Cultivating Vibrant Public Greenspaces

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Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted 6 more weeks Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted 6 more weeks of winter yesterday, but that won't stop us from counting down the days until spring blooms are back in the gardens. 😍
Our Executive Director, Shelly Barrick Parsons, is Our Executive Director, Shelly Barrick Parsons, is speaking at this year’s @lewisginter Winter Symposium. Her talk is titled “Walk Two Parks and Call Me in the Morning: The Essential Role of Public Greenspace in Healing.” This presentation will dig into both the science and the soil: the research that confirms the power of public greenspaces to improve health and resilience, the public landscapes Capital Trees has cultivated, and the practical steps communities can take to ensure all people have access to safe, resilient, and well-cared-for greenspaces. There’s still time to get tickets for this event, our team will be there in addition to this speaking engagement — reach out if you’d like to connect! Learn more from the link in our bio.
Earlier this month we hosted The New Garden Ethic: Earlier this month we hosted The New Garden Ethic: Rewilding for People, Pollinators & Place at the @jravirginia James A Buzzard River Education Center. Murray Fisher opened the evening with an inspiring keynote on the power of rewilding, grounding big ideas in the simple, transformative act of nurturing the earth beneath our feet. Through his own journey of rewilding his yard into a thriving sanctuary, he reminded us that when we slow down and pay attention—to what is buzzing, blooming, and taking root—we begin to see nature in all its diversity, complexity, and beauty. His story was a powerful invitation to step off the pavement and into a fresh way of thinking about our relationship with the land. Our panelists then expanded the conversation beyond individual backyards to the shared landscapes that shape community life. Together, they explored how rewilding principles can be applied to public greenspaces at a larger scale—creating habitats where pollinators can thrive and ecosystems can begin to repair themselves. The discussion surfaced both the opportunities and challenges of doing this work in public-facing spaces, from maintenance realities to the importance of clear “cues to care” that signal these places are intentional, safe, and loved. Ultimately, the conversation reinforced a core truth of our work: when we invest collectively in public greenspaces, we create welcoming sanctuaries that support pollinators, restore the environment, and strengthen the wellbeing of our entire community. Special thanks to our keynote speaker, Murray Fisher, and panelists, Nissa Richardson and Heidi James, along with the event sponsors for coming together to make this a memorable public event. @beecityrichmondva @rvaparksandrec Speaker Sponsor: Anna and Charles Aquino Understory Sponsor: @m.turner_landscapes Seedling Sponsors: @wendellwelderlandscapedesign @bryan_parkrva
Stay safe and warm #RVA, check on your neighbors, Stay safe and warm #RVA, check on your neighbors, and be careful if you venture outside. *These photos are from our greenspaces during past snow days and shouldn't be used as measuring sticks for current conditions outside. ❄️
We’re delighted to introduce John Crowder, one o We’re delighted to introduce John Crowder, one of Capital Trees’ newest Board members. John brings a passion for gardening and landscape design to the Board, along with years of experience in landscape maintenance and a strong belief in the power of gardens and parks to connect and restore communities. Give our Q&A with him a read from the link in our bio.
The responsibility of creating a greener future re The responsibility of creating a greener future rests on our shoulders today. At Capital Trees, we create greenspaces that are not just beautiful, but vital. With every partner that joins us at the table, we accelerate our shared journey toward a healthier city. If your goals for 2026 include supporting the causes you care about, consider setting up a recurring donation to Capital Trees. It’s easy to donate monthly, annually, or just one time from the link in our bio. 👆
Need your new go-to tee for 2026? There’s still Need your new go-to tee for 2026? There’s still time to snag a Capital Trees t-shirt! Available in 5 colors, long-sleeve & short-sleeve, and made of soft cotton — you’ll be looking for opportunities to wear it all year long. A portion of t-shirt proceeds come back to Capital Trees, and each time you wear it, you’re helping spread the word about the importance of a greener future filled with trees. Shop from the link in our bio.👆
Investing in friendship and community in 2026? Cap Investing in friendship and community in 2026? Capital Trees volunteers and partners work side by side building meaningful relationships, making them happier and healthier. When people take action together, they’re invested in the wellbeing of our city, our environment, and each other. Many friendships have blossomed at Capital Trees workdays, where folks get their hands in the dirt and connect with each other over shared interests. We’re always welcoming newcomers to our volunteering crew — no experience required. The link to our volunteering opportunities is in our bio. 👆
Want to spend more time outside in 2026? Hold your Want to spend more time outside in 2026? Hold yourself accountable by signing up to volunteer with Capital Trees! Our work days provide plenty of fresh air, a break from screens, and the instant gratification of seeing all that can be accomplished in just a few hours. We post volunteering opportunities throughout the year, keep an eye out!
A new year provides an opportunity for a fresh sta A new year provides an opportunity for a fresh start and a renewed commitment to spending your energy in ways that matter to you. Need some inspiration for a more impactful 2026? Follow along for the next few days. We’ll be sharing ideas for New Year’s resolutions that also benefit our nonprofit.
We’re looking forward to our first event of 2026 We’re looking forward to our first event of 2026, and have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by our community — we’re already at capacity! Featuring a keynote from Murray Fisher and a panel conversation with Heidi James and Nissa Richardson — the evening will explore how rewilding can heal the soil and soul of our shared spaces. Thank you to our sponsors for helping bring this event to life. Learn more and join the waitlist from the link in our bio.
We create sanctuaries that offer refuge — for me We create sanctuaries that offer refuge — for mental health, well-being, and connection. Your year-end gift helps sustain these spaces and the people who rely on them. As the year closes, meet us there — and help grow a healthier city. ✨ Text GIVE to 804-885-2377 before December 31. We also make it easy to donate on our website from the link in our bio. You’ll have the option to set up a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation. Gifts may also be made by the transfer of securities.
We’re thrilled to recap some of the highlights f We’re thrilled to recap some of the highlights from 2025. Year after year our community shows us the power of coming together to work side by side with our hands in the dirt. Scroll through to see all that you helped us accomplish in our 15th anniversary year.
Creating vital greenspaces and restorative habitat Creating vital greenspaces and restorative habitats depends on the ongoing generosity of our community. When you make a donation to Capital Trees, you have a direct role in accelerating our shared journey towards a healthier city. 💚 Where the ground needs more shade. Where the bees need more flowers. Where people need each other. 🌱 Meet us there. Give from the link in our bio.👆
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Richmond, VA 23219

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