Image by BeyondDC.

Start your new year right with events about Route 1 in Fairfax, car technology, DC’s 11th Street Bridge, trees, and more.

Growth and the environment on Route 1: Development along Route 1 in Fairfax County can make the area more lively, and if done right, also help improve water quality at the same time.

The Coalition for Smarter Growth will follow up its recent walking tour of the area with a talk by Danielle Wynne of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works about the county’s ideas for redeveloping the area and protecting the environment. Join the discussion on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:15 pm at 2511 Parkers Lane in Alexandria.

Transportation tech about the car: Despite growth in transit, walking, and bicycling, many people drive and technology can help with that as well. This month’s Transportation Techies Meetup features researchers and companies working on apps and technology to improve your driving and parking. This month’s meetup is Thursday, January 8 at the Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd in Arlington, from 6 to 9 pm (presentations start at 6:30).

11th Street Bridge Park design: The team that created the winning design for a new park across the Anacostia River will talk about their work at a panel discussion at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, on Thursday, January 8, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The event is $12 for NBM members and $20 for nonmembers; buy tickets in advance.

Casey Trees for the kids: If you are an environmentally conscious parent with young children 2 to 4 years old, join Casey Trees for a tree-focused story time, this Friday, January 9, 10-10:45 at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE. It features environmentally-focused books, songs, and craft time, and every family will leave with a scavenger hunt to complete.

ACT with David Alpert: This month’s meeting of the Action Committee for Transit will feature Greater Greater Washington founder David Alpert, who will talk about how blogs, advocates, businesses, and government officials all have to work together to win support for transit and other projects. The meeting is Tuesday, January 13 starting at 7:30 at the Silver Spring Civic Center, One Veterans Place.

Talk about the transition: A group of DC advocacy organizations has been working to get ideas from residents around the city for Muriel Bowser’s mayoralty. The work will culminate in a town hall meeting on Saturday, January 17. The organizers hope to draw a representative sample of residents from all parts of the District.

Do you know of an upcoming event that may be interesting, relevant, or important to Greater Greater Washington readers? Send it to us at events@ggwash.org.