Reston Arbor Day Volunteer Event Set For March 31 At 2 Natural Areas

RESTON, VA — Reston Association will mark Arbor Day with a volunteer workday focused on tree planting and restoration in two of the community’s natural areas on Tuesday, March 31.

Volunteers will gather from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Vantage Hill Natural Area off North Shore Road and along Glade Stream Valley near the Walker Nature Center, according an RA release. The Arbor Day observance will include tree planting, invasive plant removal and landscape restoration. Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and tools, gloves and on-site guidance will be provided.

“Arbor Day is a great opportunity for neighbors of all ages to come together, get outdoors, and make a lasting impact on Reston’s natural areas,” said Ha Brock, Volunteer Reston manager. “The work done during this event helps strengthen our community while supporting the health of our environment.”

The annual observance also ties to Reston’s Tree City USA status. Reston is home to more than 700 acres of forest and has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1994, according to RA. Holding an annual Arbor Day observance is one of the requirements for maintaining that designation.

Reston also observes Tree City USA standards through other ongoing commitments, according to RA. Those include tree protection requirements in Reston’s Covenants and Design Guidelines, funding in the association’s annual budget for tree planting and care, and work by the Environmental Advisory Committee to promote tree conservation and environmental stewardship in the community.

“Our trees are a defining feature of Reston and essential to the health of our environment,” said Ben Rhoades, RA's acting environmental director. “This work helps protect the tree canopy that benefits the community today and for generations to come.”

Volunteers can still take part in the event, but pre-registration is required. Questions and volunteer inquiries can be sent to Brock at ha@reston.org.

The event is centered on hands-on outdoor work, but it also reflects a broader effort to preserve the tree canopy in Reston’s shared spaces. For residents looking to join, the workday offers a chance to help care for local natural areas while supporting the community’s long-standing tree conservation goals.