It’s nothing that most of us didn’t already know, but nice to see nonetheless…

The T-D’s Discover Richmond has published a detailed multimedia piece on Pony Pasture. It’s not news for most of us, but a nice feature for newcomers.

What could be the country’s first conservation easement for an urban park could be coming soon to both banks of the James River Park system.

The latest issue of Richmond Magazine includes a brief feature on life in Stratford Hills, with a focus on Riverside Outfitters owners Matt Perry and Scott Turner.

The James River is above normal, and there have been a couple of lower-key rescues the last couple of days. Lots of folks are expected to be out on the river the next couple of days, so please use caution.

A kayak’s eye view of the James, from Huguenot to Reedy Creek.

A look at Williams Island, that large chunk of land across from Pony Pasture.

From the DPW:

All lanes of Canal Street between 7th Street and 9th Street and all lanes of 8th Street between Franklin Street and Cary Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 10. These closures will be needed for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The southbound lanes of the Manchester Bridge will also be closed for the race from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The northbound lanes of the bridge will not be closed.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid these areas during the closure times or to be prepared for traffic delays associated with detours. The 14th Street Bridge and the Lee Bridge are alternatives for motorists who need to go south of the James River during the closure.

Why Richmond, Why takes on a little Nickel Bridge history.

Property owners circa Rockfalls Drive & Riverside have been cited for illegally removing buffer vegetation along the river. The article comments haven’t descended into total chaos yet, but they’re trying…

Or, more specifically, news from the 42nd Street Lot.

Adventure-seeking adults 15 and older can explore the shady islands and side channels of James River Park, Saturday, July 21, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Reedy Creek Visitor Center. Participants must be able to swim. Lifejackets are provided. Wear water shoes. Call 646-8911 or 646-6446 for details and reservations.

The children’s tour, for ages 14 and under, is Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim. Lifejackets are provided, but water shoes are recommended. Meet at the Reedy Creek Visitor Center. For more information and reservations, call 646-8911 or 646-6446.

The James River Advisory Council is sponsoring a river cleanup day this Saturday, 9am-1pm. Many sites from Appomattox through Chesterfield will participate, including 2 in our area at Reedy Creek and Pony Pasture.

More information is available at 717-6688.

Kathy Graziano has set aside $2500 in discretionary funds towards a conservation easement for James River Parks.

Currently, there is no absolute protection from development for the Park. The easement will prohibit any type of commercial, industrial or residential development in James River Park, while allowing the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to continue to manage the Park as a wildlife and nature preserve.

Riverside Outfitters, based just off Forest Hill in the Stratford Hills area, is picking up where Richmond Raft Co. left off. Their operation will be smaller than that of Richmond Raft, but they’ll also offer guided kayak & canoe trips.

Riverfest 2007 is tomorrow. Riverside Drive will be closed in the vicinity of Pony Pasture between roughly 8am-2pm.

Among the events taking place along Riverside are the 3rd Annual 5K race (8:30), tree climbing, live music, rickshaw rides, bird watching with Mary Arginteanu, bike parade, Rivercritters with Ralph White, face painting, and kayak demonstrations. Some refreshments will be available for purchase.

More info here.