Emma Joyner- NNGF

 Last year, I had the opportunity to take Dr. Balay’s Environmental Ethics class and in that class, we had the privilege of partnering with the Newport News Green Foundation (NNGF). In this partnership, we were put into groups and each group was assigned an NNGF property of green space that they deemed “underutilized”. Our goal as a group was to come up with a way, or ways, in which we could improve and use the properties to be more environmentally sound and in touch with the community around them. Two important aspects of this project were that: 1. We had to conduct actual research and back up our claims for our proposals and 2. We needed to gain input from the surrounding community. We determined it best that we get this input because ultimately, the community is the ones benefitting from this green space. My group was assigned conjoined properties in Lee’s Mill, near the Newport News Reservoir. We handed out fliers to get input from the surrounding neighborhoods, invited and talked to a VA Master Naturalist about suggestions for the property, and worked diligently to provide a well-rounded suggestion for the NNGF. Our properties consisted of a large hill on one side and a ravine on the other – the land was ultimately unbuildable. However, these properties are heavily wooded and full of native plants, though there were some invasive species such as the Japanese stilt grass. Our group’s final proposal suggested that the NNGF largely leave the properties as-is. Because the properties are adjacent to the Reservoir, the land provides a natural filtration system for the water that runs through the property. Additionally, it provides a noise buffer for the neighborhoods behind the properties. Overall, this project was very involved and I was grateful to be part of an actual initiative where we helped community partners pursue an environment-related project. This opportunity taught us how to engage with the community, listen to their wants and concerns, and work with city officials to work together on ideas.

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