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Upcoming events
Check out our webinars, in-person workshops, and socials
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Add Sustainability Matters events to your Google Calendar, or check out our Garden Calendar for events plus all the tips on planting veggies, fighting invasives, and more.
![Making History Bloom: Trail Beautification](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1724091601844-MZ69NQJQELAVH0EU67HS/Sustainability_Matters_Blob_Graphics+%282%29.png)
Making History Bloom: Trail Beautification
We’re so excited to officially launch our first Making History Bloom project on the W&OD Trail on Saturday, September 21! We found the perfect spot for our first native meadow, right next to the LOVE sign, a favorite destination for family photos. It will be a wonderful opportunity to educate visitors about the importance of native plants and wildlife!
Now we need your help to prepare the site! The first step is to remove the many invasive plants in this area, which will prepare the way for one of our joyful seeding parties in the near future. We’ll meet at 3pm on the trail by the LOVE sign, with expert leaders to show us what needs to be done.
Afterwards we’ll convene at the nearby Caboose Brewery to relax, socialize, celebrate our hard work, and raise funds for this important cause: Sustainability Matters is partnering with NOVA Parks to remove invasives and plant native meadows along 45 miles of the W&OD Trail. It’s a huge challenge, and we’re excited to tackle it and reach the 3 million visitors to this park every year. What a fabulous opportunity to get the word out about how much we love pollinators and native plants!
Note on attire:
Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, a hat (if sunny), and closed toed shoes.
Items to bring with you:
Water bottle, work gloves, bug spray and sunblock (optional).
Additional items to bring if you have them:
A spade, lopper, and hand clippers (although we should be able to provide some).
Note: When you register for this program, we'll also sign you up for Sustainability Matters' email list. We never sell your info, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
![Native Meadow Plant Count](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1725374048954-5VFDNDVZ3V3N2L6BKW46/Sustainability_Matters_Blob_Graphics+%281%29.png)
Native Meadow Plant Count
Please join us for a native meadow plant count in Rappahannock County on Sunday, September 22 at 1pm. We’ll meet at our Making Trash Bloom meadows at the Rappahannock County Landfill, where you’ll help us identify what’s growing in the pilot plots we planted there two years ago. You’ll be able to spend time outside, meet like-minded folks, and collect valuable data that will help us spread Making Trash Bloom to additional landfills!
Note on attire:
Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, a hat (if sunny), and closed toed shoes.
Items to bring with you:
Water bottle, work gloves, bug spray and sunblock (optional).
Note: When you register for this program, we'll also sign you up for Sustainability Matters' email list. We never sell your info, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
![Recycling Outreach in Shenandoah County](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1724760109189-RNDTHVJM345ERUX9KAOT/Sustainability_Matters_Blob_Graphics.png)
Recycling Outreach in Shenandoah County
Help us create a culture of recycling in Shenandoah County!
If you live in Shenandoah County, you may have noticed that you rarely see a recycling bin in our towns or at community events. We’re working to change that!
Join us on Saturday, September 28 at either Woodstock’s WoodsTACO festival (11am - 3pm) or Mount Jackson’s Tater Fest (11am - 4pm). We’ll have a Sustainability Matters table at each event to share our work with the community, and we’ll have a set of recycling bins beside our table to collect plastic, glass, and aluminum.
We need volunteers to take 2- or 3-hour shifts helping us encourage people to recycle and to haul what we collect to the convenience center. Together, we can keep all those beverage containers out of the landfill! If you want to help, email hello@sustainabilitymatters.earth.
A t-shirt and friendly companionship are provided free!
![Rappahannock Seeding Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1720703940047-X9FQE3YM7ROSKO8K420A/Rapp_seeding_blob.png)
Rappahannock Seeding Party
We have great news! The three test meadows we planted at the Rappahannock County Landfill in 2022 succeeded at providing more wildlife habitat, while preventing erosion on the closed trash cells. Join us to celebrate this success by seeding another meadow there on July 20th at 9am!
Afterwards, we'll convene at a wonderful local restaurant, Ours Noir, for a pay-your-own brunch to cool off and celebrate some more together.
This is a major milestone! Going forward, whenever they need to cover bare soil, instead of using the usual seed mix that includes invasive plants, Rappahannock County will now use native seed mixes - thanks to our successful pilot meadows! We could not be happier to have this chance to celebrate our founder Sari Carp's brilliant vision.
Note that the event will be held outdoors at the landfill. Please dress for sunshine, heat, and uneven terrain.
Water and snacks will be provided, but please bring your own reusable cup or water bottle to reduce the waste we produce.
About Making Trash Bloom:
Sustainability Matters’ Making Trash Bloom initiative reclaims ecologically barren land by planting native pollinator and wildlife habitat at landfills. Through bringing conservation to the most unexpected place of all - your local dump - we build community engagement around environmental transformation, inspiring and educating the public to create similar landscapes at home and elsewhere.
