Beautification News
Our Mission & Goals
The Alexandria Beautification Commission (ABC) was created by the City to advise City Council and citizens on all matters related to City beautification. Our goals include:
- Inspire beautification through an awards program.
- Promote beauty & environmental sustainability practices & models by closely collaborating and engaging with residents, City Council, City staff, and private organizations.
- Educate the local community on beautification and sustainability best practices.
Join the Beautification Program
The Alexandria Beautification Commission is dedicated to upholding the values of Alexandria's citizens when it comes to enhancing the City's aesthetic appeal. Through coordination of various projects, we strive to promote and realize beautification efforts throughout our community. The Commission proudly hosts annual Alexandria Beautification Commission Awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the community.
Our meetings convene monthly on the second Thursday at 7:30 p.m., requiring an estimated commitment of approximately eight hours per month from our Commission members.
If you share our passion for enhancing the beauty of Alexandria, we warmly extend an invitation for you to apply and join our efforts. Learn more about the application process by visiting the Boards and Commissions page: Join the Beautification Commission.
Connect With Us!
Stay Informed
Stay in the loop about programs, special events, community meetings & more by ensuring your information is up-to-date or subscribing to our eNews. Once registered, select Nature News & Recreation General News to receive the latest Beautification Commission information.
Beautification News & Current Events
To stay current with all the latest beautification efforts and programs the City has to offer:
Get Involved With ABC!
Meeting Information
The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St.). For additional information, contact Oscar Mendoza, Division Chief, at 703.746.4667.
Apply to Serve on the Commission
Join our mission to beautify Alexandria! Whether new or long-time residents, the Commission invites your participation. As a member, connect with others and enhance our community's aesthetics. Stay informed and contribute to meaningful change. Apply through Boards & Commissions. Learn more here.
Contact Us with Your Ideas
The Commission wants to hear from the citizens of Alexandria! Do you have an idea for a new beautification project? Please email us at alxbeautification@gmail.com or send a letter to the Alexandria Beautification Commission, 2900-A Business Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314.
What Does Beautification Mean: A Citizen's Perspective
To me, beautification represents the intentional and continuous management of our natural surroundings to cultivate an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and healthy environment that benefits everyone. Beautification is an active process, reminding us of the ongoing care our urban landscape, trees, and open spaces require.
Alexandria's charm lies in its well-preserved architecture, serene waterfront areas, and abundant green spaces, which collectively create an inviting and distinct cityscape. Trees play a pivotal role in this beauty, offering tangible benefits and serving as a picturesque backdrop. However, it's the people who truly make Alexandria beautiful. By nurturing and tending to our trees, our department recognizes that we ultimately serve the people—both residents and visitors alike.
My deep connection to trees and the outdoors began in my youth in Minnesota. After earning a degree in Forest Resources from the University of Minnesota, I founded a successful tree service company specializing in municipal contracts. Following the sale of my business, I rediscovered my passion for arboriculture, reaffirming why I entered this field nearly two decades ago.
With over 141 million acres of urban forests across the United States, there are countless beautiful cities to work as an Urban Forester. I chose Alexandria and relocated my family here because of the community’s warmth, engagement, and shared commitment to sustainability. Alexandria’s dedication to urban forestry provides an ideal platform for me to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
The city is fortunate to have a team of skilled arborists on staff, each of whom serves as a valuable resource to the broader community. Our urban forestry department operates as a collaborative team, with no single individual at its center. My goal is to foster connections and establish processes that empower our passionate and dedicated team to best serve the people of Alexandria.
Residents play a critical role in nurturing the city’s tree canopy. There are many ways to get involved—whether by participating in tree planting events, practicing responsible tree care, reporting tree issues through Alex311, or supporting local environmental initiatives. Through these actions, Alexandrians can help preserve and enhance the city’s green legacy, advocating for sustainable urban planning and a vibrant natural environment.
One tree that holds particular significance for me is the American elm. As a native species, it not only enriches our local ecosystem but also stands as a symbol of resilience and endurance. The American elm’s iconic stature and historical importance make it a defining feature of our urban landscape.
