TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012

Become a “Chesapeake Steward” with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The foundation is currently accepting applications for its Richmond area adult education course, VoiCes (Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards). 

The eight-week series of evening classes features a program taught by local professionals and experts focusing on the Chesapeake Bay and James River, water and wastewater issues, the watershed and citizen action. Participants are asked to perform a minimum of 40 hours of bay-related volunteer service to receive the full designation as a “Chesapeake Steward.” 

RVAgreen encourages conservation and support of the natural world and natural resources including water resources. You can read more about how water conservation, stormwater and wastewater all interact in the city’s sustainability plan.

For more information about the Chesapeake Steward program please contact: Lori Kersting at (804) 780-1392.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

During July 2012, the Richmond City Council voted on a resolution to adopt "RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability" as an official city plan. This resolution affirms City Council's support and commitment for the community based plan. You can read the resolution below.

Res. No. 2012-R69-103

WHEREAS, the City of Richmond has taken significant strides toward its sustainability goals which are to ensure that residents have the highest quality of life possible while improving the local environment and enhancing economic development and job creation opportunities;and

WHEREAS, the City received the silver award in 2010 and the gold award in 2011 in the Virginia Municipal League's Green Government Challenge in recognition of its sustainability achievements; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to further the sustainability goals in the City of Richmond and its communities, the City's Administration, in collaboration with stakeholders, experts and members of the community, developed a sustainability plan entitled "RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability," a copy of which is attached to this resolution; and

WHEREAS, "RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability" builds on existing sustainability efforts and priorities of the City of Richmond and its communities and local government best practices from around the country and is organized into five focus areas: Economic Development, Energy, Environment, Open Space and Land Use and Transportation; and

WHEREAS, the planning process for "RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability" was funded by an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant that the City received in 2010; and

WHEREAS, the City Council believes that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Richmond that the Council support the aforementioned sustainability plan and encourage its implementation to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That "RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability," a copy of which is attached to this resolution, is hereby adopted as the sustainability plan for the City.

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Follow the link to view your copy of RVAgreen: A Roadmap to Sustainability

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2012

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012

The James River Association is embarking on a project with The Chesapeake Conservancy and National Geographic Maps called Envision the James and they need your help! 

Envision the James is a multi-year, collaborative project that seeks to engage communities and individuals around the James River in creating a common vision for the river to benefit present and future generations. As this initiative is community-based, it relies on feedback and suggestions from interested residents, organizations and communities. 

The best way to help now is to fill out a brief survey and let the organization know what your thoughts are on the James River regarding recreational access, heritage tourism, wildlife, and habitat conservation and restoration. Just click the link below. 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EnvisionTheJamesSurvey 

For more information on Envision the James click the link below. 
http://www.envisionthejames.org

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

There's a new smart phone app called RVA Parks. This easy to use app provides searchable information, maps and directions to city parks, playgrounds and community centers using the following search criteria: 

•  Athletic Fields
• Baseball/Softball Fields
• Basketball Courts
• Community Centers
• Lighted Areas
• Playground Shelter or park houses
• Restrooms
• Tennis Courts
• Tot Lots, and Walk/Exercise Trails

The app can be download onto iPhones, iPads or Android phones from the  Apple Store or the Google Play Store. To view a tutorial on how to use the RVA Parks app, visit: RVA Parks.

RVA Parks provides a new mobile medium to communicate with the City about the parks system. City residents can report issues by calling 3-1-1, logging into the Citizens’ Request systems online, or using the RVA Parks app. Provide the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities with feedback and report concerns by taking a picture and sending it by email directly from your smart phone.

Download the app, and find your favorite Richmond park today!