Investing Locally This Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to invest in our amazing North Chattanooga community by supporting local initiatives that make a difference.
Consider purchasing hats, stickers, or T-shirts from the North Chattanooga Neighborhood Association to help fund our efforts to improve Sylvan Park.
You can also contribute directly to our Sylvan Park revitalization campaign through the Green Spaces Initiative, or consider asking your employer to participate as a sponsor of one of our new park components or sponsoring in honor of someone important in your life!
Sylvan Park Sponsorship opportunities. Your business or family name will be honored on park signage for your sponsorship!
3. Your time is just as valuable—volunteer with our "Welcome to the Block" program to greet new neighbors. Sign up here!
4. Or join the "Play Streets" Initiative to create safe and fun spaces for kids and adults to build community. Sign up here!
5. Additionally, you can support families in our local school community by donating food and clothing. Drop items at the Normal Park Upper or Lower School, or you can put them in the tupperware bin on the porch at 1022 Normal Avenue.
Food Items Needed: Mac and Cheese, both the box and the microwavable; Canned veggies, fruits, and soups; Individually wrapped breakfast bars, granola bars, etc.; Snack items, gummy snacks, cracker packs; Fruit cups and apple sauce; Cereal boxes, both large and individual sized; Ramen; Peanut Butter both large jars and small individual ones; Pasta noodles and Sauces; Jugs of water
Clothing Items Needed: new girls black or grey leggings or joggers with a drawstring pants size small (6x), size medium (7/8), size large (10/12) and size x-large (14/16)
6. You can also lend a hand by clearing covered or overgrown sidewalks (or reporting them via 311) to help keep our neighborhood more pedestrian-friendly.
7. Support our local businesses who pour so much into our community. Get food from Tremont Tavern after they were impacted by a car accident this week. Purchase books from The Book & Cover (It might cost a dollar or two more, but they provide so many free community programs!). Schedule a haircut at Hair A Go Go or Geno’s Salon. Purchase local art from Amy Packer, Marian J. King or In Town Gallery.
Every act of generosity helps strengthen our neighborhood and build a more connected, caring community!
Bringing Play Streets to North Chattanooga
Play Streets are happening in cities around the globe!
Many adults can remember a time when children spent more time outdoors, and neighborhood streets were filled with the sounds of kids playing. While we still see many children in our neighborhood today, kids are more likely to be in their own home, yard, or screen.
In order to encourage more outdoor play and community connection, The North Chattanooga Neighborhood Association is excited to announce our upcoming Play Streets initiative, a movement that temporarily transforms residential streets into safe, car-free spaces for play and community gathering.
The idea came from a book club that NCNA hosted earlier this fall to discuss The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book explores the detrimental effect of screens and social media on young people, and it delves into the huge benefits of outdoor play. More than 20 neighbors came to the book club, and nearly everyone agreed that their primary concern with their own children playing in our neighborhood is the danger of traffic.
What are Play Streets?
Play Streets are scheduled times when selected streets are closed to through traffic, creating safe spaces for children to play and neighbors to connect. This concept, already successful in cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York, represents a return to a time when streets weren't just for cars – they were extensions of our front yards and gathering places for our communities.
Why Now?
In recent years, childhood has undergone a dramatic shift. Research shows that today's children spend significantly less time in unstructured outdoor play compared to previous generations. This decrease in outdoor activity and face-to-face social interaction has been linked to increased rates of anxiety and decreased social development among young people.
Contemporary research, including recent studies on child development, highlights several concerning trends:
Children spend 50% less time in unstructured outdoor activities than they did in the 1970s
Average radius of play (how far children roam independently) has shrunk by 90% since the 1970s
Screen time has replaced much of children's free play time
Benefits of Play Streets
Play Streets offer multiple benefits for our community. In addition to mental and physical well-being for children, Play Streets also build community by fostering a greater sense of community safety and intergenerational interaction.
North Chattanooga’s Play Street event
The first step in planning our event is to seek a permit from the City of Chattanooga to close a selected street to traffic on a specific date. We have identified Boylston Street, between Colville Street and Beck Ave, as a potential location for the initial event. Because this stretch of road does not include any residences, it should pose minimal disruption to traffic flow (and it can serve as a wonderful test case for creating a public park in that vicinity!). The date of the event has not yet been determined.
We need your help!
We are currently seeking volunteers to help plan this event. Please let us know here if you are interested in helping out and/or staying in the loop on this event!