Promoting Environmental Sustainability & Advocacy
Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure are vital components of environmental sustainability. By using native and drought-tolerant plants, avoiding invasive species, managing runoff, and integrating green infrastructure, we can create landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial to the environment. These practices not only conserve resources and protect biodiversity, but also address significant environmental challenges like stormwater management and climate change mitigation. Through continued advocacy, education, and the sustainable development of underutilized land, our city can enhance its resilience and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainable landscaping integrates environmental consciousness into the design and maintenance of gardens and green spaces. It reduces water usage, enhances biodiversity, and minimizes pollution. It includes incorporating native plants, drought-tolerant plants, avoiding invasive species, and managing runoff and stormwater into your landscape plan.
Native Plants
Native plants are a cornerstone because they occur naturally in a particular region and have adapted to local climate and soil conditions over thousands of years. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native species. They support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies essential for ecological balance. Typical lawns are planted with non-native turf grass, so it is useful to shrink lawns by planting native shrubs like Maple-leaved Viburnum and Virginia Sweetspire and flowering plants like Cone Flowers, Black-eyed Susan, and Milkweed (helps support monarch butterflies) that provide food or shelter to native insects and birds. Desirable trees include most Oaks, Red Maple, River Birch, Eastern Redbud, and Dogwood. Visit Plant NOVA Natives for more ideas and information.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants are another component of sustainable landscaping. These plants are adapted to survive with less water, making them ideal for times of drought. Incorporating these species reduces irrigation needs and strain on the water supply. Drought tolerant native plants for Northern Virginia are Coral Honeysuckle Vine, Poverty Oat Grass, Purple Love Grass, Northern Maidenhair Fern, Dwarf Goldenrod, Virginia Bluebell, and Fall Phlox.
Avoid Invasive Species
Avoid invasive species because they threaten biodiversity and ecosystem health. Non-native plants that spread rapidly outcompete local flora, and often lead to ecological disruption. By avoiding them, we protect the native plant communities and wildlife that depends on them. Examples of invasives often found in Alexandria are English Ivy, Bamboo, Wisteria, Porcelain-berry, Liriope, Bradford Pear, Japanese Maple, and Norway Maple.
Managing Runoff & Stormwater
Stormwater runoff, if uncontrolled, can cause erosion and flooding, and transport pollutants into storm drains, leading to water quality issues in streams and the Potomac River. Sustainable landscaping features capture the water, allowing it to slowly soak into the ground instead of flowing over it. Examples are permeable pavers, rain gardens, water barrels, and swales. Along with native ground covers, they stabilize soil and reduce runoff. Native groundcovers include Violets, Wild Strawberries, low growing native Phlox, and Green and Gold.
Learn how to reduce your Stormwater Utility Fee here.
Environmental Advocacy
Environmental advocacy is crucial to sustainable landscaping and environmental vitality. Advocates raise awareness, influence policy, and encourage community engagement. They organize educational campaigns about sustainable practices, lobby for laws to protect natural resources, support conservation initiatives and investments in sustainability.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural systems that provides environmental, economic, and social benefits. Included are green roofs, solar panels, urban trees, and constructed wetlands. Green infrastructure enhances community resilience to environmental challenges like flooding and climate change. Green roofs can reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, absorb rainwater, and provide habitats for wildlife. Urban trees and green spaces provide respite for people and, by mitigating flooding, protect homes and businesses from water damage.
Climate Change
Climate change is mitigated by sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure. These practices will enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Planting native trees, shrubs, and ground covers, and maintaining healthy soils sequester carbon, reduce lawn mower use, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Green infrastructure can help Alexandria adapt to impacts of climate change like increased temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.
Community Needs
Community Needs are addressed when underutilized land is sustainably developed. Transforming it into green spaces or community gardens can enhance food security, improve mental and physical health, foster community engagement, build new skills, create green jobs, and stimulate our local economy. All these activities contribute to community well-being. Watch for announcements from your local citizens association and from the Alexandria Planning and Zoning Department.
City Services Related to Sustainability
Stormwater Utility Fee Credits and Grants
Take advantage of Alexandria’s stormwater utility fee credits and grants, including:
- For trees at least 1” caliper, residents can apply for a stormwater credit.
