Richmond Grows Gardens is hosting its first Herbal Workshop at the Southside Oak Grove Community Garden!

This event will take place on Sunday, April 28 from 1-4 pm with a discussion about herbal use, resiliency, and how to take more agency with our health and wellness.

Volunteers will learn how to care for the plants and how plants can care for us in return. Folks will experience an herbal tea tasting and receive an informational zine about the herbs we are growing. We will also plant herbs from our greenhouse in the community garden bed!

All our welcome, however, folks from the Oak Grove Community Garden and neighborhood will be prioritized first. If you are interested in participating, please email rggamericorps@gmail.com.

The Richmond Outdoor Gear Library (ROGL) is a newly established 501(c)(3) non profit with a mission to close the accessibility gap to outdoor recreation and education through *free high-quality gear rental services, community programs, and educational workshops. ROGL’s first-ever community workshop is coming up on April 28 at Fonticello Park from 12-2pm. If you’re new to camping and wanting to learn the basics of camp set up in a comfortable, welcoming, and supportive environment, then this event is for YOU!

At this workshop you will:
* Learn through comprehensive instruction, hands-on practice, and friendly challenges how to set up a variety of different tent styles
* Learn more about ROGL and its services to the Richmond community as a FREE and public outdoor recreation and education resource
* Get connected with other outdoor recreationists, both new and seasoned!

Follow @rvaoutdoorgearlibrary on Instagram for more information

Celebrate Earth Day this weekend by planting trees! Join the Swansboro West Civic Association, Richmond Tree Stewards and fellow community members on Saturday, April 20 to plant 15-20 trees. We'll meet at 10 am at the corner of East 35th Street and McLennan Street. Tools will be provided along with drinking water.

Contact Steve with any questions at rvaswansborowest@gmail.com.

This is part of the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant to plant 100 new trees in Swansboro West over the next two years.

In partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, we invite you to join us for an Outdoor Lunch & Learn on Saturday, April 13 from 11 am - 1 pm in the Bellemeade Outdoor Classroom. We'll be talking about our collective work in South Richmond to green our community and ways you can get involved in climate action as a resident. Lunch will be provided by Gold Lion Community Cafe and you'll have the opportunity to get to know faith leaders and residents in Southside.

Please RSVP at bit.ly/SSRLLunchLearn to ensure we order enough lunch for everyone

Join us for another workday at Hickory Hill! We will provide tree care maintenance for trees behind the Hickory Hill community garden and building. Volunteers will use wheelbarrows, shovels, and other tools to remove weeds, move mulch, and layer mulch around the base of trees. 

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements
There are no special skills required. Those with a will to improve the landscape, and work with and in their community, are fully equipped for success.

We will do a sample tree together to ensure that people feel comfortable with their role. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.

Time Commitment:
We will be out Wednesday and Saturday during the last week of March for three hours per day. Please plan to stay for a minimum of 90 minutes but feel free to arrive later than our start time and/or leave before our finish time.

Other Information

• Volunteers will have their work hours confirmed in the CFEngage suite. 

• Park in the lot to the side of the community center. There are community gardens, soccer fields and a playground visible as you pull in.

• Please bring your positive energy! Snacks and water will be provided.  

Please join the Huguenot High School PTSA for a Beautification Workday on Friday, March 29, from 9 am - 12 pm! The PTSA needs 40 volunteers to help plant, weed, prune, spread mulch, and pick up trash. All are welcome, including families with children.

Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring your own work gloves and any hand tools such as pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes.

Brief Organizational Description: 
The mission of Huguenot High School is to provide a high-quality education that prepares, ensures, and empowers all students to achieve their full intellectual and social potential to become lifelong learners and productive members within a global society.

Other Information:

• Bring volunteer form to be signed onsite after event if necessary.

• Assignments will be handed out in the morning.

• Please park in the front of the building.

• In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled for the first week of April.

Photo Credit: Chris Cunningham Photography

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN IN THE FORECAST. THE NEXT WORK DAY WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 30.