Remember, Play Streets aren't just about creating spaces for play – they're about strengthening our community bonds, improving our children's well-being, and making North Chattanooga an even better place to live.
Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program
Moving to a new neighborhood can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a new resident settles in, the first few weeks can feel like a blur of unpacking, navigating new routines, and adjusting to a different community. But a warm, friendly welcome can make all the difference in helping new neighbors feel at home. That’s where our Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program comes in!
Our neighborhood association is proud to launch this initiative aimed at making our newest residents feel welcome and connected from day one. One of the easiest and most heartfelt ways you can participate is by joining our postcard-writing effort to greet newcomers. Here's how you can get involved!
What is the "Welcome to the Block" New Neighbor Program?
The Welcome to the Block initiative is a neighborhood outreach program designed to help newcomers feel embraced and informed as they transition into our community. Each new resident receives a personalized postcard with a warm greeting, helpful local information, and an invitation to engage with the association and neighbors.
It's a small gesture that can have a big impact. A handwritten note can make new residents feel seen, valued, and excited about the community they’ve joined.
Why Write a Postcard?
A personal, handwritten postcard is an easy, affordable, and meaningful way to show new neighbors that we care. Here's why it matters:
Makes a Personal Connection: A quick, thoughtful note can break the ice and open the door for future interactions.
Informs and Guides: A postcard can include helpful information like local events, nearby parks, or contact info for the neighborhood association. It's a simple way to help newcomers get oriented.
Builds Community Spirit: Welcoming new residents fosters a sense of unity and warmth in the neighborhood, making everyone feel part of something special.
How Can You Get Involved?
It’s simple and fun! Here’s how you can help us welcome new neighbors with a postcard:
Sign Up
Join our postcard-writing team by filling out the registration form here. You’ll be added to our volunteer list and receive updates on when new residents are moving in.Pick Up a Postcard Kit
Once you’ve signed up, we’ll provide you with a postcard kit. These kits include everything you need—pre-addressed postcards, a list of new neighbors, and a few ideas for what to write (though feel free to add your own personal touch!).Write Your Postcard
Take a moment to write a short, friendly message welcoming your new neighbors. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few kind words will make a world of difference! You can also include a personal recommendation for a local coffee shop, restaurant, or park.Drop Off Your Postcard
Once you’ve written your postcard, drop it off at the post office, and wait for the next batch of newcomers.
What Should You Write on the Postcard?
The most important thing is to make the message warm and welcoming! Here are some ideas for what to include:
A Warm Greeting: Start with a friendly “Welcome to the neighborhood!” or “We’re so happy you’ve joined our community!”
Personal Suggestions: Mention your favorite local spots or any neighborhood traditions or events.
Encouragement to Get Involved: Invite your new neighbor to attend an upcoming neighborhood event or meet others through the neighborhood association.
A Helpful Tip: Offer advice on practical matters, like the best route to take to the grocery store or where to park.
Here’s an example:
Dear [Name],
Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re so glad to have you here. If you’re ever looking for a great cup of coffee, check out [local café] just down the street—it’s a neighborhood favorite! Our next community gathering is coming up in [date]; we’d love to see you there!
If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you settle in.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
NCNA Member
The Impact of Your Effort
It may seem like a small act, but when dozens of neighbors come together to write postcards, it creates a ripple effect of positivity and inclusivity throughout the community. New residents will feel the warmth of their new home long before they’ve unpacked their last box, and they’ll be more likely to engage with the neighborhood as a result.
By taking just a few minutes to write a postcard, you’re helping build a more welcoming, connected, and vibrant neighborhood for everyone.
Get Involved Today!
Ready to get started? Sign up to be part of the Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program and help make our community an even better place to live. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a recent arrival, you can make a difference by sharing a kind word with a new neighbor.
Together, let’s show everyone that we’re more than just a neighborhood—we’re a community.
Sign up today and start writing!
City of Chattanooga and Habitat for Humanity’s Programs to Support Residents 60+
Learn more about the City of Chattanooga's Senior Property Tax Programs.
City of Chattanooga's Property Tax Relief & Freeze Programs
The City of Chattanooga offers three programs to help senior and disabled homeowners pay their City property taxes. Please share with neighbors who might benefit from Tax Relief, Tax Freeze and the United Way Stormwater Fee Assistance programs.
