Field Tour | Stormwater Solutions for a Healthier James River: A Tour of Green Infrastructure Projects in Richmond's East End*

* Ticketed Event

Join us for an exciting and informative field tour that showcases some of the best practices and innovations in stormwater management and green infrastructure in Richmond. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the James River Association's James A. Buzzard River Education, which features a green roof, permeable paver system, and other stormwater management practices. Participants will also explore the Greening Greater Fulton project, a community-based initiative that transformed an underinvested corridor into a vibrant and resilient space with pervious pavement, rain gardens, a stormwater plaza, and a public art sculpture. The tour will end with a visit to Triple Crossing Brewery, where participants can enjoy local craft beer and network with other professionals.

Tour Agenda – Bus Provided with pick up at the Richmond Convention Center

James River Association Building
The first stop of the tour is the James River Association's James A. Buzzard River Education Center, an example of resilient building design that offers stormwater management learning opportunities. Participants will tour the grounds of the river education center and learn about stormwater management features installed on the site, including a green roof, permeable paver system, bioretention area, and how they work together to reduce runoff and pollution. Participants will have an opportunity to explore Dock Street Park, a new park on Richmond's riverfront, and see Gillies Creek while learning about Richmond's Combined Sewer System and the role green infrastructure plays in reducing the volume of sewer overflows and frequency of overflow events.

Greening Greater Fulton
The tour will show how Greening Greater Fulton, a community-led initiative, has transformed the neighborhood with stormwater features that enhance the environment and the quality of life. You will see examples of pervious pavement, which allows rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off into the combined sewer system. You will also visit a stormwater plaza with permeable pavement and a stormwater-inspired public art sculpture that captures runoff and creates a focal point for the community. Additionally, you will see two rain gardens that beautify the streetscape and reduce flooding and pollution by filtering runoff from nearby properties. You will learn about the plan review process, the before and after photos, the construction challenges and lessons learned, and the connection to the combined sewer system, which overflows during heavy rain events and impacts the James River.

Triple Crossing Brewery
After the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some post-field tour craft brews and networking at Triple Crossing Brewery, one of Richmond's premier craft breweries. You will get to sample their award-winning beers, such as Falcon Smash IPA and Night Lands Stout, and chat with fellow green infrastructure enthusiasts. You will also learn about the brewery's sustainability efforts and how they support local farmers and environmental organizations.