Opportunity Details
Richmond Tree Week 2024 - Tree Care at Swansboro Playground
Did you know that the first 3 years after planting is considered the most critical time in a tree's development? Learn how to ensure healthy growth in trees while helping to create a shadier and cooler future in Southside! Join the City of Richmond's Parks & Rec in performing various tree care activities at Swansboro Playground. There, we will care for the trees that were planted in 2021 in partnership with Southside ReLeaf, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
This event is a part of Richmond Tree Week - an event series from October 11th - 20th which focuses on all things TREES and how important they are to our community. Learn more at www.reforestrichmond.org/rtw-2024
Brief Organizational Description:
Tree canopy coverage is an important asset to urban areas, creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. From cleaning our air and filtering our water, to slowing down storm surge and flooding in our cities, trees also provide shade that can cool neighborhoods by up to 10 degrees, helping to prevent heat-related deaths and illessess in urban areas that suffer from heat island effect. Green spaces and park settings are also linked to better health outcomes, in both reducing stress-related mental health issues, and by improving overall health development in children, and encouraging physical activity. The City of Richmond's Parks & Rec is home to more than 170 parks, open spaces, athletic fields, playgrounds and tot lots.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
Volunteers will be assisting staff from Parks & Rec, in some general tree care. Duties will include hand weeding the tree beds, mulching, and litter pick up. Volunteers may want to bring along sunscreen or a head covering, as well as a refillable water bottle (and snack if needed).
Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
Tools and gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring along your own gloves if preferred. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes/boots, and clothing that you don't mind getting wet, dirty or snagged. No prior experience or special skills necessary, though some kneeling, bending, stooping, hauling, grasping, pushing/pulling, and lifting (max. 60lbs) may be required. All activities will be located outdoors in grass fields surrounding the playground. Expect some uneaven and rough terrain (ex: grassy lawns, wood chipped areas, transition areas from sidewalk/walking paths to dirt, etc). Please be aware of the weather forecast, and dress accordingly - this event is rain or shine, however advance communication will be sent if we need to cancel.
Time Commitment:
Please be prepared to stay for the full 1.5 hours. Sign-ups will close by 12pm on Thursday 10/10! This allows for proper planning and communication.
Other Information:
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Upon signup, you will recieve TWO emails; a confirmation from CFEngage, and an email from the Opportunity Coordinator at "Qui.Nguyen@rva.gov". Specific meeting location and additional instructions will be sent in the SECOND email - be sure to check your SPAM folder if you have not recived it. All volunteers MUST REPLY to that email to confirm participation, to allow for proper planning for tools and equipment.
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Volunteer hours will be verified within 72hrs after the end of the event, though the CFEngage website. Please bring along your paperwork, if a seperate form needs to be signed.
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ALL VOLUNTEERS must be accounted for! Please reply to the second email with details if you are bringing an additional person - children must be 13 years old or older and accompanied by a supervising adult.
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If arriving by bicycle, there are posts near by that you can lock to - bring a cable lock
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If arriving by GRTC Bus, Route 1A , Route 1B, Route 1C , Route 2C and Route 87 have nearby stops. Please visit http://ridegrtc.com/planning-your-trip/trip-planner for more details.
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If arriving by vehicle, street parking is available along Stockton St and Logandale Ave adjacent to the park, or in the nearby neighborhoods. Car pooling is encouraged!
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Have a group or want to learn more details about this event? Feel free to reach out to Qui.Nguyen@rva.gov if you have any questions!
Environment
Age Minimum (with Adult): 13+, Minimum Age:18+, Court Ordered Volunteer - Allowed
Sign Up
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Sign up with a team
This link allows you to participate in this opportunity with a team. A team can be a family team, corporate team, or any kind of organized group. When you click on the link you will have the option to:
- Choose an existing team you're already a member or captain of, or
- Create a new team to sign up.
Signup Questions
Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity: