ACPS Launches Native Roots Project for Earth Day

Project promotes education, sustainability, and environmental stewardship

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Dr. Alicia Kingcade, principal of John Adams Elementary School, and student creating a chalk drawing — Dr. Alicia Kingcade, Principal of John Adams Elementary School, wearing butterfly wings with her suit, helps the student draw colorful recycle art with chalk for Earth Day. Photo courtesy Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) marked Earth Day 2025 with the official launch of the Native Roots Project, an inspiring environmental and educational initiative at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) and John Adams Elementary School.

Spearheaded in collaboration with the Alexandria Beautification Commission and supported by Alx Dog Walk, the Native Roots Project aims to redefine school landscapes as vibrant, sustainable learning spaces. The project goes far beyond beautification—it’s a bold step toward sustainability, integrating native plants and eco-conscious landscaping to foster local biodiversity, while creating hands-on learning environments for students.

School board chair Michelle Rief with students — School Board Chair Michelle Rief learns about planting sunflowers with the John Adams Elementary School students on Earth Day. Photo courtesy Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra

During the Earth Day celebration, students at both schools rolled up their sleeves and dug into a day of immersive outdoor activities. From planting native flowers and creating a butterfly garden, to working in raised vegetable beds, journaling, and expressing themselves through nature-themed art, students explored how the environment can serve as both classroom and inspiration.

The newly transformed outdoor spaces will be used as living classrooms where students will conduct science experiments, observe plant life cycles, study ecosystems, and build a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility for years to come.

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Julie Chapman of ALX Dog Walk at Earth Day event — Julie Chapman, Founder and Chair of Board of Directors of ALX Dog Walk which promotes plastic-free and sustainable living was presenting sponsor of Earth Day event. Photo courtesy Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra

The project received generous support from local businesses and individuals including Greenstreet Gardens, Eva Hartman, and Monster Organics. Their contributions helped bring the vision to life, making the outdoor transformation possible.

Several community leaders and ACPS officials attended the event to show their support, including Alexandria City School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief, ACPS Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart, John Adams Elementary Principal Dr. Alicia Kingcade, ECC Principal Heidi Haggerty Wagner, and Eleanor Trice of the Alexandria Beautification Commission. Student representatives and members of the ACPS Senior Leadership Team were also present, highlighting the strong community commitment to sustainability and education.

Earth Day photo group shot — Sponsors with Presenting Sponsor Julie Chapman of ALX Dog Walk with ACPS officials and staff, and event organizers. Photo courtesy of Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra

As the Native Roots Project takes root, it promises not only to enrich the educational experience for ACPS students, but also to serve as a model for eco-friendly, community-driven school initiatives across the region.