Friends of Amelia Street Urban Forest
Friends of Amelia Street Urban Forest is a grassroots group of neighbors and environmental advocates working to restore and reimagine a unique green space that sits directly on the campus of Amelia Street School, a Richmond Public School serving students with significant intellectual disabilities as well as students with behavioral and emotional challenges.
The urban forest—nestled between the Randolph, Maymont, and Byrd Park neighborhoods—offers a rare opportunity: a public school greenspace in the heart of the city that can be transformed into an outdoor classroom, a sensory-rich environment, and a shared community gathering space. Like many specialized schools, Amelia Street operates without some of the traditional support systems—such as a formal PTA—which makes community involvement all the more impactful and appreciated.
That’s where we come in: Friends of Amelia Street Urban Forest formed out of a shared desire to steward this land not just for nature’s sake, but for the well-being and educational enrichment of the young people who spend their days learning just steps away from the forest. Our vision is to create and steward a vibrant, inclusive space that supports environmental education, fosters wellness, and strengthens neighborhood connections. We’re planting native trees and pollinator meadows, improving stormwater management, and restoring soil health—while also creating accessible pathways, learning stations, and opportunities for sensory exploration.
Through partnerships with VCU Sustainability, The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Richmond Master Gardeners, and generous local volunteers, we’re building something powerful: a living classroom and community resource, rooted in equity, accessibility, and care. We believe that when schools thrive, neighborhoods thrive—and that by coming together around this urban forest, we can give Amelia Street students the outdoor experiences they deserve, while also creating a place of joy, connection, and healing for the entire community.
We invite you to lend your hands, your voice, or your support. Together, we can grow something extraordinary—right here on Amelia Street.
