Celebrating Arlington's Historical Heritage
by Laura L. Bobeczko
This year, Arlington is celebrating its bicentennial, and the wealth of the County's historical and cultural heritage is quite apparent. One local group, the Arlington Heritage Alliance (AHA), focuses on the preservation and creative uses of Arlington's historic, architectural, cultural, and natural resources of local or national significance. Founded in 1989, AHA is a private nonprofit group. It is the county's only organization dedicated to preserving Arlington's history and architecture, and currently has a membership of approximately 250 people.

AHA focuses on both the built and the natural environments that make Arlington County a singular and desirable place to live and work. Its goal is to encourage the appreciation of Arlington's past and to advance the creative use of its historic and significant features, including unique early-to-mid 20th century commercial and residential architecture, distinctive neighborhoods, and precious open space. Preservation and intelligent development grow ever more important as many local sites face neglect, misuse, and destruction.

The group's architectural historians and preservation experts regularly research, document, and address important issues. They speak at meetings of the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB), the County Board, the County Planning Commission, and the National Park Service. AHA provides preservation information to, and works with, local public/private partnerships, civic associations, and local nonprofit organizations. It also cooperates with state and national entities, including the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This year the Alliance released its first "Arlington's Most Endangered Places" list, which highlighted six threatened historic resources located within the County's boundaries. This list was compiled by the group's Board of Directors to increase public awareness of these disparate resources. It included a wide range of individual properties and building types, each with its own unique history but each facing different threats. This year's "Most Endangered Places" included Fort Ethan Allen, low-rise garden apartment complexes, Glebe House, local public school buildings, Lustron houses, and the intersection of Columbia Pike and South Fillmore Street. For more information on these sites, please visit AHA's Web site at www.capaccess.org/com/arlingtonheritage.

Laura L. Bobeczko is chair of the Arlington Heritage Alliance. For AHA membership information and volunteer opportunities, please contact her at 703-241-0626 or by email at lauralbobeczko@aol.com.

Is Something Rotten in Arsenic Treated Wood?
by Sue Eisenfeld
Most homeowners in Arlington have made a trip to the lumber yard at some point to buy pressure-treated wood. Maybe it was for a new deck, a fence, or even a gazebo. Whatever the project was, deciding what kind of lumber to buy probably wasn't the biggest decision they made. Maybe next time it should be.

While most people appreciate the protection against dry rot, fungi, mold, termites, and other pests that pressure-treated wood offers, they may not be aware that the wood preservatives within it could have environmental and health effects. In particular, a specific type of pressure-treated wood used for most home construction projects, known as chromated copper arsenate (CCA), contains arsenic, which can present several risks.

The one area on which EPA, the treated wood industry, and environmentalists agree is that do-it-yourselfers should take simple precautions against CCA exposure while cutting or handling the wood. That means using eye protection, gloves, masks, and other easy protective measures. Other exposure issues are sources of disagreement among the interested parties. Some people are concerned that CCA can leach into the groundwater and possibly into drinking water while in use or when disposed of in landfills. Other people are concerned that skin contact with CCA-treated wood can lead to unsafe exposures. EPA and industry deny both.

While no clear, scientific answers seem to exist, the regulatory history and information presented in the recent press present some interesting facts and provide a sense of politically-motivated undercurrents.

For example, while EPA requires wood treated with other types of preservatives to undergo testing, determination of toxicity, and possibly treatment to reduce toxicity before disposal (when generated by businesses-not individuals), CCA has been exempted from these hazardous waste disposal regulations.

A 1997 article from Environmental Building News suggests this decision was likely the result of strong lobbying pressure from the industry. An article published earlier this year in the St. Petersburg Times (Florida), which was considered alarmist and sensationalist by some, claimed that

"EPA reviewed treated wood 19 years ago. As one of its options, the agency considered an outright ban but decided that 'the economic impact which would result from across-the-board cancellation would be immense.'"

According to the American Wood Preservers Institute (AWPI),

"EPA conducted an extensive eight-year study where it determined that the benefits of pressure-treated wood products outweigh any potential risks." AWPI also says that "wood preservatives do not aggressively leach into the ground or waterways [or] drinking water supplies...[emphasis added]."

The St. Petersburg article also claimed that pressure-treated wood used in playground equipment in several locations in Florida was leaching arsenic into the nearby soil at seven to 11 times the state's safe limit. The article also said that Connecticut's health department issued a warning three years ago that exposure from CCA-treated wood can be the major source of arsenic exposure for children who frequently play on CCA-treated playscapes, treehouses, or decks. An environmental scientist who responded to the article stated that most of the United States has natural levels of arsenic well above state standards.

