Denver donates 13 bison to Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma

City officials are hoping the donation is the beginning of a new tradition.

Mayor Michael Hancock joined Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Wassana on Friday at Genesee Park as Denver embarked on what officials hope is a new tradition: donating bison from its herd to tribal nations.

The city donated 13 bison to the federally recognized tribe based in Oklahoma, holding a brief ceremony in Golden before the animals were loaded onto trailers for a 10-hour trip to their new home. Wassana said the animals will be used to help provide food for tribal members and breed more bison.

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have about 13,000 members, Wassana said, adding that some live in Colorado. He said the tribal nation would like to expand its relationship with the city and the state. He called the donation a “great, grand gesture.”

“We’re proud to be here,” Wassana said. “We like coming back here. We consider this part of our homeland.”

The donated bison, or buffalo, as many of the tribal members called them, are descendants of herds from Yellowstone National Park.  Typically, extra bison are auctioned off, generating some revenue for the city and helping promote genetic diversity for the species. The city keeps two herds in its Mountain Parks, at Genesee, where they’re visible from the highway, and at Daniels Park in Sedalia.

The donation was completed with help from the Denver American Indian Commission. Councilmember Jamie Torres will introduce a bill at City Council on Monday that will formally approve the bison donation and ensure this practice continues through 2030. Torres said she doesn’t want the city to go back to auctioning the bison.

Hancock called the donation a chance to honor people who “cared for this land before anyone else in the world knew of this land.” He said the city shares a common vision with tribal partners to return and restore bison to their historical habitats.

“This is a very intentional relationship that we’re working to forge here,” Hancock said.

A land acknowledgment statement usually read at Denver City Council meetings was read on Friday by Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Happy Haynes. It acknowledges that the city is the traditional territory of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, as well as the Ute people.

Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Gilmore said an additional bison will be donated to the Tall Bull Memorial Council. The donated bison are all females.

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What Real Estate Agents and Brokers Wish You Knew Before You Start House Hunting

From the importance of familiarizing yourself with the neighborhood to unexpected closing costs and more, experts share their insight for first-time buyers.

With many areas experiencing reduced housing inventory and record low interest rates, the current real estate market is more competitive than ever for buyers. "Today's buyer must be completely prepared with a pre-approval letter, proof of funds to close, and be armed with up to date information on values and trends in the market they are interested in," says real estate agent Christine Baker of Willis Allen Real Estate. "It is extremely competitive in today's market for even extremely well-qualified buyers."

Along with finding and securing a property, Ellen Sykes, a broker at Warburg Realty, says there are other moving parts that can complicate the home-buying process. "Obtaining financing usually takes a minimum of 30 days, even if you are pre-approved," she explains. "Houses need to be inspected, and in some cases, surveys conducted for property lines." Curious what else real estate agents and brokers say they wish buyers knew before they begin searching for a new home? From the importance of familiarizing yourself with the neighborhood to unexpected closing costs and more, real estate agents and brokers share their insight ahead.

A good agent is essential.

According to real estate agent Justin Fichelson, cofounder of Avenue 8, the first step to take before searching for a new home is to find an agent you can trust. "A reliable agent is someone who can advise you properly on everything from putting an offer down (so you're not over or underpaying) to specific details with regards to the neighborhood," he explains. "A good agent will help ensure that the buying process runs more smoothly."

Location is everything.

In the age of COVID-19, when we're spending so much time in our homes and neighborhoods, real estate agent Tamar Asken of Avenue 8 says location is more important than ever before. "Research a neighborhood before you consider moving there," she advises. "Drive through the location if possible, or 'walk the streets' via Google Maps, perhaps during the day and again at night—to get a sense of what living there might be like before you consider moving in."

Home inspections are critical.

The home inspection (and the inspector you choose) are vital to discovering any latent defects in a property that might cost you major money in the future. "Choose an inspector familiar with the neighborhood who will know the right questions to ask about the home," Latham Jenkins, a real estate broker in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, advises. "You will want to join the inspector at the end of the process to walk through the home and discuss any issues identified, as well as how the systems in the house work and where they are located. This is a key professional for helping you close that knowledge deficit."

Worry less about rates, and more about timelines.

When working with a lender to help finance your home buying costs, Asken says it's crucial to focus on the timeline of the loan—and not the mortgage rates. "As people are jumping in to buy and refinance at the current ultra-low rates, lenders are working with high volumes of business right now," she explains. "While they might promise you a 30-day turnaround, it's the buyer who ends up in hot water if their lender doesn't deliver. Be prepared to have very frank conversations with your lender so that you're fully in-the-know with regard to the timeline to close."

