Lynchburg Parks and Recreation to Host Second Annual Week of Green

Jordan Abbott ~ Guest Writer

Graphic created by Jordan Abbott displaying the schedule of events being held during the Week of Green.

Lynchburg Parks and Recreation will be hosting their second annual Week of Green from April 22 – 29, to celebrate Earth Day (4/22) and Arbor Day (4/28) through seven events.

According to Park Services Manager Chris Higgins, “The events are picked based on what’s important in the current climate of sustainability, but at the same point, catered towards the audience that they will be having, and then of course what other organizations want to provide.”

The events planned include an educational event at the Lynchburg Community Market, a tour of the College Hill Water Treatment Plant and Lynchburg Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility, fish art printing (known as Gyotaku), rain barrel workshop, invasive flora hike of Ivy Creek Park, and a Solar Energy Saturday celebration.

Senior Recreation Specialist Hannah Rathje says that several Lynchburg businesses are partnering with Parks and Recreation for these celebrations.

Rathje says, “Lynchburg Water Resources has been our big partner this year, as well as Earth Right Mid-Atlantic. Lynchburg Water Resources is hosting the water recovery and the water treatment plant tours. Earth Right Mid-Atlantic are helping us host the solar energy Saturday, and then Water Resources is actually hosting the invasive flora hike and the rain barrel workshop, so both partners have done quite a lot to make this event possible.”

Rathje says that when organizing Week of the Green, staff try to include events that appeal to a variety of age groups.

She believes that there will be something for everybody taking place during the week.

All events being offered except the fish art printing are free to participate in.

The rain barrel workshop is free to attend, but if you would like to take home a barrel, there is a $50 fee.

Rathje says that compared to last year, this year’s Week of Green will have a different focus with different activities planned.

Solar Energy Saturday, which is the week’s wrap up event happening on April 29th, will focus on celebrating the recently completed solar display at the Ivy Creek Cabin.

Even if you are unable to attend the events, Rathje and Higgins guarantee that students can still support the cause.

“We’re always looking for volunteers to help with different events, help with projects at parks and facilities,” Higgins says.

Rathje agreed, stating, “Because this week is aimed at sustainability and the appreciation of our Earth, we would love it if we could get some students that would love to help clean up our trails, and pick up trash along the trails. We’re really focusing on how important our planet is to us, so helping keep our planet clean would be super appreciated.”

For more information on the events taking place during the Week of Green, visit https://www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/programs-and-activities/2nd-annual-week-of-green/.

To speak with the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation’s volunteer coordinator about volunteering opportunities, email Tamara Reynolds at tamara.reynolds@lynchburgva.gov.

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