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TextCommunity Engagement Rolls on with an Environmental Leadership Institute
As part of his continuing Community Engagement Initiative, Supervisor
Cook invites interested current or future community leaders and
volunteers to participate in a day of information and sharing on the
environment designed to empower neighborhoods to improve appearance,
interaction, openness and sustainability.
On Saturday, May 7, experts in the fields of recycling and litter
control, stormwater and erosion management, planting of native trees and
shrubs, alternatives to conventional lawn care and home energy efficiency
will present the most up-to-date information on these topics for
participants to then share with their neighbors. This series of seminars
is a must for environmental chairs, church leaders, students and for
those with a desire to help their community become a healthier place to
live.
At this Leadership Institute, you will hear how to “cut it high and let
it lie” (lawns), how to “let it rot” (composting), how to reduce use of
weed killers and fertilizers on your lawn, how to be a green gardener,
how to wash your car with the least environmental impact, how to reduce
toxic products in your household, and how to use a rain barrel or build a
‘rain garden.” You will learn how to undertake a yard makeover so that
you reduce the amount of your property devoted to lawn, learn how to be
an aqua cop, and learn to reduce the negative impacts of runoff on our
streams. You will learn what trees thrive in our area and how/when to
plant and water them. You will get information on how to sign up to
remove invasive species from our parks, or become a stream monitor, a
master gardener or a tree steward. You will hear the latest information
on recycling events and how to help Fairfax become a “trash free”
community. You will receive information on steps to save water, energy
and money at home. Each seminar is designed to help participants take
“small steps” that will improve the health of our watersheds.
However, the overarching goal of this Institute is to have participants
take this information back into Braddock communities to help transform
them into “Livable Neighborhoods.” We are all aware of the pressures that
urban development places on the environment. By developing water-friendly
lifestyle practices and making neighbors aware of those opportunities, it
is possible to raise awareness and motivate others to do the same.
Team members will be available to serve as coaches to help participants
establish a neighborhood stewardship team. To sign up, or if you have
questions or need more information, contact Rosemary Ryan at
703-425-4048.
- When: May 7, 2011
- Where: The Oaks Community Center, 5708 Oak Leather Drive, Burke Centre
- Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch provided)
- How to Register: call 703-425-9300 or email Braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov, registration is limited to 30
Looking for More Ways to Get Engaged?
Fairfax Geese Management Program Needs Volunteers
Do you have nesting geese on your private or public property? Would you
like to manage these geese due to public safety, human health, or
environmental impact concerns? Volunteers are needed for the Geese
Management Program in April and May.
Come join the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist and participating
stakeholders. Volunteers will learn to use a safe and humane technique
(addling) to manage resident geese populations. Addling is the simple
process of applying corn oil on eggs to prevent embryo development.
A public Geese Management training session is scheduled at the Fairfax
County Government Center (12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax VA
22035) on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 (4pm - 5pm) in Executive Conference
Room 232.
Volunteers will learn general geese ecology and behavior; how to locate
and identify nests, and how to addle eggs. If you are interested in
becoming a volunteer, contact the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist by
email victoria.monroe@fairfaxcounty.gov or office phone: 703-246-6868.
Volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps
The Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a volunteer organization
sponsored by the Fairfax County Health Department that trains medical and
non-medical volunteers to respond to public health emergencies.
Currently, they are recruiting volunteers who must:
•Be at least 18 years of age.
•Be fluent in English,
•Be able to work a 12-hour shift.
•Not already be committed to another emergency
response organization.
It take only ten hours of training to make a difference. Upcoming
orientations for new volunteers will be held on April 20th and May 5th.
The orientation classes will be held in the Rowland Conference Center at
Kelly Square (10777 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030). To join the MRC, go to
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mrc and click on the Volunteer Now link.
Please contact the MRC Program Office at 703-246-8641 if you have any
questions.
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