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Axios Richmond
Richmond has lost 300 football fields of trees in a decade
Richmond has lost the equivalent of 300 football fields of tree canopy in just over a decade, per a new city assessment . Why it matters: Trees cool neighborhoods, reduce flooding and improve air quality — but the city's green cover is shrinking, and it's far from evenly distributed. State of play: The city is in the process of creating a new urban forest plan, backed by a $6 million federal grant. The plan will help protect existing trees, expand tree coverage and guide future plantings. Richmond's goal is 60% tree canopy coverage by 2037, with at least 30% tree coverage in every neighborhood, per the city's master growth plan, Richmond 300 . Yes, but: Despite an estimated 530,000 trees covering nearly 14,000 acres, the assessment found Richmond is far from its goal. The city's tree canopy declined from 37.4% in 2014 to 36.4% in 2025, a net loss of 387 acres. Zoom in: Tree coverage varies dramatically across Richmond's nine council districts. 🌳 The greenest: District 4 — aka South Richmond, including Forest Hill and Stratford Hills — at 56.4% canopy coverage. 🌃 The least green: District 2 — that's Scott's Addition, the Fan and Jackson Ward — at
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Axios Richmond
Richmond is first stop for LEGO's holiday workshop tour
A LEGO Holiday Workshop is popping up in Richmond this weekend — and it's the first stop on LEGO's nationwide holiday magic tour. Why it matters: The free, two-day pop-up lets fans of all ages build, play and get into the holiday spirit — LEGO-style. State of play: The workshop takes over West Broad Village in Short Pump on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 7–8) with seven interactive, holiday-themed stations. Attendees can: 🚗 Build and race LEGO cars down ramps, play LEGO video games and create their own holiday stories. 🦌 Make a mini LEGO reindeer to take home, build ornaments for a community tree and snap photos with a LEGO Yeti. 🧱 Let little builders explore a LEGO DUPLO play area designed for preschoolers. 🎁 Post a photo of your ornament with #BuildtoGive, and LEGO will donate a set to a child in need. What they're saying: LEGO chose Richmond as the tour's first stop because of its growing presence in the region, a company spokesperson tells Axios. That includes its $1 billion Chesterfield factory and a Prince George distribution center, both set to open in 2027. "Our growing team is proud to call Greater Richmond home," LEGO said in