Southside ReLeaf and University of Richmond Launch Flood Mapping Community Science Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2025
Contact: Sarah Wilkinson, sarah@southsidereleaf.org
RICHMOND, VA — Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond are partnering to launch a new flood mapping community science project called “Go with the Flow” to collect data on where it floods (or doesn’t flood) in the city. The project will start on March 20, 2025 (the first day of spring) and end on September 1, 2025 (Labor Day). During this time, everyone in the Richmond community is invited to support data collection efforts by completing a brief flood survey each time it rains.
The goal of this project is to gather data that allows students at the University of Richmond to build an accurate and detailed map of where it floods in the city and to gain an understanding of where infrastructure failures are causing flooding. Flood map results will also help Southside ReLeaf and community partners identify where green infrastructure is needed and advocate for priority investments that align with RVAgreen 2050, RVAH2O, and emergency management directives by city leaders and elected officials.
“There’s currently a significant gap in data about where and how much it floods in the city, but we know that flooding is a serious problem,” said Sheri Shannon, co-founder and director of programs at Southside ReLeaf. “We hear from our Southside neighbors all the time about how badly it floods in their neighborhoods and how much that disrupts their lives. We’re leveraging community science to raise awareness about the issue, identify solutions, and catalyze funding opportunities to address the root causes of flooding.”
In Richmond, flooding is caused by excessive runoff in developed areas where the water has nowhere to go. Much of the city is covered by non-permeable surfaces that can't absorb water. Instead, water is funneled towards drainage systems, which are outdated and quickly overwhelmed in many areas of the city. Oftentimes, there aren’t enough trees planted nearby to help absorb excess water that backs up out of storm drains, causing standing water. These issues are particularly bad in the areas of Southside annexed from Chesterfield, a problem the Richmond City Council has listed among their priorities for 2025.
Throughout the “Go with the Flow” project, community members from all over the city are encouraged to complete the flood survey any time it rains, regardless of whether they encounter flooding or not. Participation in the survey is also encouraged any time someone encounters standing water after it has stopped raining.
“Knowing where it floods in the city is just as important as knowing where it doesn’t flood during a rainstorm,” said Dr. Stephanie Spera, Associate Professor of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability at the University of Richmond. “The flood model we’re creating uses data on where paved roads, storm drains, trees, and other topographical features are located in the city. With the data on where it does and doesn’t flood during a rain event collected through the survey, we’ll be able to create a stronger model that will allow us to look for patterns in how the built environment of an area relates to its flood risk.”
As community members take the flood survey, the map software will be able to make more accurate predictions about whether it will flood or not in any given area of Richmond based on the patterns it learned from the survey data. The more data points gathered through the survey about where it floods and where it doesn’t will make the computer model’s predictions more accurate—and therefore, more helpful in steering resources where they are needed most to address flooding.
“We’re excited to invite the community to participate in this community science project,” said Amy Wentz, co-founder of Southside ReLeaf and director of engagement. “Everyone can contribute something meaningful to this collective effort to address flooding in our communities. The data we collect through the flood survey will help us advocate for investments that lead to real improvements in the daily lives of our neighbors.”
Go With the Flow is a mobile-friendly survey that asks for the date, an approximate time it rained, and the location. Photos are great but not a requirement, it’s anonymous, and only takes seconds to complete. Those interested in participating in the flood mapping project can sign up to receive text alerts when it rains with a reminder to complete the survey. For more information about the project and frequently asked questions, visit southsidereleaf.org/go-with-the-flow.
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About Southside ReLeaf
Southside ReLeaf is an environmental justice nonprofit committed to improving health outcomes and the quality of life for Southside Richmond residents. By building green spaces, connecting with neighbors, and advocating for people-centered policy, Southside ReLeaf seeks a healthy, equitable, and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond. Get involved at southsidereleaf.org.
About the University of Richmond
The University of Richmond is an academically challenging and intellectually vibrant institution committed to enhancing the student experience through integrated coursework, hands-on research, creative expression, and experiential learning. Richmond ranks among the top 25 liberal arts schools in the country. UR is home to the first undergraduate school of leadership studies and a top 20 business school. Other schools on campus include arts and sciences, law, and professional and continuing studies.