Friends, thank you to everyone who joined us for National Trails Day and our recent member party! With EcologiGALs now up and running at Fairfax County community centers for the third year in a row, we’re gearing up for a busy summer filled with plant counts, volunteer opportunities, and exciting community projects. Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved!

Upcoming Plant Counts

Want to be a community scientist and learn more about our Making Trash Bloom meadows? Volunteer with us this summer at a Plant Count at one of our meadows to help us identify what is blooming. We have four survey dates throughout the summer: 

Shenandoah County Landfill: July 12 and August 23

Rappahannock County Landfill: July 26 and August 16

EcoTech Pilot

At the heart of understanding and protecting local ecosystems is the data. How many native plants are growing? What invasive species are spreading? How many butterflies, bees, and birds do we see? So we were beyond excited this spring to partner with the nonprofit Boolean Girl to make the connection between data analysis and protecting nature. 

7th grade honor students at Farmwell Station Middle School in Ashburn, Virginia learned how to code counting gadgets and then headed out to count plants. After discussing the importance of the W&OD Trail as a wildlife corridor, and why the data really matters, the children responded with spontaneous applause! It was a sign of just how much nature means to the next generation and how good it feels to take action to protect the home of our fellow critters.

National Trails Day Recap

What better way to celebrate National Trails Day than with fellow nature lovers for a nature and history hike? Sustainability Matters member Liz Cohan gave us fascinating insights into the history of the Village of Wiehle and Reston, while Taylor Bates led us in observing native plants and pollinators and told the unbelievable story of Kudzu’s history in this country. Did you know Kudzu was such a celebrated planting in the south that there were once Kudzu beauty queens?? We clearly didn’t understand the harm of this terrible invasive. It’s a reminder of the innocent way we can harm nature – and why environmental literacy is so important!

We were also delighted to be joined by Fairfax County Planning Commissioner Carter and Supervisor Alcorn who painted their vision for a larger park corridor through the center of Reston, VA. We need your help to make this vision happen! Please volunteer to help us plant our next W&OD meadow in Reston!

Fun on the Farm

Longtime supporters, Susie Hertzler and Henry Sgrecci, hosted Sustainability Matters members at a house party at their Harmony Knoll Farm, nestled in the mountains outside Winchester. We explored the farm’s vibrant native meadow, enjoyed farm-made refreshments, and shared Sustainability Matters’ mission, with conversations about projects like Making Trash Bloom and Rewilding Winchester. A highlight of the afternoon was watching cornmeal being ground on-site and some even got to take home the Virginia-grown corn. It was a joyful gathering that combined nature, community, and environmental action, inspiring members and new friends alike to keep making Sustainability Matter!

Welcome Our Interns!

We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible interns to the team this summer, thanks to the support of two outstanding youth programs.

We’re so grateful for these partnerships—and for the energy and passion Leila and Erin bring to the team!

ICYMI June

How to Spot Greenwashing 3 tips to make sure the eco-friendly products you buy actually are.

Avoiding Microplastics at the Grocery Store Microplastics are everywhere. Here’s how you can steer clear.

Money Saving Zero-Waste Swaps Save money and help the planet with these 5 eco-friendly kitchen swaps.

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