Environmental Stewardship
Greening Richmond Public Libraries
In partnership with The James River Association, RVAH2O, Richmond Public Libraries, and numerous generous project donors; the Greening Richmond Public Libraries Initiative strives to improve the health of the James River by reducing stormwater runoff.
Numerous bioretention basins, areas of pervious pavers, hundreds of native trees and shrubs, and fields of perennials and grasses have been installed at four branches of the Richmond City Libraries. Sites feature pollinator gardens with interpretive signs, electric bike share stations, and outdoor gathering areas. As part of the effort the library has added educational programs about the value of native plants and the function of stormwater mitigation techniques.
With the longevity of these site in mind; detailed, site specific maintenance manuals have been created. This project seeks to redefine the value of city property and the way it is cared for.