We’re happy to have Lee Mallonee as one of our new Board Members. Lee was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and has always preferred to spend his time outside. He sought out an environment-focused career that would allow him to do just that, starting out working as the Superintendent of Parks for the city of Wilmington, North Carolina before returning to Richmond where worked as a land planner/landscape architect. Lee is certified as a Professional Wetland Delineator and started a local company in the late 1980’s to provide wetland delineation and regulatory permitting, grant application assistance and the preparation of conceptual and construction design plans for wetland creation, stream restoration, native plant design, and innovative stormwater management solutions. Lee brings a vast amount of experience to the Board of Trustees, and we’re grateful that he’s willing to share his knowledge with our team. Read our Q & A with Lee below!
Q. When and how did you learn about the work Capital Trees does throughout RVA?
A. About three years ago when I met and spoke with Frazier Armstrong at a function. I also heard about Capital Trees from fellow board member and neighbor, Jim Hill.
Q. What inspired you to want to be on the Capital Trees Board?
A. To be able to continue to use my skill sets in a positive way for Richmond as I creep towards retirement.
Q. What skill set, knowledge, professional experience, or unique perspective do you bring to the Board?
A. Landscape architect since graduating from UVA in 1975, wetland scientist/wetland delineator since 1987. Licensed as a LA and certified as professional wetland delineator in VA.
Q. In your own words, why do you think urban greenspaces are a vital resource?
A. Because greenspaces are disappearing daily and life in a sea of asphalt and concrete is not beneficial to anyone.
Q. What Capital Trees contribution or project are you most proud of or excited about?
A. I am on the Projects Committee and look forward to participating in the evaluation of potential projects and in the design and implementation of new and existing projects.
Q. What should more people know about Capital Trees?
A. It is an organization with a worthwhile mission and goals which benefit all the citizens of Richmond.
Q. What do you feel is Capital Trees’ biggest need?
A. We are early in the process of becoming the lead on new projects for the City. Cementing that role is critical to ensuring green spaces within the metropolitan area. Localities do not have greenspace as a high priority, Capital Trees does.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in the next year or over your Board Term?
A. Project related work.
Q. How do you foresee the organization transforming in the coming years?
A. Becoming more recognizable and respected for its ability to implement projects that support our mission
Q. What’s your favorite plant/plot/project of Capital Trees?
A. The next one I get to work on.
Q. What is your favorite public landscape/greenspace?
A. In Richmond, the Low Line is my favorite urban greenspace. Any forest that has not been timbered in the past 60-80 years with streams and interesting topography is always a great place to spent time.
