Nursery Natives Commits Local Grant Funding to “Growing” Sunset Park in Radford
With Help From the Community Foundation of the New River Valley
(Radford, VA) - In the Fall of 2022, two citizens of Radford set forth a proposal to the Beautification and Municipal Forestry Commission of Radford that they believed might bring more people to Sunset Park — where visitors could soon enjoy the opportunity to experience more wildlife and pollinator diversity while learning about native plants, particularly those with edible parts and medicinal properties.
Upon receiving official approval from Radford City Parks & Recreation earlier in 2023, the garden builds were underway. Garnering warm support from a motley crew of neighbors along the way, Katie and Jesse (of Nursery Natives) went to work planting and sculpting the empty corner where the park’s sign intersects 8th & Preston, returning to water the young plants and pick up trash around the park regularly. By fall of this year, 49 new species had been planted at Sunset (37 of those being native).
While the pair is pumped about the progress, director of Nursery Natives, Jesse Kelly says, "We have even bigger and more exciting aspirations for the park that could vastly enhance accessibility and functionality.”
Thanks to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) and their Responsive Grant Program, these goals just received a major boost. The $3,000 grant awarded to Nursery Natives is designed to provide flexible operating support, empowering local organizations to “put grant dollars where they’re needed most”. This is exactly what Nursery Natives is committed to doing, having stated recently that a “substantial portion of the grant” would go towards the revitalization of Sunset Park.
The CFNRV 2023 Grantee Luncheon will occur on Wednesday, November 15th from 11am - 1pm in at the Hyatt Place in Blacksburg, where 68 other organizations will also be recognized for their service, with the total grant funding awarded reaching a whopping $230,225!
Recent Events:
New River PawpawFest ‘23 🥭🎶 (10/14/23)
Upcoming Events:
Love of Music Collective 🎶 NRV Showcase at Nesselrod on the New (3/30/24)
Radford Redbud Festival ‘24 🌸 at Nesselrod on the New (4/13/24)
Way to go you two!