It’s not getting its name on an NFL stadium like a Herndon-based competitor, but Navy Federal Credit Union will still make its presence felt in the community this September.
On top of organizing an annual charity 5K, the military-serving financial institution is looking to improve a wetlands area on its headquarters campus in Vienna. The project will be presented to the town’s Board of Architectural Review at an 8 a.m. work session tomorrow (Wednesday).
According to its application for exterior modifications, Navy Federal has an existing wetland on the edge of its campus at 1007 Electric Avenue SE, but at the moment, it’s not particularly hospitable or attractive.
“It currently has limited habitat and a sparse native plant community due to flat topography without consistently wet pools and nonnative invasive vegetation competition,” the application says. “This project proposes to enhance the existing wetlands ecological value while improving aesthetics and inviting employees into the site.”
As part of the project, the stone riprap outlet that currently opens up to the wetlands will be replaced with overlapping rock pools and stacked boulder walls. Improvements to the “flow path” for the water that collects in the wetland are also proposed to “enhance wetland filtration of pollutants and sediments.”
Navy Federal intends to add a boardwalk with interpretive signs “to interact with the wetland and learn about its benefits and ecosystem functions,” and a wet pollinator meadow will be planted along the overhead utility lines.
The project will be complemented by landscaping enhancements to a stormwater basin at 900 Follin Lane SE, a Vienna planner said in a memo to the architectural review board.
Navy Federal Annual 5K returns
Next week, Navy Federal will host its 30th annual 5K, inviting employees, their families and the general community to run, walk or roll for charity.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to Dog Tag, a nonprofit based in D.C. that provides support to military families and veterans transitioning into civilian life through a five-month fellowship program. Participants develop business skills by studying for a university certificate and helping run the organization’s bakery in Georgetown.
“Dog Tag equips veterans, military spouses and caregivers with the tools and education to build resilience, find renewed purpose and forge community beyond the military,” Navy Federal said in a press release for the 5K.
The race will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 9 a.m. at Navy Federal’s headquarters (820 Follin Lane). Kids under 5 can participate in a free “Sammie Sprint” at 10 a.m., and there will be refreshments and prizes afterwards.
For the 10th year, the credit union is also offering a “virtual” option, allowing people to complete a 5K course of their choosing at any time between Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.
Registration is required. Fees for the in-person 5K are $15 for youths, $20 for Navy Federal employees and active and retired military service members, and $23 for other adults, while the virtual event costs $12 for general adults and $10 for everyone else, including employees and members of the military.
The event will take place regardless of the weather, and all participants get a free T-shirt “while supplies last,” per the release.
