Hear from Congressman Walkinshaw at Our Sustainability Champions Awards!

Thu | June 4 | 6–9 PM | @Unity of Fairfax

Join us in recognizing and celebrating individuals and organizations working to create a more sustainable future in Northern Virginia and Rockingham County. You'll have the opportunity to hear from our keynote speaker Congressman Walkinshaw, connect with community leaders, and be inspired by stories of climate action from fellow local advocates.

Also, if you know an organization, faith community, business, elected official, and/or local advocate in Northern Virginia or Rockingham County making a real impact, nominate them to be a FACS 2026 Sustainability Champion!

BIG WIN: After 9 Years, Solar and Net Zero Schools Are Finally Moving Forward

After nearly a decade of advocacy, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is finally making real progress on solar and net zero buildings. 9 schools have solar projects now complete or underway, with 25 additional projects approved for completion anticipated by mid-2027. FCPS is also advancing sustainability efforts through a composting pilot, upcoming facility condition assessments, and a set of cost-neutral zero waste initiatives, including expanded recycling, centralized waste stations, double-sided printing defaults, and food share programs across schools.

This momentum reflects the persistent, sustained advocacy of FACS advocates who have continued to push for climate action in our schools.

FACS at GMU: Exploring Faith & Climate Action

On March 25, FACS Staff joined a Responses to Climate Change class at George Mason University to share FACS' mission and work locally and statewide. The students had small group conversations diving into the impact of faith communities and how faith connects to their own values, communities, and future paths. It was a really grounding space to have open, thoughtful conversations about what climate action can actually look like in people’s everyday lives while exploring unique avenues for climate action.

Tree of Life: Opportunities & Resources

Share Your Action This Earth Month and Be Featured in Our Community!

Your stories can inspire others across our region to take action and deepen their commitment to stewardship. As Earth Day approaches, we would love to highlight the meaningful actions you and your congregation are taking, whether planting native gardens, hosting clean ups, restoring habitats, or engaging your community in creation care.

Send us a short summary (2–3 sentences) along with a few photos of your activities to [email protected] and be highlighted in our upcoming newsletters and social media.

Read Our New Tree of Life: Faith & Creation Quarterly

Looking for ways to green your congregation? We're excited to launch a seasonal resource that offers practical ideas, real local examples, and tools to support creation care in your buildings, grounds, and community life. 

Each issue will include:

• Simple green solutions for congregational properties
• Ideas for worship, education, and community engagement
• Examples of local congregations leading environmental initiatives
• Updates on regional opportunities and resources

Send an email to [email protected] to be added to the listserv.

One Planet, Shared Voices

Wed | Apr 8 | 4–6 PM | @George Mason University, Spiritual and Interfaith Center (Fenwick Library, Wing A)

Hosted in collaboration with GMU’s Student Environmental Justice Alliance, leaders from diverse faith backgrounds will explore how spirituality, environmentalism, and environmental justice intersect in our communities.

Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza

Mar 21–Apr 12 | @Across Fairfax County and Falls Church

Only YOU can save our trees! Are you ready to join the community-wide effort to save our trees from the invasive plants that are threatening them? Organized by the Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management), the many events will take place across Northern Virginia to celebrate the end of winter by getting out in the fresh air to clip invasive vines or dig up other invasive plants. This is how we save our natural areas, one tree at a time, multiplied by hundreds of people. Registration is required.

Beyond the Spray: Protecting Wildlife and Biodiversity with Safer Mosquito Control
Solutions

Sat | Apr 25 | 2–3 PM | @Mount Vernon Unitarian Church

Liz Train, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance's Wildlife Sanctuary Program Coordinator, will discuss the harms to wildlife caused by broadcast spraying for mosquitos, share alternative (and more effective) methods to reduce mosquito populations, and provide a demonstration of how to construct your own “Bucket of Doom” to kill mosquitos in your yard while they are still in the larval stage. Kits with the materials to construct these buckets will be available for purchase as well as already assembled jars for this purpose.

This free event is co-sponsored by MVUC’s Native Plant Circle, the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance’s Wildlife Sanctuary Program, and the Friends of Little Hunting Creek.

Mapping the Future of Sustainable Transit in Northern Virginia

Thu | May 7 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

Come join experts from Northern Virginia to learn about local and regional transit initiatives, opportunities, and challenges to create an even more convenient, connected, and sustainable transportation network. This webinar will be moderated by Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of Coalition for Smart Growth.

Sponsors include Coalition for Smart Growth, EcoAction Arlington, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Sierra Club Potomac River Group, and Sustainable Mobility for Arlington County.