Richmond-area residents will discuss the most pressing environmental issues facing Central Virginia while building leadership skills at a free adult environmental course this summer held by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). The program includes Tuesday night classroom sessions in South Richmond and a boat trip on the James River aboard a CBF education vessel. CBF’s Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) class is the organization’s longest-running adult education course.
“Our VoiCeS program empowers individuals with essential skills and knowledge to create a positive impact on the environment and enhance the quality of life in Richmond and beyond,” said CBF Virginia Grassroots Manager Gabby Troutman.
Over the course of six Tuesday evening classes, expert speakers from the Richmond area will cover topics including:
- The health of the James River and Chesapeake Bay watershed;
- How trees are combatting extreme heat in Richmond neighborhoods;
- Richmond’s Climate Equity Index, identifying which neighborhoods are most at risk from climate change, and the city’s plans for creating resilient communities;
- Opportunities to engage in community science efforts to monitor air pollution in the Richmond region;
- RVAH20: The City of Richmond’s fight against stormwater and sewage pollution;
- Environmental justice issues impacting Virginia;
- Examining the state of Virginia’s crab, rockfish, and oyster fisheries;
- How to be an effective advocate at the local, state and federal level, and;
- Expanding urban agriculture to provide fresh produce in underserved communities.
The program will be held in South Richmond on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from July 18 to Aug. 22 at Second Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. Advance registration is required online or by e-mailing Gabby Troutman at [email protected].
This course is free thanks to funding provided by CBF’s generous donors.
