So lots happening in the green world of D.C. and the surrounding areas (!!!).
Encouraging news - local government and non-profit leaders testified in a House of Rep subcommittee hearing held today on how to more effectively green DC and the region. Yay. Click here for that story.
There was also an article in the Express about green jobs entitled, “A Changing Job Climate: Green Jobs Grow in D.C.”. They especially talk a lot about USGBC’s (U.S. Green Building Council) work- an org I adore. Architecture and being green- what’s not to love? Click here for that article.
Also, I got to sit in on the Northern Virginia Urban Forestry Roundtable quarterly meeting today and learned about smart growth in Arlington; how to help residents learn more about trees (especially taking care of them); and a bit about some new Virginia tree conservation legislation and how it will benefit NoVa jurisdictions.
In terms of smart growth in Arlington- I didn’t realize how much progressive thought and planning went into developing places like Pentagon City and Shirlington (focus on density in small area to prevent urban sprawl whilst also highlighting urban forests). Chris Zimmerman of the Arlington County Board highlighted some interesting info on Arlington. For instance, at 26 sq. miles, Arlington is the smallest county in the U.S. Due to smart planning and designated development areas, 90 percent of development in Arlington has stayed within transport corridors – savings tons of open space and tree canopy. In addition, transit use in Arlington stands at 23.3% vs. the national average of 4.7%. Super interesting to politicians is the fact that the Rosslyn to Ballston metro corridor produces 1/3 of Arlington’s real estate tax revenue and that all the metro sectors in Arlington combined constitutes only 1/10th (or less) of the county land area yet produces more than half of the county’s tax revenue- talk about efficiencies! For people who live in that area, the Columbia Pike revitalization sounds like another great smart growth project as does some development planned for Potomac Yards – both of which really take into account green infrastructure and other smart growth principles. All the interesting facts about Metro and public transport makes me want to go into transit planning… but not really…not my passion-still very cool. Don’t you agree?
On the citizens/tree stuff- I’ll just say that people across the river need to check out orgs like Earth Sangha (who grows native plants/trees/shrubs from seedlings to provide in the area) and tap the expertise of Tree Stewards (volunteers who improve health of trees via educational programs, plantings and tree care demos-almost an Arlington version of Casey Trees). Btw- Tree Stewards is looking for more volunteers!
That’s all for now- I have to get outside and enjoy this amazing weather.
-greenDCgirl
