Hills & Heights
Whooooo that?
One of our winged neighbors allowed me to take a few photos this morning.
This Barred Owl was spotted near Reedy Creek along the road leading to Nickel Bridge.
Barred Owl facts courtesy of Raptor Conversancy of Virginia:
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Range
A resident species in Virginia. Found from Canada south through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast, including Florida and Texas.Size
Length 17–20 inches
Wingspan 39–43 inches
Weight 17–37 ouncesHabitat
Woodlands, swamps, dense forests, lake shores, ravines; usually near water.Diet
Mice, insects, snakes, lizards and salamanders; also known to eat smaller owls and other birds.Characteristics
A non-tufted owl, and the only eastern owl with deep brown eyes which can appear blue-black in certain light. Nests in cavities in trees, but will use old nests of red-shouldered hawks, crows or ravens. A vocal owl with a variety of calls. Most common hoot is a sequence of “Who-cooks-for-you, Who-cooks-for-you?“
Community
Three Accidents, One Deadly Along Forest Hill Avenue and Semmes
Speed appeared to play a factor in most if not all of the accidents.
Last night at Kenmore Road and Forest Hill Avenue around 6:30 PM there was a fatal accident. ABC 8 has some details but it isn’t clear whether it was the driver or someone else that was killed.
Earlier in the evening an accident occurred at Forest Hill and Bliley.
Finally, while driving to Manchester we spotted an overturned car on Semmes and W. 14th. Unsure if it was unrelated but saw a man a block away being handcuffed.
Even to my non-traffic engineer brain this is pointing to a significant problem and without changes, either physically changing the layout of the roads or a ton more enforcement this problem will continue.
Events
PlanRVA Day on June 1st offers host of free learning opportunities
The Richmond region’s planning district commission is opening its doors to community members and partners next month for a day of learning and networking.
PlanRVA will host PlanRVA Day on June 1 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at its new office at 424 Hull St. Rd. in the Manchester neighborhood. The event will focus on the topic of placemaking, the process of creating quality inclusive places where people want to live, work and play. Sessions will explore various aspects of inclusion and public engagement, with a focus on community connection through regional trails, public art and the environment.
The day will conclude with a film screening of the documentary “A River Called Home” with filmmaker Jess Wiegandt from 6-7:30 p.m. The film focuses on the journey of four women who launch at the headwaters of the James River and paddle to the Chesapeake Bay over three weeks, while conducting a water quality study.
“PlanRVA is where the region comes together to look ahead,” said Martha Shickle, PlanRVA’s Executive Director. “Regional collaboration and cooperation happens every day in Central Virginia. PlanRVA Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we’re making together to support quality of life and growth in the region. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event.”
Attendees can tour PlanRVA’s office space and connect with staff and community partners throughout the day.
Sessions are free, but registration is required. People can sign up for single sessions or for the entire day.
Community
RVA Bike Share No Longer Biking or Sharing
The vendor Bewegen Technologies abruptly shut down and took down the current bicycle rental system with it.
Rumors were afloat yesterday of the sudden shutdown of Richmond’s bike share program. The rumor became reality when the city sent out the following press release.
Due to a last-minute, two day notice and shut down by Bewegen Technologies, the city was forced to suspend the current bicycle rental system until a new software system is in place.
Bicycles will not be available to rent while the City secures a new contractor. In the meantime, the City encourages bike share users to utilize the three e-scooter vendors – Bird, Lime, and Spin.
Once the new bike share system is operational, the City will welcome users back with free rides for everyone for 30 days.
The City is diligently working to resolve the situation and we appreciate our residents and visitors patience as we go through this transitional phase.
For more information, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected]
Three Accidents, One Deadly Along Forest Hill Avenue and Semmes
Photo of the Day: Barbie
PHOTOS: Spaced Out at the Science Museum of Virginia
Photo of the Day: So Many Cars So Much Bikelane to Block
Photo of the Day: Stepping Stones
Arts in the Park Returns this Weekend
Fan Arts Stroll Walks into the Neighborhood May 11-12th
Renderings: James River Association breaks ground on James A. Buzzard River Education Center
Free childcare scholarships for moms: United Way accepting applications for WomenRise program
