Partnerships with corporations, foundations and individuals are critical to the success of the Fairfax County Park Foundation. A partnership that the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Fairfax County Park Authority have appreciated since 2009 is that with Transurban, the operator of the 495/95/395 Express Lanes.

“At Transurban, we're more than the roads we operate; we're dedicated to supporting communities along the 395, 95 and 495 Express Lanes. We're long-time supporters of the Fairfax County Park Foundation, actively working to improve the environment and community well-being. Our goal is to help deliver more sustainable communities along our corridors—where people can live, work, and play for the long term.” said Amanda Allen, Transurban Government and Community Relations Manager.

 

Transurban’s support ranges from environmental education projects to sponsoring the Summer Entertainment Series, a Chessie’s BIG Backyard Carousel horse named Elane and many other park improvements and outreach programs. Their most recent donation was for an Invasive Management Area (IMA) project at Churchill Road Park. Not only did they make a monetary donation, but Transurban employees volunteered for an IMA Workday project.

 

“Transurban’s contribution was used to treat about 1.5 acres of parkland and trees struggling under the weight of several invasive vines. Transurban employees also joined us at an IMA Workday to volunteer their time and energy. These volunteers helped to weed and mulch around recently planted native trees and built individual protective cages around oak trees and dogwoods. They also helped to remove weeds around the park’s playground. With the IMA Programs limited budget and staffing, our volunteers’ contributions to invasive plant management and maintenance of restoration plantings are highly valued and appreciated.” stated Gloria Medina, IMA Manager.

Volunteers are critical in helping the Park Authority manage invasive species on parkland. Donations further protect the parks by giving a greater capacity to control invasive species through contractor support where volunteers may not be able to reach. Donations may be made directly to the IMA Program. Interested groups may reach out to the IMA Program online to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Invasive Management Area (IMA) Program teams are grateful for Transurban’s continued support and their in-kind donation of funds and volunteerism for invasive plant management at Churchill Road Park.