directory the james river matters

by Amber Ellis

Now more than ever, it is important for us to have a daily or at least weekly practice that gives us a moment to slow down, be present and interact with the natural world. Not all of us are lucky enough to live in walking distance of a park, but simply finding a spot in our yard or on our balcony to sit for a few minutes a day can be a place to reconnect, especially given current guidelines around physical distancing. During monthly James River Rx walks in the James River Park System, Vicki Meininger, a regular participant, shares her practice and how it led her to looking out for hearts in the landscape during her daily walks at Pony Pasture. She says, “I’m originally from Overland Park, Kansas, but I’ve lived in Richmond for almost 25 years. I work as an after-care teacher in a private school. I love being outside! When we moved close to the river, I started walking by it every day. At first, short walks, but then I began exploring various trails and would walk for two hours without realizing it. I like being by the river, but the trees are my true love. I love the changes in the seasons and the surprises that each brings.” But that’s not all. “When I walk, I listen and truly look and see what is around me. The birds often sound like they’re saying things, and I’ve heard one that sounds like laughter. I take pictures most days, sometimes big things like the river, though many days it’s just little things—flowers, rocks and leaves,” recalls Meininger. “One day in the parking lot, I saw a leaf that looked like a heart, so I took a picture. As I walked through the woods, I kept seeing more and more heartshaped leaves. I took pictures of them all. Then, I noticed heart-shaped rocks. And through serendipity, I even found a shadow that resembled a heart!” This practice made an impact on her life. “I was a teacher in a city school for a long time, and it took me quite a while to get over some of the stress I carried from that,” she says. “Gradually, after many hours in the woods, I began to feel more like myself. I lost weight; some due to walking and some due to feeling like me again. I walk in the heat and the snow (which I really enjoy). I’m not fond of walking in the rain, but right after it is very nice.”

For more ideas on how to connect with the river and ways to be a James Changer, visit TheJamesRiver.org.

Amber Ellis is senior watershed restoration manager for the James River Association.