Urban Wildlife Camera Project

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Scott

In the spring of 2014, we set out to catalog the biodiversity, or the number of different species, found within the James River Park System. Healthy and diverse habitats support healthy and diverse groups of plants and animals, but the animals in our park can be elusive and often go unseen. To catch them on video, we set out special “game cameras” that record a video when triggered remotely by motion or temperature. Scientists use these cameras to track and monitor wildlife or to record how a species behaves, and our animal friends did not disappoint! For almost a year, we recorded hundreds, if not thousands, of videos that reveal the animals that call our park home — some common and others that may surprise you …!

If you enjoy these photos and videos, you may want to join the Urban Wildlife_JRPS FaceBook page to stay updated with the latest…

Homeless Concerned About Monroe Park Closure

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Scott

Television station WRIC has a news story on how homeless advocates are still trying to find temporary solutions for the announced, upcoming closure of Monroe Park for renovations.

Excerpt:

Without the safety of Monroe Park, things become even more difficult for the city’s homeless.

“It’s a place where people find community, so we’re trying to move (food & clothing) services to another location,” Izen said.

Some are pushing for Abner Clay Park to become a temporary gathering space, although the proposal has been met with opposition from some who live, work and worship nearby.

“Whatever we do, we need to make sure we still have those services including tree canopy and bathrooms,” said Izen.

There will be a public forum on Saturday, March 26 at Monroe Park to get the relocation plan moving forward. The meeting will start at 2pm.

Fire On Belle Island

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Scott

Oregon Hill residents may have detect some smoky smells in the neighborhood from a fire burning on Belle Island.

TV station WTVR reports that one firefighter suffered minor injuries while attempting to douse a fire among among some logs near the water on Belle Island. Because of the injury, fire fighters are going to let the fire burn for now and reassess the situation in the morning.

Heavy Reading

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Scott

This bible is stowed away on the public sculpture at the corner of Belvedere and Idlewood, perhaps for future reference.

Oregon Hill Morning

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Scott

Photo courtesy of Wendy McSnarlin.

Riverfront Plan Meeting Thursday

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Scott

From City announcement:

Mayor Dwight C. Jones, and the Richmond Department of Planning & Development Review, will host a meeting on the next round of improvements for the Richmond Riverfront on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial Auditorium, 601 S. Belvidere St.

Hargreaves Associates will provide a concise overview of the original Riverfront Plan recommendations for the area surrounding the former Lehigh cement plant, and observations on proposed improvements to the greater East Riverfront Area. The objective of the meeting is to collectively identify opportunities to evolve that vision. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. with the balance of the meeting open to questions and comments from the audience.

For questions or more information, contact Mark Olinger, Director of Planning & Development Review, 804-646-6305 or Mark.Olinger@richmondgov.com

Riverfront Public Art Community Meeting Saturday

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Scott

From the FaceBook event page:

Come give your input on the Riverfront Project that will be done in tandem with the T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge. There will be a conversation with the artist and then if weather permits we will walk the project site!

http://richmondvaannouncements.blogspot.com/2016/02/city-names-artist-for-riverfront-art.html

Holly Street Playground Work

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Scott

Meeting On Homeless and Monroe Park

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Scott

There was a forum meeting yesterday in part of the downstairs ballroom of the Altria Theater about the homeless and the future of Monroe Park. It became very crowded and more chairs were brought in. It was kind of weird as lots of loud laughter was heard on the other side of the partition where I guess there was another gathering of some sort.

After an introduction by Debra D. Gardner, Richmond’s deputy chief administrative officer for human services, the director of Homeward, the planning and coordinating organization for homeless services in the greater Richmond region, presented some statistics and polling data.

After a few questions were asked about this presentation, the meeting moved into a panel by the leaders or representatives of several area homeless service providers.

One question that was not given a definitive answer was whether homeless service providers would be allowed in Monroe Park after renovations were done. The Monroe Park Conservancy was there, as was the Mayor’s representative, VCU representatives, and Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facities Norman Merifield, yet they all stayed mum on what protocol will be after the renovation.

City Hosts “A COMMUNITY FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS”

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Scott

Not sure where the official notice is, but here is the info that I have received…

A COMMUNITY FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 10, 2016
5:30-7:30
Altria Theatre
6 N Laurel St
Richmond Va 23220
A Discussion of Homelessness in our Community and Solutions We Can Work Toward Together

Hear the results of survey recently conducted in Monroe Park.
See how service providers and non-profit organizations provide practical solutions to serving the homeless despite limited funding.
Learn how congregations, organizations and individuals can help homeless people through direct service and connectivity to service providers and non-profit organizations.

Oregon Hill

News For Oregon Hill, in Richmond, VA

Category Archives: parks