Alexandria is located on the Potomac River within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay is an estuary, a body of water formed where freshwater from rivers and streams flows into the ocean, mixing with sea water. When we speak of restoring our water or “Saving the Bay” we mean restoring the 50 major rivers and streams that pour into the bay each day, including the creeks; Cameron, Backlick, Four Mile and Holmes Run that pass through Alexandria feeding those rivers and streams. Each one of us can contribute by better understanding our role within our watershed.

Restoring our land includes both cleaning up and rehabilitating a site that has sustained degradation. The degradation may have taken place through simple human impacts such as littering or more long term degradation caused by unmanaged waste disposal. As citizens we can help to restore land to its natural state through preventative and active measures. Preventative measures include managing the wastes we generate and dispose. Active measures include restoring neglected land areas to become suitable for planting trees, native ornamental, and vegetable plant gardens.

Did you know that climate can affect nearly every aspect of our lives? Where we live, what we eat, what we wear, what wildlife and native plant species live within our City and how we travel; just to name a few.

Over the past year during COVID-19 restrictions in the Metropolitan Washington DC area, reduced vehicle traffic, increased teleworking, and a decrease in energy consumption overall were key to reducing certain air quality pollutant emissions. These emission reductions led to improved air quality. Local metro DC departments of transportation reported 50 percent reductions in traffic. With office and business closures, the regional electricity demand dropped too. With the region lifting many activity restrictions, let’s examine some of our recent behavior that contribute to restoring our air quality.

In celebration of the 51st Earth Day, the City of Alexandria and AlexRenew partnered with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) to showcase student artwork. Thank you to the ACPS students, teachers, and parents who made this art exhibit possible!

After Earth Day explore the many environmental opportunities and resources available within the City of Alexandria.

Photos from past Alexandria Earth Day events and activities.

The Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award honors and recognizes Alexandrians who demonstrate a commitment to protecting the natural environment and keeping the City green.