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Trees for a Healthier Richmond!
Tree canopy coverage is an important asset to urban areas, creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. From cleaning our air and filtering our water, to slowing down storm surge and flooding in our cities, trees also provide shade that can cool areas by up to 10 degrees, helping to prevent heat-related deaths and illessess in urban areas that suffer from heat island effect. Green spaces and park settings are also linked to better health outcomes, in both reducing stress-related mental health issues, and by improving overall health development in children, and encouraging physical activity.
Join the City of Richmond's Parks & Rec for a community tree care and shrub planting day! We will be planting shrubs in the understory of some exsisting mature trees in Petronius Jones Park, located in the Randolph neighborhood. By planting these shrubs and establishing a "no-mow" area, we will be creating a root buffer zone that will protect the mature trees, while also slowing down erosion of the adacent walking trail.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
Volunteers will be assisting staff from the Parks & Rec Trails Crew, in planting shrubs and establishing a "no-mow" area. Duties will include hand digging and planting the small bare-root shrubs, mulching the entire area in, and installing "no-mow" fencing and signage. Volunteers may want to bring along sunscreen or a head covering, as well as a refillable water bottle (and snack if needed).
Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
Tools and gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring along your own gloves if preferred. Sturdy closed toed shoes/boots, long sleeves and pants are required. No prior experience or special skills necessary, though some lifting (max. 50lbs), kneeling, bending, grasping, pushing/pulling and stooping will be required. All activities will be located outdoors, on uneaven terrain (ie. sloped grassy lawn, crushed stone walking trail, walking path edges, surface roots of trees). Please be aware of the weather forecast, and dress accordingly - this event is rain or shine, however advance communication will be sent if we need to cancel.
Time Commitment:
This event will be on Saturday, January 11th with two shifts: 11am- 1pm & 1pm-3pm. Please arrive on time and plan on staying for the full 2-hours. Sign-ups close 24 hrs before the opportunity! This allows for proper planning and communication.
Other Information:
Volunteer hours will be verified within 72hrs after the end of the event, though the CFengage website. Please bring your paperwork with you if a seperate form needs to be signed.
If arriving by bicycle, there are bike racks in the parking lot for the Randolph Pool
If arriving by GRTC Bus, Route 78 has nearby stops. Please visit http://ridegrtc.com/planning-your-trip/trip-planner for more details.
If arriving by vehicle, there is a small parking lot near by the work site, for the Randolph Pool. There is also ample street parking available along Idlewood Ave and the adjacent neighborhood. Car pooling is encouraged!
Have a large group or want to learn more details about this event? Feel free to reach out to the event leader Andrew.Alli@rva.gov!
Volunteers who sign up for Inaugural Day of Service projects are invited to join us for a Kickoff event on Friday, January 10th from 4-6 pm at Midtown Green. You will receive a link to register after you sign up for the volunteer project. Thank you for your participation!