January After School Special: Watt’s Up? Energizing Conservation in Schools
Get a head start on PD in 2026 by registering for Get2Green’s January after school special! You’ll learn how to lead hands-on energy audits, spark interest in alternative transportation, and harness the power of data dashboards to inspire informed, student-driven action. Walk away with the tools and confidence to turn everyday conservation into meaningful learning and lasting impact. This after school special will take place virtually on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4:45-6:45pm. A link will be sent to registered participants. Register for the January After School Special in MyPDE. FCPS staff can browse all of Get2Green’s 2025-26 professional development offerings in our catalog (must be logged into fcpsschools.net account).
February After School Special: Creating Themed Gardens and Planning for Spring
Does the cold weather have you dreaming of spring gardening? Join Get2Green in February to explore the creation of themed gardens that tie into classroom curriculum, from planting crops from different cultures to historic and literary connections. We'll explore spring gardening essentials like seed selection, planting timelines, and seedling care, empowering you to cultivate a vibrant outdoor learning space that flourishes alongside your students' knowledge. Note: this is a repeat of a session offered in 2025. This after school special will take place virtually on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 4:45-6:45pm. Register for the February After School Special in MyPDE.
Lemon Road ES Eco Defense Squad
Lemon Road Elementary’s Eco Defense Squad was recently spotlighted on ABC 7. Learn about their Green Flag and the inspiring environmental action students are leading at their school. Read more and watch the video.
Living Classrooms Foundation Virtual Programs
Living Classrooms Foundation is offering free 30 or 45 minute virtual programs for grades 1-12 featuring the basic anatomy of the Diamondback Terrapin or the lifecycle and anatomy of the oyster and why oyster conservation is important in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Multiple dates are available between December 8, 2025 and January 30, 2026. Contact maritimeeducation@livingclassrooms.org to learn more and schedule a program.
Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Window Open
The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge pledge-period opens on December 1 and will remain open until March 31, 2026! Last year, Terra Centre Elementary students successfully advocated to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to sign the pledge! If students at your school would like to advocate for signing the 2026 pledge, you can find more information on the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge action card in your school’s Eco-Schools account. If your school isn’t already registered for the Eco-Schools U.S. program, you can join for free and explore the entire action card library.
Kids Gardening Youth Garden Grant
The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports school gardens that enhance the quality of life of students and their communities. The 2026 grant application is open and applications are due Friday, December 12, 2025. Learn more and apply for the Youth Garden Grant.
Bring Back the Monarchs Milkweed Grant
Monarch Watch has opened its application for schools to receive milkweed for their pollinator gardens. If your school qualifies, they will provide a free (including shipping) flat of 32 milkweed plugs of a species that is native to our region. Learn more and apply on Monarch Watch’s website. Applications are open until early-mid February.
Kids to Parks Day Grant for Title I Schools
The National Park Trust Foundation is offering grants to Title I schools for up to $1,000 per classroom for an in-park field trip in May 2026. Funding can be used towards program fees, transportation costs, stewardship supplies, and any other materials needed for a robust learning experience. While grant requests for all types of park visits are welcome, applicants are encouraged to consider trips to historical sites in honor of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday in 2026. Apply by January 30, 2026. Learn more about the Kids to Parks Day School Grant Program and apply.
Nature Generation Seed Grant
Could you use a mini grant of up to $1,000 to support an environmental project? NatGen STEM Seed Grants are mini grants that can be used to fund small-scale, start-up or ongoing environmental education projects. The spring submission period is open through March 31, 2026. Learn more about the Nature Generation Seed Grant and submit your application.
Before You Go…Winterizing Your School Garden
Winter break is around the corner and while many garden chores may have been tackled in the fall there is still time to finish cleaning out beds, discarding dead plant material, dividing a few perennials, and adding amendments to your soil. Completing these tasks will not only tidy the garden but give you a head start on being ready for early spring planting.
Late fall and early winter are also ideal times to do a soil test so that you will have results and be able to add amendments in advance of spring planting. Free soil test kits and instructions are available from Fairfax County Public Libraries. The fee for analysis is $10.
While the time for planting cold weather cover crops has passed, you can still take steps to improve and protect your soil. Adding compost and a layer of mulch now will insulate the soil during the colder weather ahead, allowing time for nutrients to be slowly released, moisture to be retained, and weeds to be suppressed. Layers of clean cardboard can be used to protect soil by weighing down overlapping layers and watering thoroughly. Compost or layers of leaves and mulch can be added on top. If you started cool weather crops this fall, be prepared to cover them with a frost cloth or use a row cover to protect them from frost or a hard freeze.
Take an inventory of your gardening supplies and note any needed replacements or repairs. Sanitize and pair up your garden gloves, clean your tools, and organize your shed. Store seeds indoors in a cool, dark, dry place to ensure viability and prevent pests and mold. Empty, clean, and store plant containers, especially those made from clay, in a dry space to prevent water from freezing and cracking them. Disconnect hoses and completely empty rain barrels. Leave rain barrel spigots open for the winter to prevent damage to your rain barrel from water collecting and freezing.
Take time to appreciate the changing landscape as fall segues to winter. Find a place to settle and browse through seed catalogues that may have started arriving and allow visions of next year’s garden beauty and bounty to begin dancing in your head.
Find fun and exciting Get2Green updates all month by following @fcpsGet2Green on Instagram, Threads, and X.
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