GreenSpirit NOVA

04/10/2026

03/18/2026

While the population of eastern migratory monarch butterflies remains far below the long-term average, there’s some hopeful news to share today: according to this year’s WWF-Mexico-led survey, monarch butterfly colonies occupied 7.24 acres of forest compared to 4.42 acres the winter before (the survey took place during the 2025-2026 winter).

03/18/2026

For 35 years, Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has been the public face of Conservation International, but he’s also wielded his influence behind the scenes, petitioning state-level decision-makers for urgent conservation action. Motivated by the organization’s mission (“saving life on Earth, basically,” as he describes it), Ford works tirelessly to champion biodiversity. And he's encouraging older climate and conservation warriors to make way for the new generation of advocates. Discover his next steps: https://on.natgeo.com/BRFBHFDC031726

The National Geographic 33—inspired by our 33 founders—is an initiative honoring changemakers who are rising to meet the most critical challenges of our time, making meaningful progress and incredible breakthroughs.

03/18/2026

BIG NEWS! We're projecting cherry blossom Peak Bloom to arrive between March 29 – April 1 this year.
🌸🌸🌸
Peak Bloom is defined as the period of time when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms - the most common variety - are open, creating gorgeous clouds of white and pink flowers floating around the Tidal Basin. Peak Bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions and usually occurs during the last week of March or the first week of April. Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958). The Yoshino trees typically bloom for only several days, making a short-lived scene of splendor that is one of Washington, D.C.'s most anticipated events.
🌸🌸🌸
Photo from last year's Peak Bloom by Nate Adams, National Park Service.

03/03/2026

Wonderful program

Our pets wanted to send a BIG thank you to all our friends who joined us for Reading Tails this past weekend! Reading Tails is an educational program where kids learn about the shelter and improve their reading skills by reading to shelter pets. Our readers get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter, plus plenty of time to read to an animal of their choosing - dog, cat, mouse, and even more!

All of our March sessions are currently filled. Spots fill up fast, so keep an eye on our website for new sessions! Link: https://shorturl.at/usD4b

03/03/2026

Arya wants to thank her new friend, Chief Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department, for choosing her for February’s Chief’s Choice! Arya is the doggy equivalent of being on vacation and feeling the soft sunlight start to warm your face as you slowly drift off to sleep: no need to set an alarm, no worries, just peace…

Arya absolutely adores her human friends and would love a home that can offer that constant companionship. Don’t worry about a heating bill because Arya will keep you warm 24/7 with nonstop cuddles. She still enjoys playing with her toys and will happily accept any new offerings to add to her dragon hoard. Here’s what Arya’s foster mom shared:

“Arya is such a loving dog and she truly showed it during her time in foster. I love a velcro dog who literally wants to be by your side ALL THE TIME. She just wants your undivided attention and will only take occasional breaks to chew on her durable toys or nap on the couch, preferably next to you. She enjoys cozy beds, car rides, looking out the window, and going on long walks (when she has the energy for it). She is fully housetrained and can be left alone for hours at a time. She can be a bit nervous in new/loud environments and does best if there is a comfy spot such as a crate or big fluffy blanket for her to escape to.”

Arya was diagnosed with a condition called hypothyroidism. For Arya, this means a lower metabolism, decreased activity, and dry skin/hair. She recently began treatment for this condition and has shown improvement with daily medication. She’ll need this medication for the rest of her life: a small trade for such an amazing best dog friend!

Learn more about Arya at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices. 🐶

02/18/2026

02/03/2026

01/03/2026

12/28/2025

AT THE END OF THE YEAR

As this year draws to its end,
We give thanks for the gifts it brought
And how they became inlaid within
Where neither time nor tide can touch them...

Days when beloved faces shone brighter
With light from beyond themselves;
And from the granite of some secret sorrow
A stream of buried tears loosened.

We bless this year for all we learned,
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

Excerpt from the blessing, 'At the End of the Year,' from the books
Benedictus (Europe) / To Bless the Space Between Us (US)
Ordering Info: https://johnodonohue.com/store

Winter Sunset at the Cliffs of Moher
County Clare, Ireland
Photo: © Ann Cahill