Community garden is enhanced and available to members of the campus community.
Twisty creek bed slows the flow of water, increasing the absorption of nitrogen, bacteria, and other substances into the soil that are harmful if they accumulate in the James River.
Pollinator Meadow includes native plantings and space for outdoor teaching.
Stepped flood plains allow for excess capacity during storms in a way that minimizes erosion.
Demonstration areas located throughout will help teach effective resource management with examples that include a bio-swale, rain garden, and other features.
Gambles Mill Trail is realigned, ADA-accessible, and appropriately landscaped for pedestrians and cyclists all of the way to River Road.

Images courtesy Waterstreet Studios

August 30, 2019

News, Postscript

Campus just got even more beautiful

“Our first test, and we passed!” Bob Siegfried, a senior project manager for contractor Resource Environmental Solutions, wrote after a May rainstorm. He had good reason to celebrate. His company led the restoration of Little Westham Creek and covered the costs of UR’s Eco-Corridor project, which will be completed this fall. In exchange, RES received mitigation credits, which offset the environmental effects of development projects.

The stream restoration project is primarily about improving water quality, in keeping with the university’s commitment to sustainability. The improvements to the Gambles Mill Trail are all about connecting campus with the river and the community. The entire project makes the physical campus more beautiful, more walkable, and more of a tool for learning.