Old Forest, New Protection

The Commercial Appeal has an excellent story and editorial about the Old Forest and Overton Park in their Sunday edition. Both recap the issues and conflicts over the future and integrity of the Park.

Old Forest, old fight by Michael Kelley sunlights our goal to have the Old Forest permanently protected as a Tennessee State Natural Area and the Memphis Zoo's proposal to use a conservation easement instead.

The editorial, Overton Park Suffers as Trust Lags, describes the two protection mechanisms (which CPOP considers to be compatible rather than competitive) but also talks about City Engineering's never-say-die attempts to build a detention pond/pit/dam/anything in the Overton Park Greensward, as well as the City's off-again threat to permanently winterize the golf course.

The editorial concludes with a call for amicable and inclusive discussions over these issues. CPOP will always answer the call.

Jamboree Recap

Sunday was our third semi-annual Old Forest Jamboree at the Hi Tone Cafe. I was really excited to raise some money for the forest, eat Hi Tone pizza, drink a few Ghost River beers, hang out with friends, and listen to excellent local music.

We had a great turnout and a great time despite the 105-degree heat wave. I finally got to see Cotton & Coal in concert, fronted by my good buddy and Rock-n-Romp cohort Caleb Sweazy.



Next up we had the Memphis Dawls -- Jana Misener, Holly Cole, and Krista Wroten -- who are goddesses all.



And finally, the superlative Bluff City Backsliders took the stage and showed their deep and abiding love for the Old Forest. I could have listened to them all night.



I also took some pictures:



Thanks to everyone who showed up to support our goal of permanent legal protection for Overton Park's old growth forest. Thanks to the bands who donated their time and talent, thanks to Ghost River Brewing for donating beer, and thanks to the Hi Tone Cafe for being awesome in every way.

Y'all keep lifting us higher!