How did you celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26? Many joined in at a variety of events held across the county to volunteer in local parks. As Fairfax County Park Authority put it, “to gather to give back to the places we love.”
One event that day included unveiling of new signage at Lake Accotink Park to honor the legacy of former Congressman Gerry Connolly. Fairfax County Park Authority, developed new trail signage for installation along the cross county trail, named for the former Congressman, to honor his service and legacy. The sign unveiling at McLaren Sargent Pavilion introduced new redwood signs that will be located along the 41.5 mile trail.
"The Gerry Connolly Cross-County Trail connects communities across Fairfax County, offering residents opportunities to get outside, stay active and experience the natural beauty of our county and region,” Jai Cole, executive director of the Park Authority said. “It is essential to ensure that these special green spaces remain accessible for residents to learn about and enjoy today and for generations to come."
Another event, at Lorton’s Laurel Hill Equestrian Center, drew a large group to remove invasive plants. The group included a contingent of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Beta Alpha Omega chapter sorority members. The sorority sisters, of this service chapter, have worked to improve Laurel Hill Park’s ecosystems previously in the pollinator garden and at the historic railroad car among other projects. This year they joined with other volunteers to cut invasive vines and plants to give native plants and trees new room to flourish.
National Public Lands Day is the largest single day of volunteer efforts for public lands to restore, preserve, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. Overseen by the National Environmental Education Foundation since 1994, this year’s theme was “Caring for our Shared America.”
Fairfax County has more than 23,000 acres of public parkland including 334 miles of trails.
Lorton resident Nina Ziaie collects trash weekly
Some treat every day as public lands day. Two or three times per week, Nina Ziaie of Lorton, walks a route past South County High School and Middle School collecting trash. She says there is a lot of it. While she doesn’t ask anyone else to do pick-up, she says she hopes others, especially children, will see and follow her example. She says, “I’m doing my part.”