(HOPEWELL)—This week the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) awarded an approximately $200,000 grant to continue a major effort in Hopewell by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and partners to increase the city's tree cover and the use of natural solutions to flooding. Over the next two years the grant will support many initiatives, including:
- Planting 250 large trees, mainly in low-income areas with little tree cover;
- Establishing a volunteer tree stewards program to help take care of the city's trees;
- Giving away more than 400 trees to community members to plant at home; and,
- Restoring an eroding stream near Hopewell High School and Mathis Park. Hopewell City Public Schools will use this restoration as a hands-on project for students to learn about the environment.
CBF Virginia Director of Outreach and Advocacy Ann Jurczyk issued the following statement.
"We're delighted to continue our work in the beautiful city of Hopewell thanks to the continued support of NFWF. This builds on our efforts over the last two years working with Hopewell's public works, public schools, and parks and recreation departments. Together we've planted trees, educated residents, installed rain gardens, removed invasive species, and reduced runoff to the James River.
"Hopewell is the perfect place to undertake this effort—a small city where you can see big benefits for local waterways and residents. Increasing the cover of native trees will lead to cleaner water and air, cooler neighborhoods in the summertime, and more food and shelter for wildlife."
