MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012

June 9, 2012 marked the 13th anniversary of the James River Cleanup event. Last year 960 people from across the state took time to clean up one of the nation's most historic rivers. Since the James has always been an integral part of the city of Richmond, return the favor and help clean its shores. On land and on water, volunteers made this year's event a success. Richmond had three clean up hub sites: Byran Park (4308 Hermitage Road), Pony Pasture (Pony Pasture Rapids), and Reedy Creek (4101 Riverside Drive). For more information about the clean-up event, visit the James River Advisory Council.

Now enjoy your work!

The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission has released Rivers of the Richmond Region: A Public Access Guide highlighting the many public access points to the rivers in the Richmond area. To download the guide, visit the Rivers of Richmond Region page and scroll to the bottom for the link.

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012

Numerous trail crews, volunteers and professional land movers have been hard at work updating and developing new hiking and biking trails all around Richmond. 

The Belle Isle Skills Park, located under the Lee Bridge on the southeast corner of Belle Island, is open. This new park is an addition to the 18 miles of urban single track trails nestled into the James River, Forest Hill and Byrd parks. Endorsed and recommended by the Mayor’s Bicycle Pedestrian and Trails Commission, the park hopes to enhance the Belle Isle area and embrace the sport of offroad cycling.

According to the designers, “the learning curve for mountain biking is steep and this area will help beginners and intermediate cyclists practice new skills in a safe and controlled environment.” Whether you’re a beginner or professional, pedal down to Belle Isle and prepared to be amazed.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project is also open. This ongoing initiative encompasses the 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway. The sidewalk and street intersections of the Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian trails now connect businesses and the commercial corridor along E. Brookland Park Boulevard, allowing residential neighborhoods, schools, and community centers ease of access to these businesses by bicycling or walking. This trail increases the social, economic, and physical revitalization of the Northside and Gateway districts of Richmond.

City trails crew and volunteers have finished two new loops in the woods behind the Carillon in Dogwood Dell. Each is about a mile long, one for hiking and another for mountain biking.The best way to access the new trail heads is via Pump House Drive just north of the toll booth for the Boulevard Bridge.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012

The purpose of the Sustainable and Green Procurement Policy is to encourage the purchase and use of goods and services that best align with the city’s fiscal, environmental, social equity, economic growth, and community enhancement goals. The policy stems from the provisions of the Mayor’s Order #2011-4: For the Establishment of a Green Government. 

This policy encourages the purchase of environmentally preferable products that reduce the overall negative impact on the environment. To this end, the policy promotes the purchasing of recycled materials and other environmentally preferable goods and services that protect human and natural resources, prevent pollution, reduce waste, conserve resources, and support environmental sustainability.

As local government employees, we are faced daily with the reality that many of the products we buy can cause damage to the environment and/or public health. By purchasing EPPs we look to reduce those impacts, some of which can be severe. 

By purchasing EPPs that are:

• Made with a percentage of post-consumer recycled content instead of pure virgin products, we reduce the need to extract raw materials, such as petroleum, trees or metals, and in general use less energy and water.
• Manufactured using fewer toxic ingredients, we minimize the hazardous impacts of those products during the manufacturing process (e.g. water/air pollution) as well as reduce the damage caused through accidental spills and improper disposal. We also reduce the risk to workers handling the products, and the risks posed to building occupants when the product is in use. 
• Energy efficient, we help to limit energy consumption, which in turn lowers our emissions of carbon dioxide (a primary greenhouse gas) and other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (which causes acid rain). 

The purchasing decisions we make effect our local environment and the health of our employees and residents as well as the global community.  

For more information contact:

Procurement Services
900 E. Broad Street, Room 1104
Richmond, VA 23219

804-646-5716

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012

Mayor Dwight C. Jones invited residents and commuters to join him biking to work, May 18, 2012. Commuters gathered at Monroe Park at 7 a.m. a Bike To Work Day rally. Joining the mayor were members of his Pedestrian, Bicycling, and Trails Commission and cyclists from around the area who were participating in the 2012 City of Richmond Bicycle Commuter Challenge. After the rally, the group left for City Hall.

Commuter convoys met at the several locations to join the rally at Monroe Park, departing from Ellwood Thompson's, Tricycle Gardens, Forest Hill Park, Bryan Park, Plant Zero, and the Laurel Park Shopping Center.

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

Spring is the perfect time to start a vegetable garden. Tomatoes, summer squash, okra, peppers, cucumbers and bush beans are delicious additions to any summertime plate, and always taste better fresh from the garden!

Recognizing the value of urban agriculture, the City of Richmond established the Community Garden Program called "Richmond Grows Gardens" to promote the development of community gardens throughout the city. Community gardens build and strengthen the community, provide economic benefits, increase social equity and promote environmental stewardship. 

By providing access to affordable, nutritional foods, community gardening is among the most practical approaches to preventing and reducing obesity and associated diseases. Under the City's program, community gardens are created and maintained by Garden Groups and citizens. This helps the City decrease its operation and maintenance costs. Turning vacant lots into attractive gardens can also help neighborhoods more effectively attract and retain residents and businesses.

Urban agriculture improves the quality of life for urban residents by creating green spaces and enhancing the connections between garden participants. Community gardens can also provide environmental benefits including managing stormwater runoff by capturing and filtering water in the urban environment.

For more information or to start a garden of your own, visit the Community Gardens website.