Join us for another workday at Hickory Hill! We will provide tree care maintenance for trees behind the Hickory Hill community garden and building. Volunteers will use wheelbarrows, shovels, and other tools to remove weeds, move mulch, and layer mulch around the base of trees. 

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements
There are no special skills required. Those with a will to improve the landscape, and work with and in their community, are fully equipped for success.

We will do a sample tree together to ensure that people feel comfortable with their role. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.

Time Commitment:
We will be out Wednesday and Saturday during the last week of March for three hours per day. Please plan to stay for a minimum of 90 minutes but feel free to arrive later than our start time and/or leave before our finish time.

Other Information

• Volunteers will have their work hours confirmed in the CFEngage suite. 

• Park in the lot to the side of the community center. There are community gardens, soccer fields and a playground visible as you pull in.

• Please bring your positive energy! Snacks and water will be provided.  

Join the Swansboro West Civic Association on Saturday, March 16 for a Tree Planting Workday! We'll meet at 10 am at the corner of E 33rd Street and McLellan Street. The goal is to have 20 volunteers help with planting. This is part of the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant to plant 100 new trees in Swansboro West over the next two years.

Contact Steve with any questions at rvaswansborowest@gmail.com.

Join us on Saturday, March 9 at Blackwell Community Center for brunch and to learn more about Blackwell Park (Charles Sydnor Playground) improvements! We’ll also have an info session for those interested in working at the new community garden. Join Garden Keeper Tia Palmer to start our planning for the space.

RSVP at bit.ly/BlackwellBrunch or by TEXT: (804) 446-1029

Join the Swansboro West Civic Association on Monday, January 15th for a Tree Planting Workday! We'll meet at 10 am at the corner of 31st Street and McRand Street. The goal is to have 20 volunteers help with planting. Coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning along with drinking water throughout the day. Contact Steve with any questions at rvaswansborowest@gmail.com.

American Forests developed the Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA) for cities and states ready to bring tree equity to fruition, one city lot at a time. TESA provides human-centered, deep-dive decision-making for urban tree plantings and Southside ReLeaf is happy to bring area tree workers together for this training.

Attendees will view the TESA features on a large screen and then have the ability to manipulate the tool on their own computers.  Working in pairs/groups will allow accommodation for those without computers.

We are inviting those who work with tree maintenance, planting, and identification of sites in any capacity. 

Thursday, October 26

5:30p-7:30p

Boys and Girls Club

2409 Bainbridge Street, Richmond, VA

Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for a tree planting at Oak Grove Playground in Southside Richmond.

Volunteers will work together to plant a variety of medium-sized trees. The trees are in 5-7 gallon pots, so they are easy for volunteers to move. The trees will provide shade and green space, absorb rainwater and pollution, and expand tree canopy in an area suffering from the urban heat island effect.

No prior experience is necessary! We will provide all tools, gloves, and instructions needed for a successful planting. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring your own water bottle. Please register in advance so we can bring the appropriate number of tools.

Please keep in mind that we have limited the number of volunteers who can participate in this event. If you find that your schedule or health prevents you from being able to attend, please notify us immediately so we can recruit another volunteer in your place.

If you have questions, please contact Gabby Troutman via email at gtroutman@cbf.org or by phone at 804-258-1605.

Registration is required. Registration deadline is October 19.

This event is co-sponsored with the City of Richmond Parks and Recreation Department, Virginia Community Voice, and Oak Grove Civic Association.

Funding for this tree planting is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund.

Join Groundwork RVA for a two-sided work party at Hillside Mini-Farm! Volunteers will help with planting and plant care plus connectivity.

For three years, the Hillside Mini-Farm has grown thousands of pounds of healthy food and produce for friends and neighbors in Hillside Court.  It is also a place of respite and rest for many. Now, it is also becoming a place of dynamic community access and activities. The permeable pathway which is currently under construction will help manage runoff, support the bioswale’s native plantings — which are designed and installed by youth — all while creating easy access for those who seek the peace a “dose of green” can bring.  

Activities for the “Planting All Things” side include:

• Weed barrier removal lock

• New compost and mulch

• New seeding

• Care for greens, kale and beets that grow all winter!

