RiverBluff :: What Is a Conservation Community?

		As a conservation community, the design of RiverBluff focuses on the preservation and restoration of sensitive ecosystems. Residents are encouraged to use the common land for recreation and to participate in ongoing landscape management activities. Features of the RiverBluff community include: Ecosystem Restoration The RiverBluff common areas include several distinct ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands and meadows. Most of the land is located in a sensitive riparian buffer bordering the Rivanna River. Over time, the common area will become a healthy, diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem. Community Participation Residents are encouraged to participate in on-going design and management of the landscape. The final design and use of the common area will evolve in concert with residents' interests and desires. Ecological Stormwater Management RiverBluff incorporates stormwater management techniques that infiltrate and clean stormwater like natural ecosystems. A series of rain gardens located adjacent to roads will retain stormwater from most storms, and allow water to overflow to the common area during intense storms. Some houses may also incorporate vegetated roofs.


Photo © Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alternative Transportation
RiverBluff residents can make use of alternative transportation. The local elementary school and downtown Charlottesville are a short walk or bike ride away via the Rivanna Greenbelt trail and city streets. Nearby city bus routes provide access to downtown, the University of Virginia and regional shopping areas.

“Green” Houses
The model houses at RiverBluff incorporate numerous features to improve environmental performance and provide a healthy indoor environment. Energy efficiency is achieved through the effective use of daylighting, a high-performance building shell, and a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. Indoor air quality is improved through the use of healthy materials that limit off-gassing and a separate ventilation system that provides a constant supply of fresh air without compromising energy efficiency.

“Green” Landscape
The roadways and common areas at RiverBluff are planted with a variety of native plants that need a minimum of maintenance. Residents are encouraged to think of their yards as gardens or outdoor living spaces, and plant primarily with native species. The restoration of the native woodland habitat in rear yards is strongly encouraged.