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MARCH 2026
This month we have our Annual meeting with the election of our new board slate beginning April 1, 2026 on March 11. There are lots of opportunities and events coming up we look forward to seeing you at one.
ON THE CALENDAR EcoAction Arlington Upcoming Events & Opportunities
MAR 11 | In person signature event EcoAction Arlington 48th Annual Meeting 6:30-9:00PM @Washington-Liberty HS
The 48th Annual Meeting of EcoAction Arlington, Changing Behaviors to Address the Climate Crisis, will open with a reception with light refreshments and exhibits by local organizations, agencies, and companies followed by welcoming remarks by Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, the election of our board of directors, and an overview of EcoAction Arlington programming for 2026. Our featured presenter is Katie Heffner, Senior Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Rare, an international conservation organization headquartered in Arlington. Katie will be providing an introduction to behavior change science and its importance to the climate movement. Following Katie’s presentation, we will break into small groups for discussion around behavior change and the issue of reducing food waste, a significant contributor to climate change.
APR 23 | In person signature event 8th Annual EcoExtravaganza 6:00-8:00PM @Clare & Don's Beach Shack, Falls Church
Join us for a celebration of community, generosity, and our shared commitment to making Arlington one of the greenest communities in the country. Enjoy dinner, a cash bar, and an inspiring evening featuring a vegetarian buffet and a raise‑the‑paddle moment that fuels real impact. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation directly supports our programs and sustains our work all year long, ensuring our programs remain accessible to every neighbor, regardless of their ZIP code.
Calling All High School Seniors! EcoAction Arlington is looking for high school seniors who wish to complete their Senior Experience working with a nonprofit to bring attention to environmental issues. Interns will be working with other seniors to run an Energy Carnival for elementary students. Seniors will publicize the program availability to teachers and staff, deliver presentations, organize supplies, and document program accomplishments. The internship period is 30 hours a week, lasting from three to four weeks. There is flexibility for seniors who want to complete this project from May 11 to June 12, 2026. Seven positions are available. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Eden Clymire Stern, Outreach and Communications Assistant, at eden@ecoactionarlington.org
EcoAmbassadors and Arlington County Government in partnership with Rare expertly structured applied classes and data collection sessions for a new undergraduate winter seminar course that the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) taught based out of the William & Mary Washington Center: “People-centered solutions for conservation and climate”.
Bill Campbell, EcoAmbassadors Coordinator, said of the experience: “If I were asked what instantly comes to mind when I think about this effort, it would be the word collaboration. I think about EcoAction Arlington's (EAAs) close and long-time partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the relationships and trust that VCE has, over time, developed with complexes and directly with families, such as those at the APEX Apartments. Because of these collaborations, and those between William & Mary, Rare and EcoAction Arlington, this effort was a resounding success”. Read more about the course and its success on this short web story by IIC.
EcoAction Arlington In The Community
NVCT’s annual Conservationists of Color event on February 15 brought together a diverse community of nature lovers and storytellers for the fourth year in a row. Participants shared poems, personal stories, and reflections that connected people of all backgrounds to nature. EcoAction Arlington had a wondrous time engaging with attendees.
Arlington Students Donate Over 1,500 Clothing Items to Local Community with Free Clothing Pop-Up
On February 21, Arlington Students for Climate Action collected over 1,500 clothing items and had over 100 community "shoppers" attend, making this their largest and most successful clothing swap thus far. All clothes that did not get taken were donated to local nonprofit organizations.
Alex Zumkhawala and fellow EcoAmbassadors engaged with around 100 people of all ages at Virginia Tech. Many were interested in the home energy conservation kits. Kids enjoyed the interactive elements, specifically the model home and the trivia game.
EcoAmbassadors were proud to participate in Arlington’s Feel the Heritage Festival, celebrating Black history, culture, and community at the Charles Drew Community Center on Feb. 21. Thanks to all who work hard to make this happen and for the opportunity to engage the community in learning how to care for our environment.
EcoAction Arlington and EcoAmbassadors participated in Arlington County's Climate Action Plan Open House on February 25 at Central Library, where they educated the public on food sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate change. The event had over 200 attendees who learned from author Mark Easter about Climate and Cuisine, followed by a panel discussion led by chefs and environmental activists.
On February 12, 2026 we held our Rooted In Our Community Luncheon at Busboys & Poets Shirlington. J.D Spain Sr. gave opening remarks and Elenor, the Tree Canopy Equity Program team, and partners spoke on tree planting and our efforts to grow the tree canopy in the neighborhoods that need it most. The event kicked off a campaign to raise $25,000 to support the work of our tree team this year.
