Putting the green in going green! Henrico awards local organizations with grants for environmental projects

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico County is shining a light on sustainability this summer. Henrico's Environmental Action Resource Team -- or "HEART" -- selected eight local organizations to receive up to $2,500 each.

Henrico leaders allocated this first-ever round of community impact grants in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. Officials told 8News this is a mix of public health, community pride and sustainability. 8News spoke with Cat Anthony with the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

"It is so important to our community," Anthony explained.

From trails, streams and everything "green" in between… "That's what the capital trail is all about," Anthony added when asked about the county's push toward sustainability.

Anthony's team is using the money to help Henrico County students stay active and afford to register for summer outdoor programming.

"The money goes to registrations for our Cap Trail Summer Challenge," Anthony said. "[The challenge] encourages folks to complete the entire Cap Trail."

Dorey Park Farmers Market also received funds to support community gardens. RVA Rapid Transit is continuing its volunteer-driven mission to clean-up litter at GRTC bus stops. Officials told 8News this is all just the beginning. The program also supports stream cleanup projects, native planting and invasive species removal.

"Supporting initiatives for sustainability and public health, just make our community better and bring us all together," Anthony said.

The next round of community impact grants will open in July. To qualify, a non-profit must provide services related to environmental sustainability. For more information on how to apply click here.

For information on how to register for the Virginia Capital Trail's Capital Trail Summer Challenge visit the trail's website, or send the team an email at info@virginiacapitaltrail.org.