Alert:
Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The Fairfax County Park Authority seeks to expand awareness, appreciation and protection of our natural resources. Learn more about the history of this annual celebration and explore ways that you can take action to protect and safely explore our parks and our planet.
Join us at Fairfax County’s 2024 Earth Day Festival, the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County! Come celebrate with Fairfax County Park Authority at the Sully Historic Site on April 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Register for informative and engaging camps and classes to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Be good park visitor by staying on trails, disposing of trash properly, keeping your dog on a leash, and don’t forget that poop bag. The Park Authority’s Natural Resource Management Plan guides our ecosystem restoration and management as well as outreach efforts.
Use your talents, energy and time to connect with the earth. Far more than just doing a good deed, volunteering is a way to develop skills, learn about career options, make professional contacts, socialize and have an impact on your community. More than 7,000 people volunteer in Fairfax County parks each year, providing close to 200,000 hours of service. Find volunteer opportunities online or join a Friends Group or Park Volunteer Team to support a specific park.
Include kids in Earth Day with these fun and educational resources. Stay Earth-friendly by making these reusable: place the printed paper inside a plastic sleeve/sheet protector and use a dry erase marker when using.
Printables
Find additional resources at our Virtual Exploration Center; click on the “Science & Nature” tab to find activities focused on nature and the outdoors.
Many species of plants and animals call Fairfax County home. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works has created a Field Guide and Field Journal to help readers identify and explore common species found in neighborhoods, schoolyards, parks and other areas. Fairfax County ecologists provide free high-quality, innovative educational programs and teaching tools to audiences ranging from K-12.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April 22-30, 2022, as Dark Sky Week in Fairfax County. Dark skies are the historic and natural state of nature. Over time humans have increased the amount of light shining into the sky all night long. This disruption of excessive light has robbed us of our stars and endangered the nature around us. We can have dark skies again if we can learn to control light pollution with responsible outdoor lighting practices.
Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) leads the county's cross-organizational development and implementation of effective environmental and energy policies, goals, programs and projects including solar energy, carbon-free initiatives and climate adaptation. OEEC engages county departments, authorities, businesses and residents to advance environmental and energy priorities and address community needs.