Where does this information leave environmentally-concerned and health-conscious do-it-youselfers in Arlington? Like all environmental issues that involve product decisions, you should always aim to reduce toxins by using alternative products, reusing products instead of throwing them away, and following safety precautions described on the label by the manufacturers or by EPA. Here are some helpful hints:

Reduce Toxic Use:

• Use alternative lumber, such as cedar or cypress, instead of pressure-treated wood. While these woods can cost more, they are naturally rot-resistant and therefore do not require the use of chemicals.
• Use dead black locust trees for small projects instead of pressure-treated wood. Black locust is also naturally rot-resistant.
• Use plastic lumber (recycled plastic would be best) or fiber cement as an alternative to wood.
• When buying treated wood, buy ACQ instead of CCA. ACQ (ammoniacal copper quaternary compound, known as ammoniacal copper quat) does not contain arsenic. It is harder to find but can be special ordered. The more people request it, the easier it will be to find.
• When hiring a contractor to build a structure, specify the use of naturally rot-resistant woods or ACQ.

• When using traditional pressure-treated woods, salvage and reuse scraps and previously used wood to avoid throwing it in the trash. Take Safety and Health Precautions:
• Always wear eye protection, dust masks, and gloves when sawing or sanding treated wood to avoid contact with the sawdust.
• Never use treated wood for cutting boards, countertops, or portions of beehives that come in contact with honey.
• Never use pressure-treated wood where it might come in direct or indirect contact with public drinking water.
• Never use pressure-treated wood where the preservative might become a component of food or animal feed, such as structures or containers for storing silage or food.
• Use only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue for patios, decks, and walkways.
• Never burn any treated wood in open fires, fireplaces, wood stoves, or residential boilers, as it can cause toxic fumes.
• After working with pressure-treated wood and before eating, drinking, or using tobacco products, wash exposed skin thoroughly.
• If pressure-treated wood sawdust accumulates on clothes, launder separately from other household clothing.

Slugs range from one-half to 10 inches long and have gray to black or brown soft bodies that can be streaked with markings. They excrete a silvery slime that enables them to move easily across various surfaces and leave a visible trail that can even be seen on spider webs.

Sometimes hermaphroditic (having both male and female organs) they can mate with themselves, though cross-fertilization is more common. They lay clear, pearl-like eggs in masses that can lay dormant for long periods of time during drought.

More than 30 different slug species exist, many of which are not native to North America and were accidentally imported on agricultural goods.

Common slugs found in local gardens include the garden slug or European slug Limax maximus and the gray garden slug Agriolimax reticulatus.

Slugs feed at night in moist areas and eat most plants. They particularly enjoy cabbage and lettuce, daffodils, hostas, strawberries, Trillium, and begonias.

Though slugs can wreak havoc on a garden, many non-chemical methods can help prevent slug damage, including:

• Water plants in the morning, allowing them to dry during the course of the day.
• Cultivate soil in the spring to bring slug eggs to the surface where they dry out. Pay particular attention to shady areas.
• Keep compost piles away from the garden and keep mulch pulled away from plant stems.
• Leave adequate space between plants to allow them to dry.
• Hand-pick slugs off plants two hours after sunset.
• Use barriers around plants including copper strips, diatomaceous earth, ashes, or sawdust.
• Create garden borders with plants that repel slugs, for example red cabbage, sunflowers, ivy, and many herbs such as ginger, garlic, mint, and chives.

Creating Wildlife Habitat in Arlington
By Janine Finnell
A new Arlington project focusing on creating wildlife habitat-by providing food, water, shelter, and places to raise young-will begin this fall.

Interested residents are creating a team, the first step to register Arlington as a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat. This effort will help make the County more wildlife-friendly and create sustainable landscapes that promote neighborhood beautification, safety, and resource conservation.

NWF and ACE will be sponsoring a public meeting on Tuesday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Public Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, to provide information on creating urban wildlife habitat for homeowners, businesses, churches, and schools. The NWF Community Habitat Program is an extension of their backyard, schoolyard, and workplace habitat programs which certify landscapes that provide habitat for wildlife. The steps of creating a Community Wildlife Habitat include forming a team, developing a vision statement and basic plan of action, registering the project, and certifying the community.

To date, only three communities in the nation-including our neighboring community, Reston-have been certified by NWF as Community Wildlife Habitats.

The September meeting will include speakers from NWF, the Reston Community Wildlife Habitat team, and others to discuss steps needed to make Arlington a certified community habitat and how residents can be a part of this process.

Information about the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat Program can be found at www.nwf.org/habitats. For more information about the September meeting or to get involved in Arlington's Community Wildlife Habitat Team, contact ACE at 703-228-6427.

Discover Arlington's Diversity
Arlington County's multicultural program events-taking place throughout the County, July through October-offer opportunities to experience the music, food, and culture of other countries. "These programs are wonderful celebrations, particularly since children are actively involved," says Mary Briggs from the County's Office of Multicultural Programs.

