Join us at multiple events this October!

But first, here’s a recap of our most recent new initiative: EcologiGALs! Throughout 8 weeks this summer, the GALs immersed themselves in a diverse range of topics, including native plant identification at our I-66 Making Trash Bloom native pollinator meadow meadow and hands-on macroinvertebrate sampling at Fairfax County Community Centers. Our program goals are to provide high-level environmental science enrichment programming to girls who may not otherwise have access to it, and to close the gender gap in scientific careers. We are thrilled that 100% of participants reported that they enjoyed the program and felt it improved their understanding of the issues faced by environmental scientists! Alongside our partners, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, we’re already hard at work planning an expanded version of the program for next summer! 

A massive thank you to our sponsors: the Business Women's Giving Circle at the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, Republic Services, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. They made this amazing program possible!

Interested in supporting our work?
Become a Sustainability Matters member today!

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Miss our last e-news? Catch up in our archive.

Tree Fest is October 7

Come see us at Treefest this weekend! From 9am-2pm on Saturday, October 7th, we will be tabling in the Audubon Arboretum at Jim Barnett Park in Winchester, Virginia, the future site for our upcoming native meadow (1001 E. Cork Street)! We’ll be handing out seed packets and talking about all things sustainability, and there will also be tons of other vendors selling native plants and trees! Plus, Winchester’s Fall Festival is at the same time, right next door!

We hope to see you there! (no registration required)

Seed Gathering

Join us and our hosts Ali & Jeff Carithers (stars of our Native Virginia Now video series) on October 22 for a seed gathering in their amazing acres of wildflower meadows. Learn to identify, collect, and save native perennial seeds…and of course, take some home for your own collection! We’ll also have an informal plant/seed swap at the event.

Attendance at the seed gathering is limited to Sustainability Matters members and volunteers. Registration is required. Volunteers and members will receive the registration link via email. If you’re not already a member, there’s still time to join!

Art Show and Month Long Exhibit

Nevermore: An art show to benefit Sustainability Matters!

Join us Sunday, October 29, to enjoy local wine and food, mingle with fellow SM supporters and art lovers, and admire works curated from artists throughout Virginia and around the country! This invitational exhibition pays homage to the image and symbolism of the raven in the famous Edgar Allan Poe poem titled after this mythically important bird. A portion of art sales will benefit Sustainability Matters, so please visit Muse any time throughout October to view (and purchase!) the artwork. Then, join us on October 29 for a closing reception, where you'll be able to chat with the exhibition's artists and curator. There may even be a visit from Edgar Allen Poe himself...

Date: Sunday, October 29, 2-5pm
Location: Muse Vineyards, 16 Serendipity Ln, Woodstock, VA 22664

Sustainable Socials

Our social media team has been hard at work providing educational quick-hits across several platforms. ICYMI, here are three recent posts that generated a lot of buzz!

Harvesting Milkweed Seeds How to sustainably harvest milkweed seeds to grow your own at home!

Reduce Your Carbon Emissions To celebrate Zero Emissions Day, we shared 4 tips to reduce your emissions and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

Plant-Based Milks Are they actually better for the planet than dairy? And if so, which one is best?

Nature Forward HOA Survey

Fellow environmental non-profit Nature Forward is working with local advocates to make a change in Virginia state law to ensure community associations cannot prevent homeowners from installing more environmentally friendly, low-impact landscaping such as native plants and grasses. 

If inclined, please take this short survey regarding your experiences as a gardener within an HOA or Condo Association.

https://forms.office.com/r/vgh2PFpH1q