Learn more about Senior Property Tax Programs
Descriptions of Tax Relief, Tax Freeze and United Way Stormwater Fee Assistance
Chattanooga Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair Program
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, traditionally recognized for building and selling affordable homes, has now expanded its work to include home repairs and community improvements. Thanks to the support of City of Chattanooga, we are excited to announce a new and expanded Critical Home Repair Program.
Our next Lottery Period will be open from November 4, 2024, to November 15, 2024.
Eligibility & Program Process
In order to qualify for the Critical Home Repair program, certain criteria must be met by the applicants and home itself.
Must be owner-occupied and primary residence.
Proof of homeownership, not currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings within the past 24 months (about 2 years).
Household income falling within 0-50% of the Area Median Income.
Must be 60 years of age or older.
Demonstrate the need for critical home repairs.
Property must be located within the City of Chattanooga.
PLAN Chattanooga: Opportunity to Review and Provide Feedback
Plan Chattanooga's Upcoming Informational Meetings
Plan Chattanooga is a “comprehensive plan” for the city. It provides for the first time in Chattanooga’s history a planning framework equal to our peer cities in the U.S. The plan outlines growth challenges and infrastructure needs over a 20-year planning horizon and strategies for implementation. It is organized into a citywide framework with shared goals, policies, and concepts, and eight area chapters.
Join the RPA for an overview of the draft citywide and area plans for the City of Chattanooga. This is an opportunity to see the highlights of the draft plan and ask questions.
Please register for the upcoming virtual meetings at the links below. The same information will be shared at both meetings.
We also have the option to go to the open house for a citywide overview of the plan with an opportunity to break into area specific conversation with staff and consultants.
Monday, October 28th
Chattanooga Public Library
Downtown Branch, Fourth Floor
Open House: 5:00-7:30 pm
Presentation: 6:00 pm
The draft of Plan Chattanooga is available for review. Help ensure the plan contains policies and actions that are important to you.
Frazier Ave Resurfacing & Restriping – Schedule Change
Update on Frazier Avenue Resurfacing and Restriping
Updated 10/14
Frazier Ave Resurfacing & Restriping – Schedule Change
This afternoon, the paving contractor notified CDOT of a scheduling change due to unforeseen delays in the lowering and raising of manholes on Frazier Ave. The contractor will begin resurfacing and restriping of Frazier Ave between Market Street and Barton Ave on Monday, October 21st, and will take an estimated 4 days to complete.
The subcontractor will be present to raise and lower sewer manholes within the project area through Friday. This will require the occasional single-lane closure, with flaggers present to direct traffic around the work sites.
Once work begins on Monday after 8 AM, a single lane will be maintained both westbound and eastbound during the daytime work, with the brief, occasional full closure of adjoining streets. Street parking will be restricted within the active work areas.
The final schematic and striping plans for Frazier Ave can be viewed here.
POC: Chattanooga Division of Transportation, 423-643-5950
Justin Strickland, Public Space and Policy Coordinator
Frazier Ave Memorial and Dedication Service on November 16th
We hope that you can join us for this meaningful time to connect, grieve, and build a stronger, resilient community moving forward a year after the tragedy on Frazier. Thank you to Mariah Friend, the NorthShore Merchants Collective and Lexi d'Ambrosio for helping to make this memorial a reality.
Last year, our community was shocked by the tragic accident on Frazier Avenue that claimed the lives of Anna and her son Jonathan. This year, we have an opportunity to heal together. Please join us for a Memorial and Dedication service in honor of the Devia family on November 16th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park to reflect and celebrate the power of transformation. Members of the Devia family will be traveling from Jacksonville, FL to attend, and members of our NCNA will be hosting the family in their homes.
This is a grassroots-led event organized by neighbors like you to provide a meaningful space to connect, grieve, and build a stronger, resilient community moving forward. Organizations providing grief, trauma, and public safety resources are invited to table and share information with the community. (Please contact Mariah Friend, mmfriend87@gmail.com, by October 21st for more information if your organization would like to participate).
