April 15, 2026
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program, Satellite Circuit Court Services, Earth Day Fairfax, Capital Bikeshare, the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards and black bears. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.
This spring, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to roll up their sleeves and support native plants and habitats during hands-on volunteer events across the county. As part of the 20th anniversary of the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program, volunteers can help remove invasive plants, restore native habitats and protect Fairfax County’s forests — no experience required. Participants will receive a free “Take Back the Forest” T-shirt while supplies last. Since its launch in 2006, the Invasive Management Area program has grown into one of the region’s most impactful volunteer conservation efforts, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year working alongside trained site leaders to restore parklands, improve water quality and protect wildlife habitats. Volunteer events will take place throughout April and May at parks across Fairfax County, with flexible opportunities ranging from 90 minutes to three hours. Be part of the next chapter. Join the movement, make a difference and help shape the future of Fairfax County’s natural spaces. To learn more and sign up, visit the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program webpage, or call 703-324-8582.
Starting this month, Satellite Circuit Court Services will be available on the second Tuesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. This initiative provides select court services to residents in the southern portion of Fairfax County, increasing access and convenience. Services offered include:
- Marriage license issuance
- Certified copies of court records
- Free notary services
- Civil filings into existing cases
This program represents a pivotal step in the Fairfax Circuit Court’s ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and service delivery. As the largest trial court in Virginia, the Fairfax Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit) remains dedicated to providing resources that meet the needs of Fairfax County and Fairfax City residents. The initiative launched in May 2024 initially brought services to the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, in Reston. The program was paused in late 2025 when the center underwent remodeling. Opening the pop-up satellite location aligns with Fairfax County’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on shaping a future designed in collaboration with the community. By emphasizing the pillar of “Effective and Efficient Government,” this initiative enhances shared use of county facilities and prioritizes effective service delivery. For more information about Fairfax Circuit Court and its services, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit.
Bring the whole family to Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration. Since 1970, Earth Day has highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources, and this festival offers fun, hands-on ways to learn simple things you can do at home to help the environment. With live music, food and beverage, the popular touch-a-truck exhibit and more, this is a learning experience you don’t want to miss. Admission to the event is free, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day webpage.
With the weather warming up and gas prices soaring, commuters across the county are looking for sustainable alternatives to driving to get around town. Many are turning to bicycling, and the county’s Capital Bikeshare Program is providing bike access to riders without needing to purchase and maintain their own. Capital Bikeshare offers several purchasing options including a single ride, day pass and annual membership. Riders have access to the entire Capital Bikeshare network serving Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland with thousands of classic and electric bikes – or e-bikes – ready for use. In 2025, riders took nearly 40,000 trips on Capital Bikeshare in Fairfax County. Ridership data points to a clear pattern: when stations are close together, on safe routes and near transit, people use them — especially for short, practical trips that might otherwise add one more car to already crowded roads. NewsCenter has more details; fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
With an award-winning system of 424 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service. The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers. Nominations are due by Friday, May 22. The nomination form is available online at the 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Nominations webpage. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers. Award recipients will be honored later this fall. Additional details will be posted on the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards webpage. For more information, email Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Virginia is black bear country – including Fairfax County. But while bears are not commonly encountered in our community, multiple bear sightings are reported each spring and summer as bears wander into residential areas in search of food. Black bears and cubs emerge from their winter dens from March through May in Virginia. Bears typically avoid humans but may be drawn into populated areas due to the smell of food around homes. Bears are attracted by bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, beehives and berry-producing shrubs. NewsCenter has more on this story. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news for more information.
Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.
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