Environmental Quality Committee
Environmental Quality Committee
This committee supports activities that raise the awareness of residents about environmental issues that affect the community and the Lake. If you are interested in getting involved, the committee works closely with a local group that was formed called SEED (Service, Education, Ecology, Discovery). The mission of this club is to foster an ecologically sound and sustainable habitat for pollinating insects and other wildlife for the benefit and enjoyment of the Lake Barcroft community. Our efforts focus on stewardship of the common areas and the sharing of information about the natural environment. Activities include invasive plant removal, gardening, bird walks, and more. We share information on environmental stewardship in monthly articles for the Lake Barcroft Newsletter and by participating in community events. All are welcome! If you are a Lake Barcroft resident interested in joining us, please send an email to Anne Brosnan—akbrosnan@yahoo.com— to be added to the list serv.
The Lake Barcroft Watershed Improvement District, WID, is a local taxing district authorized for conservation purposes in the Virginia Code. Its tasks include various lake management and environmental improvement activities in the watershed area. It also provides services directly to community residents who request them.
LBWID Residential Tree Replacement Program
For approximately 20 years, the LBWID and LBA financially co-sponsored this program, run primarily by volunteers, starting with Betsy Washington, and later, Elaine Lindstrom. As often happens with successful programs that are originally administered by volunteers, they grow and require more time and attention than what was initially needed to keep it going. But the program is back, and starting in 2024 and onward, with agreement from the LBA, the LBWID will solely fund the program and LBWID staff will administer it.
The LBWID uses LBA's Constant Contact email system and posting information on the LBWID's website (www.lakebarcroftwid.com). The process is to receive request submissions in July and then plant the trees in late September or early October. The program will give away 25 native trees (6 ft to 8 ft tall) to Lake Barcroft residents that may have recently lost a tree or who have an open location on their property. LBWID will have a professional landscaper plant the tree, and the recipient of the trees must water and care for the tree that they receive. Those who apply for a tree and do not receive one are sincerely invited to apply again the following year. If you have any questions regarding the program this year, please reach out to lbwid@vacoxmail.com or you can call the office directly at 703-820-1300.
Wildlife Management: Geese Peace Information and LBA's Beaver Policy
Wildlife is part of our common heritage. All Lake Barcroft residents benefit from common ownership, while at the same time assuming a shared responsibility for the wildlife’s well being. The sometimes conflicting needs and interests of human residents and native residents has resulted in the development of management plans for geese and beavers on the lake. The LBWID has provided a history of Geese management on the Lake and outlined the management strategies of the Geese Peace program. If you would like to report a nest on your property that needs to be oiled (from April - May), then please email the WID team at lbwid@vacoxmail.com or call the office at 703-820-1300 and leave a message. If you would like the Geese Peace boat to visit your area of the lake, or if you would like to volunteer with the program, get in touch with Diane Weeks at Diane.weeks@gmail.com or Holly Hazard at hollyhazard@gmail.com.
In an effort to reduce the use of lawn chemicals in our community, the Lake Barcroft WID and the Lake Barcroft Association prepared a letter to lawn service providers asking them to minimize application of such chemicals. This letter was sent to all households in the community and everyone was asked to to distribute this letter to their lawn service providers. This letter is available here and in the documents section with both English and Spanish on one page. Simply print the page and give a copy to your lawn care service.
Additional Resources:
Watershed Friendly Spring Lawn Care Tips (pdf)
List of Resources for Stormwater (pdf)
Garden Certification (pdf)
Rabies Facts (pdf)
How to Make Your Own Mosquito Traps
FAIRFAX COUNTY URBAN FORESTRY
Nick Drunasky
Urban Forester II
Forest Conservation Branch
Department of Public Works & Environmental Services
Fairfax County Government
Ph: 703-324-1713