In the Mirror: A ‘winnable fight’ for Indy’s urban forests

Dear Indy,

Like most of the state, Indianapolis was once teeming with forests and wildlife.

Now, as our urban forests continue to dwindle, the Indiana Forest Alliance is urging Mayor Joe Hogsett and the city-county councilors to take action.

Advocates want the city to spend $6 million in next year’s budget to buy four privately owned forests at risk of development.

“This is a winnable fight,” said Mike Oles, director of Forests for Indy, a project launched by the forest alliance.

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In other news

The Indy Pride parade and festival happened over the weekend, and Mirror Indy photo intern Alayna Wilkening was there to capture all of the happiness and excitement. Check out her photos and see if you recognize anyone you know.

As IUPUI splits into two, the new Purdue in Indianapolis campus is essentially being built from scratch. Purdue took a step forward June 7, however, when the board of trustees approved plans for the first new building: a $187-million Academic Success Building, which will serve as the “hub” of the Indy campus.

City officials have been converting a handful of one-way roads into two-way as part of an effort to make neighborhood streets safer. Now more conversions are on the way.

What’s going on around the city

Friday, June 14: “The Language of Flowers” opens at the Edington Gallery, 1495 N. Harding St. Artist Katrina J. Murray took inspiration from gardens for her ceramics and mixed media collection, which opens at 6 p.m. Free.

Saturday, June 15: Epiphany Dance Collective, Growing Places Indy and artist and drum circle facilitator Elijah Stevens are among the groups and artists taking part in a Juneteenth celebration at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. Guests can learn more about cycling legend Major Taylor, healthy living and explore the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, June 18: Golden Hour Books, 5208 N. College Ave., will host author Ben Bascom for a discussion about his new book, “Feeling Singular: Queer Masculinities in the Early United States,” at 7 p.m. Historian Emily Suzanne Johnson will facilitate the conversation. Free.

— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter

Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.

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What else we’re reading today

Axios Indianapolis: Chances are you’re checking out audiobooks and ebooks from the Indianapolis Public Library. But did you know that the service’s surge in popularity is forcing hard conversations about whether the library can keep up with the costs? I learned a lot in this fascinating story from Axios Indianapolis.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: This is watching, not reading, but speaking of libraries, may I recommend a segment from a May episode of Last Week Tonight? John Oliver explains how/why public libraries are facing funding and censorship threats across the country. The segment is available on YouTube.

Reflections

A five-day friendship challenge from The New York Times came with a fun quiz to identify which type of friendship style you are.

Are you a butterfly, who loves constant social interactions? Or maybe you’re a shy wallflower who is “attentive to others”?

According to the quiz, I’m a firefly — I don’t pack my social calendar but when I’m there, my friends get my best.

What about you?

Ryan

P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.