Eco-Friendly Events in May

Lots of great green ways to get involved. Check out this list of upcoming events, activities, and observances happening this month:

Statewide Invasive Plant Removal Day
Saturday, May 5

Join volunteers from across the state for the 4thannual state-wide invasive plant removal day. Alexandria is hosting three sites across the city at Chinquapin Park, Dora Kelley Nature Park and Timber Branch Park.  Get details and learn moreabout invasive species.

 

African Wildlife Ambassadors: Cheetah Day at the National Zoo
Saturday, May 5  |  11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

African Wildlife Ambassadors will be celebrating the fastest land animal on the planet—the cheetah. Enjoy a day of fun-filled, family-friendly activities featuring animal demos and keeper talks. Learn about how cheetah’s communicate, guess their weight, and touch and feel cheetah objects.

Smithsonian National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Free!

 

Earth Sangha Native Plant Sale
Sunday, May 6  |  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Need more natives for your garden? Be sure to shop the Earth Sangha wild plant nursery, which works with over 220 species of native trees, shrubs, vines and non-woody plants grown from seeds that they collect from local forests and meadows. Get details.

Earth Sangha Native Plant Sale, 10123 Commonwealth Blvd., Fairfax

 

International Compost Awareness Week
May 6 – 12

Join composting advocates from across the United States and Canda in celebrating this year’s theme: “Compost! … Replenish the Earth for Generations.” Learn more about composting and help spread the word!

 

Huntley Meadows Wetlands Days
Sunday, May 6  |  12 – 3 p.m.

Head over to Huntley Meadows Park for an afternoon of wetland interpretation, wildlife presentations and family friendly fun! Sponsored by Friends of Huntley Meadows Park. Small fee required for some activities. Get details.

Huntley Meadows Park & Visitors Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria

 

27th Annual Potomac Overlook Regional Park Open House
Sunday, May 6  |  1 – 4 p.m.

Enjoy live music, games, art activities, and participate in the maypole dance. The event will also feature community exhibitors. conservation organizations, a new native plant garden and the newly expanded solar energy system, and more.

Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Road, off of Military Road, Arlington

 

Inaugural National Bike to School Day
Wednesday, May 9

Join in on the first ever National Bike to School Day. Plan an event or register for one in your neighborhood. Get details.

 


Rock Creek Garlic Mustard Challenge
Saturday, May 12   |   8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Families with children, individuals, and organized groups: join the rangers of Rock Creek Park in removing invasive garlic mustard, a plant that grows quickly, choking out all native plants on the forest floor. Trash bags and gloves provided. Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, dress for the forecast, and bring water and snacks. Register in advance.

Location: West Beach and Parkside Drive NW (Washington, DC)

 

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, May 12  |  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Don’t let all of that rain that runs off your roof go down the (storm) drain! Learn how to make a rain barrel and take it home the same day! Cost: $55. Advanced registration required.

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria

 

Native Plant Cultivars in the Designed Landscape: Advantages, Disadvantages and Considerations
Thursday, May 17  |  7:30 pm

Carla Thomas of Nature By Design discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using native plant cultivars in the designed landscape, and share the aesthetic, ecological and practical factors she considers when making the choice to do so.  Learn about how to determine the provenance of the plant, whether it is substantially typical of the species as found locally, the likelihood of a cultivar escaping from cultivation, and the potential impact of an escape. Cost: Free!

Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA

 

Bike to Work Day
Friday, May 18

Join the thousands of area commuters who ride their bikes to work daily on National Bike to Work Day. The City of Alexandria is hosting three “pit stops” for commuter cyclists to start the day with free food, gear, and prizes from local businesses and sponsors:

  • Old Town/City Hall, 301 King Street, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  • Carlyle Development/John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St. 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  • Mark Center Transit Center/East side of the North Parking Garage, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The pit stops are free to attend but you must register to get a free t-shirt and water bottle.

 

Spring Garden Day
Saturday, May 19   |  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse more than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants at the Green Spring Gardens Spring Garden Day. Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) receive 10% off plants in the Garden Gate Plant Shop. Get details.

Green Springs Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria

Did I miss any great green events? Please tell us about them in the comments.

Filed Under: Children and NatureClasses & ProgramsEnvironmentEvents & ActivitiesGardeningNative Plants

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