In Richmond’s Rollingwood neighborhood, Rheem Creek has long suffered from chronic flooding—its natural flow obstructed by sediment buildup, trash, and invasive weeds.
To address these challenges, Urban Tilth’s Watershed Restoration Team partnered with American Rivers, The Watershed Project, Restoration Design Group, and the City of Richmond to excavate and rehabilitate the creek.
With dedication and care, the Richmond-based crew cultivated and planted more than 500 native plants and 170 trees, bringing much-needed shade, wildlife habitat, and ecological vitality back to the waterway.
The impact of this community-rooted restoration was evident after the first post-restoration winter: despite heavy rains, the creek did not flood.
This project exemplifies the power of restoration driven by love and guided by the needs of the local community.
