To better predict and plan for flooding, the County has completed a Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP). The RAMP provides an extensive study of flood vulnerable watersheds based on flood modeling and risk assessments for both current stormwater conditions and future stormwater conditions, which account for future climate change impacts.
The RAMP also measures the financial impacts of “risk” – essentially, the cost of inaction. The risk assessments under the RAMP inform the County’s stormwater investment and prioritization decisions and share with Arlington residents the positive cost-benefit outcomes from those investments. Flood mitigation projects and actions are identified based on the County's blended-engineering strategies for improving adaptation and resilience. Learn more and view a storymap about the RAMP.
Stormwater Utility Credit Program Opening Soon!
The Stormwater Utility credit program will open on Dec. 16 and run through Feb. 28, 2025, for eligible activities completed in 2024. Stay tuned for the December Board Meeting when the County Board will consider potential enhancements to the credit program.
In the meantime, explore our credit program resources to learn how to submit an application and find local events that could earn you credit towards next year's bill.
Tree Canopy Fund Open for Applications!
Apply now through January 7, 2025, for free trees planted on your property through the Tree Canopy Fund program and get a credit on your Stormwater Utility bill.
Backyard Plant Identification
We'll end backyard confusion by identifying native plants, trees and common invasive species in our classroom and outside in the park. Tips are presented for learning plants by leaves, bark and twigs. Bring photos from your yard or local park for identification help. Free.Long Branch Nature Center Sat., Nov. 23, 1 - 2pm #612940-I
Flying Squirrels
Multiple dates. Families. Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us to learn about these nocturnal rodents in our classroom, then see wild flying squirrels outdoors. Dress for the weather, it can become very cold. Long Branch Nature Center. Registration Required.
Saturday, December 07, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:00-3:30
Adults. Holiday crafters are invited to create their own evergreen wreath to spruce up your home or give as special gifts. We’ll provide music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make a wreath and we'll have extra for arrangements or swags. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and any extra materials or special decorations you may wish to add. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration Required. Long Branch Nature Center.
Next date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM
Families. Which animals depend on what plants? And vice versa? Walk the trails as a naturalist explains relationships between native plants and the animals that depend on them. Registration Required.
Only Rain Down the Drain!
Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in Northern Virginia. Please pick up the dog stuff, recycle used motor oil, and don’t over fertilize your lawn.
A significant portion of Arlington County’s residents are renters. The County's AIRE team recognizes the complexities associated with incorporating energy efficiency measures into leased homes. To assist renters of all types, we have curated resources that guide renters in adopting environmentally friendly practices within their apartments, condos, houses and other dwellings. Check out these resources.
Sustainable Landscape Services
If you are looking for a sustainable landscape designer or installer, consider hiring someone with the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification. The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification is a voluntary credential system for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes. The credential training and examination are based on a core set of standards in sustainable landscaping emphasizing stormwater best practices and conservation landscaping with native plants to benefit the environment.
Do you hire a company to take care of your lawn? Landscaping companies registered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as Green & Clean Landscapers agree to follow landscaping practices that will reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff into our streams and rivers. Such practices include testing the soil for nutrient content before applying any fertilizer, adhering to caps on the amount of nitrogen applied to grass throughout the year, sweeping up any fertilizer that lands on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, and recycling grass clippings back into the soil. Learn more about the program and see the full list of companies on the Green & Clean registry.
If you contract with a landscaping company that uses your County-provided collection services to dispose of yard waste, you are responsible for coordinating with your contractor to ensure that any yard waste is placed in your County-provided yard waste cart, paper bags, bundles or household containers and set out for collection after 5 p.m. on the day prior to your service day. Your contractor may not set out yard waste in plastic bags for collection. Plastic isn't compostable and won't be collected. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags will be collected.
Turn Your Yard into a Wildlife Sanctuary!
Would you like to turn your garden into a welcoming space for birds, butterflies and other native wildlife and help enhance the value of our urban green spaces? Get free advice on how to make your yard more wildlife friendly! The Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary certification program assists homeowners in restoring their home’s natural habitat by providing information on sustainable gardening practices. These practices include using native plants, removing invasive species, reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers, and creating space for native flora and fauna.
Audubon at Home ambassadors will visit and consult with you on suitable native plants, landscaping, water retention, or other best practices. To learn more about the program in Arlington or Alexandria, please visit audubonva.org to learn more. If you have additional questions, please contact Alda Krinsman or Alyssa Ford Morel. Volunteer ambassadors will arrange a site visit and talk with you about ways to enhance habitat in your garden.
Take the Guess Work Out of Choosing Native Plants for Your Yard!
Maybe you know a little about native plants and how they are important for the ecological functioning of our landscapes, including assisting our sagging populations of butterflies and other pollinators. Maybe you know nothing about natives and just want some new ideas for beautifying your landscaping. Whatever your goal and whatever your knowledge level, the Plant Nova Natives website includes terrific, picture-filled, and easy to follow information that will help you choose native species that are suited to your property and available at local nurseries. On the website, you will find a colorful guide to local native species, a list of local businesses that supply natives, and links to organizations that will come to your property and offer customized landscaping recommendations.
Tree Care Resources
Concerned about your trees? The maintenance of medium to large trees is best left to qualified arborists both in terms of evaluating the need, and applying the treatment. While well executed pruning can sometimes reduce the risk of failure, poorly executed pruning can increase the risk. For a list of certified arborists in this area:
Trees fallen onto public property during a storm? For all emergencies, call 911. This includes downed power lines, fallen trees that are blocking major streets and safety issues that need immediate attention.
All trees that fall on private property become the responsibility of the owner, regardless of their original location.
Downed power lines from tree failure? Stay clear of downed power lines and downed trees in their vicinity, even if you believe that the lines are dead or have been de-energized by the power company. Lines can become re-energized as circuits are restored or come into contact with live lines. Don’t assume that lines have been de-energized just because a power company crew has visited the site.
Call Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357. Trees on power lines are by state law the domain of the utility company. As soon as power lines are removed from trees or made safe, the owner of the property can work to remove the tree.