Note: When you register for this program, we'll also sign you up for Sustainability Matters' email list. We never sell your info, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
![Rescheduled World Environment Day Bike Ride and Walk](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1715012735390-I96HNLSWU1ZSCPCIZPL5/Giant+Blob+File+%281%29.png)
Rescheduled World Environment Day Bike Ride and Walk
Please join us for our rescheduled walk or bike ride along the W&OD Trail and learn about why native plants are so important to our native wildlife – and all of us! We’ll be honoring World Environment Day and this year’s theme of land restoration. Please invite your neighbors and friends!
![National Trails Day Walk](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1716582333241-I3L4L0DUR55TNYUI0YXY/Sustainability_Matters_Blob_Graphics+TrailsDay.png)
National Trails Day Walk
We’re excited to join NOVA Parks, Friends of the W&OD, and Arlington County to celebrate National Trails Day on June 1! At 10am Sustainability Matters will lead an Invasive & Wildflower Identification Walk for a ¼ mile from Mile 0 Trailhead in Shirlington. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
![Native Meadow Seeding Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1710783582472-OD4C4QRKGAZF4VUV9JYB/Seeding_Event_1080x1080.png)
Native Meadow Seeding Party
Join us and our partners, Winchester’s Parks and Rec Department, to seed the Sustainability Matters Native Meadow at Jim Barnett Park!
![Conscious Cooking: A Roadmap to Reducing Kitchen Waste](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1706039234107-X2YBPYQ13KP57YG055Q2/Conscious_Cooking_Blob_1080x1080.png)
Conscious Cooking: A Roadmap to Reducing Kitchen Waste
Join Sustainability Matters to learn how you can create a more eco-friendly kitchen, saving yourself money and reducing food waste!
![Winter Seed Sowing](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1704812765129-RJ1M4RDF9T05E0KPVYRV/Winter_Seed_Sowing_EventBlob.png)
Winter Seed Sowing
Learn an easy winter seed-sowing technique, preview our new pollinator meadow in Winchester, and meet fellow nature lovers!
![Growing Green: A Guide to Sustainable Landscaping at Home](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1703015532839-9PKRT3BKCM9RH6CV4PI1/Growing_Green_Event_Blob.png)
Growing Green: A Guide to Sustainable Landscaping at Home
Learn how you can start growing pollinator-friendly native plants at home.
![Winter Tree ID Walk & Holiday Potluck](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1699892718599-WMY9Q6X1QFDLEHE6ZJHH/Winter-Tree-ID_Blob.png)
Winter Tree ID Walk & Holiday Potluck
Learn to ID trees without their leaves and share holiday snacks!
![Green Gifting: Tips for Low-Waste Holiday Celebrations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1699301851707-03XVCVKAPTQO9QANVCXD/Green-Gifting-Blob.png)
Green Gifting: Tips for Low-Waste Holiday Celebrations
Learn how to sustainably decorate, gift, and celebrate this holiday season - all while saving yourself money and reducing your waste production.
![Wild Wellness: A Webinar on the Medicinal Properties of Native Plants](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1697751243616-KORAF82KDEXQPRH4TXHH/MedicinalPlants_webinar_1.png)
Wild Wellness: A Webinar on the Medicinal Properties of Native Plants
Learn how to identify, harvest, prepare, and use medicinally a few common native plants in the Virginia and wider U.S. east coast area.
![Science Team Saturday at Fairfax I-66 Landfill](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1699462616778-H5C41XV5EQ62AARGU2WE/Science-Team_2023.png)
Science Team Saturday at Fairfax I-66 Landfill
Join Hannah Bement and volunteers from George Mason University to see what grew this summer at the Fairfax I-66 Landfill site.
![Restorative Landscaping for Pollinators and Biodiversity](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1697051071376-TRMQJ0UV00PJ9GPUY2FD/Hannah_Shenandoah_Speech_3.png)
Restorative Landscaping for Pollinators and Biodiversity
Join Hannah Bement of Sustainability Matters’ Science Team for a presentation on restorative landscaping for pollinators and biodiversity.
![Nevermore: A Halloween Art Show](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1695151008196-8LBLGDH72OOGG9XTK6MG/2023_ArtShow_Blob.png)
Nevermore: A Halloween Art Show
Join us to enjoy local wine and food, mingle with fellow SM supporters and art lovers, and admire works curated from artists throughout Virginia and around the country!
![Seed Gathering](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1695086613595-W3G9VORE1SVSGBSTAGIH/2023_SeedGathering_Blob.png)
Seed Gathering
Learn to identify, collect, and save native perennial seeds…and bring some home for your own collection.
![Brunch at the Landfill](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1686594599093-YH7XH40QRDEHA7Z6FDIT/Rapp_Brunch_Blob_3.png)
Brunch at the Landfill
Join us to celebrate our Making Trash Bloom habitat at the Rappahannock Landfill!
