Ralph Waldo Emerson, a member of the Unitarian Church, once wrote "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."

That was proven last Thursday at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church during a ceremony officially dedicating its recently completed stormwater improvement projects consisting of creating two rain gardens, an inlet structure and check dams to control runoff quantity and improve local water quality. The church is now designated a "Green Sanctuary."

Funded by Fairfax County for $60,000, these improvements are part of the church's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The "Green Sanctuary" program challenges congregations to demonstrate that they are "living their commitment to the earth, and that individual members and the church community are developing a sustainable life style."

Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, located on Windmill Lane in Mount Vernon District, became the first congregation in Fairfax County to participate in a public-private partnership for the benefit of the county's water resources. They supported construction of storm water management structures on their property by entering into a cooperative agreement with the county.

"We at the county knew that the people of the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church would partner with us. You have gone above and beyond to make this project possible. Working with this congregation have been very gratifying," said Stephen W. Aitcheson, director, Stormwater Planning Division, Fairfax County Department of Public Works & Environmental Services.

"Mount Vernon Unitarian Church is clearly a leader in the Mount Vernon area when it comes to environmental issues. The success of this project will serve as a model for future partnerships," he said.

That was echoed by Virginia State Senator Patricia S. "Patsy" Ticer (D-30), who praised the congregation for their community involvement and environmental stewardship.

"This is something to be very proud of and an example for others. I thank you for inviting me to participate in this dedication ceremony," she said.

The stormwater management elements installed at the church, which is situated atop Mason Hill and within the Little Hunting Creek watershed, will limit the volume of runoff, reduce erosion downslope, and remove pollutants by directing runoff from the church parking lot and driveway to the rain gardens and the new

inlet structure.

This project was initially identified during the development of the Little Hunting Creek Watershed Plan. It was prepared in collaboration with area residents and approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on February 7, 2005.

Watershed management plans are being developed for all 30 Fairfax County watersheds, Aitcheson told the small group assembled in the church sanctuary. They play an important role in restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

Little Hunting Creek watershed is considered poor in terms of biotic integrity, physical assessment and habitat. The goals of the improvement plan are to: reduce stormwater impacts from impervious surfaces; improve area habitats; improve stream water quality; and increase community involvement in watershed stewardship.

MVUC was also selected this month by the Unitarian Universalist Association as the single recipient nationwide of the prestigious Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action, which includes its environmental program. The church's social justice program focuses on a variety of social action efforts such as homelessness, affordable housing, and civil liberties that involve nearly 50 percent of the church's 360 members.

"Our church acts both locally and nationally to make the world a more just place. We are honored that our national church has recognized our efforts and are determined to keep up this work," said Georgeta Pourchot, chairperson, Social Justice Council.