Capital Trees was honored to co-host, alongside the Richmond English Speaking Union, Mayor and Mayoress Pyne of Richmond upon Thames for a visit to Richmond, Virginia, including a tour of our Low Line project. This exchange highlighted the profound connections between our two cities, rooted in shared values for landscape strategies that promote resilience, vibrancy, and community well-being.
City of Richmond Mayor Danny Avula alongside Mayor Richard Pyne of Richmond, England and his wife, Helen, at Libby Hill.
During the visit, we explored our mutual dedication to preserving and restoring vital natural landscapes. Our work at Capital Trees, from the Low Line to Canoe Run Park and the Hotchkiss Green, echoes the commitment to biodiversity, urban greening, and habitat preservation exemplified by Richmond upon Thames’ work on nature conservation and biodiversity.
Capital Trees Executive Director, Shelly Barrick Parsons guided Mayor Richard Pyne of Richmond, England and his wife, Helen for a tour of the Low Line. They were joined by former Capital Trees Executive Director, Frazier Millner Armstrong.
It was particularly inspiring to learn of Mayor Pyne’s dedication to volunteering weekly at Kew Botanical Gardens, a testament to his understanding of the continuous, hands-on effort required to cultivate thriving greenspaces. Just as our volunteers contribute to the transformation and care of public greenspaces, Mayor Pyne’s dedication reflects a shared belief in the power of community involvement.
We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen ties with our neighbors across the pond and reaffirm our commitment to building communities teeming with thriving greenspaces that bring health and well-being to all residents. Thank you to the Richmond English Speaking Union for their leadership in this memorable event.