Here’s the schedule of events:
12:00-3:30 pm - Community participation in painting butterflies led by local artist Lexi D’Ambrosio to represent the Devia Family for future installation at the site of Forest and Frazier Avenue
3:30 - 3:45 pm - Devia Family Memorial Dedication by Pastor Kimberly Laura
3:45 - 4:15 pm - Forest Bathing/Ground Blessing Ceremony with Ecotherapist Valerie Radu at the site of a tree planting in honor of the family in Coolidge Park
4:15-5:15 pm - Complete painting of the butterflies. Community partners will have tables with resources for grief support, healing, public safety, and trauma care
5:15-5:30 pm - Gathering for a candlelight vigil with a walk to the corner of Forest and Frazier with a moment of silence to end our time together
Community members are welcome to attend all or part of the event. Our hope is to provide a model for how we can overcome tragedy and heal together. Please share this event and invite others. We hope to see you there!
How Can NCNA Help Our Local Schools?
Ideas about how the neighborhood can support our local schools
What can NCNA do to support our local schools & neighbors?
As an individual it can be daunting to figure out how to make an impact on something as large as a school district that supports 45,000 students. But as a neighborhood association, we can operate as a larger community with a stronger voice.
NCNA can become a reliable, proactive resource for information. Rumors and misinformation spread quickly, but we see the potential for NCNA to have a role in reducing confusion by doing the following:
Providing neighbors with timely resources to easily contact School Board and County elected officials to advocate for our schools.
Notifying neighbors when we can/should we be physically present at relevant School Board/County Commission/City Council meetings. This can relate to the ongoing Facilities Plan, but also things like providing a voice to support educational/student values (support school libraries, advocating for students and staff, etc.)
Neighbors can tangibly support the school.
Use your time or talents to support the school! Just a few examples:
Who has cool tools that the STEM teachers could use in class?
Who has a business that might make a good Learning Expedition (field trip) destination?
Who may be interested in mentoring students? Tutoring students? Employing students? Help with minor projects at the school? Etc.
Help teachers with their Classroom Amazon Wishlists.
NPMM teachers’ Lower & Upper School Wishlists
Fill up the Care Closets - The Normal Park Care Closet provides gently used and new clothing, backpacks, school supplies, shoes/socks, and hygiene items, to students that experience an emergency while at school. (Use the links on the left hand navigation to see what each school needs)
NCNA can be a cheerleader for our local schools. Our schools do amazing things and we should be jumping for joy for that success - whether it’s test scores, recognition for special teacher achievements or (most importantly) everyday successes for our students.
Help us with Historic Preservation Grant research. Normal Park’s Upper and Lower school buildings are both about 100 years old! They are beautiful landmarks in the neighborhood, but they also suffer from decades of deferred maintenance. Neighbors have begun looking into ways to tap into Historic Preservation grants and government funding options for these old buildings so that they remain great places for our kids to learn every day.
Join us for our next Education Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 6 at 4:00 p.m. at the Amy’s home. Address details will be sent via email.
Upcoming NCNA Road Safety Meeting
Please join us for two upcoming NCNA Road Safety meetings: October 3rd and October 11th.
We have two upcoming Road Safety meetings that all are welcome to attend. Please let us know that you are coming so that we are sure to have enough space by emailing us at northchattanooganeighbors@gmail.com:
Thursday, October 3rd, 6:30 p.m. at Wyatt Rec Center (in the small building).
A joint meeting of the Responsible Growth and Road Safety committees to discuss a collective neighborhood response to the proposed development on Franklin Street and how to work proactively to mitigate potential negative impacts that it could have.
The Road Safety points of interest include the immediate area of development on Franklin as well as the proposed one-way to two-way change on Hamilton, proposed sidewalks on Hamilton and the crosswalk on Dallas near the N. end of Market Street. We would like to arrive at consensus about what we think could be both longer term improvements to the area as well as shorter term changes that are easier to implement while being effective at calming automobile traffic and increasing safety in the area.
Information about proposed Franklin Street subdivision
Friday, October 11th, 11:45 a.m. at Basecamp on Frazier (location may change if raining or the group is very large).
Carmen Harvey, the City Transportation Engineer, will join us to present updates on the city's rerouting plans during the Walnut St. bridge closure and to provide feedback on our questions and suggestions.
In our discussion with Carmen and afterwards we will be working to finalize the statement on the Walnut closure rerouting that we've drafted. Hopefully we can add more specific suggestions and ideas that may help during the closure period.
If time allows we will also discuss some of the next steps related to the goal of improving Tremont near Hixson Pike.
September 18th updates from Public Works on Frazier and Walnut
If you plan to attend either meeting let us know so that we can secure adequate space: northchattanooganeighbors@gmail.com
If you can't attend one of the meetings above but have input feel free to share it directly via email and we'll add it to the discussion.
