The Threat
A Large-Scale Development on an Irreplaceable Landscape
Tree Hill is currently threatened by a proposed large-scale mixed-use development in eastern Henrico County.
The project has been described as a new residential and commercial community on land that holds deep Indigenous, historical, and environmental significance. Although the development traces back to approvals granted nearly two decades ago, much has changed since that time.
What has not changed is the importance of the land.
Tree Hill remains the birthplace of WaHōnSeNaKah, also known as Chief Powhatan. It remains part of the ancestral homeland of Virginia's Tribes. It remains a historic Virginia landscape connected to many layers of the Commonwealth’s past. And it remains one of the last significant undeveloped landscapes along this part of the James River near Richmond.
Development here would not simply change the appearance of the land.
It would permanently alter a place that cannot be recreated.
Why This Moment Matters
Tree Hill has remained largely undeveloped for generations.
That has allowed the landscape to continue holding cultural, historical, and environmental value. It has also preserved the possibility of learning more about the people, communities, and histories connected to this place.
A large-scale development would bring roads, utilities, grading, buildings, stormwater infrastructure, and increased traffic to a landscape that is culturally sensitive and historically significant.
Once those changes happen, they cannot be undone.
That is why this moment matters.
The question before the community is not simply whether development can occur.
The question is whether this particular place should be developed at all.
More Than a Development Site
Tree Hill should not be treated like ordinary land.
It is a sacred Indigenous landscape.
It is connected to the birthplace of one of the most significant Indigenous leaders in American history.
It is tied to the James River and generations of human history.
It includes environmental resources that contribute to the health of the surrounding landscape.
It holds meaning for Tribal Nations, local communities, historians, preservationists, and future generations.
Some land-use decisions affect only the present.
This one affects the past, present, and future.
The Risk of Irreversible Loss
Development of Tree Hill would create permanent impacts.
It could limit opportunities for future study, stewardship, education, and preservation. It could damage or destroy parts of a landscape whose full story is still being understood. It could separate future generations from a place that carries meaning far beyond its current ownership.
Because of the sensitivity of the site, specific cultural and archaeological details are not shared publicly.
That caution is intentional.
Protecting Tree Hill means protecting the land itself and protecting information that could place sensitive areas at risk.
But the public does not need sensitive details to understand the larger truth:
Tree Hill is too important to develop.
This Is Not About Opposing Growth, but the Risk of Irreversible Loss
This Is Not About Opposing Growth
The effort to protect Tree Hill is not about opposing all development.
Communities need homes, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and thoughtful planning. But responsible growth also requires recognizing that some places are not appropriate for large-scale development.
Tree Hill is one of those places.
Preservation is not anti-growth.
Preservation is responsible stewardship.
It is the recognition that certain landscapes hold such deep cultural, historical, and environmental value that they should be protected for future generations.
Why Past Approvals Are Not the Final Word
The proposed development is tied to land-use approvals from 2007.
But decisions made nearly twenty years ago should not prevent today’s leaders, communities, and Tribal Nations from asking whether development remains the right path.
Since that time, Virginia Tribes have gained greater recognition, capacity, and ability to advocate for the protection of ancestral places. Preservation science and archaeological methods have advanced. Public understanding of Indigenous history has grown. Community expectations around conservation, cultural stewardship, and responsible development have also changed.
A decision made in the past should not close the door on a better decision today.
Tree Hill deserves a fresh look.
Protect Our History Before It's Gone
The Time is Now
The Better Path Is Preservation
There is a better path forward.
Preserving Tree Hill would protect a sacred Indigenous landscape, honor Virginia’s shared history, safeguard important natural resources, and create opportunities for education, reflection, and responsible stewardship.
It would allow future generations to understand the importance of this place rather than inherit the consequences of its loss.
The question is not whether Tree Hill can be developed.
The question is whether it should be.
We believe preservation is the only responsible option.