[Archived] City of Alexandria to Host 16th Annual Alexandria Earth Day, Saturday, April 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2009     

City of Alexandria to Host 16th Annual Alexandria Earth Day, Saturday, April 25
Take the Green Route 

The City of Alexandria will host the 16th Annual Alexandria Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr., on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s theme, "Take the Green Route,” will focus on showing citizens the benefits of leaving the car at home and walking, cycling or using public transportation. The Alexandria Earth Day Committee has committed to making this celebration a zero-waste and carbon neutral event.

The event features City agencies and organizations dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Exhibitors will provide environmental educational activities for the whole family and a vehicle display featuring alternative fuel and public transportation.  Additional activities include an Environmental Nature Walk, the Annual Earth Day Tree Sale, live music, Arbor Day tree planting, a performance by the Blue Sky Puppets, a bicycle carousel and a “Green Home” Expo. Admission is free, and food and beverages will be available for sale. For additional information, visit www.alexearthday.org.

Visit Earth Day using alternative transportation. A bicycle valet will be available for those bicycling to the event; DASH will provide bus transportation to Ben Brenman Park; and van shuttle service from the King Street Metro to the event will be provided by VPSI. Parking will be available at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive, and Armistead Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd., where participants may follow the Environmental Nature Walk to the Earth Day event. 

The draft Environmental Action Plan Phase II will be released to the general public on Earth Day.  The Environmental Action Plan, Phase II focuses on Alexandria’s environmental future over the next 15 to 20 years.  It will establish specific policy objectives, identify programs and resources, set timelines, and develop measures of success.  The public is encouraged to give input, feedback, and comments regarding the Eco-City Alexandria, Phase II.  Additionally the City will host the Eco-City Action Plan Open House on Monday, May 11, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.  For more information about the Eco-City Alexandria, please contact the Office of Environmental Quality at 703.838.4334 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/Eco-City.

The City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, and the Environmental Policy Commission are sponsoring the Earth Day Celebration.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be relocated to the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, located at 435 Ferdinand Day Drive. For additional information on Earth Day Activities, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Maureen Sturgill at 703.838.4844 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail maureen.sturgill@alexandriava.gov.