In the News
VDH: ‘Tree equity’ is a health issue, especially during summer months
ABC 8 NEWS
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is taking a look at equitable access to shade outdoors, or “tree equity,” and how this directly impacts health.
June 12, 2024, ABC 8 NEWS
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is taking a look at equitable access to shade outdoors, or “tree equity,” and how this directly impacts health.
According to data collected by the department, many communities in Richmond and Henrico County — especially those in poorer communities of color — have particularly low tree equity scores, meaning those who live there are at a higher risk of the health issues extreme heat can cause.
Member Highlight: Southside ReLeaf
Choose Clean Water Coalition
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition’s Virginia State Lead, Pat Calvert, interviews Amy Wentz and Sheri Shannon, cofounders of Southside ReLeaf.
June 10, 2024, Choose Clean Water Coalition
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition’s Virginia State Lead, Pat Calvert, interviews Amy Wentz and Sheri Shannon, co-founders of Southside ReLeaf. Their edited conversation follows.
Personality: Sheri Shannon
Richmond Free Press
Sheri Shannon has long believed that focused community-action work can battle climate change head on.
April 18, 2024, Richmond Free Press
Sheri Shannon has long believed that focused community-action work can battle climate change head on.
Williams: Richmond's growth is not sustainable without affordable housing
Richmond Times-Dispatch
J. Elias O’Neal moved from Texas to Richmond in 2016 and lived at Port RVA apartments, on Hull Street near the James River, before purchasing his current home in Blackwell.
April 6, 2024, Richmond Times-Dispatch
J. Elias O’Neal moved from Texas to Richmond in 2016 and lived at Port RVA apartments, on Hull Street near the James River, before purchasing his current home in Blackwell.
Southside lacks crucial infrastructure. Are city priorities, history holding it back?
VPM
Between sips of coffee, outgoing Richmond City Councilor Mike Jones recalls a ribbon cutting ceremony he attended in March for the opening of the Starbucks at Chippenham Parkway and Hull Street.
November 27, 2023, VPM
Between sips of coffee, outgoing Richmond City Councilor Mike Jones recalls a ribbon cutting ceremony he attended in March for the opening of the Starbucks at Chippenham Parkway and Hull Street.
Out with the green, in with the heat
Virginia Mercury
When I visited the Hickory Hill Community Center last week in Richmond’s Southside, the first thing I noticed was the pervasive presence of the Richmond Fire Department.
August 1, 2023, Virginia Mercury
When I visited the Hickory Hill Community Center last week in Richmond’s Southside, the first thing I noticed was the pervasive presence of the Richmond Fire Department.
Williams: A burn tower at a community center? Make it make sense, Richmond.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
The parking lot at the beleaguered Hickory Hill Community Center was nearly full Thursday evening. The center — inside and outdoors — was bustling.
July 29, 2023, Richmond Times-Dispatch
The parking lot at the beleaguered Hickory Hill Community Center was nearly full Thursday evening. The center — inside and outdoors — was bustling.
Could historic preservation be a tool for environmental justice? Richmond to find out.
Greater Greater Washington
While serving as a member of the Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable which helped craft the City of Richmond’s Climate Equity Action Plan 2030, Rev. Monica Esparza never imagined that less than a year later she would find herself fighting local officials to save green space in her own backyard from becoming a burn site.
July 27, 2023, Greater Greater Washington
While serving as a member of the Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable which helped craft the City of Richmond’s Climate Equity Action Plan 2030, Rev. Monica Esparza never imagined that less than a year later she would find herself fighting local officials to save green space in her own backyard from becoming a burn site.
South Richmond Residents Oppose Fire Training Facility
Inside Climate News
South Richmond residents are fighting back against a 21,0000-square-foot fire training facility approved for construction on a site bordering a wildlife sanctuary.
July 13, 2023, Inside Climate News
South Richmond residents are fighting back against a 21,0000-square-foot fire training facility approved for construction on a site bordering a wildlife sanctuary.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, partners create green spaces in Richmond's South Side
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Near the front doors of the Hickory Hill Community Center, Ann Jurczyk wades on her knees through the newly-added flower bed, pulling up any weeds in her path.
July 12, 2023, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Near the front doors of the Hickory Hill Community Center, Ann Jurczyk wades on her knees through the newly-added flower bed, pulling up any weeds in her path.
