Celebrate with Us at Our 9th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony!

Thurs | June 5 | 6–9 PM | @Unity of Fairfax

With tremendous excitement, we’re thrilled to celebrate our largest number of nominations yet and the debut of our brand-new Chair’s Award. This year, our keynote speaker is Rev. Laura Martin, Associate Pastor at Rock Spring UCC. With a background of directing programs for those experiencing homelessness and as a member of our newly-formed FACS Clergy Council, Rev. Martin raises a bold and compassionate voice for climate justice. Her congregation is also a past Sustainability Champion Award winner!

Enjoy a dessert reception sponsored by Reston Strong, connect with fellow advocates, and be inspired by the individuals and organizations building a more sustainable, equitable future across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

FACS Volunteers Plant a Fruit Orchard at an Arlington Elementary School

In April, volunteers from several local organizations planted over a dozen fruit trees and bushes at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School in Arlington’s historically underserved Green Valley neighborhood. This was a community-led effort to restore tree cover, increase access to fresh fruit, and invest in environmental justice—supported by FACS’ Tree of Life program, Arlington Tree Connection, Green Valley Civic Association, the Virginia Trees for Clean Water initiative, and more.

Want to get involved? Fill out our volunteer interest form and get ready to take climate action with FACS!

Faith in Action – "Why the Only Future Worth Building Includes Everyone" by Pope Francis

“Through the darkness of today’s conflicts, each and every one of us can become a bright candle, a reminder that light will overcome darkness, and never the other way around."

In his TED Talk, Pope Francis calls for a brighter future built on inclusion, hope, tenderness, and shared responsibility.

Come Say “Hi!” to Us at These Community Events

We’re seeking volunteers to help staff the FACS table at these events and more. No prior experience is needed! 

• Loudoun Student Environmental Action Showcase | May 2 | 5–8 PM | @Academies of Loudoun

• City of Alexandria’s Eco-City Festival | May 10 | 10 AM–2 PM | @Ben Brenman Park

• Eagle Festival | May 10 | 10 AM–4 PM | @Mason Neck State Park

• Equality Prince William Pride | May 17 | 12–4 PM | @Harris Pavilion

• Loudoun County’s Energy & Environment Forum | May 22 | 5:30–8 PM | @Academies of Loudoun

Tree Meditation Walk in Fairfax County’s First Old Growth Community Forest

Sat | May 3 | 10 AM | @St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church

St. Peter’s in the Woods is Fairfax County’s first Old Growth Community Forest. The church’s five-acre forest, certified as a Native Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary by Plant NoVA Natives and Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, has oaks, tulip poplars, and American beech trees between 70 and 100 years old and sits on the ancestral lands of the Manahoac tribe. Bring a sketch pad, journal, camera, or just yourself and meditate on the forest’s beauty in a way that is meaningful for you. Contact Stacey Remick, the Forest Steward, if interested or for any questions at [email protected].

The Delusion of Controlling Nature

Wed | May 14 | 7–8:45 PM | Virtual

Hosted by Friends of Dyke Marsh, this thought-provoking program will feature Stephen David Miller, award-winning journalist and author of Over the Seawall, Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought and the Delusion of Controlling Nature. Miller will examine humanity’s long history of reshaping landscapes and controlling nature—and how these efforts can sometimes backfire. He’ll also highlight why true climate resilience lies in working with nature, not against it.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat | May 31 | 12–2 PM | @Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting a build-your-own rain barrel workshop at Aldersgate UMC! You’ll learn about installation, maintenance, and take home your very own rain barrel at the end. The rain barrels are $55 per barrel, hold approximately 50 gallons, are roughly 23 inches wide, and range from 41.25 inches to 43.75 inches tall. Only two rain barrels will fit in most vehicles.

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

On April 8, Hub Leader Donna Gold spoke at the City Council’s budget add/delete session to oppose proposed cuts to the Office of Climate Action. Earlier in the month, lead volunteer Marlene Dakita led their outreach efforts at the City’s annual Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival. 

📍 Volunteer Opportunity: Help staff the FACS table at the City’s Eco-City Festival on Saturday, May 10, from 10 AM–2 PM at Ben Brenman Park. To sign up, contact Hub Leader Donna Gold at [email protected].

📅 Upcoming Meeting: Join the “City of Alexandria” FACS Hub to learn about the city’s Eco-City Housing program from the Office of Climate Action and hear updates on what is happening at the City Council level and with Alexandria City Public Schools on Wednesday, May 7, from 7–8:15 PM.

Arlington County Hub Updates

The Arlington Hub welcomed Go Electric DMV at their monthly Hub meeting in April for a conversation on how homeowners can lower carbon emissions by electrifying their homes. They learned about the importance of planning for electrification so that when an appliance breaks, homeowners are able to switch from fossil fuels to electric and that affordable, low-emissions living is within reach. In addition, the Hub was encouraged to see that their input had an impact on the County’s proposed FY2026 budget, with key recommendations reflected in the draft.

📅 Upcoming Meeting: The Hub will meet on Wednesday, May 7 via Zoom. If interested, join the “Arlington County” FACS Hub for more information.

Central Valley Hub Updates

On April 27, the Central Valley Hub co-hosted an Ecumenical Earth Day worship service on a brisk, sunny Sunday morning at Turner Pavilion in downtown Harrisonburg. The service was organized by Muhlenberg Lutheran, Trinity Presbyterian, and Shalom Mennonite congregations, with participation from additional local faith and environmental groups. The theme, “The Power of God: from Extractive Theology to Transformative Faith,” was drawn from Creation Justice Ministries and centered their worship on regenerative agriculture and care for the Earth. The scripture reflection was given by Jonathan McRay the co-founder of Silver Run Forest Farm, a riparian nursery and folk school that draws on the principles and practices of agroforestry, watershed health, and restorative justice.