MCV Goes Green

MCV Green AffAirs is tAkinG A step forward by teaching the Richmond community about their “Go Green Movement.” Faculty members and students from both academic and medical campuses are taking the initiative to participate in this movement. The principal objective is to educate the community on how vital recycling can be, as well as to provide the community with the resources to peruse VCU’s goal of gaining more participation concerning the “Go Green Movement.” The Spring Planting with Union Hill Garden Project and the VCU Community Garden has been organized to achieve the goals stated.

On February 23 and March 2, a group of Richmond community members, students, faculty and Union Hill residents came together to plant a garden in order to influence and inspire other community member to take part in the movement. The garden was planted in two different locations. The garden at 871 N. 22nd St. is currently filled with various types of trees, which include: apricots, apple, fig, peach, plum and pear trees. They have also planted 15 vivacious blueberry bushes. These gardens are open to the public with hope to grow as the plants do. Union Hill Garden Project has been in session for three years now and has not stopped thriving. Everyone is welcome to participate in the project, so grab your shovel and gloves and be prepared to dig in.

The Union Hill Garden Project will not stop advocating for this very important issue in our community, and there is no reason for the people of Richmond to rest either. This issue is growing everyday—much like the gardens that have been planted. It is extremely vital for the people of Richmond to fight back. This is our home and we should do everything in our power to protect the environment we live in.

The VCU Community Garden is now open for applications! Don’t let living in the city keep you from growing a little bit of home in your own backyard. This is the perfect place to grow your own fresh vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits and much more. Plots range from small, medium and large. They can be purchased and rented for one semester or for an entire year. Prices range from $20 to $55. Donations and volunteers are always welcomed, please contact if interested: vcucommunitygarden@gmail.com.

BY ELLA PIZOLI PHOTOS BY AUDREY MOONEY