Richmond, VA – With rapid development occurring in the south side of the City of Richmond, residents Mattie Coll and Catherine Welsh have been increasingly determined to protect their mostly forested land that they have stewarded for decades. Ms. Coll and Ms. Welsh have now realized their visions for the future of their properties by recording conservation easements on approximately 10 acres with the Capital Region Land Conservancy (“CRLC”).

Located adjacent to city-owned parkland near Walmsley Boulevard and Belmont Road, a future public access trail along Pocosham Creek required by the easement will help fulfill one of the goals of the City of Richmond’s Master Plan, Richmond 300, by allowing for the alignment of a proposed greenway. This connection will also help address equitable access to green space in a community that is currently underserved, according to the Trust for Public Land’s “ParkServe” 10-Minute Walk Model. The easement also helps the City’s RVA Clean Water Plan to achieve the goal of expanding the open space network and placing an additional 100 acres under conservation easement.

When asked why she wanted to pursue conserving her land Ms. Coll responded “I grew up on this property and I have been in awe of it all my life and have worked to protect the trees, creek and wildlife all my life as well. It will make me happy to know it will be safe after I am gone.”

Ms. Welsh added “I think our protection of this little pocket of wildness is a part of the crusade to save space for wildlife and help preserve a unique, even if not exotic, area of refreshment and aesthetic wonder”.

Providing a refuge for existing wildlife and connecting a relatively unobstructed corridor for their movement, this newly conserved land features hardwoods, pines, and cedars as well as a pond. Geo-spatial analysis offered through the Virginia Natural Land Assessment demonstrates the importance of the property for its Forest Conservation Values and Watershed Impact. Furthermore, the property lies within the Regulatory Floodway as designated on the 2023 National Flood Hazard Map and downstream from an area where the City of Richmond recently restored a 60-acre natural floodplain area. The 100-foot vegetated buffer on Pocosham Creek required by the easement will help to further minimize the negative effects of flooding and will also help maintain and improve its water quality before reaching Falling Creek and ultimately the James River and Chesapeake Bay.

In addition, the Coll property, which has been her family’s home since 1949, contains over 700-feet along Pocosham Creek before its confluence with Pocoshock Creek near the site of the former Murchie’s Mill. Welsh’s home incorporates a log cabin from the 1880s when the area was a popular resort.

“Often my most gratifying work is helping landowners like Ms. Coll and Ms. Welsh, who shared a vision for decades, achieve their dream with our help,” said Jane Myers, CRLC Director of Land Conservation.

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About Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC): Capital Region Land Conservancy is dedicated to conserving the natural and historic resources of Virginia’s Richmond region for the benefit of people and nature. The nonprofit land trust serves the City of Richmond and 19 surrounding counties. Since 2005, CRLC has helped protect more than 15,000 acres, including easements on more than 4,600 acres.  

For more information: Contact Christina Newton, Community Engagement Manager christina@capitalregionland.org