive a free native tree to help grow our urban canopy. This program offers large and medium native shade trees planted by a contractor. Trees are typically 8 to 10 feet at planting.
Applications for fall 2026 planting are now open through July 15, 2026. As part of this program, EcoAction Arlington's Tree Canopy Equity Program serves historically under-resourced neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage. Thanks to the generosity of our funders, residents of in 13 target neighborhoods are provided a wider range of species to plant including small trees and shrubs. For more information, visit ecoactionarlington.org/trees or email trees@ecoactionarlington.org.
Arlington is considering the adoption of an impervious area limit in lower density, residentially zoned areas. Despite Arlington’s existing lot coverage and stormwater management regulations, impervious area is increasing Countywide, especially in residential areas. Impervious area increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat, which are the two most dangerous weather threats facing Arlington today. Limiting impervious area can improve stormwater management and create more space for trees. Phase 2 Engagement will start soon!
Next date: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM
The ponds are full of life. Bullfrogs, turtles, snakes, fish, insects and many tadpoles fill our waters. Come explore with us as we investigate what can be found in a few net fulls of pond water. Long Branch Nature Center. Registration required.
Only Rain Down the Drain!
Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of watehttp://www.onlyrain.org/r pollution in Northern Virginia. Please pick up the dog stuff, recycle used motor oil, and don’t over fertilize your lawn.
If you are looking for a sustainable landscape designer or installer, consider hiring someone with the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification. The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification is a 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 Northern Virginia Bird Alliance 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.
Wildlife Sanctuary 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 Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. If you have additional questions, please contact Alda Krinsman. 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 maintenance 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 sometimes reduce the risk of failure, poorly executed pruning can increase the risk. For a list of certified arborists in this area:
Trees fallen onto public property during a storm? For all emergencies, call 911. This includes downed power lines, fallen trees that are blocking major streets and safety issues that need immediate attention.
All trees that fall on private property become the responsibility of the owner, regardless of their original location.
Downed power lines from tree failure? Stay clear of downed power lines and downed trees in their vicinity, even if you believe that the lines are dead or have been de-energized by the power company. Lines can become re-energized as circuits are restored or come into contact with live lines. Don’t assume that lines have been de-energized just because a power company crew has visited the site.
Call Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357. Trees on power lines are by state law the domain of the utility company. As soon as power lines are removed from trees or made safe, the owner of the property can work to remove the tree.