Updates on Frazier Avenue and Walnut Street Bridge Plans
Frazier Avenue redesign and Walnut Street Bridge renovation
This morning, I got the most current updates from Jerramy Woods, the newly appointed Public Works Administrator, about plans for the Frazier Avenue redesign implementation, as well as the Walnut Street Bridge construction project.
Pending weather problems, the work to implement the Frazier Avenue redesign will begin next week (the week of September 23rd - 27th) and should be finished before Thanksgiving. [UPDATE 10/3: The paving team was called in for emergency work in the down areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Public Works reports that they were told they should be here and moving forward next week.] Public Works has asked for our patience during the process, and we look forward to a much safer Frazier Avenue soon! The North Shore Merchants’ Collective is spearheading efforts with the City Planning Department to install planters along Frazier soon after the road changes are finished. Those planters will be sponsored by different local businesses that are committed to making the North Shore safer and more beautiful. If you have a business that would like to sponsor a planter, please email us: northchattanooganeighbors@gmail.com
"Detours" Slide from 9.17.2024 Public Works Presentation to City Council about Walnut Street Bridge renovations
I am attaching a presentation about the Walnut Street Bridge renovations that was delivered last night. The anticipated date of the bridge closure is March 17, 2025, and the anticipated date the bridge renovation completion is September 14, 2026. Of particular interest to our community is the slide entitled detours, which indicates current routes for pedestrian use while the bridge is closed. Walnut Bridge Renovation Presentation.
Sylvan Park Update: September
Sylvan Park draft plan incorporating NCNA Survey Feedback!
At the September NCNA meeting (9/5/2024), we heard from the Department of Parks and Outdoors regarding our first Green Spaces Initiative: Sylvan Park Revamp. For the last month, sheep have been grazing on non-native plants, helping clear the forest floor and paving the way to reemphasize native species. Most exciting, we reviewed a planning sketch that incorporates the feedback and comments collected during the GSI Survey.
Note: This draft sketch is for planning purposes only and is contingent on our shared, continued success of partners and funding.
Fundraising efforts to support this cause are underway. The next Beautification-Sustainability Committee meeting is scheduled for October 17th - 7pm at a member’s house near Sylvan (reach out for exact address if interested). We will see the latest progress in the park and discuss the individual elements involved with the private-public partnership that has been driving this initiative.
Please note: Do not feed the sheep! This can cause serious harm to the animals.
Supporting Local Schools
Why do we support our local schools?
Why is supporting our local schools important for the neighborhood?
There’s a quote that’s stuck with me for several years that comes from an old motto in Shaker Heights in Cleveland - “A community is known by the school it keeps.” In today’s world there are infinite factors that affect the success of a school, but there is no arguing that a well-regarded, well-supported school can be a tremendous benefit to its neighborhood. The reputation of Normal Park Museum Magnet (NPMM) is what drew our young family to Northshore when we moved to Chattanooga in 2020 and it has been a draw for countless other families.
Our neighborhood is fortunate to have great schools at every level, from daycare & preschool at Northside Learning Center (NLC) to NPMM for pre-k-8th and Chattanooga and Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts (CCA), a magnet school for 6th - 12th grades.
How does having these schools right out our front door benefit our neighborhood?
Socially
The ability for families and students to safely walk to school everyday is a key to community building and creating a family-friendly vibe.
Strong schools help families put down roots. These roots give us the motivation to engage with our neighbors to find ways to identify and overcome problems.
Economically
For homes in the Normal Park school zone, the reputation of the school continues to positively impact home values. Homeowners who want to see their house values remain strong should have a vested interest in the school’s success, whether they have children attending school or not.
In future posts, we’ll be sharing ways that NCNA and our neighborhood-at-large can support our local schools. Education committee members will also be meeting with school leaders to learn about ways our community can partner with the schools and promote those opportunities through NCNA, including opportunities to learn more about Historic Preservation grants to help modernize our aging school buildings.
So where do we go from here? Join us for our next Education Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 6 at 4:00 p.m. at the Amy’s home. Please email: northchattanooganeighbors@gmail.com to let us know that you plan to come. Address details will be sent via email.
- Amy Packer, Head of NCNA Schools Committee
NCNA Merchandise Fundraiser for Green Spaces Initiative
Purchase NCNA t-shirts, hats and stickers here!
