Green Grant

Colored drawing of a vintage tractor in a paved garden area, with a L-O-V-E sign behind it

The Town of Independence Awarded $750 Green Grant

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Colored drawing of a vintage tractor in a paved garden area, with a L-O-V-E sign behind itThe Town of Independence is awarded a $750 Green Grant in the Community Beautification Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Town Council was approached by community volunteers with an idea to enhance the vacant lot opposite the Town Park/Farmers Market pavilion to transform it into the Independence Community Tractor Garden.   A vintage John Deer tractor was donated and brought to the site in an effort to tie into the farming community and add beauty through the installation of mostly native and pollinating plants and flowers.  With benches on either side the tractor, visitors can enter the garden and enjoy its simple cottage appeal. It is designed to be attractive in all four seasons.Scenic view of the Town of Independence, Virginia

With funds provided by the Green Grant, they will transform a once vacant and weedy corner lot in the center of town into a beautiful community garden for locals, their visitors, and tourists to enjoy.  They will install a paver walkway, plantings along the walkway, and low-voltage landscape light for evening enjoyment.

Once completed, the garden will include a timber frame built “Virginia is for Lovers” L-O-V-E sign behind the tractor.  The final result will instill a sense of pride for the community, and a continued source of beauty as the garden matures into a restful, green, public space.

People cleaning up litter at a bus stop

RVA Rapid Transit Awarded $750 Green Grant

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RVA Rapid Transit LogoRVA Rapid Transit in Richmond is awarded a $750 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

A nonprofit that is not GRTC or part of any City, County, or State government, RVA Rapid Transit is an organization committed to improving the experience of transit riders in the Richmond community.  They believe that no one should wait for the bus without a place to sit and protection from the elements.  One of the ways they improve the experience of transit riders is by keeping bus stops clean and litter-free.

The “Better Bus Stop Program” will focus on improving the cleanliness of bus stops throughout the Richmond area.  They’ll partner with local volunteers and community organizations to regularly clean and maintain bus stops, ensuring that they are free of litter, debris, and other unsanitary conditions.  To accomplish this, they will provide volunteers with the necessary equipment to ensure that the collected trash is collected in a safe and convenient manner.  They will engage in outreach efforts to educate transit riders about the importance of keeping bus stops clean and encourage them to join our efforts.

People cleaning up litter at a bus stopThrough the “Better Bus Stop Program”, RVA Rapid Transit plans to create a cleaner and more pleasant transit experience for all riders, while also promoting community involvement and environmental stewardship.  They believe that this program will have a positive impact on the community and look forward to implementing it with the support of this litter prevention grant.

Funds provided by the Green Grant award will be used to purchase supplies for “Adopt-A-Stop Kits” that included litter grabbers, protective gloves, safety vests, and trash bags. The Adopt-a-Stop program is open to civic associations, organizations, and individuals, 18 years or older, throughout the Richmond Region.  A Bus Stop Adopter makes a one-year commitment to regularly complete litter pick-up at and around the bus stop and clean the glass on the bus shelter at least twice during the year.

 

 

Page County Solid Waste Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Page County, Virginia, LogoPage County Solid Waste is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant for their Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Page County is a small, rural county bordering the Shenandoah National Park with a population of 23,000 people. The Solid Waste department runs two landfills  and two citizen drop-off areas. They accept trash and recycling from three towns, county citizens, and surrounding counties.

Concerned about the amount of cigarette butts littered, they will launch a “No Butts About It” campaign in an effort to raise awareness and reduce cigarette butt litter.  With funds provided by the Green Grant award, the Solid Waste department of Page County will purchase cigarette butt receptacles to encourage proper disposal of cigarette litter.

With funds received from the Green Grant award, stationary receptacles will be purchased and placed at the county’s convenience sites, and mounted receptacles will be installed at community buildings.  They will also distribute auto ash trays at different events throughout the year, such as Earth Day, Ruritan talks, and a Hazardous Waste event.  As part of the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP), they will count cigarette butts collected in the targeted areas before the installation of the receptacles, and compare that to the number of butts found littered after the receptacles are in place.  ArcMate trash grabbers will also be purchased for the safety and convenience of those picking up the littered cigarette butts.  The data that is collected will be compared and analyzed to determine any patterns of littering behaviors.

Thank you Page County Solid Waste Department for addressing the problem of cigarette butt litter — the Number One most commonly littered item in the state!

Friends of Leesylvania State Park Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Leesylvania State Park trail through marshThe Friends of Leesylvania State Park is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

The Friends of Leesylvania State Park (FOLSP), in Woodbridge, strives to enhance the educational and recreational opportunities for all park users, while protecting the historic and natural resources, and aesthetics of the park.

