Richmond Roots: Cultivating Urban & Community Forestry

Exciting changes await the City of Richmond! Thanks to a recent grant from the USDA/VA Department of Forestry, RES is spearheading a transformative initiative alongside our dedicated partners Southside ReLeaf (SSRL) and Groundwork RVA (GWRVA). Together, we will bring a new Richmond City Park to the community to increase disadvantaged neighborhoods’ access to high-quality urban forest green space.

Did you know that nearly 70% of Richmond’s residents live in disadvantaged communities? That’s roughly 145,000 individuals who lack easy access to green spaces and suffer from the scorching effects of urban heat islands.

Our project aims to revive an overlooked urban forest parcel, a step towards securing environmental justice for the community while boosting the area’s ecological health. The City has approved an urban forestry project and park at Ernest Road Park, a 1.5-acre forested City-owned property.

A variety of invasive plant species infest the understory of the forest. This project will revitalize this neglected space, significantly benefiting the local community and ecosystem. RES will lead and manage the ecological restoration aspect of this project, as well as provide technical training to support workforce development in the urban and community forestry space. 

Some of our key goals will be to:

• Improve park quality and accessibility for community engagement and health benefits.
• Combat invasive plants and prevent future invasions.
• Enhance ecological diversity by planting native species.
• Empower long-term stewards through community engagement and education.

RES, in collaboration with our partners, Southside ReLeaf (SSRL) and Groundwork RVA (GWRVA), is leading the charge for environmental justice and community revitalization. But our efforts won’t stop there.

Working hand in hand with the City’s Park and Recreation Department, our team is exploring avenues to expand access to neighboring green spaces, ensuring that our project leaves a lasting impact on the community.

Our initiatives go beyond mere restoration. We’re tackling invasive species across 60,000+ square feet of urban forest canopy while also planting over 6,000 native forest plants to enrich the existing ecosystem. Through these efforts, we’re not only preserving the native urban forest but also ensuring that residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park or greenspace, promoting health and well-being for all.

Mark your calendars! Community outreach for this transformative project kicks off in May 2024, with the park slated for full completion by 2026. Get ready to witness the transformation – because together, we’re building a greener, healthier future for Richmond.