From the Virginia Governor’s office:
WOODBRIDGE – Governor Terry McAuliffe highlighted Virginia’s successes in land conservation and water quality today at Leesylvania State Park in Prince William County. The event honored the many partners behind the Potomac Heritage Trail and the under-construction living shorelines at the park.
“Investing in Virginia’s natural resources is critical to ensuring future generations can enjoy the same fresh air, clean parks, and clear waters that we have today,” said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at today’s event. “Since 1980, Virginia has spent hundreds of millions of dollars improving our water quality and my administration is bolstering this commitment. We have directed $30 million for land conservation and over $84 million for agricultural best management practices and technical assistance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Every dollar we spend is an investment in this $1.1 trillion dollar economic asset and the results are plain to see: increased blue crab abundance, improved habitat, and a healthier bay for all to enjoy.”
The living shorelines erosion control project is the product of collaboration between the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Leesylvania State Park, Prince William County, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Dominion Power. Additional partners include Virginiaforever, Virginia Association for Parks, Friends of Leesylvania State Park, the College of William and Mary, local and regional leaders, the Living National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Prince William Conservation Alliance and the National Park Service.
“Virginia’s government and citizens share a commitment to water quality and the Chesapeake Bay. It’s great to see the diverse set of partners united behind living shorelines and other crucial projects. We couldn’t have come so far so fast were it not for the generosity and support of the Chesapeake Bay community,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward.
“Leesylvania State Park’s living shoreline will protect and stabilize this portion of the Potomac riverbank and support a thriving natural community,” said DCR Director Clyde Cristman. “This project encompasses everything we are working to do: protect the bay, restore habitat, improve recreational access to the Potomac River, and increase the quality of life for everyone and everything living on the bay.”
Living shorelines serve as a protective fringe between aquatic areas and uplands, controlling erosion and providing habitat critical for wildlife. The Leesylvania project was designed by scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Service and is expected to restore about 800 feet of critical Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
In addition to its direct environmental impact, this project will increase public awareness about living shorelines and demonstrate their considerable benefits to a large audience. Leesylvania State Park is home to one of Northern Virginia’s only public beaches and attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually.
Recent Stories
On Sunday afternoon, nearly 100 people gathered in a Taco Bell parking lot less than a mile from the clinic’s doors with a shared aim: taking ownership of its now-precarious future.
The project to widen Balls Ford Road between Doane Drive and Ashton Avenue to a four-lane, divided roadway is now officially complete. The county’s Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the parking lot of the General Shale Brick Company last week.
Another round of weather challenges is in store today as a robust cold front approaches. The front will bring gusty winds and low relative humidity.
Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., for the dedication of the Town of Occoquan’s LOVEworks sign in River Mill Park (415 Mill Street, Occoquan), designed by artist Darby Leondra. This event is free and open to the public.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
