Small acts, big impact: Richmond volunteers help grow a cooler, healthier city

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond residents rolled up their sleeves Saturday morning to make the city a little greener — and cooler. Dozens of volunteers joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Richmond Parks and Recreation at Chimborazo Park to plant more than 40 native trees as part of Richmond Tree Week.

The effort is part of a larger push to improve air quality, reduce flooding and fight climate change — with more than 225 trees planted across Richmond parks over the past three weeks.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula was among those who helped kick off the event on Saturday, Nov. 8, thanking local partners for their ongoing work to protect the environment.

“It doesn’t happen overnight,” Avula said. “But the team that we’ve built gives me huge optimism for where we’re going as a city.”

He praised community groups like Reforest Richmond and the CBF for their long-standing commitment to sustainability.

“Thank you for your leadership and your long-standing commitment to our community,” Avula added. “Let’s plant some trees, guys!”

CBF staff said nearly 100 trees have been planted this week alone, from Chimborazo Park to Byrd Park — and every one makes a difference.

“We love having families out here — kids especially,” said Ann Jurczyk, Virginia Urban Restoration Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

“If you get a 7- or 10-year-old to plant a tree, they’ll remember it for life. It’s a simple way to make a long-term impact.”

Richmond Parks and Recreation’s Michael Gee said the benefits go beyond the environment.

“Tree-lined streets are safer neighborhoods,” Gee said. “There are health benefits, cooling benefits, and it brings people together — conservation is community building.”

For some, Saturday’s event was their first time planting a tree — and they said it won’t be their last.

“Yeah, I think everyone just just get up and just do something for the environment. That’s great. And just enjoy yourselves,” said volunteer Jalen Carlton.

His father, Kenneth Carlton, said it was meaningful to spend the morning outdoors together as a family.

“We’ve always cared about the environment, but doing this together as a family just felt right,” he said.

“We realized we’re not as busy as we think — it’s worth taking time to help.”

Volunteer Emily Scarborough added that the event brought people together from across the city.

“It’s just great to get out in the sunshine and see so many people out here on a Saturday morning doing something so simple as planting trees,” Scarborough said. “It’s like the little things you can do, and seeing other people showing up to do the same thing feels good.”

The tree planting is part of Richmond’s ongoing “Cool the City” campaign — a five-year initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that aims to plant 1,000 trees across neighborhoods most vulnerable to heat and flooding.

The CFB said community involvement will remain key to keeping Richmond’s tree canopy thriving.

For more information on upcoming tree-planting opportunities or to volunteer, visit CFB's website.