- Mature tree credit for native trees 12” wide.
- A conservation landscaping credit for areas at least 50 sq ft.
- No fertilizer pledge.
For questions and details, visit:
Stormwater Utility Fees & Credits for Residential Properties
Compost and Mulch Services
Learn more about Alexandria’s Curbside Food Waste Composting Pilot and other available composting programs here: alexandriava.gov/FoodWaste
For a limited time during the spring and early summer, the city offers mulch delivery to Alexandria residents. Find out more here: pub.alexandriava.gov/mulch/
Install a Rain Barrel
Find information on why you should install a rain barrel and future upcoming workshops here: alexandriava.gov/stormwater-management/rain-barrels-and-water-harvesting
Solar Energy Analyses
To use the Northern Virginia Solar Map to conduct a preliminary analysis of the solar energy potential for your home or business, visit www.novasolarmap.com.
Check out the City’s Solar Energy Panel Permit Checklist here.
See federal tax incentives for home energy upgrades at https://www.energy.gov/save
Special Projects
Median Beautification & Sustainability
On Friday, June 15, 2018, the Alexandria Beautification Commission saw a year's worth of planning and working with the City of Alexandria come to fruition with the installation of native and sustainable plant material in three medians at the heavily trafficked intersection of King St., Quaker Ln and Braddock Rd. The Commission initiated the pilot median improvement project in 2017 to make the City’s medians both more attractive and more sustainable.
The Commission recommended the use of low maintenance, no-mow areas in City medians that utilize native and sustainable shrubs and perennial plants. For the past year, the Beautification Commission has been working with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities to develop a cohesive landscaping plan for the medians which they hope can serve as a model for beautification of medians throughout the City. Together, their efforts have resulted in a beautiful and well-designed sustainable public space at a busy intersection.
Educating the Community About Beautification Resources & Best Practices
The Commission is dedicated to furnishing residents and businesses with top-tier information and resources. Below, you'll discover key citywide resources.
Native Plants to Northern Virginia
Are you interested in planting native in your garden or at your business? Visit Plant Nova Natives for a full listing of Alexandria/NoVA approved plants!
Virginia Native Plants Society - https://vnps.org/potowmack/links/
Non-Native Invasive Plants
Click here to find a list of non-native invasive plants.
Citywide Resources
Learn More About Our Local Partners
Local Partner
TreeStewards.org | Northern Virginia volunteers who promote trees.
Other Organizations Advocating Beautification
Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group
Home - Alexandria Library (alexlibraryva.org)
ALL Alexandria – Achieving Racial and Social Equity | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
Transportation & Environmental Services | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
Beauregard Urban Design Advisory Committee
Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board
City Hall Renovation Project | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
COG Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee
COG Climate, Energy & Environmental Policy Committee
COG Metro Washington Air Quality Committee
Del Ray Business Association (Events - DRBA (visitdelray.com))
Environmental Policy Commission *
Historic Alexandria | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
Historical Restoration & Preservation Commission
Landmark Community Development Authority
North Old Town Civic Assn (NOTICE) - NOTICe (notice-alexandria.org)
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Urban Forestry Management | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
Press
The Zebra Press (2024)
ARTICLES WRITTEN BY THE COMMISSION
The Zebra Press (2024)
- December Edition: Zebra Press : December 2024
- November Edition: Zebra Press : November 2024
- October Edition: Zebra Press : October 2024
- September Edition: Zebra Press : September 2024
- August Edition: Zebra Press : August 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
- July Edition: Zebra Press : July 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
- June Edition: Zebra Press : June 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
- May Edition: Zebra Press : May 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
- April Edition: Zebra Press April 2024 by The Zebra Press -- GOOD NEWS in Alexandria - Issuu
- March Edition: Zebra Press : March 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
- January/February Edition: Zebra Press : January/February 2024 (mydigitalpublication.com)
2023 beautification AWARDS
2022 beautification awards
2018 Beautification Awards
Meeting Schedule
2025 Meeting Minutes & Dates
March 13
2024 Meeting Minutes & Dates
Archived Meeting Information
- Archived Meeting Information