> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # March 17 Newsletter: A forest grows in Swansboro - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/march-17-newsletter-a-forest-grows-in-swansboro/ - Published: 2025-03-17T10:00:25.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-17T10:00:24.000Z - Description: Plus, a civil rights icon turns 100 years old tomorrow, a bike parade calls for safer roads, and VCU will participate in March Madness after winning its conference tournament. - Author: Michael Phillips - Tags: Newsletter **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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/130FE215-C4B5-4F80-A0DF-B885FBD89BF1_1_201_a-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-forest-grows-in-swansboro/) ### 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.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-forest-grows-in-swansboro/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/Fergie_Reid-1-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-civil-rights-legend-dr-fergie-reid-celebrates-his-100th-birthday-this-week/) ### 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. 🏛️ Reid became the first Black politician elected to the General Assembly since Reconstruction when he was voted to the House of Delegates in 1968, and was a co-founder of the Richmond Crusade for Voters. [**Read about how today's politicians have been inspired by his assistance, as well as his background, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-civil-rights-legend-dr-fergie-reid-celebrates-his-100th-birthday-this-week/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/bike-parade-02-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/bike-parade-honors-mary-munford-principal-calls-for-better-pedestrian-protection/) ### 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. [**Read more on the parade here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bike-parade-honors-mary-munford-principal-calls-for-better-pedestrian-protection/) ### Also today in The Richmonder: [Varied contributors lift VCU to rare A-10 title, NCAA tourney appearanceThe Rams will play at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon against BYU.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-93.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0722-copy.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/varied-contributors-lift-vcu-to-rare-a-10-title-ncaa-tourney-appearance/) [Richmond IG clears former city spokeswoman’s purchases from companies owned by prior business partnerOsuna’s investigation into the transactions concluded Burks didn’t violate any city policies on procurement and conflicts of interest.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-90.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF7774.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-ig-clears-former-city-spokeswomans-purchases-from-companies-owned-by-prior-business-partner/) [Henrico reclaims Green City site after payment deadline is missedHenrico remains committed to building an arena on the site.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-91.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-03-14-at-9.01.37-AM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-reclaims-green-city-site-after-payment-deadline-is-missed/) [Manchester falls in state title game, but continues to build for success; Atlee prevails over VarinaChesterfield County is in the midst of a golden age for girls basketball.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-92.png)The RichmonderRob Witham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2727.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-falls-in-state-title-game-but-continues-to-build-for-success-atlee-prevails-over-varina/) [Jerry Lindquist: Virginia Derby horse race ends with surprising winnerThe race drew a sellout crowd of 8,000.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-94.png)The RichmonderJerry Lindquist![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DETERMINISTIC---The-New-Kent-County-Virginia-Derby---09-07-24---R10---Colonial-Downs---Start-01---Kurtis-Coady--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jerry-lindquist-virginia-derby-horse-race-ends-with-surprising-winner/) --- ### In other news - [**Carytown phone repair shop sees fourth break-in over 5 years**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/fruit-fixed-iphone-smartphone-repair-shops-hit-charlottesville-and-carytown-march-15-2025) (WTVR) - [**Mayor's Blog: A tale of two Richmonds**](https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/comment%5Fspot/comment%5Fspot%5Farchive/council%5Fblog%5F2025/new%5Fblog%5Fa%5Ftale%5Fof%5Ftwo%5Frichmonds) (Richmond UK) - [**Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons resigns**](https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/education/article%5F97fd11da-010e-11f0-b4cd-e7c5c59df788.html) (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* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Become a donor for $9.99 a month**](https://donate.stripe.com/aEU8xm7EWefggx29AP) and keep quality local journalism in the community.