![Green Thumb, Green Home: Sustainable Houseplant Care](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1693948772209-4CCE0K4CX34P5MHCP5LI/Giant+Blob+File.png)
Green Thumb, Green Home: Sustainable Houseplant Care
Believe it or not, houseplants aren’t the most eco-friendly hobby, but maybe they can be! From Sustainability Matters’ Kenny Barnes, learn how to sustainably grow, style, and care for all of your favorite houseplants.
![SM Science Team: Shenandoah](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1686242728875-CH05ENI3CME5H1N3DIM3/Bioblitz1_1080x1080.png)
SM Science Team: Shenandoah
Help us make trash bloom! This summer, Sustainability Matters is seeking volunteers for environmental data collection and community education at our Making Trash Bloom sites.
![SM Science Team: Rappahannock](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1685978368005-MCVM9RN4ARKOK9H7I8LV/ScienceTeam1_1080x1080.png)
SM Science Team: Rappahannock
Help us make trash bloom! This summer, Sustainability Matters is seeking volunteers for environmental data collection and community education at our Making Trash Bloom sites.
![Big Bug Bioblitz](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1691609135092-H73C1R9M346FOFTC790Y/Bioblitz_Blob_1.png)
Big Bug Bioblitz
Help us, the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation, and Mountain Vista Governor’s School count bugs at the landfill! Yes, really.
![SM Science Team: Shenandoah](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1686242680717-08UGLMUFVZ6DH0E41153/Bioblitz2_1080x1080.png)
SM Science Team: Shenandoah
Help us make trash bloom! This summer, Sustainability Matters is seeking volunteers for environmental data collection and community education at our Making Trash Bloom sites.
![Rappahannock Volunteer Training](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1680013388303-UPNXBBZNW12EUTCWX01N/ST+training+Rapp.png)
Rappahannock Volunteer Training
Help us make trash bloom! This summer, Sustainability Matters is seeking volunteers for environmental data collection and community education at our Making Trash Bloom site at the Rappahannock County Landfill.
![SM Science Team: Shenandoah](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1685975788881-7MI5ZYPIKLO1Z0NVZH45/ScienceTeam1_1080x1080.png)
SM Science Team: Shenandoah
Help us make trash bloom! This summer, Sustainability Matters is seeking volunteers for environmental data collection and community education at our Making Trash Bloom sites.
![What's Up With Recycling?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1682961519941-N9B2TZ6ZO2KSJUYJH318/WUWR_Blob_v3.png)
What's Up With Recycling?
Recycling demystified, and what you can do to help. Find out why you can't recycle many plastics or glass anymore, and what you can do to help the situation, from industry experts.
![Pollinator Preview Plus](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1676176569256-2J9JW9ISUQ7H7L0Y9FHQ/pollinator+preview.png)
Pollinator Preview Plus
Preview our exciting new pollinator project in Winchester…plus, learn to winter sow native plants, and swap seeds, seedlings, and saplings! For Sustainability Matters members and guests.
![Winter Tree ID Walk & Holiday Potluck](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1664067561357-RYXBE4F7YYSP7YVLB2Z3/Winter+Tree+ID.png)
Winter Tree ID Walk & Holiday Potluck
Everyone’s favorite holiday tradition is back! Join us, the State Arboretum, and the Virginia Dept. of Forestry to celebrate the season the nature nerdy way.
![Grower to Grower](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1666462848590-P53HHY55RT3BWPQCCIIT/Grower+to+Grower+blob.png)
Grower to Grower
Commercial growers and grower-adjacent folks, come share challenges and tips, and unload the stress of the growing season! Find partners, mentors, and maybe even buyers for next season.
![Greener than Grass: edible landscaping in small spaces](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1664192898737-JUS2WMV8A18OUC31K7CQ/Small+spaces+2+blob.png)
Greener than Grass: edible landscaping in small spaces
You don't need acres for an eco-friendly garden. Learn to grow your own food in small spaces: containers, raised beds, or that sunny patch by your front door.
![Greener than Grass: native gardens for small spaces](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1663895331844-49E6LO0M9RLG29U8V0BG/Small+spaces+1+blob.png)
Greener than Grass: native gardens for small spaces
You don't need acres for an eco-friendly garden. Learn to grow pollinator-friendly native plants in small spaces.
![Seed Gathering](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1664064045495-B2QZJGM65UMH4FMDGWYY/seed+gathering.png)
Seed Gathering
Learn to identify, collect, and save native perennial seeds…and bring some home for your own collection.
![Lunch at the Landfill (Fairfax)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61883d439e4d0d716a30290c/1661473107307-BZ0GUYS2MQ52BIENIHMP/Fairfax+mtb+party.png)
Lunch at the Landfill (Fairfax)
Inaugurate our new Making Trash Bloom site at the Fairfax County Landfill.