ACE will once again participate in several of this year's summer multicultural celebrations. Volunteers are needed for one- to two-hour shifts to staff the ACE booth and help oversee several educational games for children. ACE plans to have booths at the following celebrations:

• July 14: Bangladesh Celebration, Thomas Jefferson Theater
• July 29: Peruvian Festival, Barcroft Park
• August 26: Ecuadorian Festival, Lubber Run Amphitheater
• September 30: Vietnamese Lunar Festival, Thomas Jefferson Gym

Project Watershed Watch
Starting this summer, there are new opportunities for residents to get involved in improving the Four Mile Run watershed. Arlington County's newly expanded Project Watershed Watch program, which offers a variety of volunteer activities, is kicking off with a summer picnic in July. Throughout the year, there will be additional volunteer and educational programs.

The Project Watershed Watch summer picnic will take place on Sunday, July 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Barcroft Park, 4100 S. Four Mile Run Drive. The events of the afternoon include a work session to clean up the stream, free food and drink offered by ACE's sponsors, and opportunities to learn about various volunteer programs. These volunteer programs include Adopt-A-Stream, stream monitoring, invasive plant removal, storm drain marking, and educational outreach. The event is free but registration is required.

A training program is scheduled for September for those volunteers who are interested in learning how to deliver watershed presentations to adults and students. There are two date choices: Thursday, September 13 and 20, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., or Saturday, September 22, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The training will include background information about Four Mile Run and urban watershed issues. Complete outlines and materials for delivering presentations will also be provided. Application forms are now available for the training program.

For more information on the kick off picnic, the training program or to register, contact ACE at office@arlingtonenvironment.org or 703-228-6427. This program is presented by Arlington County Department of Environmental Services; Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources; and ACE with support from the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Enjoy Wednesdays in the Park
Scenic Potomac Overlook Regional Park is the setting for a wonderful summer presentation series, "Wednesdays in the Park," a joint project of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and ACE. "This program offers local residents a chance to enjoy a topical presentation and meet other people with similar interests," says Martin Ogle, Chief Naturalist of Potomac Overlook Regional Park. The series, now in its fifth year, runs every other Wednesday through August 22. Adults are invited for informal presentations, conversation, an outdoor activity, and a light supper.

Potomac Overlook Park is located at the end of Marcey Road, off Military Road, in North Arlington. Programs run between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. with a suggested donation of $4 per person for dinner. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling Potomac Overlook Regional Park at 703-528-5406.

This summer's presentations include:

• July 11 - Knowing Your Bees and Local Insects
• July 25 - Animal and Plant Lore; Local and Abroad
• August 8 - Energy Efficiency
• August 22 - Organic Food and Organic Gardening

County Fair Turns 25!
It's August, which means it's time again for the Arlington County Fair. This year, the fair will take place August 16-19 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. Its theme is "A Silver Celebration." Go to www.capaccess.org/com/arlcty/fair/ for more information. If you attend, stop by the ACE booth to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. A special exhibit at the fair this year will be "Energy in Our Lives," presented by the Arlington Cooperative Extension 4-H program in partnership with other community organizations. The energy activities will take place Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19 in the Gold Commons Room. For more information about "Energy in Our Lives," including volunteer opportunities for adults and teens, contact Sue Philley at 703-228-6404.

Calendar Sales Begin
For the third year, ACE will sell its popular calendar at its booth at the Arlington County Fair. The 2002 calendar features 12 winning photographs from the Scenic Arlington Student Photography Contest. The photographs-taken by local students-are reproduced in black and white and feature natural scenes in Arlington. To get a calendar, stop by the ACE booth at the County Fair or send a check for $10 (includes $2 shipping and handling) to ACE, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA 22206.

ACE Debuts New Web Site
Starting July 1, ACE's Web site-now found at www.arlingtonenvironment.org- has a new look. The site has been redesigned and features a new navigation system as well as additional content. The site contains information about upcoming events, descriptions of ACE's schoolyard and watershed programs, and newsletter archives. It also includes press releases, links to local organizations, and information about cleanups. Soon to be added is a "Fun" section with a quiz, coloring book, and a slide show.

Kudos and thanks to Jessica Wexler, the ACE Webmaster, for her work on this project.

Lawn Care Class
The Arlington Office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering a lawn care class that teaches how to keep lawns green and healthy while reducing the amount of chemicals going into local streams. The class takes place in five parts, two sessions in the fall and three sessions in the spring.

The fall classes will take place September 8 and October 6, 9:00 a.m. - noon, at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington. Spring classes will take place in March, April and May. The fee is $10. To get the best results, attendance in all classes is suggested. The program is funded in part by the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund. For more information, call 703-228-6414 and ask for the Clean Green Scene Lawn Care Information.

Thanks to Our Donors and Volunteers
Volunteers this Quarter:
Organizations:
Arlington East Falls Church Civic Association; Girl Scout Troops #3458, #3879, and #3931; Single Volunteers of DC; Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington