latest news

At our April meeting, the CCCA membership first voted to amend Section 501(c) of the CCCA’s Constitution to read as follows: “With respect to the office of President, First Vice-President, or Second Vice-President, a person may not be elected to more than four consecutive terms in that office.” Previously, the provision limited election to those offices to two consecutive terms.

Following the vote, we proceeded with our Annual Green Meeting, which was organized by our Garden Club. In partnership with the District of Columbia’s Department of the Environment, we celebrated Earth Day with a free educational, hands-on workshop to help homeowners create unique backyard habitats for wildlife. Damien Ossi, from DOE’s Fish and Wildlife Division, explained that his division, which is responsible for environmental management and protection in the District, sponsors the workshops to promote environmentally-friendly habitats in private yards and public spaces.

Next, Karen Mullen of the National Audubon Society discussed ways to create backyard wildlife habitats that support our local ecosystem by helping to restore and maintain ecological balance. For example, Mullen explained that in order to thrive, migratory birds that return to DC in the spring, such as the wood thrush (DC’s “State Bird”), need to eat specific types of caterpillars and insects that are supported by particular plants. Indeed, ninety percent of native insects are specialists – eating only three families of plants. Accordingly, native trees and shrubs are needed instead of non-native trees and vast lawns. Participants received a free habitat kit containing a native plant guide, an invasive plant booklet, a book on wildlife gardening, a birdhouse kit, and a live plant.

After the discussion, participants in the workshop actually created an environmentally-friendly habitat by planting a native tree and a garden with native plants on the Chevy Chase Commons outside the Chevy Chase Community Center. Thanks to all who participated.