Thanks to a generous donor, we have a matching gift challenge to support this critical work. The match is for a limited time. Please contribute before midnight March 4 and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $750. Your gift today will help grow Arlington’s tree canopy where it is needed most.
We are looking for volunteers to help with two upcoming daytime service projects in March. Help put the Action in EcoAction Arlington while getting outside and doing good for the environment. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Further details pending. Anyone interested in joining may contact volunteer@ecoactionarlington.org,
Seeking Photographers -- For our events. Event dates/times vary with most taking place on evenings and weekends. We are now seeking photographers for Wednesday, March 11 from 6pm to 9pm and Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00pm to 9pm. Additional information is available on our website. Contact us at volunteer@ecoactionarlington.org if interested.
SPOTLIGHT Nicholas Mathew, Student Board
Nicholas Mathew is a Junior at Washington-Liberty High School and an EcoAction Arlington Student Representative. He enjoys spending time outdoors, but especially loves hiking and gardening. His lifetime goal is to protect and restore our native ecosystems, and continue to contribute to the sustainability of the Arlington community. To further this cause, Nicholas recently volunteered for the MLK Day of Service with EcoAction, removed non-native invasive plants in Mary Carlin Woods, and helped with the Clothing Swap organized by Arlington Students for Climate Action. Additionally, Nicholas has an interest in the sciences and engineering, and hopes to use his interests to further support EcoAction Arlington’s work in conserving energy and promoting solutions to protect our planet’s environment.
SUSTAINABILITY TIP
March 3 marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day. This year’s theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. Support conservation by choosing products certified as sustainably sourced and avoiding those tied to illegal wildlife trade. Consider growing a few medicinal herbs yourself to help reduce commercial demand. Read more…
MAR 03 | 7-8 PM | Join Sierra Club’s Action Hour for a virtual talk about the threat of the prolific growth of data centers and what we can do about them. You can join from anywhere and take two key actions in just one hour. RSVP to join live on March 3 or to receive the recording!
MAR 21 | 1-5 PM | 3rd Annual Healthy Homes Fair hosted by Electrify DC returns to Catholic University. This free, family-friendly expo helps DMV residents learn how to make their homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable to power. The fair features 100 exhibitors showcasing clean energy products, services, and resources, along with 16 hands-on workshops for homeowners, renters, and professionals, including an appliance "petting zoo, induction cooking demonstrations, e-bike test rides, and EV test drives, plus free one-on-one coaching sessions with electrification experts, activities for the whole family, bouncy castles, food trucks, and scavenger hunts with appliance giveaways. Register for free today.
MAR 26 | 6-8:30 PM | Join EcoAction Arlington and EcoAmbassadors @Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria for NVCT’s Link & Drink to make new connections with professionals and peers. This event provides opportunities for young professionals to network with peers and notable environmental organizations in Northern Virginia. Light food and drink tickets provided! Must be 21 or older to register. RSVP
MAR 28 | 8:30AM-3:00PM | The county is holding its biannual electronics recycling events E-CARE @Wakefield HS. Fast, safe drop-off of hazardous household goops, dead electronics, metal items, more. Sorry, no bike donations accepted but check with Bikes for the World. Come by bike or foot for VIP treatment. https://buff.ly/N9jct1B
APR 26 | 11 AM - 5 PM | Langston’s Earth Day Festival @front of Lee Heights Shops. This family friendly event has something for everyone. Enjoy the work of Local Art Vendors, Live Music, Kids Activities Center, Local Food and Beverage offerings and more! Click the link for more information.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Arlington County Resident Satisfaction Survey -- Arlington County is conducting the 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey to gather feedback on County services, programs, and overall quality of life. Resident input will help inform County priorities, decision-making, and future planning. The survey is voluntary and confidential and is open to all Arlington County residents. The survey will be open until March 31, 2026. Take the survey here.
Share Your Feedback on the Credit Application Process Did you apply for credit during the 2025-2026 credit application period? Please share your feedback on the process of applying for credit and the amount of communication you received prior to and during the application period. Fill out the Feedback Form here.
Subscribe to The EcoAdvocate--The EcoAdvocate newsletter, produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee, provides sustainability tips, news, and an overview of opportunities to influence elected officials and leaders on Arlington and Virginia policy.
EcoAction Arlington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to educate, advocate, and act to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis.
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