Immersion Team – Voice of the River

The Project

Why we selected The James River as our focus?

As part of the Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2025, we were tasked with selecting an environmental project.

LMR Expectations inlcuded:

- Employ inquiry as a community leadership skill

- Use analytical methods to understand complex issues involving multiple stakeholders and conflicting agendas

- Think about long-term improvements at a systemic, policy level

After various meetings, conference calls, and research, we selected the James River invasive plant species. Did you know the river has over 50 invasive plant species? We didn't know either. The experience has been enlightening and rewarding. The James River is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. Maintaining the river is vital to everyone in Virginia. The

Here are our top reasons for selecting this project:

Native Ecosystems

Invasive plants overtake native species for resources, disrupt food chains and impacts soil composition and water retention.

Invasive Plants

Tree of Heaven, Japanese Knotweed, English Ivy, Chinese Privet, and Mimosa Tree are just a short list of plants the James Riverr combats.

Spreading Methods

Various spreading methods include natural elements like wind, water and human activity including landscaping and accidental.

Economic

Increased erosion along the river due to lack of native vegetation, reduced pollinators and native wildlife increase costs to remove.

Management

Management of removal, treatments, optional introduction of natural predators, and replanting native species become necessities.

Community

Local volunteer clean-up and removal initiatives, educational programs advocacy, and collaboration with conservation groups. l

Our LMR Immersion Team

We are LMR 25' part of the BEST CLASS EVER! Our immersion project...

Angela Gros

Benjamin Willis

Courtney Reece

Jocellyn Perry

Jonti Simmons

Jose Romano

Laura Wilkerson Hite

Maggie McVicar

MonicaFaye Hall

Shaniquia Epps Harris

The LMR Immersion Team requirements?

Employ inquiry as a community leadership skill
Use analytical methods to understand complex issues involving multiple stakeholders and conflicting agendas
Think about long-term improvements at a systemic, policy level

How we meet the requirements...

Explored Why IT Matters

We found the James River is a vital source for drinking water, recreation, and economic value and identified a specific focus—invasive plant species.

Multiple Stackholders

We focused on invasive species. We worked with an association and provided resources like the Seek app and infographics. This helped us understand the different layers of the issues.

Long Term Impact

Our first project was one volunteer day. Now, we are planning annual events. And created a website to keep people engaged.