The Reston Association (RA) volunteer program consists of about 500 active volunteers, working in a variety of capacities and settings. Ha Brock, RA’s volunteer specialist, manages RA’s volunteer program and makes sure that there is a good match with the volunteer and the job. Those with a knack for gardening and who would like to beautify natural spaces, then the Weed Warriors program might be ideal. This group is out and about in Reston, removing invasive exotic plants from forested areas, which can grow rapidly, eventually taking over the native ferns, wildflowers and tree seedlings. Weed Warriors volunteers and staff meet every fourth Saturday from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., from March to October.
Or, those who don’t mind sloshing around in a stream bed, checking water quality, identifying wildlife and collecting data as a stream monitor, can help to assess the health of local watersheds. Several monitoring sessions are available per year, with training given by the watershed staff. A two-year commitment is encouraged for this project.
Shorter-term endeavors are also available that will allow even the busiest person the opportunity to make a difference in the community they live in. These include festivals or events like Halloween Trail or Potomac Watershed Clean Up Day. Those who prefer to be indoors might want to work behind the camera or perhaps do light office work.
The advisory committees are where individuals can immerse themselves in a cause or area that is best suited to them. These include:
* Reston Neighborhood Advisory Committee
* Environmental Advisory Committee
* Parks and Planning Advisory Committee
* Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee
* Seniors Advisory Committee
* Tennis Advisory Committee
* Transportation Advisory Committee
* Communications Advisory Committee
Each committee comprises up to 15 members and includes a Board and at least one staff liaison and generally meet once a month. Via a committee application, interested members are approved by the RA Board of Directors and serve a one-year term. More information on the committees and an application can be found at www.reston.org.