This is a press release from the City of Lynchburg, also available as a PDF file.
On Wednesday, November 19, the City of Lynchburg and the University of Virginia will host an Open House for residents, business leaders, and anyone interested in the environmental health of the City. The Open House will take place at the Lynchburg Community Market, 1219 Main Street, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Open House is structured to allow attendees to attend at any time during the two-hour timeframe. Stations will be set up throughout the Market so attendees can comment on ideas for stream habitats and stormwater, tree canopy, trails and cultural resources and parks. Students will showcase their ideas based on recent research they have conducted in the community and ask for community input. Community ideas will be used to make final recommendations in a report due to City staff in December.
The project is a collaborative partnership between the City of Lynchburg and the University of Virginia. Graduate students at the University of Virginia are helping Lynchburg to plan for its “green infrastructure.” Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of waterways, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas; greenways, parks, and trails that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, sustain air and water resources and contribute to health and quality of life. In urban areas, tree canopy helps keep the city cooler in the summer while also absorbing pollutants from the air. At the workshop, students will reveal just how much air pollution is treated by city trees. They will also suggest options for better protection of streams as well as ideas for improving the trail network.
According to UVA professor Karen Firehock, “Students benefit from this applied study by gaining real-world planning experience while Lynchburg gains new ideas for improving the environmental health of the city at no charge.”
“It’s important for people to understand the intrinsic value of our green infrastructure and how it plays a vital part in our community”, said City Environmental Planner Erin Hawkins. “This partnership will provide us with valuable information as the City continues in its efforts to protect its natural resources.”
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