From cleanups to coffee to our annual EcoExtravaganza -- Earth Month was all about community and connection! Earth month may be over, but at EcoAction Arlington every day is Earth Day. We look forward to connecting with our community in May.

ON THE CALENDAR  
EcoAction Arlington Upcoming Events & Opportunities

MAY 07 | Virtual
The Future of Sustainable Transit in Northern Virginia
7:00-8:30 PM @Zoom

We are lucky in our region to have an amazing Metro system and an expansive network of bus lines - a direct result of hard work by local agencies, elected officials and advocates. Join this free, virtual session to learn about local and regional transit initiatives, opportunities and challenges in creating an even more convenient, connected and sustainable transportation network. This meeting will host expert panelists from Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, WMATA, DASH and ART, with moderating by Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth. Arlington County Board Vice-Chair, Maureen Coffey, will give opening comments. Registration required for the Zoom link.

MAY 12 | Virtual
Zoom Volunteer Happy Hour
6:00-7:30 PM @Zoom

Please join EcoAction Arlington for a virtual happy hour on Monday, May 12, 2026 from 6:00-7:30PM. This is a chance to learn about future events, test your environmental knowledge with trivia and mingle! Whether you’re a current volunteer, haven’t connected in a while, or are interested in learning how to volunteer, we hope to see you there! RSVP for the Zoom link.

EcoAction Arlington is grateful for our supporters. During our Earth Month Challenge, you helped us raise needed funds to continue our mission to educate, act, and advocate to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis. Missed supporting us last month, or want to help again? Join our effort now: https://www.givegreaterdc.org/o/ecoaction-arlington

On May 12, EcoAction Arlington is participating in Give Greater DC to raise awareness and funds to increase community engagement in caring for our environment. This is a day for sharing stories of positive change in our community. When you support EcoAction Arlington, our environment benefits. With your help and support, we will grow our tree canopy and future environmental leaders.

Please rally your family, friends, and coworkers to help EcoAction Arlington raise $5,000 between now and May 12. Share what our organization means to you. Give or spread the word now: https://www.givegreaterdc.org/o/ecoaction-arlington

There are no rules for how to participate. Be creative. Start a fundraiser. Share your thoughts about our organization’s campaign and why our mission matters to you via social media, text, or email. Here is a sample post: 

I want to see a healthier, more environmentally friendly Arlington. Between now and May 12, join me and @EcoActionArlington in making this a reality. Give here:  https://www.givegreaterdc.org/o/ecoaction-arlington
#GiveGreaterDC #MyGivingStory

Remember to tag @EcoActionArlington and @SpurLocal. Thank you for your continued support.

Fall 2026 Free Tree Planting
Applications Open

Private property owners are eligible to apply for free trees to be planted on their property through our Tree Planting Program. Our next planting cycle is Fall 2026 and applications are now open through June 30. Visit our website for more information and to apply.

SPOTLIGHT

Join us in welcoming Kim Fredrich to the team as our EcoAmbassadors Consultant.

Kim has been concerned about the environment since she convinced her parents to stand in line in the cold Canadian winters to recycle cans and plastic when she was in high school in the 80s! After seeing David Attenborough’s climate documentary “A Life on Our Planet,” Kim became convinced that she needed to do 

much more to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions. She sought out ways to use her entrepreneurial sales and marketing background to influence more people to take more action more consistently. She became an EcoAmbassador in the fall of 2025 and a trained Climate Fresk facilitator in the winter of 2026. As a long-time Arlington resident, she’s thrilled to be able to contribute to the work that EcoAction Arlington is doing in her community.

EcoAction Arlington In The Community

On Saturday, April 11 community volunteers came out to Jennie Dean park to remove trash and debris as part of our annual Earth Day Cleanup. Thank you to all who showed up to care for our environment.

Eighth Annual EcoExtravaganza

SUSTAINABILITY TIP

Switching to solar energy decreases air pollutants, protects eco-systems, and saves you money. Switch Together, a group-buying program working with Arlington County, has empowered over 16,604 homes toward solar. Learn more with no obligation to buy. Find more info here.

AROUND ARLINGTON
environmentally focused community events

• Ongoing | Invasive species removal - Volunteering to remove invasive species and similar opportunities can earn you credit towards your Stormwater Utility bill and helps care for our environment. Check out the event calendar to explore opportunities for future stormwater credit. 
• MAY 2 | Clean The Bay Day - Clean the Bay Day has been a staple for Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay community since its inception more than 30 years ago. Volunteers remove harmful litter and debris from rivers, streets, beaches, and inland parks of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. For more information and registration visit their website.
• MAY 7 | Arlington Black Audit Town Hall - Discuss the state of Black Arlington Thursday, May 7 @5:30 PM, Arlington Mill community center, Room 132, 909 S Dinwiddie St. Led by Kiera Collins-Joseph, Howard University School of Law, Movement Lawyering Clinic.
• MAY 9 | Four Mile Run Kayak Launch Grand Opening - Accessibility & Clean Water: Celebrate the grand opening of Alexandria’s new ADA-accessible kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park with music and art activities on May 9 from 12:00-3:00 PM! Bring your own kayak. RSVP required for launch access.

• MAY 15 | Bike to Work Day 2026 - Join thousands of people all over the region in this fun, healthy, and sustainable event. Celebrate active commuting and our gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Register.

• MAY 16 | Arlington Palooza returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1:00-6:00 PM at Lubber Run Community Center and Park. This free, family-friendly festival features live music, local vendors, food trucks, hands-on activities, and fun for all ages as we celebrate spring together in Arlington County. RSVP

COMMUNITY NEWS

• The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is looking for your feedback on 27 regional transportation projects through May 17.
• To celebrate Earth Month, Arlington highlighted major progress from the past year, including planting 1,020 trees, diverting 138 tons of food waste through composting and waste reduction programs, 58,000 pounds of CO2 emissions avoided through GetGreen app actions, and more. In Arlington, climate action adds up, and the numbers tell the story.