RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Stewardship Fund announced Church Hill Activities and Tutoring(CHAT) is one of 10 groups receiving part of $1.8 million in funding to support cleaner local waters across the Chesapeake Bay region.
In the parking lot of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood Thursday, The NFWF joined representatives from the Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia River, EPA, CHAT and Doug Domenech, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources in announcing the funding.
It's part of a larger pool of $9.2 million in grants, announced in Washington D.C. last month, which will support 30 additional multi-state projects to restore the Chesapeake Bay.
The NFWF said this year’s projects will use both innovative and well-known ways to create cleaner waters, restore habitat and strengthen iconic species such as brook trout and oysters, and engage homeowners and residents in environmental work supporting their community’s quality of life.
CHAT will receive a nearly $180,000 grant to install edible rain gardens in Richmond.
The faith-based organization's East End Edible Rain Garden Project will demonstrate how implementing storm water best management practices can have an immediate and positive impact on communities. The vegetables grown will also help give needy kids in the Church Hill area healthy food options.
CHAT says building the garden will also teach young kids skills they can use in the future in the growing green economy.
