Outdoor adventure program vcu

In the s, otters, mink and other species that prefer clean waterways with little or no pollution moved out of the James in Richmond to other areas.

The water quality in the main stem of the river has improved and they have migrated back. An increase in sturgeon, a prehistoric fish that can reach up to 14 feet in length and weigh up to pounds, also signals a healthier river.

Matt Balazik, Ph. In partnership with the James River Association, the team also has built three 2,square-foot artificial reefs between Presquile National Wildlife Refuge and the Interstate bridge to provide spawning habitat for sturgeon.

Balazik said improvements in water quality and a moratorium on catching Atlantic sturgeon established in have contributed to the resurgence. Balazik is cautiously optimistic about increases in the sturgeon population, which numbers in the thousands.

Water quality and issues resulting from human encroachment on the waterway, such as sturgeon killed by boat propellers, continue to hamper growth. He and his team are studying the swimming and spawning patterns of the fish in hopes of eventually preventing accidents. Both animal and human health depend on clean water. Unfortunately, the U. The rapid loss has led to numerous restoration projects.

Conservationists at the center restored Kimages Creek and 70 surrounding acres of wetlands in The creek was dammed in the s to create Lake Charles. Now, Kimages and surrounding wetlands flow to the James, which allows migratory animals to move upstream again. Draining aquifers for water consumption, coupled with sea level rise, is decreasing elevation at a rate faster than accretion can currently match.

So the question is: As sea levels rise, are we accumulating enough sediment to keep up? Art is a tool used to capture the beauty of the James River Parks System and is a cornerstone of VCU environmental preservation efforts. Environmental advocates and artists from VCU and partner organizations use art and community outreach to protect and restore the James and its environs. Recent efforts include the creation of two coloring books that educate the public about plant species found in the James River Park System, and mural painting to deter graffiti in the parks.

Judy Thomas, Ph. Anne Wright and Janet Woody, the librarian at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, along with other community partners, support the Plants of the James River Project with activity and exhibit space, botanical identification, funding and community networking.

The coloring book is filled with drawings of plants such as orange trumpet vine, green pawpaw and yellow trout lily, and comes with a color key that shows which colors to use. The illustrations are based on plants selected from more than species of wildflowers growing along the river photographed by Newton Ancarrow, one of the first environmentalists to fight for protection of the James River and its environs in Richmond.

He used slides to educate the public about the importance of preserving flora in the parks. The slides are now in the library of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The first book, published in July , features illustrations of invasive species, non-native flora that rapidly reproduce and overtake the habitats of native plants. As a result, pollinators and animals that depend on native plants as a nutritional source are disadvantaged and biodiversity can decrease.

Accelerated Programs. Geospatial Data Analysis. Environmental Policy. Academic Advising. Undergraduate Programs Academic advising for undergraduate programs, minors, certificates, and the M. Undergraduate Advising Website. Contact Dr. Fall Semester Commencement November 30, New ENVS students take to the wilds!

September 21, Fall Semester August 24, The Outdoor Adventure Program uses river-based experiences and the Rice Rivers Center uses conservation science to reach diverse audiences from students to policymakers.

The collaboration reflects this balance between recreation and education. Outdoor Adventure Program trip leaders monitor safety and lead recreational and wilderness first aid activities at the Rice Rivers Center, while faculty from affiliated programs will contribute expertise to educational initiatives.

The Inger Rice Lodge, which offers overnight accommodations, will be available for some multiday programs. The hour course will cover how to handle injuries sustained outdoors and other emergencies. By appointment, the center is also available for adult day retreats , which could include canoeing and other recreational and social activities. Shortened versions of the hiking, paddling and explorational activities offered by the Outdoor Adventure Program will take place at Rice Rivers Center for VCU students.