In 2021, the park saw 474,519 guests in the park, and that number continues to increase each year as the population of Northern Virginia grows. With so many guests taking part in recreational opportunities such as swimming, picnicking, hiking, paddling, fish and more, the park accumulates large amounts of trash.  Many of the current trash cans that are in the park are rusted, broken, and difficult for park staff and volunteers to pull out the filled trash bags.

Old trash cans at Leesylvania State Park With funds provided by the Green Grant award, FOLSP will purchase new trash cans for the park, and build stands for the cans for easier maintenance.  In addition, more cleanup supplies for volunteers will be purchased, such are buckets, bags, and grabbers, to Support the park’s “Trash It Tuesday.”  This program  invites volunteers to the park every Tuesday to pick up a bucket of litter, and in return they will receive free ice cream!

That sounds like a great incentive to get people involved in litter cleanups with the warmer weather ahead!  Congratulations to the Friends of Leesylvania State Park, keep up the good work!

 

The Mariners’ Museum and Park Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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The Mariners' Museum and Park LogoThe Mariners’ Museum and Park is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Founded in 1930, the mission of The Mariners’ Museum & Park in Newport News is to connect people to the world’s waters, helping visitors engage with nature, learn about the ecosystem, and how to protect it. Their 550-acre park, 167-acre lake, and award winning, 5-mile Noland Trail are free and open to the public; while admission to the museum only costs $1, and includes access to programs such as SOL-based presentations that serve over 15,000 students annually; Maritime Cultural Heritage Programming; and Life-long Learning lectures and workshops.

Recognizing the important role the Park plays in creating a vibrant community, they have made significant investments in the health of the forest, lake and wildlife.  One key challenge identified in a Dept. of Forestry’s care plan is the concentration of invasive species, such as English Ivy, which kills native trees along the Noland Trail causing them to fall, creating increased access and safety concerns for Park visitors.

Trees at Mariners' Museum Park covered in ivyThe Green Grant award will be used to complete Phase II of the Mariners’ Park Community Planting Project, which involves eradicating the invasive ivy on the trees and the grounds, and replacing it with a native Mayapple ground cover in an 8,000 sq. ft. area along the Noland Trail.  Mayapple will play a crucial role to help maintain ecological balance in the forest, provide a food source for native wildlife, and reduce runoff into Mariners’ Lake.

Funds will be used to purchase the tools and supplies needed for the project, such as a Gorilla Heavy-Duty Yard Dump Cart for work at the site, which is inaccessible by motor vehicle; rubber work gloves for staff and volunteers; and mature Mayapple Plants that will provide sufficient ground cover.

Aerial view of the Chesapeake Beach shoreline at Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Kiptopeke State Park Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Aerial view of the Chesapeake Beach shoreline at Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore of VirginiaKiptopeke State Park is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.Wooden walkway leading to the beach at Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park, on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, offers recreational access to Chesapeake Bay.  It has accessible trails, beach wheelchairs, free educational programs, and the opportunity to explore unique migratory bird habitats along the Atlantic flyway.

Funds provided by the Green Grant award will be used to purchase cleanup equipment and supplies to combat marine debris along the 5.1 miles of beach coastline at the park, as well as add new signage about litter and marine debris in the Chesapeake Bay. They will be developing an interactive educational display located at the South Beach entrance to demonstrate how long certain litter will last on land and in the bay.

According to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, “As much as 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources such as plastic bags and food containers. Abandoned or derelict fishing gear, vessels, and other water-based sources also significantly contribute to the problem.”   Marine debris can include balloons, plastic bags, food and drink containers, lost crab pots, oyster bags and cages, fishing line and nets, and any other kind of persistent solid material that is intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.

Congratulations Kiptopeke State Park, and thank you for taking care of your portion of the Chesapeake Bay shoreline!

 

 

Bay School Community Arts, brick building with awning.

Bay School Community Arts Center Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Bay School Community Arts, brick building with awning.Bay School Community Arts Center is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Beautification Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

The Bay School Community Arts Center was founded in 1997 to provide art classes to residents and community groups.  The current building, purchased in 2001, now includes a gallery for local artists.  They offer over 100 art classes in a variety of media annually, free summer art camps and after school programs for children, 12 community outreach programs, artisan markets, and ten special gallery exhibitions each year.

