Press Release: JRA Seeks Volunteers for Spring Plantings

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 2, 2022

CONTACT:

James River Association Seeks Volunteers for Spring Plantings at Richmond Public Libraries

Richmond, Virginia – The James River Association (JRA) is seeking volunteer assistance to help green the grounds of three Richmond Public Library branches. Implementation of green infrastructure plans for Broad Rock Branch Library, North Avenue Branch Library, and West End Branch Library, approved by the City of Richmond’s Urban Design Committee and Planning Commission, is underway. Beginning on March 16, volunteer assistance is needed to help advance green initiatives by installing trees, shrubs, and perennial plants on library grounds.

“After a few years of developing green infrastructure plans with community input for these three library branches, we are excited to roll up our sleeves and begin installing green infrastructure to manage stormwater on library grounds,” said Justin Doyle, JRA’s Director of Community Conservation. “We need volunteer assistance to install plants on library grounds and bring these projects to a successful completion.”

Volunteer assistance is needed at Broad Rock Branch Library, North Avenue Branch Library, and West End Branch Library on the following dates. Volunteers can register for one or multiple shifts.

Broad Rock Branch Library – 4820 Old Warwick Road, Richmond, Virginia

• Wednesday, March 16: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Wednesday, March 16: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Thursday, March 17: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Thursday, March 17: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

North Avenue Branch Library – 2901 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia

• Friday, March 18: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Friday, March 18: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

West End Branch Library – 5420 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia

• Tuesday, March 29: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Tuesday, March 29: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Wednesday, March 30: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Wednesday, March 30: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative, a collaboration between Richmond Public Library, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, JRA, and Four Winds Design, launched in 2019 with the implementation of a green infrastructure plan at Westover Hills Branch Library. Since then, the four partners have worked together to engage library users and stakeholders in a planning process that resulted in the green infrastructure plans for Broad Rock Branch Library, North Avenue Branch Library, and West End Branch Library.

The primary intention of these plans is to manage stormwater on library grounds through the installation of green infrastructure. Stormwater poses one of the biggest threats to the James River by carrying pollution to our waterways, and green infrastructure practices can significantly help reduce polluted runoff. The initiative is supported by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Altria, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, JRA, Richmond Public Library, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Department of Forestry.

Scott Firestine, Director of Richmond Public Library, said, “Richmond Public Library is thrilled to be a part of making our rivers cleaner and safer for all. Informing, educating and enriching is our mission and this perfectly aligns with that effort.”

Following the successful completion of projects at the Broad Rock, North Avenue, and West End library branches, the partners will embark on a green infrastructure planning process at East End Branch Library. Additionally, JRA intends to partner with Richmond Public Library and Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O to hold rain barrel workshops at a few library branches this spring. During these workshops, participants will learn how to assemble, install, and use rain barrels to harvest rainwater at home. Participants will also learn about the benefits of native plants and receive a native perennial to plant at home.

To volunteer, and for more information on the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative, please visit https://thejamesriver.org/greening-richmond-public-libraries/.

ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.