Northside Agriculture Innovation Center
Agriculture and food production and distribution are undergoing significant transformation driven by technological innovations, impact of climate change, and evolving consumer preferences. This Project is focused on the training of an entrepreneurial workforce that is familiar with modern and advanced techniques and methodologies in sustainable, controlled environment, high tech agriculture at the Northside Agriculture Innovation Center (Northside Center).
Greenbelt
The heart of Riverside's greenbelt is in and around the Arlington Heights neighborhood and includes the California Citrus State Historic Park and Victoria Avenue, a mile-long scenic drive. A significant number of private lands have been protected for more than thirty years -- by Proposition R in 1979 and Measure C in 1987. These were approved by the voters to preserve some 4600 acres then primarily in citrus production. This land is currently in use as citrus groves, plant nurseries and very-low-density residential development.
Transportation
The City’s Public Works teams is primarily responsible for the planning and construction of transportation facilities throughout the city. Some of their tasks include developing planning documents to identify gaps in infrastructure, maintenance of all right-of-way facilities, and the adoption of an electric vehicle fleet for their department. The department contributes to the City’s sustainability goals by developing facilities that promote biking, walking, and rolling to reduce emissions from single-use vehicle trips.
Arts
The arts have a role in sustainability. By telling stories about our natural environment, conservation, and the future, arts can take complex scientific facts into digestible information for all audiences. You will find stories of climate change and our region’s experiences with climate at the following locations.
Trees
The City of Riverside has been designated as a “Tree City, USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1987. Riverside is home to a vibrant urban forest that features over 300 different species among its many street trees. The term “urban forest” is used to describe Riverside’s collection of trees and other vegetation and enables us to think holistically about these resources, quantify their benefits, and manage the City’s natural resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Water
Over the past three decades, Mayor Lock Dawson has played a significant role in prioritizing the conservation of the Santa Ana River for Riverside and the region. She led the Santa Ana River Partnership, a regional coalition comprising three counties, twenty-four cities, and various nonprofit organizations across Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, to maintain the river’s integrity. In 2014, she was instrumental in crafting legislation to establish the Santa Ana River Conservancy, solidifying state-level efforts to preserve the river.
Waste
The City of Riverside’s Public Works Department is committed to implementing state mandates for waste diversion. To meet the State’s diversion goals, Public Works utilizes social media and community outreach to educate residents. California Senate Bill 1383 aims to significantly reduce organic waste disposal by 75% and rescue at least 20% of surplus food for people in need by 2025 to cut methane emissions and combat climate change. To support these goals, the Ccity has partnered with EcoHero to deliver environmental education and outreach to students from K-12 within the Riverside School District. EcoHero provides engaging presentations at elementary schools, focusing on organic waste reduction, food surplus management, and recycling.
Lands
The City of Riverside has almost 3000 acres of public park, 49 developed parks and 9 natural open parks and undeveloped future park sites. The city manages these lands for various purposes such as recreation, placemaking, agriculture, and conservation of historical sites or species. Some of Riverside’s most noteworthy lands include California Citrus State Historic Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, Mt. Rubidoux, and the Santa Ana River.
Other Green Areas