News

Shelly Barrick Parsons

June 3, 2021

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It’s safe to say that spring has sprung and ther

It’s safe to say that spring has sprung and there’s nothing quite like a springtime stroll along the Low Line. Here are a few of the blooms to keep an eye out for this month 😍 Make time to visit and take a walk this weekend, you’ll be glad you did!

Did you know that we make every effort to manage o

Did you know that we make every effort to manage our urban landscapes sustainably? Our weekly maintenance volunteers are a critical part of this effort, by donating their time hand-pulling weeds each week. They keep invasive weeds under control by hand, so that we can avoid the use of harsh herbicides in the gardens. If you see them in the gardens on Wednesday mornings, send a thank you their way. We're so appreciative of the committed group that helps us care for our green spaces!

We were excited to welcome the Sauer Properties gr

We were excited to welcome the Sauer Properties group back this year, for what we hope becomes an annual spring workday! Thanks very much to each volunteer in this group for helping us maintain the gardens at the Low Line. 🌳🌿

If you're a fan of fuzzy goslings like we are, it'

If you're a fan of fuzzy goslings like we are, it's the perfect time of year to stop by the Low Line. Canadian Geese are migratory birds, and they're currently fulfilling their correct ecological role by being in Virginia and alongside the gardens raising chicks this time of year. But remember, please refrain from feeding the geese! As cute as they are, feeding them incentivizes them to stay here rather than continue on with their migration as they should. Stop by and admire from a distance, but please keep them wild, and don't share snacks with them.

Skip the cut flowers this Mother's Day and take yo

Skip the cut flowers this Mother's Day and take your mom to see the flowers in bloom when you walk along the Low Line.😍

Wishing luck to all the folks participating in the

Wishing luck to all the folks participating in the Virginia Credit Union Cap2Cap Presented by Dominion Energy this weekend! 🏁 🚲

@virginiacapitaltrail @dominionenergy

There's more to successful urban landscapes than a

There's more to successful urban landscapes than adding in plants and walking away. At Capital Trees, when we take on a new project, we're committing to maintaining it long after construction is complete. We know that green spaces take ongoing care and attention in order to remain welcoming spaces month after month and year after year. Want to help? You can donate your time as a volunteer, or make a gift to Capital Trees (capitaltrees.org/get-involved/). Both help us continue our work, ensuring that Richmonders have access to well-maintained green space.

Before you let your neighbors peer pressure you in

Before you let your neighbors peer pressure you into cutting your lawn, give our latest sustainability blog a read (linked from our bio). It may be better for the pollinators to keep your mower parked for a little while longer.🐝🐛🦋

We’re excited to announce that Shelly (our Execu

We’re excited to announce that Shelly (our Executive Director) and Lisa (our Program and Outreach Manager) earned their Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Level 1 designation. They both passed a comprehensive exam that assesses an individual’s command of sustainable practices in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes. CBLP-certified professionals have in-depth knowledge of sustainable landscape best practices and a focus on maintenance of stormwater best management practices. 👏👏👏

Sending a huge thank you to @upsilonomegaka for vo

Sending a huge thank you to @upsilonomegaka for volunteering with us! The group divided daffodil bulbs and replanted them in the median plots at Great Shiplock Park, and we'll see the fruits of their labor next spring when the daffodils bloom again. We hope to have you all out again soon 👏👏👏

Spring has sprung, the plants are waking up, and w

Spring has sprung, the plants are waking up, and while the gardens slumbered this winter, we’ve been working on something big… OUR NEXT PROJECT. We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with the City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to create an urban landscape around Hotchkiss Community Center that will help better connect and beautify the existing space; as well as make a reality to complete an unfunded aspect of the master plan for this site. We’re planning to transform the space with the creation of walking trails, seating areas, lighting, and the addition of plants, trees, and shrubs. This project will bring much-needed green space to the Highland Park community, help reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide the opportunity for nearby residents to find respite in nature. We are moving into the planning and permitting phase of this project and hope to break ground in 2024. We’ll have more to share in the coming months, but we’re so excited about the potential for this new project, and hope you're able to support our work. capitaltrees.org/donate

Richmond VA Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Last week was Historic Garden Week and it always f

Last week was Historic Garden Week and it always feels fitting to reflect on our foundation this time of year. Capital Trees would not be the organization we are today without the Garden Clubs, and one particularly important member, Bessie Bocock Carter. Read our latest blog post to learn more about our project on 14th street, and Bessie Bocock Carter. Linked from our bio ☝️

@historicgardenweek @gardenclubofvirginia

Go out and enjoy nature this #EarthDay, the Low Li

Go out and enjoy nature this #EarthDay, the Low Line is the perfect spot for a walk!

Tomorrow is #EarthDay and our staff will be out in

Tomorrow is #EarthDay and our staff will be out in the community at local Earth Day events. You can find Shelly, our Executive Director, at the Henrico County Government Earth Day Festival (facebook.com/events/214564654411083/), and Lisa, our Program and Outreach Manager, will be at the Science Museum of Virginia (facebook.com/events/3134667670166203). Stop by, say hi, chat about Capital Trees, and celebrate Earth Day!

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