Volunteers will also help with the “Placing All the Pavers” side of the project by setting hundreds of permeable pavers on top of the established gravel footpath. (The use of wheelbarrows is an option.) Groundwork RVA’s Green Workforce will then cut, edge and complete the pathway in the coming weeks.

There will be another “Put the Farm to Bed and Plant” event later in the fall. We look forward to when visitors are able to walk and stroll back and forth on an amazing, permeable pathway!  

All the tools, seeds, soil, pavers, water and snacks will be provided!  Just bring yourselves, a smile and a willingness to get a little dirty.

All are welcome! The Planting and Pathways Day will be fun and productive for everyone in the family. Hope to see you there!

Join us for a tree care workday in the Davee Gardens neighborhood! We'll be raking, weeding and mulching trees that we previously planted along Ryburn Road. Meet at T.B. Smith Community Center, 2015 Ruffin Rd.

Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Water, snacks, gloves and tools will be provided.

All volunteers are welcome. RSVP at HandsOn or email lisa@southsidereleaf.org.

Join us for a tree care workday in the Davee Gardens neighborhood on Wednesday, September 13 from 1:30-4 pm! We'll be raking, weeding and mulching trees that we previously planted along Ryburn Road. Meet at T.B. Smith Community Center, 2015 Ruffin Rd.

Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Water, snacks, gloves and tools will be provided.

All volunteers are welcome. RSVP at HandsOn or email lisa@southsidereleaf.org.

You're invited to a Hickory Hill Work Day and Cookout on Sunday, June 25! Let's come together and make a positive impact on the community center.

Help us weed and mulch from 12-2 pm, and/or enjoy a free cookout from 2-5 pm. It's the perfect opportunity to learn about tree maintenance and mingle with fellow community members.

Workday: 12-2 pm
We’re looking for 15-20 volunteers to help weed and re-mulch about trees that were planted in Fall 2021. Tools will be provided. Please remember to wear closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes, and sunscreen!

Community Cookout: 2-5 pm
Enjoy food, good music and fellowship with neighbors. This is also an opportunity to explore the community center and see the new community garden. Let's unite, work, and have fun together!

Join the Richmond Tree Stewards on Saturday, June 17 for a workday at Swansboro Playground from 9am-12pm. Volunteers will care for 40 trees that Southside ReLeaf planted with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Parks & Rec in 2021. There will be weeding, mulching, and for those who are trained, tree pruning.

Join RVA Thrives for a workday to kick-off the gardening season at the new community garden at Hickory Hill. All supplies will be provided and lunch will be served.

RSVP by Wednesday, April 26 if you plan on staying for lunch. Contact Rodney Gaines at rodneygaines88@gmail.com or (804) 324-6705.

Join Groundwork RVA in getting trash cleaned up around the creek at Hillside Court!

UPDATE!!

Due to safety reasons and the pending thunderstorm, we are reducing the number of cleanup sites. The community cookout is canceled!

Please redirect to one of the 8 cleanup sites:

Biggs Road Community Garden

• Broad Rock and Walmsley

• Broad Rock Community Garden

• George Wythe High School

• Hillside Mini farm - Hosted by Groundwork RVA

• Swansboro

• Swansboro Elementary School

• Westover Hills Elementary School

—> Not sure where to go? Meet us at 3055 Lawson Street (the parklet on Broad Rock & Lawson). We’ll give you an assigned area.

WHEN

Saturday, April 22

Cleanup start time: 9:45 am

WHAT

Join Southside ReLeaf, Seeds of Change Organization and the Swansboro West Civic Association for a Southside-wide community cleanup! All supplies will be provided (trash pickers, gloves, trash bags, sharps containers, and safety vests) . Each site will also have a site leader, so please make sure you arrive by 9:45 am to your location to listen to a brief safety talk, grab your supplies, and get acquainted with the area.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring a water bottle. Please wear closed-toed shoes and protective, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring sunscreen or bug spray if desired.

COMMUNITY COOKOUT: Canceled due to forecasted thunderstorm

Call/text Sheri Shannon at (202) 322-6898 with any questions.

