Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure is an overarching term used to capture the wide range of natural assets and strategies used in the built environment to improve the quality of our natural resources and contribute to healthier natural habitat, increased recreational opportunities, and improved aesthetics. Working at several scales (municipal, neighborhood, and site), it is the strategic integration of nature into urban environments to enhance environmental values.

By weaving natural processes into the built environment, green infrastructure provides a range of benefits including:

  • Air quality improvementsAzalea Wetlands
  • Facilitate walking and biking
  • Flood mitigation
  • Habitat enhancement
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Increased recreational opportunities
  • Mitigation of urban heat island effect
  • Reduced water and energy use
  • Stormwater management

Green Infrastructure Highlights

City GreenPrint 1.0

In collaboration with the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC), the City has produced City GreenPrint 1.0, Charlottesville's Green Infrastructure Guide. This document supports the conservation and restoration of Charlottesville’s green infrastructure. It provides an introduction to what green infrastructure is and presents Charlottesville's green infrastructure baseline. To view the document and its numerous maps, visit the City GreenPrint 1.0 page.

CityGreen Map

The CityGreen Map shows projects and resources around Charlottesville that contribute to making us A Green City. The map includes seven themes, icons linked to specific project/site details, and several base maps to toggle between.  To experience this interactive tool, visit the CityGreen Map page.