May 2025

The mission of Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team (HEART) is to reduce the impact of Henrico County General Government and Henrico Schools on the environment. 

Deep Run student receives HEART Youth Council scholarship

HEART visited Deep Run High School to surprise the recipient of the inaugural HEART Youth Council Scholarship. Anjali Mukundan, a member of the class of 2025, was excited to hear the news.  

“It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. I was pleasantly surprised and honored by the entire experience.” 

Mukundan was selected based on her participation in the Youth Council, leadership skills and her passion for the environment. She will attend Cornell University beginning this fall. 

Solar Access Henrico 

Vallerie Reilly became the first resident to receive solar panels through Solar Access Henrico, a new program offered to eligible homeowners. Henrico and Dominion Energy Solutions are partnering to help qualifying homeowners take advantage of sustainable technologies while saving money on electricity and reducing the community’s environmental impact. 

The program was created through a $5 million grant, which will support the installation of solar panels on as many as 250 homes. Because funding is limited, interested homeowners are encouraged to apply promptly. 

To be eligible, applicants must live in Henrico, own their own home and have a household income at or less than 100% of the area’s median income. The home also must be deemed a good fit for solar.

Eastern Henrico Recreation Center solar array debuts 

A solar panel array has been installed on the roof of the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center and is estimated to go online in June. Solar panel systems are an increasingly popular way to be a good steward of the environment. These systems harness renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in the environment. 

The county’s solar projects use power-purchase agreements, which allow the systems to be designed, installed and maintained by a solar developer at no cost to the county! In addition, Henrico can buy renewable electricity at a reduced rate compared with electricity available through the standard utility grid system. 

Community Impact Grants

HEART has awarded its first round of Community Impact Grants to help nonprofit organizations pay for local projects and programs focused on sustainability.

The Henrico Board of Supervisors allocated funds for the program through HEART’s budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The organizations will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,400 for projects such as building pollinator gardens, hosting cycling events and helping with visitor access to the 353-acre Varina LandLab Conservation Area. 

The recipient organizations are:  

• Beyond Boundaries 
• Capital Region Land Conservancy 
• Dorey Park Farmers Market 
• Henrico County Cooperative Extension 4H Program 
• Henrico Master Gardeners  
• Richmond Beekeepers 
• RVA Rapid Transit
• Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Fishing line recycling stations are here 

Recycling stations for fishing line have been installed at five parks with popular fishing spots. Anglers can drop off their used monofilament line knowing they are helping to keep wildlife safe and Henrico beautiful.

Station locations:

Echo Lake Park

Crump Park

Dorey Park

Three Lakes Park

Osborne Park & Boat Landing

  Special thanks to the Henrico County Sign Shop for their assistance.

Reforesting Henrico

Henrico celebrates Bike Month 

HEART and Henrico Recreation & Parks celebrated National Bike Month with two community events, a Cap2Cap Party Zone at Dorey Park and a HenBIKEo Safety Workshop at Libbie Mill Library. Cyclists of all abilities were able to learn about bike routes, cycling safety and plans to expand biking facilities in the county. 

In addition, HEART has installed 16 heart-shaped bike racks at parks, libraries and government buildings across Henrico. These racks will make riding to county locations more convenient. In a pilot project, an end-of-trip repair station has been installed by the parking deck at the Henrico County Government Center, 4305 E. Parham Road.