Officially, Arbor Day won’t be recognized in Virginia until the end of April, but Reston Association will get a head start on observing the occasion with a volunteer event at the end of March.
The homeowners’ association is inviting community members to help clean up and enhance some of its natural areas next Tuesday (March 31) from 9:30 to noon.
Volunteers can assemble at the Vantage Hill natural area off North Shore Road or along Glade Stream Valley near the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) to assist with tree plantings, invasive plant removals and landscape restoration.
“Arbor Day is a great opportunity for neighbors of all ages to come together, get outdoors, and make a lasting impact on Reston’s natural areas,” RA Volunteer Manager Ha Brock said in a press release. “The work done during this event helps strengthen our community while supporting the health of our environment.”
According to the release, people of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate, but they must pre-register for the event by contacting Brock at ha@reston.org.
Gloves, tools and guidance will be provided by on-site organizers.
More from RA on its commitment to Arbor Day, which encourages people to plant trees and is typically celebrated nationwide on the last Friday in April:
Reston is home to more than 700 acres of forest and has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1994. Holding an annual Arbor Day observance is one of the requirements for maintaining this designation.
In addition to Arbor Day activities, Reston Association meets Tree City USA standards through several ongoing commitments. These include tree protection requirements outlined in Reston’s Covenants and Design Guidelines, dedicated funding in the Association’s annual budget for tree planting and care, and the work of the Environmental Advisory Committee, which promotes tree conservation and environmental stewardship throughout the community.
Last year, the Friends of Reston, the nonprofit that supports RA through private fundraising and programming, revived a tree fund that allows donors to fund the planting of a new tree in Reston.
According to RA, almost 70% of the land governed by its Reston Deed has some tree coverage, but the canopy is much sparser in the more urban areas along the Dulles Toll Road.
“Our trees are a defining feature of Reston and essential to the health of our environment,” Ben Rhoades, RA’s acting environmental director, said. “This work helps protect the tree canopy that benefits the community today and for generations to come.”
Outside of Reston, community members looking to get involved in Arbor Day will be able to pick up a free tree from the Fairfax County Tree Commission at the Burke Farmers’ Market when it launches for the season on April 18.
The county had also partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to deliver free trees to residents, but the initiative’s limited supplies were quickly reserved after sign-ups opened on March 11.
