It is the mission of Fairfax ReLeaf to conserve, restore and promote sustainable urban forests in Northern Virginia. The supporting goals include the following:
- To be a self-sustaining organization
- To restore urban forests through new plantings
- To remove invasive plants that threaten to destroy the current tree population
- To develop and maintain an educational program
- To promote tree-friendly policies to conserve the urban forests
What Kinds of Things Do We Do?
Identify and plan tree planting projects around Fairfax County and provide the resources to accomplish those projects. Encourage urban forestry conservation practices by individuals, private organizations and state and local government. Provide information and support for natural regeneration, mini-woodlands, and mow-free zones as alternatives to planned tree planting.
Provide information and assistance for selecting appropriate tree species for specific locations, where to obtain trees, proper tree planting techniques, and caring for newly planted and established trees. Promote public education on all aspects of urban forestry by providing knowledgeable speakers for meetings of civic groups and other community functions, and providing information to government for the establishment of sound public policy.
In addition to plantings, Fairfax ReLeaf focuses on removing invasives species, such as English ivy, mile-a-minute, and japanese honeysuckle, from areas before they out compete existing native trees and plants. By saving existing trees, the impact of invasives on wildlife and the local environment can be reduced or stopped.