Trees do more than give you the warm and fuzzies because they house wildlife and look pretty. Trees are essential for life; they filter water and produce oxygen, which all animals—including us!—need. But wait, there’s more! Not only do trees provide resources we need to survive, but they also improve mental health. The latest research …

  In 2005, Richard Louv coined the phrase “Nature Deficit Disorder” in his book, Last Child in the Woods, to describe the host of behavioral problems he attributes to humans, especially children, spending less time in the outdoors. Highlighting this trend away from connecting with the natural world, a recent National Aquarium commercial shows a …

Keeping our yards weed-free: It’s more than just a desire to “keep up with the Joneses” and not have the ugliest yard in the neighborhood. I would argue that most suburban homeowners in our area strive to maintain a beautiful yard because it is a pleasure to come home to a blooming weed-free paradise after …

Happy Spring! Start planning your non-invasive plantings now…. Like litter, invasive plants negatively impact the environment. Invasive plants, particularly ground cover like ivy and clematis, often have very little root structure and therefore when they cover large areas, fail to prevent erosion. Sediment then gets into our streams and creates poor water quality which impacts …

Like down and out divas past their prime, unadorned Christmas trees line the streets the first two weeks of January.  Without lights, decorations, or stands these trees are a reminder that—at least until Valentine’s Day—the winter holiday season is over.   Fortunately, here in Fairfax County, these trees get to serve a second purpose. From January …

Conservation Assistance Program Funding Assistance for Conservation Work on Homeowner and Community Association Property Have you ever thought about improving your community’s common lands by installing a rain garden to capture runoff, incorporating native meadow or tree and shrub species into your landscaping, or even installing porous pavers on a portion of your parking lot? …

Squirrels have been around for ages. . . and they are EVERYWHERE. Yet, not many people know much about these furry little creatures. A blog released by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), includes 10 nutty facts about squirrels. Squirrels can find food buried beneath a foot of snow. A squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing. …