Blog
How Community-Based Partnerships Can Foster Resilience through Urban Greening
In this guest blog, Nicole Roemer, a recent VCU Master of Urban and Regional Planning graduate, shares findings from her capstone project with Southside ReLeaf. The blog explores how stronger partnerships between residents, nonprofits, and city agencies – along with targeted investments – can help Southside Richmond address flooding, extreme heat, and unequal access to green space.
The Hidden Work of Greening Richmond’s Southside: Why Autonomy Matters Beyond the Grant
In a new blog post, former Southside ReLeaf intern Destiny Brown shares insights from her urban planning research on the hidden challenges community-based organizations face when greening Southside Richmond — especially the funding barriers that limit community autonomy. She also imagines what change could look like when systems center trust and reparative justice.
Securing Virginia's Green Future: A New Plan for Forests and City Trees
Virginia is taking a bold step to protect one of its most valuable natural assets: its trees. In a new guest blog, Nathan Thomson, Policy and Legislative Analyst with the Virginia Department of Forestry, shares how a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative — the Forestland and Urban Tree Canopy Conservation Plan — will shape the future of Virginia’s forests and city trees.
Planting Roots, Growing Community: Join Our Tree Ambassador Program at Southside ReLeaf
Our greening coordinator, Syd Collier, shares about our new Tree Ambassador Program (TAP) in our June blog. TAP is a free volunteer training program designed for folks who want to get involved, learn more, and help lead the charge for a greener, healthier Southside. Registration is open for July and August training sessions.
The Moments We Share: Impact of Green Spaces on Health
In our latest blog post, greening coordinator Syd Collier explores the connection between access to green spaces and the health of communities. Our work in building and expanding access to parks, playgrounds, gardens, and nature has greater implications than many realize, such as the life-saving role green spaces play in reducing the Black maternal mortality rate.