Photograph of narrow brick alleyFunds provided by this grant will go towards their Art in the Alley program. This project was put together by a group of private citizens who saw a need and an opportunity. They came to the Bay School for coordination of the art aspect and to be the supporting institution for the project.  They plan to purchase and install a rail kit hanging system and hardware that can be reconfigured to accommodate different sized artwork.  They will work with local artists to create works specifically for this space.

There will be a Grand Opening of Art in the Alley when the rail system is installed and art work is completed.  Many people will walk through the alley to enjoy the artwork on weekdays, Saturdays, and special market days.

Thank you Bay School Community Arts Center for creating a Community Beautification project that many will enjoy!

Historic Fairview Cabin

Fairview Farms Awarded $500 Community Beautification Green Grant

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Historic Fairview CabinFairview Farm and Homestead Foundation, in Southwest Virginia, is awarded a $500 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category to make improvements to the community garden they provide, as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Fairview Farms is a nonprofit organization created to protect the Historic Fairview Cabin and promote study of the agricultural heritage of the region.  They use their venue to demonstrate farming practices from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. They partner with other organizations to host an annual farm show, and with local FFA chapters for agricultural demonstrations.  One of Fairview’s chief goals is to get local people involved with agriculture while preserving and learning about the agricultural heritage of the region.Fairview Farm and Homestead Foundation

During the growing season each year, Fairview offers 20×20’ garden plots for people to rent for a nominal fee to grow vegetables, flowers, and to connect with nature. With the layout of the plots in one of the main fields at Fairview, it is essential to have numbered markers.  Fairview will use funds from the Green Grants award to purchase environmentally friendly, reusable, metal numbered plot markers and metal stakes. The markers will help individuals locate their garden plot, and give the community gardens a uniform appearance.

Since 2011, the Green Grants Program has provided $282,000 for 385 programs and projects throughout the state. Funding is made possible through generous support from Altria, as well as additional sponsorships from WestRock and Village Bank.

 

Work of Life Program Awarded $1,000 for Recycling

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Logo for Work of Life at John Handley High SchoolWork of Life at Handley High School is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Recycling category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 13th Annual Green Grants Program!

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Located in Winchester, Virginia in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the Work of Life program is a group of senior students with disabilities who are preparing for working in the community, including Autism, Intellectual disability, and speech and language disabilities.  Students learn about social/emotional skills, vocational work, and daily living skills. They perform work within the school that includes filling plasticware containers for lunch, help at a clothes closet, and sell coffee and snacks. All of the students work in the public sector as well.

Funds provided by this grant award will be used to purchase ten 23-gallon recycling bins with lids, recycling signs, and an industrial digital scale to measure the impact of their recycling program. Each week, students in the Work of Life program will collect recyclable items from the classrooms, such as plastic bottles, paper products, and cardboard boxes.

This is a wonderful opportunity to educate students about the value of recycling!  Thank you Handley High School for the work you’re doing!

Community Garden and Skate Board Ramp

Verdant Richmond Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Community Garden and Skate Board RampCongratulations to Verdant Richmond for their Community Beautification grant award of $1,000 as part of our 13th annual Green Grants Program!

Verdant Richmond was founded in 2017 to address the condition of Richmond’s parks and public green spaces.  They applied for a Green Grant in order to improve a small but extremely active Richmond City Park.  The site hosts a Skatepark, Community Garden, and a Children’s Play Space.  The goal is to improve the public green space that supports skate park users, playing children, the ecology and biodiversity of the site, to deepen interdependence between neighbors.

As the skatepark has grown over the past decade, the overall look of the park is somewhat disjointed, with some of the skate ramps covered in vibrant murals, while others are worn, peeling, or defaced. The skaters, neighbors and gardeners believe the space would benefit greatly from cosmetic improvements and a cohesive look.

Each year on June 21st, skateboarders from around the world celebrate Go Skateboarding Day. This year, Gardeners and Skaters are coming together at Maymond Community Garden to refresh and add to the murals that cover the park in the days leading up to Go Skateboarding Day. A group of local artists will paint fresh works inspired by the vibrant colors of the nearby garden flora to create a space that is visually pleasing to the eye and welcoming to community members of all ages.  It is anticipated that 300-400 people will attend Go Skateboarding Day.

In preparation for the event, Verdant Richmond will coordinate their largest ever skate and garden volunteer cleanup. There is a lot of litter and construction debris at the site.  They expect to have over 50 volunteers participate in the re-painting and cleanup work days.  They will repaint approximately 3,600 square feet of walls and ramps at the Skate Park/Garden site, with approximately 15 murals by 15 local artists.

What a beautiful way to cleanup a public green space, we’ll have to check it out!

 

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