Join Manchester Alliance for their monthly clean-up! Meet in front of Legend Brewing Company (321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224). Volunteers can choose to pick up trash in several segments throughout the Manchester and Blackwell neighborhoods. Stay for a raffle afterward and beverages and snacks from Legend Brewing Company. No registration required.

• What is provided: Gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, water and snacks will all be provided.

• What to bring: A reusable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes (closed toed preferred), and sun protection.

• Rain or shine?: The event will be canceled in the case of rain.

• Parking: The lot at the Manchester Pie Factory is for occupants only, but there is typically substantial street parking, especially on Decatur street.

Join Groundwork RVA as they get all the plant babies in the ground and set the farm up for successful harvests this year!

Join Medical Students for a Sustainable Future at VCU and Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action for our second annual Climate and Health Symposium! The event will be delivered in a hybrid model: in-person in the Learning Theater (room 2-200) at McGlothlin Medical Education Center, and virtually at the same time. RSVP to receive the zoom link in the days prior to the event, and let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Join Manchester Manifest for First Friday. Meet at the corner of Hull Street and 13th Street. Clean up area will be between 10th and 15th bounded by Bainbridge Avenue and Decatur Street. No registration required.

• What is provided: Gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, water and snacks will all be provided.

• What to bring: A reusable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes (closed toed preferred), and sun protection.

• Rain or shine?: The event will be canceled in the case of rain.

• Parking: The lot at the Manchester Pie Factory is for occupants only, but there is typically substantial street parking, especially on Decatur street.

Join the City of Richmond and community partners to help design Blackwell Park/Charlie Sydnor Playground! A few years ago, the city designed a Master Plan for the park incorporating feedback from Blackwell residents. We’ve now secured a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help make your vision a reality. This is an opportunity for Blackwell residents to share what features you'd like to see in the community park.

*Dinner and snacks will be provided!

WHEN
Stop by anytime during the 2-hour window to give your input, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes.

Thursday, April 6
6 – 8 pm
Blackwell Community Center

WHO
This event is hosted by Parks and Rec, Dept. of Public Utilities, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Southside ReLeaf.

Swansboro West Civic association beautification committee hosts a monthly clean up on the first Saturday of every month. Please wear closed toe shoes. All supplies will be provided. Please note locations of clean up will rotate around the neighborhood.

We meet at the back of Swansboro Elementary School along McRand.

Meet behind Swansboro Elementary School

For more details, email swansborowestcleanup@gmail.com or call/text (804) 554-2151.

Kick-off the annual Project Clean Stream weekend with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay on Friday, March 31 with a clean-up event in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond. We’ll gather outside of the Alliance’s office at the Manchester Pie Factory building starting at 2 pm, before splitting up to collect street litter. Our efforts will focus on the area bounded by Commerce Road, Everett Street, E 2nd Street, and Hull Street (See map below under event photos). Special thanks to Lewis Supply for donating their dumpsters for this event!

• What is provided: Gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, water and snacks will all be provided.

• What to bring: A reusable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes (closed toed preferred), and sun protection.

• Rain or shine?: The event will be canceled in the case of rain.

• Parking: The lot at the Manchester Pie Factory is for occupants only, but there is typically substantial street parking, especially on Decatur street.

Disclaimer: This event is led and organized by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Join Southside ReLeaf and the Richmond Tree Stewards to check up on the status of trees planted by the city. This is an important part of maintaining the health and vibrancy of Richmond's tree canopy. It's also one of the easiest ways to volunteer (while getting your daily steps in!).

We need volunteers on Sunday, 10/30 to help us:

• Confirm that a tree is still growing in each space where the city's records say one is planted

• Look to see if each tree has a water bag — if so, is it used or not used?

• Observe whether each tree seems to be regularly watered or not

• Check on the general condition of each tree — is it healthy, in poor condition, or dead?

A demonstration of how to complete a tree assessment will be provided at the beginning of the event. Volunteers will be given a list of trees to check and will document the health of the trees on their list. The main priority of this check-up is ensuring trees are being watered regularly.