Overview
The City of Charlottesville partnered with the James River Association, Skeo Solutions, the Center for Watershed Protection, and The Bridge PAI on a Walkable Watershed process for the lower portion of the Pollocks Branch watershed (see map to right or click here to download).

This project brings together several focus areas that the City has identified as high priorities and aims to tackle them simultaneously! This effort builds on previous planning efforts, including the Pollocks Branch vision and design goals identified in the Strategic Investment Area Plan.

The Pollocks Branch Walkable Watershed effort linked the concepts of clean water and healthy communities to identify and implement opportunities to:

• Connect the neighborhood to Pollocks Branch, Moores Creek and the surrounding natural areas / parks;
• Provide safe passage and routes for pedestrians and cyclists;
• Make green infrastructure improvements to clean stormwater before it enters the creeks;
• Engage and educate residents on watershed stewardship.

A major outcome of the process was the Pollocks Branch Walkable Watershed Concept Plan, which includes opportunities to improve walkability and water quality. The project also resulted in a green infrastructure project built on public property – see below for information about this rainwater harvesting system. A set of near term action steps were identified and a series of community improvements implemented. City cross-departmental coordination, partnership building, and environmental stewardship activities are ongoing.

Project Accomplishments
Download the Project Highlights for a complete summary of the major accomplishments of the Pollocks Branch Walkable Watershed project!

• Improved and expanded Pollocks Branch Greenway
• Rainwater harvesting system for South First Street community gardens
• New crosswalk and relocated bus stop along Elliott Ave.
• 50 barrels rain barrels installed at homes in the watershed
• Storm drain mural inspired by local youth and their summer camp creek discoveries
• Volunteer Cleanups to improve trail and stream and remove litter and debris

Additional project updates and accomplishments are listed below, most recent updates are listed first.

Summer 2019 – Pollocks Branch Pedestrian Bridge
The City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority are coordinating on the design and installation of a pedestrian bridge crossing Pollocks Branch to connect South First Street and Rockland Avenue. This project will also include a native plant community installation to filter and clean stormwater before it enters the creek. The project is expected to be completed by early 2020.

June 1, 2019 – 31^st Annual Clean the Bay Day
Join local volunteers to help clean up Pollocks Branch as part of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual Clean the Bay Day. Join thousands of fellow Virginians in removing unhealthy debris from cherished waterways throughout the Commonwealth.

Spring 2018
Rainwater harvesting system and city water line to serve the CRHA South First Street gardens completed! A large cistern to collect water off the roof of the CRHA maintenance building on First St S has been installed.  The 2,700 gallon metal cistern will pump water over to the gardens installed by UACC. A potable water line was installed to provide a backup source of water (when the cistern is empty) for the gardens. This is the green infrastructure Capstone Project for the Walkable Watershed process.

June 3, 2017 – 29^th Annual Clean the Bay Day
Join local volunteers to help clean up Pollocks Branch as part of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual Clean the Bay Day. Join thousands of fellow Virginians in removing unhealthy debris from cherished waterways throughout the Commonwealth.

September 27, 2016 – Tree Basics Workshop
Join the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards to learn how to select, plant, and care for trees in your own yard. Each workshop participant will receive a FREE TREE thanks to the James River Association. Workshop leaders will work with you at the workshop to select the right tree species for your yard. Trees will be delivered in October. Download the flyer here!

September 27, 6-7pm at the IX Art Park
Cost: FREE
Registration required: please click here to register!
Questions? Contact Amber Ellis, aellis@jrava.org or 804-788-8811 x 205

June 25, 2016 – Community Festival
As part of the Pollocks Branch Walkable Watershed project, the City is partnering with several other local organizations to hold a Community Festival on June 25 from 2-5pm at the ball field at CRHA’s South First Street property.  The event aims to celebrate the work that has been done as part of the Walkable Watershed process, most notably the opening of the Pollocks Branch Greenway trail behind South First Street, while connecting neighborhood residents to each other and the natural world around them.  The free, family-friendly event will include guided trail adventures, field games and activities, art creation, interactive stations from community groups, a bounce house, music, food, and more! Download the flyer here!

