August 2026 – Eco-City Newsletter

A new round of Plug In Alexandria is here! Apply today and see how EV chargers can work for your organization.

One month left to apply!

Thinking about electric vehicle (EV) chargers at your property? Plug In Alexandria makes it easier and more affordable for multi-unit residential communities, non-profit organizations, and places of worship to install EV chargers.

Participating organizations get a FREE custom technical assessment from industry experts outlining the requirements, feasibility, and costs to install EV chargers at your site. Organizations that install chargers within one year are eligible for a $10,000 reimbursement grant ($15,000 if you're located in a low-income community census tract).

Submit your application by September 21, 2026.

Visit the Plug In Alexandria website for full program details and the application.

Why Join the Eco-City Business Program?

Looking for ways to make your business more sustainable while saving money? The Eco-City Business Program is a FREE City of Alexandria program that provides local businesses with technical support, resources, networking opportunities, and recognition for your sustainability efforts. Business owners can learn how to reduce energy and water use, and reduce waste.

The application takes just two minutes! Visit the Eco-City Business webpage and sign up today.

Fairy Rings: A Little Magic in Alexandria's Parks

Have you ever walked through a park or forest, noticed an almost perfect circle of mushrooms, and wondered, Is this naturally occurring or straight-up witchcraft?

That was me today while walking through Alexandria House Park. I saw this exact pattern, did a deep dive into the science, and learned they're called fairy rings! While folklore once claimed they were created by dancing fairies, fire-breathing dragons, or witches' sabbaths, it's actually a natural phenomenon.

Underneath the soil, a single mushroom organism (mycelium) grows outward in a circular pattern as it searches for fresh nutrients. When it's ready to sprout, mushrooms pop up along the active outer edge of that underground circle. Over time, these rings can keep expanding for years, sometimes growing up to tens of feet wide turning a simple walk in the park into a tiny lesson in nature's geometry.

The Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department is working to care for and connect Alexandria residents with the city's parks, recreation programs, and natural spaces. Learn more about their work at the Natural Resources webpage.

Raychel Frye, Natural Resource Manager

Apply to Become an EcoAmbassador

Are you passionate about sustainability and want to make a difference in your community? Apply to become an EcoAmbassador, a program sponsored by the City of Alexandria and Arlington County and hosted by EcoAction Arlington. EcoAmbassadors help inspire neighbors, promote sustainable practices, and connect communities with local environmental resources.

Learn more and apply through the EcoAction Arlington webpage.

2026 Natural Resources Marketing Campaign Concludes

The 2026 Natural Resources marketing campaign concluded July 29 after four months of community outreach across Alexandria. The campaign connected with approximately 330 residents through community events, nature walks, and meetings, raising awareness of natural resources and gathering valuable feedback. Residents expressed strong interest in invasive species management, wildlife education, and programs such as the Native Heirloom Seed Library, Adopt-a-Park, and Backyard Habitat. The team will continue engaging residents through community events and partnerships. To stay connected, visit the Natural Resources webpage.