Please join Southside ReLeaf on International Day of Forests for an Outdoor Learning Classroom at the new Ernest Road Park. This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome!

When?

Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 - 11 am.

Where?

Using your GPS, navigate to 2913 Ernest Rd. Parking will be in a residential neighborhood on the street. Parking anywhere nearby is sufficient, but please do not block driveways or mailboxes. The park entrance is the grassy area with a “No Parking” sign next to 2913 Ernest Rd.

What’s the agenda?

The Outdoor Learning Classroom will feature a gentle hike through the new park space, allowing you to see the current phase of transformation as the space is developed into a public park.

We’ll be joined by special guests, including:

• Michael Webb, Urban Forester with the City of Richmond, who will talk about the importance of forests and the benefits they provide to urban communities.

• John Williams, Ecologist with RES, who will talk about the role of forests in climate resiliency and share more about the habitat restoration work that is happening in this new park space.

• RVA Nature Journalers, who will lead us through a nature-inspired creative exercise to help us connect with the forest around us and with ourselves.

There will be kid-friendly activities available, along with plenty of forest canopy to explore.

What will be provided?

Seating and snacks will be provided.

What should I bring?

Please dress appropriately for the day's weather, keeping in mind the cooling effects of being under the canopy. Shoes should be comfortable to navigate uneven (and potentially muddy or slippery) terrain. Please bring a reusable water bottle and a writing utensil. Feel free to bring a blanket if you prefer to be on the forest floor. 

Do I need to sign up?

Yes! Please sign up through CFengage. If you have any questions about this event, please email Lisa at lisa@southsidereleaf.org.

About “Cool the City”

This event is part of Cool the City, a collaborative campaign to create greener and healthier futures in Richmond’s neighborhoods that need it the most. We are planting trees, building tomorrow’s workforce, and increasing capacity for the City of Richmond and its nonprofit partners to deliver lasting change.

Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, in partnership with the City of Richmond. This (or these) institution(s) is an equal opportunity provider.