Register for Our Climate Crisis Forum on Urban Heat Islands!

Thu | October 22 | 6:15–8:45 PM | @Van Metre Hall, George Mason University’s Arlington Campus

"Extreme heat is becoming a growing concern across Northern Virginia. We feel it when we walk across a hot parking lot, wait for a bus without shade, or step outside on a summer afternoon. However, what we experience can be very different depending on where we live." — Chris Topoleski, FACS Executive Director, in Fairfax County OEEC's Climate Matters Blog

Neighborhoods with fewer trees, more pavement and buildings, and less access to green space can experience significantly higher temperatures, creating “urban heat islands” that can increase heat-related illness and place the greatest burden on residents with the fewest resources to stay safe and cool.

We're bringing together Virginia-based experts and community leaders to discuss the public health consequences of extreme heat and local solutions in Northern Virginia, including trees, cool roofs, and other green infrastructure initiatives.

Can’t join us in person? Grab a ticket and tune in virtually! Those in Northern Virginia and the greater DMV area are encouraged to attend in person to get the most out of the experience.

Board Highlight: Nitin Dogra Picking Up One Piece of Litter Everyday

FACS’ newest Board member, Nitin Dogra, has made a commitment to pick up at least one piece of litter every day for a full year and is documenting the journey on his YouTube channel. Raised in the Hindu tradition, Nitin hopes his daily commitment will encourage others to care for their neighborhoods and show how even the smallest actions, when practiced consistently, can help build cleaner communities and a healthier planet.

The Energy Costs Listening Tour: Community Conversations on the NextEra-Dominion Takeover and Your Utility Bills

LOUDOUN (see website for other locations)

Wed | September 2 | 6–7:30 PM | @Dreamscapes Performing Arts Center (Sterling)

The Energy Costs Listening Tour is a series of community conversations hosted by Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi that brings together local elected officials, energy experts, and Virginians to discuss the proposed Dominion–NextEra takeover and what it could mean for utility bills, grid reliability, and communities across the Commonwealth.

With the proposed merger between NextERA and Dominion Energy potentially having a large impact on Loudoun County residents, we encourage everyone to attend the listening tour in Sterling.

Featured Speakers

• Senator Danica Roem
• Senator Russet Perry
• Delegate John McAuliff

City of Alexandria & Arlington Joint Advocacy Hub Meeting

Wed | September 9 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

Join the City of Alexandria and Arlington Hubs for a joint meeting covering a panorama of local action opportunities this fall. Hear about the new EcoAmbassadors program, congregational expos designed to expand both collective engagement and tips for individual action, and updates from upcoming FACS projects and events.

Sign up for either the “City of Alexandria" or "Arlington County” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get meeting info!

Green Valley Day

Sat | September 19 | 12–5 PM | @Dr. Charles R. Drew Community Center (Arlington)

Celebrate 182 years of Green Valley with us at Green Valley Day, featuring kids’ activities, live performances, a basketball tournament, a health fair, and local food and retail vendors.

FACS' Arlington Hub will be introducing a new pilot project, in partnership with EcoAction Arlington, to reach residents through their congregations to take tangible, climate-wise actions, such as improving their home's energy efficiency, planting trees, and reducing stormwater utility fees.

Sign up for the “Arlington County” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected!

Loudoun County Advocacy Hub Meeting

Wed | September 23 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

Join the Loudoun Hub for updates on FACS’ current advocacy campaigns in Loudoun County and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved and take action.

Fairfax County Advocacy Hub Meeting

Thu | September 24 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

New legislation passed during this year’s General Assembly session creates opportunities for Virginia localities to expand parking lot solar canopies within their boundaries. Learn about FACS’ campaign to bring more parking lot solar to Fairfax County, along with updates on other local and state advocacy priorities.

Understanding the History of Virginia’s Forests, Grasslands, and Wildlife

Sun | September 27 | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM (Coffee hour starts at 11 AM) | @Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, Meeting House (Alexandria)

Virginia has a wonderful, diverse legacy and heritage of forests, grasslands, and associated wildlife that have evolved dramatically as the result of changes in climate and human action over the last several thousand years. 

Learn how these changes have created the natural legacy that surrounds us today and how that knowledge can better inform our conservation efforts with Doug MacCleery, US Forest Service retiree who has written extensively on the history, evolving use, management of American forests and wildlife. MacCleery's talk is premised on the idea that setting an effective course for our future requires a clear understanding of the "how" we got to where we are today and will suggest opportunities for how people can get personally involved in conservation activities.

Guests are welcome to come early for the coffee hour which starts at 11:00 am. This event is hosted by one of our partners, Mount Vernon Unitarian Church's Climate Action Team.