November 2024

Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) pledges to reduce the impact of Henrico County General Government and Henrico Schools on the environment.

Henrico's Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) consists of representatives from Henrico County government agencies, schools and the community dedicated to pushing forward county efforts to promote sustainability, preserve natural resources, beautify the community and protect the environment. We serve as a think tank for the county’s environmental initiatives and aim to streamline such programs. This committee was established by the Board of Supervisors and the County Manager in December of 2022.

Drop-off Composting Pilot Program

The county launched a pilot food-waste drop-off composting project at Springfield Road and Charles City Public Use areas. To get things rolling, H.E.A.R.T. , Keep Henrico Beautiful and NOPE celebrated a seven-day pumpkin composting drop-off event at both locations collecting more than 1,700 pounds of pumpkins which will be kept out of landfills and processed for agricultural soil materials. The county will continue the composting program by accepting all types of compostable food waste at the Public Use areas at no cost.

Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling

Monofilament fishing line is an environmental hazard and can be harmful by entangling wildlife and polluting our fisheries across the state. Recycling stations are being installed at several locations in Henrico County.

This recycled material will be kept out of the waterways, protecting wildlife and their habitat. Fishing line will be collected and delivered to participating Virginia Fish and Game drop-off locations.

Big News for Cyclists

The H.E.A.R.T. bike rack prototype, designed by Henrico students, is ready to go. Initially a number of racks will be produced by students and installed at the Henrico County administration campus. Additional bike racks for the biking community are on order for installation at facilities around the county.

H.E.A.R.T. Youth Council

We are very excited to welcome 18 Henrico County Public Schools students to the 2024 - 25 H.E.A.R.T. Youth Council representing all nine high schools. The council will participate in shaping the environmental future of Henrico County through learning opportunities, discussions and hands-on eco-friendly projects.

With materials supplied by Keep Henrico Beautiful, the group got started at Glen Allen Branch Library, giving flowerbeds a refreshing look using native-sustainable plants. Members donned gardening gloves and got to work creating a little bit of nature for library visitors to enjoy.

H.E.A.R.T. is working with the Henrico Education Foundation to establish scholarships that will be available for students of the Youth Council. These scholarships will be awarded at the end of the 2024 - 25 school year. We are happy to help our environmentally-minded students and wish them the best of luck.

Reforestation Projects

Tree planting events were held at the Armour House & Gardens and the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. Both days were beautiful and 38 Virginia native trees were added to the landscape at these county locations. A special thanks to a great group of volunteers and our friends with Capital Trees.

Fun with the Community

The Plant Native! Festival was wonderful at the Dorey Park Farmers Market. Keep Henrico Beautiful organized native plant vendors and educational groups to bring Virginia native plants to life. Lucky visitors were able to pick up free potted native trees provided by H.E.A.R.T. including witch hazel, white oak and eastern redbud. Of course, Stewart made an appearance to the delight of the kiddos!

The Annual Glen Allen Day and Parade was a great success. Stewart the Turtle participated in the parade riding in the back of an EV pickup truck provided by Rivian RVA. Our outreach crew spent the day visiting with the crowd and sharing the work the county is doing to be good stewards of our natural resources.

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