Spring 2026 applications for the Tree Canopy Fund are open now! Do you want to earn credit towards your Stormwater Utility by planting trees on your property? Large canopy trees planted through the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund are eligible for a 5% stormwater utility credit. Eligibility is based on the native tree being 1” caliper and the number of trees required to receive credit varies from 1-4 trees. Visit the EcoAction Arlington website to learn more and apply by January 14!
Tomorrow! Understanding and Protecting Resource Protection Areas
January 15, 12 PM - 1 PM. Do you have Resource Protection Area (RPA) on your property? Are you curious about the recent updates to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and what they mean for you? Attend this lunch time session to learn more about RPAs and how to protect RPA on your property. You will also learn about the recent ordinance updates and what they may mean for home improvement projects on your property. The session will be recorded and posted online.
Apply to be a Virginia Master Naturalist! Deadline January 20.
Become a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer by taking our 14-week Basic Training Course. The application period for the Spring 2026 Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN) program is now open! Applications must be submitted by January 20, 2026. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.
Remember to be Salt Smart this winter. Shovel first and apply salt sparingly.
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.
To help mitigate these risks and improve climate resilience, Arlington is considering the adoption of a maximum impervious area requirement in lower density, residentially zoned areas of Arlington. The County Board has directed staff to study potential amendments to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) to support Arlington's goals to improve the stormwater system and expand the tree canopy. Learn more at arlingtonva.us/lowresidentialstudy.
MLK Day of Service
Next date: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM
Adult. Make a difference in your community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Volunteers are needed to help clear out invasive plants and vines that are keeping our local plants and animals from thriving. Come dressed for the weather, with sturdy footwear, and be prepared to get dirty. Work gloves will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Teens ages 12+ are welcome with a registered adult. Registration Required. Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, 22203, View Map
Flying Squirrel Lore
Next date: Saturday, January 23, 2026 | 05:30 PM to 06:30 PM
Families. Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us after dark to learn about these nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather, we will venture out into the cold night to look for wild flying squirrels. All participants must register. Registration Required.
Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, 22203, View Map
Pond Life: Winter Edition
Next date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Families. Our ponds may be frozen, but they're still full of life. Come learn about our winter pond dwellers, and find out where the critters you don't see in winter have gone. Dress for the weather. Registration Required.
Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, 22203, View Map
Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water: Smart Salting for Residents
Climate and Cuisine: Climate Action Plan Launch Event
Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium, Central Library
Be part of an inspiring evening as we officially introduce Arlington’s Climate Action Plan and explore how our everyday food choices shape a sustainable future. Enjoy a dynamic panel discussion featuring Mark Easter, author of "Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos," along with local experts who will unpack the connection between climate, community and the food system. Before the panel begins, visit Climate & Cuisine: Open House, to speak with local climate-focused organizations to learn about community programs, resources and ways to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, engage, eat (sustainably!) and help build a healthier, more resilient Arlington. See the full agenda and register here.
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.
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.
