PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A group of volunteers are taking part in a “cool” new project in Portsmouth.
The Cool Down P-Town project aims to address the rising temperatures in the city. This two-year effort is funded by a $222,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Project leaders from Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU), the Center for Sustainable Communities, Elizabeth River Project and Star Base Victory will guide the volunteers.
According to a news release from VWU, Portsmouth was selected due to its low tree coverage and widespread impervious surfaces, which heightens the city’s susceptibility to extreme heat stress. The city’s income disparity rates were also factored into the selection process.
“Our students, working alongside community residents, will play a central role in this initiative, gaining invaluable real-world experiences while actively contributing to community-driven solutions,” says Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, VWU Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability. “Their enthusiasm and dedication underscore the university’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and civic engagement.”
Volunteers will be trained to heat sensors that will collect data along predesignated routes throughout the city, and the data collected will be used to identify heat islands.
Once the heat islands have been identified, a series of town halls and special events will be held to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce rising temperatures, including pavement removal and tree and scrub planting.
The volunteers will meet for training on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 4212 Greenwood Drive. Data collection and monitoring will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. Temperature readings will be taken at three times throughout the day, at 6 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
For more information about the project click here.