Real estate agent Julie Gans of Compass says it's also important to understand the timeline for purchasing a new home. "Every region or geographic area has a different process, so it is necessary to research how it works in the area in which you wish to buy before you get started," she explains.

Know the costs associated with buying and maintaining a home.

Whether it's the price of a replacement AC unit or the costs of landscape upkeep, Nicole Beauchamp, real estate agent at Engel & Völkers says understanding the costs of owning and maintaining a property is key when searching for a new home. "This is particularly of note for those who have lived in environments (often urban) where a management company or staff typically takes care of things," she explains. "Familiarize yourself with what appliances may be at or nearing the end of their lifecycle, and get an idea of what your ongoing maintenance costs will be, so you are financially prepared to own a home."

Agent Mihal Gartenberg of Warburg Realty says that closing costs can also create a huge financial burden if buyers aren't expecting them. "Shopping around for the best rate and closing-cost package is a good idea," she says. "It's also important to recognize that the cheapest rate may be coupled with the highest closing costs. So, understanding the pros and cons of each offer in the short and long-term is very important."

For more info, visit Martha Stewart.

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Planning the Perfect Pet-Friendly Trip

As we plan vacation time, the mere thought of leaving our furry friends behind can cause anxiety.

Fortunately, pet-friendly lodging and restaurants are plentiful. You’ll also find a slew of gear and other pet products, making it easier than ever to take your cat or dog along for the ride.

Here are five tips to consider:

1. Plan ahead.
You may need to take a few extra steps to include your pets in your upcoming adventure. Don’t let that dissuade you from traveling with your four-legged friend. Loop your children in for help as you make a list of the extra gear and supplies you will need as well as researching pet-friendly options in your destination. When making air travel plans, know that airlines can refuse your reservation if there are already too many pets scheduled for a flight. So, let them know as soon as you decide to include your pet in the travel plan. Choose a direct flight when possible, decreasing the chances your pet will experience weather changes on the tarmac or rough handling during a quick transfer to a connecting flight. And be sure your pet’s carrier is labeled with your contact information.

If you travel by car, pack your animal’s food, litter, waste disposal bags, leashes, toys, beds, medications and pet carrier. To be on the safe side, include notes regarding your pet’s medical history as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.

2. Practice round.
If your dog or cat isn’t accustomed to car or plane travel, introduce him to a USDA-approved pet carrier well before your departure date. Toss a favorite toy or familiar object into the carrier and take a spin within familiar territory. Be sure the carrier is airline-compliant and sturdy enough to make the trip.

3. Keep moving.
Just like humans, pets need as much exercise away from home as they do in their own environment. On the road, make plenty of stops to allow every member of your family to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. At your destination, include your pet in hikes, walks on pet-friendly beaches or visits to local parks.

4. Drink up. Stay safe.
Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water throughout your travels. Just like the human body, a pet’s consists of a large percentage of water. Proper hydration is key to good health at home and on the road. Temperature extremes can put your pet’s health at risk. Beware of leaving your favorite animal in a hot car, even with the windows open. During chilly weather, a car can get too cold for comfort.

5. Have fun.
Enjoy this extra-special time with your family and pet. Take photos and include your cat or dog in your vacation photo album. Visit a local dog park, pet-friendly coffee shop or restaurant. It’s likely your pet will introduce you to new friends along the way.

For more tips, visit RISMedia.

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Practical Tips to Start Saving for Your First Home

For any person wanting to buy a house today, there are two main focuses: saving the deposit and getting mortgage-ready.

Here are some practical tips to help you do both...

Give yourself a realistic time-frame

Getting your time-frame right is important. You could end up frustrated and disappointed if you rush yourself, but a time-frame that is too long can start to feel abstract and unachievable, too. Take stock of any current savings or assets, look at the type of property you would hope to be able to be able to buy - again, being realistic is a good idea here - and work out how much you will need to save for the level of deposit that you want, usually 10%.

Then, take a look at your budget and work out how long it’s likely to take you. You might want to play out a few scenarios, especially if you’re anticipating a pay increase, or if you want to see how plans like holidays or other big expenditures will affect your progress.

With saving, set habits early

Even if you’re very early in your career and perhaps earning a lower salary as you gain experience, there are things that you can do to maximise your chances of home ownership in the not-too-distant future. Putting saving habits in place, even if you don’t have a lot of extra income to save, will stand you in really good stead for when you are able to save more.

Because the habit is already in place, all you need to do is increase the amount when you can, and you’ll quickly build a decent savings pot. Mortgage lenders also love to see regular, well-establishing saving habits, as it shows them that you’re conscious about your money.

