Saturday: Two Environmental Events

If you've ever wanted to learn more about Arlington's environment, this Saturday gives you two chances to get involved!

Saturday from 9am to noon at Thrifton Hill Park, Arlingtonians for a Clean environment will host a tree planting. Trees purify the air of pollutants, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, decrease watershed runoff, serve as buffers for sources of fresh water, provide shade, offer habitat for animals, and beautify the landscape. Plus, if you're taking part in the ACE Green Living Challenge, participating in this event will earn you the five points for planting a tree! You can find out more about the event and sign up through the ACE website.

Then from 1-3pm, Arlington County Board Chair Paul Ferguson will be among the speakers at a rally urging Congress to take action to stop global warming. It's called Step It Up 2007: Creating a Climate of Change, and it will take place at Gateway Park, at the corner of Lee Highway and Fort Myer Drive, a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. NBC4's Wendy Rieger, Sierra Club President Lisa Renstrom, DC Council Member Phil Mendelson, and your humble blogger The Green Miles are also set to speak. Learn more and RSVP at the Step It Up website!

Green Science Drafting from DVDs after Mardis Gras

No, that title doesn't make sense, but here's what it's about:

*Green - not for Kermit the Frog, but for the Arlington Green Living Challenge -- win prizes (hey who says we're only motivated by the cause!) and be certified as a "green household" by earning points through any combination of 16 simple actions.

* Science - Sticking with the green theme, the next Cafe Scientifique sounds very interesting - the subject, "The 'Shocking' Science Behind Electric Cars" -- with actual cars to touch! Now, how are they getting those in the Front Page - Tuesday, March 6, 6- 8 PM (presentation starts at 6:30). FREE! No science background required.

* Drafting - as in Arlington Cinema Drafthouse and as in the "We Like the Pike" Event on Tuesday, February 27, 5- 7 PM. FREE admission includes live music, complimentary buffet, cash bar, plus get 2 FREE passes for movies or entertainment at any 2007 DraftHouse event - that alone makes the trip worth it.

* DVDs- I've bragged before about how great Arlington libraries are. I just got my e-mail about new DVDs at the library and I thought I would share some (but not the ones I really want ;-) ) -- Babel, The Departed, Fast Food Nation, Man of the Year, Rocky Balboa ... and more. - You too can stay in the loop by signing up to receive this e-newsletter on the libraries website (I can't find exactly where right now, but I did it, so I'm sure you can find it too).

*After Mardis Gras -I couldn't go to the Clarenendon parade this year. I had a board meeting for an organization I'm involved with. Grrr! Did anyone make it? It was great last year.

Note: Photo credit to "The Eggplant"