🌳 Nashville’s plan to preserve our ecosystems

🌎 Nashville’s Plan To Preserve Our Ecosystems

Happy Earth Day! Today is a great day to take this survey about the best ways to preserve Nashville’s landscapes and ecosystems amid the city’s population boom. In addition to this survey, the Metro Planning Department’s Ecological Conservation Strategy includes mapping Davidson County’s remaining ecosystems and preparing a toolkit of conservation efforts to be unveiled in 2027. [Ecological Conservation Strategy; WKRN]

• Community engagement: On April 28, the Ecological Conservation Strategy team is hosting an open house at the Cumberland River Compact, featuring hands-on activities, interactive stations, and fun for kids. [Ecological Conservation Strategy]
• More conservation efforts: Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute recently announced its $10 million project to help preserve Middle Tennessee’s native grasslands. [WPLN]
• More recycling options: Today, Nashville launched its first foam recycling drop-off location at the East Convenience Center. Here are more tips for recycling in Nashville. [WKRN; 📰 City Cast Nashville]

🔮 Nashville’s Turn-of-the-Century Occult Scene

Have you ever driven past the exit for Ben Allen Road and wondered who that guy was? On today’s podcast, local historian Betsy Phillips tells the tale of this beloved, wealthy eccentric and Mason who held seances at the turn of the century to terrorize his fellow elites for fun. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏈 Super Bowl Rumors

On Monday, Dan Patrick, host of a daily show on Fox Sports, claimed on air that a source told him the Super Bowl would be coming to Nashville in 2030. However, a Tennessee Titans spokesperson said the team had no updates on the Super Bowl in Nashville. The Titans’ new stadium is set to open in 2027. [Nashville Scene]

• Why one local journalist thinks we’re ready to host the Big Game [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👮 Will Nashville Be Forced To Collaborate With ICE?

Tennessee could become the first state to require local law enforcement in every county to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a 287(g) agreement. If a county refuses, the state would withhold tax revenue for its sheriff’s office. Currently, 40 of the state’s counties have signed 287(g) agreements, excluding Davidson County. While the House has passed the measure, the Senate is still considering it. [🔐 The Tennessean]

♿ Bill Aids Foster Kids With Disabilities

A new state bill requires Tennessee’s Dept. of Children’s Services to collaborate with the Dept. of Disability and Aging, with the goal of aiding children with disabilities in the foster care system. There has been an increase of disabled children in DCS custody going to the hospital with broken bones and eating struggles, and this bill aims to reduce these hospital visits by providing additional training. [Nashville Scene]

Neighborhood Shoutouts are one of my favorite perks of becoming a member! When you join the City Cast Nashville Neighborhood, you get to shout out your favorite local businesses, nonprofits, and even people around town.

🎉 Spencer S. recommends “Lykke Haus! They’re a queer and woman-owned vintage store with an incredible selection of housewares, clothes, and records. Check out the ‘creepy closet’ when you’re there.”

If you’ve got some local recommendations you want to share, become a member!