March 17 Newsletter: A forest grows in Swansboro
Weather: Overnight storms left cooler temperatures, with a high of 55.
On this date in 1931, Admiral Richard Byrd speaks at the Mosque (now Altria Theater) after returning from Antarctica. "There is no woman on the whole of the Antarctic continent. It is the most silent and most lonesome place on earth,” he says, according to a Times-Dispatch account from the event.
Swansboro is now home to a tiny forest project
Volunteers densely planted about 200 native trees and shrubs at Fonticello Park on Saturday, with the goal of cooling the neighborhood and bringing back insects and birds in less than a decade.
- Also known as a Miyawaki forest, after the Japanese botanist who developed them in the 1970s, tiny forests can grow as much as 10 times faster than traditional forest plantings.
Over the past few years, Fonticello has become a magnet for some of the city’s most innovative park projects as neighbors have worked to rejuvenate the space.
Why does a tiny forest work? Nobody's really sure, but read some theories, and full article, here.
Richmond civil rights legend Dr. Fergie Reid celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow
Trailblazing politician Dr. William “Fergie” Reid turns 100 years old tomorrow, and his impact and influence is still felt across the state’s political scene.
Bike parade honors Mary Munford principal, calls for better pedestrian protection
Hundreds rode their bicycles on Friday to support Munford Greg Musik, who was hit while riding last week and is hospitalized.
Participants lobbied the city for more protections for bicyclists. Councilmember Andrew "Gumby" Breton said officials shouldn't be scared to change traffic patterns to produce better environments for walkers and cyclists.
“The trade-offs you have to make are going to be supported by the people,” he said.
Also today in The Richmonder:
Michael Phillips
Graham Moomaw
Michael Phillips
Rob Witham
Jerry Lindquist
In other news
- Carytown phone repair shop sees fourth break-in over 5 years (WTVR)
- Mayor's Blog: A tale of two Richmonds (Richmond UK)
- Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons resigns (Times-Dispatch)
The editor's desk
Happy early 100th to Dr. Fergie Reid. Today's article notes that he grew up next door to Maggie Walker — an incredible connection to Richmond's past.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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