Community Tree Care - Restoration of Maury Cemetery Stream Buffer

Trees for a Healthier Future!

Tree canopy coverage is an important asset to urban areas, creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. From cleaning our air and filtering our water, to slowing down storm surge and flooding in our cities, trees also provide shade that can cool neighborhoods by up to 10 degrees, helping to prevent heat-related deaths and illessess in urban areas that suffer from heat island effect. Green spaces and park settings are also linked to better health outcomes, in both reducing stress-related mental health issues, and by improving overall health development in children, and encouraging physical activity.

Join the City of Richmond's Parks & Rec as we work to restore the steam buffer along Albo Creek, which runs through Maury Cemetery. While not a traditional park setting, this buffer helps to improve local water quality in Albro Creek, which then flows to the James River. Help us to beautify the area, creating a calmer and more peaceful atmostphere for Richmond's families and visitors.  

Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
Volunteers will be assisting staff from Parks & Rec in some general tree care. Duties will include installing tree seedling protection tubes, hand weeding tree beds, mulching, and litter pick up. Volunteers may want to bring along sunscreen or a head covering, as well as a refillable water bottle (and snack if needed). Note the sensitive nature of the volunteer location - please do not wear inappropriate clothing, play loud music, or act in horseplay. 

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
Tools and gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring along your own gloves if preferred. Sturdy closed toed shoes/boots, long sleeves and pants are required. Water proof/resistant shoes/boots are highly recommended. No prior experience or special skills necessary, though some lifting (max. 50lbs), kneeling, bending, grasping, pushing/pulling and stooping will be required. Knowledge of plant identification would be a bonus, but not at all required (let us know if you can help with it though!). All activities will be located outdoors, on uneaven terrain (ie. sloped banks of the stream, wooded areas, grassy lawn, over coblestone and asphalt roads). Please be aware of the weather forecast, and dress accordingly - this event is rain or shine, however advance communication will be sent if we need to cancel.

Time Commitment:
We will work with you on scheduling dates and times - duration commitiments may range from 1-3hours depending on needs, weather, and availablity.    

Other Information:

• Upon signup, you will recieve TWO emails; one from CFengage and one from the Opportunity Coordinator at "[email protected]". Coodination details will be sent in the SECOND email - be sure to check your SPAM folder if you have not recived it.
• Volunteer hours will be verified within 72hrs after the end of the event, though the CFengage website. Please bring your paperwork with you if a seperate form needs to be signed.
• If arriving by bicycle, there is a secure and gated parking lot, just be sure to bring a cable lock 
• If arriving by GRTC Bus, Route 1A, 1B, 1C, and Route 3A, 3B, 3C have nearby stops. Please visit http://ridegrtc.com/planning-your-trip/trip-planner for more details. 
• If arriving by vehicle, there is a small parking lot on property - check your email for the map and instructions, and please look for signs once arriving. Car pooling is encouraged!

Have a group or want to learn more details about this event? Feel free to reach out to [email protected]!