Greening Amherst County Public Libraries
In an effort to increase public awareness of stormwater runoff and reduce it, the James River Association is working alongside Amherst County and Amherst County Public Library to plan green infrastructure that manages stormwater at library branches in Amherst County. Planning is underway at Amherst County Public Library and Madison Heights Public Library.
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff carries pollution to the James River and its tributaries. Every time it rains, pollutants including sediment, fertilizers, and bacteria from pet waste flow from our yards into local waterways via stormwater runoff. Stormwater pollution impairs the health of the James and threatens the health of people and wildlife.
What is green infrastructure?
Green infrastructure is a solution to stormwater pollution. Green infrastructure encompasses stormwater management practices including rain gardens, conservation landscaping, and street trees that enhance our built environment and the ecosystem of which we are a part. Green infrastructure contributes to healthier communities by intercepting and filtering stormwater, improving air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect. It also provides habitat for wildlife living among us.
Amherst County Public Library is going green
Amherst County Public Library – 382 South Main Street, Amherst, Virginia
The Greening Amherst County Public Libraries team is creating a green infrastructure site plan for Amherst County Public Library and is seeking input from residents of Amherst County. A public meeting will be held at the library on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
- Click here to complete a questionnaire for Amherst County Public Library
Madison Heights Public Library is going green
Madison Heights Public Library – 200 River James Shopping Center, Madison Heights, Virginia
The Greening Amherst County Public Libraries team is creating a green infrastructure site plan for Madison Heights Public Library and is seeking input from residents of Amherst County. A public meeting will be held at the library on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
- Click here to complete a questionnaire for Madison Heights Public Library
Go Green At Home!
Every time it rains, pollutants including sediment, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and bacteria from pet waste flow from our yards into local waterways via stormwater runoff. Stormwater pollution adversely impacts the health of the James and threatens the health of people and wildlife. River Hero Homes is a community of stewards that realize the first step to a healthier James River starts at home. Implementing river-friendly conservation practices at homes is as easy as properly disposing of pet waste, using native plants, reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and conserving water.
Sign up for rain barrel workshop notifications
The James River Association is offering rain barrel and native plants workshops at Amherst County Public Libraries. Sign up to receive a notification when workshop registration opens.
Many Thanks to our Partners
Greening Amherst County Public Libraries is a collaboration between Amherst County, Amherst County Public Library, and James River Association. Generous support for the initiative is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Chesapeake Bay Program.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 4I-95325001-1 to the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the Environmental Protection Agency endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document, as well as any images, video, text, or other content created by generative artificial intelligence tools, nor does any such content necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Please direct questions about the Greening Amherst County Public Libraries initiative to Justin Doyle, the James River Association’s Director of Community Conservation, at jdoyle@thejamesriver.org.