Richmond Fire eyes Southside field for new training facility
VPM
Some residents say the proposal would contradict Mayor Levar Stoney and City Council’s push for more green spaces south of the James River. Richmond Fire Department's proposal to build a new fire training facility on existing green space next to Hickory Hill Community Center in Richmond’s Southside has led to disagreements among city leaders and community members.
April 14, 2023, VPM
Some residents say the proposal would contradict Mayor Levar Stoney and City Council’s push for more green spaces south of the James River. Richmond Fire Department's proposal to build a new fire training facility on existing green space next to Hickory Hill Community Center in Richmond’s Southside has led to disagreements among city leaders and community members.
Activists sketch out plan for Henrico on fighting climate change
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Henrico County should be as green as its neighbors, activists say. Several localities have different degrees of climate plans. Chesterfield County announced a detailed plan in 2019. Richmond recently released its RVAgreen 2050, a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by the year 2030, and by 100% by the year 2050.
April 14, 2023, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Henrico County should be as green as its neighbors, activists say. Several localities have different degrees of climate plans. Chesterfield County announced a detailed plan in 2019. Richmond recently released its RVAgreen 2050, a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by the year 2030, and by 100% by the year 2050.
Throwing some shade in the less fortunate communities
After the Monuments podcast
Kelli and Michael Paul welcome Sheri Shannon to studio to talk about her work with Southside ReLeaf, a volunteer-run organization committed to building a healthy, equitable and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond.
February 21, 2023, After the Monuments podcast
Kelli and Michael Paul welcome Sheri Shannon to studio to talk about her work with Southside ReLeaf, a volunteer-run organization committed to building a healthy, equitable and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond.
35,870 trees planted in Richmond blows past 5-year goal, Department of Public Utilities announces
8 News
Richmond shot over a five-year goal for the number of trees to be planted in the city, the Department of Public Utilities announced Tuesday, Dec. 6.
December 8, 2022, 8 News
Richmond shot over a five-year goal for the number of trees to be planted in the city, the Department of Public Utilities announced Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Can U.S. cities use climate plans to 'undo' racist legacies?
Reuters
The Southside area of Richmond is home to industrial lots, racially diverse neighborhoods, an enormous tobacco facility – and little public greenery.
November 2, 2022, Reuters
The Southside area of Richmond is home to industrial lots, racially diverse neighborhoods, an enormous tobacco facility – and little public greenery.
Arbor Day RVA works to help city meet tree canopy goals
VPM
Reforest Richmond is working with grassroots groups and the city to celebrate Arbor Day RVA. The partner organizations have planned tree plantings, giveaways and more in an effort to build momentum toward the city’s tree-cover goals.
October 21, 2022, VPM
Reforest Richmond is working with grassroots groups and the city to celebrate Arbor Day RVA. The partner organizations have planned tree plantings, giveaways and more in an effort to build momentum toward the city’s tree-cover goals.
Chesapeake Bay region loses ground in effort to increase tree canopy
Bay Journal
Looking at the skinny elm sapling reaching for the sky in his backyard, James Bryant said that he hopes he lives long enough to be able to sit under its canopy and read a book in summer.
October 11, 2022, Bay Journal
Looking at the skinny elm sapling reaching for the sky in his backyard, James Bryant said that he hopes he lives long enough to be able to sit under its canopy and read a book in summer.
Environmentalists call for more green infrastructure ahead of Hurricane Ian
VPM
While rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian could mean flooded streets in South Richmond, environmental groups say that green infrastructure might help mitigate future flooding.
September 30, 2022, VPM
While rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian could mean flooded streets in South Richmond, environmental groups say that green infrastructure might help mitigate future flooding.
This is why certain parts of Richmond are hotter than others
CBS 6
As a heat wave smothers Richmond, some parts of the city are feeling the impacts of it more than others.
July 22, 2022, CBS 6
As a heat wave smothers Richmond, some parts of the city are feeling the impacts of it more than others.
Richmond's urban heat islands -- Scott's Addition, Jackson Ward, Manchester -- put communities in danger
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Manchester is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city of Richmond — along with Scott’s Addition, Jackson Ward, Monroe Ward, the Diamond District and part of Virginia Commonwealth University.
July 4, 2022, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Manchester is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city of Richmond — along with Scott’s Addition, Jackson Ward, Monroe Ward, the Diamond District and part of Virginia Commonwealth University.