Small Steps, Big Impact

Nestled along the beautiful banks of the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg, Virginia, overflows with history and natural beauty. Attracting many tourists and residents, with its unique nature, it truly is a serene place. With an increasingly modern outlook, it is important to strive each day to preserve the charm of the area so that future generations are able to enjoy the captivating allure of Fredericksburg that we currently relish in. 

If one thing is certain, consistently taking small steps will gradually build up to make a large positive impact, and there are a few prominent steps that you can begin to take in order to preserve our beautiful Fredericksburg!

Green Spaces and “Leave No Trace”

Green spaces are areas set aside in an otherwise urban environment for purely recreational purposes. We have many delightful green spaces around our area, from athletic fields at Loriella and Patriot parks, to walking trails at Pratt park, and much more throughout our vast 10.5 square miles. 

Taking advantage of these green spaces is important, as the more populated they are, the more likely that they won’t be overtaken by industry. Whether taking children to the park, going camping, or having a picnic in nature, the more involved we are in these green spaces, the better.

However, with this, the “leave no trace” concept strongly comes into play. This motto became prominent in the mid 1900s as industry continued to spike and ecological damage was becoming a common occurrence. It was put in place to encourage an ethic movement in the US to begin to preserve nature. This motto still stands strong today meaning that we must leave minimal human disruption as we come into contact with nature. This includes, picking up our trash, not harming wildlife or plants, and acting to preserve historical landmarks. 

Recycling

As simple as it seems, recycling has a gigantic impact, conserving resources and keeping the environment clean. Setting up a recycling bin for your household can be rather easy, and especially beneficial towards the environment. 

Consistent recycling helps with sustainability, as we live in a culture where disposal after use is common. This makes the urgency of raising the standard of recycling an ever-growing importance. 

Community Involvement

Becoming actively involved in community activities, especially those taking place outdoors, will make a huge impact on Fredericksburg’s preservation efforts, as residents learn more about the community, become more connected to it, and therefore begin to better strive to preserve its beauty.

Locally, Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation holds many events for all age groups, and a large range of interests. As the weather begins to warm up and we shift into the late Spring, here is a list of a few activities that Parks and Recreation will be holding soon. 

To find the full list of activities, visit the activities catalog on the Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation, and Events website.


Julia Pesnell

Julia Pesnell is a junior at Riverbend High School. She is a student of the Commonwealth Governor’s and serves as the Riverbend Junior Class President. Julia also runs cross country and track for the Riverbend High School team. She holds the position of committee executive for the Spanish Honor Society and is a class representative for their chapter of HOSA. Beyond her leadership roles, Julia is actively involved in community service and is a member of the National English Honor Society.

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