You might have noticed that an incredibly gifted designer in our neighborhood, Mark Cooley, donated his time and talent to create a new NCNA logo.
Vinyl stickers are available for sale, and we are taking pre-orders for t-shirts and hats. The proceeds of all sales will be used to raise funds for our Green Spaces Initiatives, beginning with the refurbishment and development of the walking paths and sitting spaces in the Sylvan Park Bird Sanctuary.
Thank you to Hovi Hats for donating the proceeds of all hats to our fundraising efforts! We are also thrilled to have local businesses Neat Pony and Wonder Press creating our t-shirts and stickers.
Please make your purchases here, and we will be in touch to arrange getting you the items when they come in: https://ncna.square.site/
NCNA Book Club - The Anxious Generation
Join us at Real Roots Cafe for a discussion of Jonathan Haidt's new book The Anxious Generation!
On September 23rd, join neighbors to discuss Jonathan Haidt’s new book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. We will meet from 7 - 8:30 at Real Roots Cafe, 607 N Market St. There will be beer, wine and the full menu available for purchase. RSVP at this link.
The discussion will be led by Suzanne Collins and Mary Helen Montgomery and will focus on Haidt’s conclusions about the need to return to play-based childhoods. Independence and play-based childhood experiences require community support, which is why this book makes sense for our NCNA community to read and discuss together.
We look forward to discussing the book and Haidt’s “New Norms”: no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, more independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world. We hope that you will read the book and join us to discuss.
NCNA Movie Night
NCNA Movie and Social Night on August 24, 2024 at Wyatt Community Center was a great success!
On the evening of August 24th, neighbors gathered at Wyatt Community Center for games, cotton candy, and a movie. Kids played soccer, kickball and bounced in one neighbor’s bouncy house while parents chatted nearby and helped the Parks Department get the inflatable screen set up for the movie. Cassie Nice, from the NCNA Social Committee, made cotton candy, and neighborhood kids sold cupcakes, light up gear and handmade bracelets.
We were also happy to share materials to help people update voter registration and to give information about when early voting will take place this fall (October 16 - 31). NCNA member and neighbor, Allison Gorman, attended and was able to answer questions about her campaign for State House Representative for District 26.
We had planned to show Guardians of the Galaxy, but unfortunately the movie didn’t make it to us, so we appreciated everyone’s flexibility as we pivoted and watched Trolls. What a great night.
Responsible Growth - Trees
Charlie Mix, Michael Strok, and Kurt Martig joined us on August 22nd to share about initiatives around Chattanooga related to protecting our urban forest (and why we would want to). We learned about the impact of the Take Root Chattanooga Project and the many future impacts of this Urban Forestry Grant, as well as how the NCNA can get involved.
Charlie Mix, Michael Strok, and Kurt Martig joined us on August 22nd to share about initiatives around Chattanooga related to protecting our urban forest (and why we would want to). We learned about the impact of the Take Root Chattanooga Project and the many future impacts of this Urban Forestry Grant, as well as how the NCNA can get involved.
Ross Bailey, a NCNA member and owner of the local business Hovi Hats, has offered to create hats representing the Chattanooga Tree Collective, an arm of NCNA that will support efforts city-wide to plant and protect trees. All profits from hat sales will go to tree planting initiatives, beginning with the Rotary Tree Initiative.
GIS mapping has shown that between 1984 and 2021 Chattanooga lost 43% of our urban forest canopy. This leads to increased heat islands and decreased buffers for storm water run off, biodiversity, air quality and sense of place.
Sylvan Park Revamp
We are underway with plans to revamp Sylvan Park. The Parks Department has brought sheep from Wild Violet Permaculture to work on getting the understory more manageable so that we can address future goals.
Several members of our NCNA Green Spaces Initiative met with representatives from the Parks Department to discuss a vision for the future of Sylvan Park Bird Sanctuary. We discussed our desire for the space to remain wild and a sanctuary for all of our neighbors — human, birds and other living creatures.
The sheep from Wild Violet Permaculture are a first step so that we can get a sense for the best uses for the space. With the invasive species (like kudzu, poison ivy and more) remediated, we are hoping to add more sitting spots along the path. Also, since there are no sidewalks leading to the park, we are hoping to build a path that will connect the park to Colville Street along the city’s easement under the power lines. Additionally, we hope to add a picnic table and a few other features.