June 2016 – WaterWise Mural Installed on 6th Street
Project partner, The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative worked with community members to paint a permanent mural designed by local youth and professional artist to celebrate local waterways. This project was sponsored in part by this NFWF grant.

 

April 28, 2016 – Green Infrastructure Capstone Project Update
A survey of the project area revealed that the concrete drain at Crescent Halls is in very close proximity to the Daughters of Zion Cemetery. To avoid any potential disturbance to the cemetery, the project team is evaluating alternate locations within the watershed to install a green infrastructure capstone project. More information will be available soon.

March 22, 2016 – Compost Workshop
James River Association, in partnership with C’ville Foodscapes and Urban Agriculture Collective of Charlottesville (UACC) will be hosting a workshop on how and why to compost. Workshop will be held in the Ix Building at 963 Second St SE from 6-7pm. See flyer for more information!

November 2015 – Green Infrastructure Capstone Project Selected
The project on public property to clean and treat stormwater runoff has been selected, based in part on the input received from residents.  The project is located at the end of 1st Street South, adjacent to the Daughters of Zion Cemetery and Crescent Halls and will include replacing an existing concrete stormwater drainage ditch with a vegetated bioretention swale (see Option A on page 4 of the draft concept plan). The project will provide an outdoor gathering space for residents, habitat for birds and pollinators, and potentially include a pedestrian pathway to connect 1^st Street South to Monticello Avenue.  Design work is just getting underway, and will include further opportunities for resident engagement and input. Construction is planned for  2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 8, 2015 – WaterWise Street Mural Update
Project partner, The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative worked with community members to paint a temporary version of a mural designed by local youth and professional artist to celebrate local waterways. This project was sponsored in part by this NFWF grant. Click here to see news article. A permanent installation of the mural is planned for spring 2016.

October 22, 2015 – Project Highlight 
A brief presentation about the project was shared at the Ridge Street Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting. The draft concept plan and two options for the green infrastructure capstone project were shared for feedback.

October 9, 2015 – Project Highlight 
A brief presentation about the project was shared at the PHAR Resident Services Committee meeting held at Crescent Halls. The draft concept plan and two options for the green infrastructure capstone project were shared for feedback.

September 10, 2015 – Project Highlight 
A brief presentation about the project was shared at the PHAR Resident Services Committee meeting held at West Haven.

Rain Barrels are Here!
As part of this grant-funded project, James River Association will be installing 100 rain barrels in the Ridge Street Community. Please contact Amber Ellis to schedule a time for volunteers to install your rain barrel! Click here to email her or call her at: (804) 788.8811 ext.205.

July 2015 – WaterWise Street Mural Workshops 
Project partner, The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is leading Water Wise, a project based education program that allows underserved youth to research the importance of our local watersheds and respond through the creation of street murals. Read more here!

Thursday, July 10, 2015 – Project Highlight
A brief presentation about the project was shared at the Ridge, Willoughby, Burnet Commons Neighborhoods “Our Town Charlottesville” meeting. Meeting audio and notes will be posted here.

Monday, June 8, 2015 – Community Input Session!

A community input session was held on June 8 from 6-8pm at Portico Church at 981 2nd Street SE to review a draft concept plan and provide input on a list of potential projects to improve walkability, connectivity, and water quality in our local streams. Download meeting flyer here!

The meeting presentation (which includes the draft concept plan and list of potential green infrastructure capstone projects that could be implemented as part of the grant) is available to download here.

For more information, please contact:

Dan Frisbee, City of Charlottesville
(434) 970-3997 or email.

Alisa Hefner, Skeo Solutions
434-975-6700 ext. 235 or email.

Amber Ellis, James River Association
(804) 788-8811, ext 205 or email.