Save in the right place to speed up your progress

As you may be aware, interest rates on savings are generally dismal right now, and there’s no indication that they will improve in any meaningful way any time soon. The difference between some of the highest interest-paying savings accounts and the lowest is fairly negligible, so it’s not really worth stressing about which one to choose, but there are other ways to grow your money into a decent house deposit.

The first is to use a LISA (Lifetime ISA), which can be used on properties worth up to £450,000. The government will top up your savings by 25% up to £1000 per year - so if you add £4,000 to a LISA within a year, you will have £5,000) overall. You could use this scheme over several years to grow your deposit, and if you’re buying with a partner you can have one each, meaning that you get a double bonus effect.

Finally, if you are planning to buy a home in 5 years’ time or more, you could consider investing your money in a stocks and shares ISA to see if you can get a better return than the interest rates currently on offer. The stock market tends to trend upwards, but investing is a long-term strategy, so it’s not suitable if you’re looking to buy a home in a year or two. You do also need to remember that there is always a risk to your capital when investing.

Don’t forget the other fees

It’s important to remember that the deposit isn’t the only lump sum you’ll need to have ready when you buy your home. For first-time buyers, you’ll need to factor in stamp duty for any property worth over £350,000, and you’ll need to pay solicitors fees, which are usually around £1,500. Then you’ll need to think about searches and surveying, as well as any removal services you might want to use. You can save these along with your main deposit, but it might be worth separating them out into separate pockets to keep everything clear.

Accountability is key

With big, longer-term goals like saving the tens of thousands of pounds that you will often need for your deposit, it can be easy to lose focus or motivation when things don’t seem to be happening quick enough. Try to create ways to hold yourself accountable, and to stay connected with your goal of home ownerships this could be finding an accountability buddy in your friendship group or in the Glamour Money Matters Facebook Group - perhaps someone with a similar goal to you - so that you can encourage each other.

You can also get great tools like Lifetise, which uses all of your numbers to create a personalised plan for you, and upcoming housing-focused saving app Nude, which will feature a suite of savings accounts, including their own LISA, as well as tips and reminders.

Buying your first home is exciting, and it should be something you really enjoy and appreciate - not least because of all of the hard work you’ll have put in by the time you pick up your keys. Just keep your eyes on the prize, and you’ll get there.

Read more on Glamour.

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5 Things to Know Before You Plant Your First Garden

5 Things to Know Before You Plant Your First Garden, According to Homegrown's Jamila Norman

The veteran gardener's new show premieres this summer on Chip and Joanna Gaines's forthcoming Magnolia Network.

Edible backyard gardens started sprouting across the country in 2020 as COVID-19 kept people at home and on the hunt for new (and healthy) hobbies. Jamila Norman, the founder of Patchwork City Farms in Atlanta saw it first hand.

"Interest has gone through the roof. People who were like, 'I've always wanted to have a garden, but I just never had time,' well, now they're home with nothing but time," she says. "The local food movement and growing your own food, it's been building, but the pandemic really put a big spotlight on it."

Of course, not every aspiring grower has a green thumb, and that's where Norman steps in. On her Magnolia Network show Homegrown (stream the premiere on Discovery+ now and watch the full series this summer), the veteran farmer helps families create thriving vegetable gardens in their suburban backyards.

"People try and they're like, 'Oh, it's not really growing that well.' I'm like, 'Well, first, you probably should have put it in the sun,'" she says with a laugh. "The enthusiasm is always there, they've got some skin in the game, you've just got to make a few tweaks." 

Here are four of Norman's best tips for first-time growers:

Plant in the Sunniest Spot You've Got

Edible backyard gardens started sprouting across the country in 2020 as COVID-19 kept people at home and on the hunt for new (and healthy) hobbies. Jamila Norman, the founder of Patchwork City Farms in Atlanta saw it first hand.

"Interest has gone through the roof. People who were like, 'I've always wanted to have a garden, but I just never had time,' well, now they're home with nothing but time," she says. "The local food movement and growing your own food, it's been building, but the pandemic really put a big spotlight on it."

Of course, not every aspiring grower has a green thumb, and that's where Norman steps in. On her Magnolia Network show Homegrown (stream the premiere on Discovery+ now and watch the full series this summer), the veteran farmer helps families create thriving vegetable gardens in their suburban backyards.

RELATED: How HGTV Stars Mary and Jon Pierre Tjon-Joe-Pin Turned Their Barren Backyard Into a Family Oasis

"People try and they're like, 'Oh, it's not really growing that well.' I'm like, 'Well, first, you probably should have put it in the sun,'" she says with a laugh. "The enthusiasm is always there, they've got some skin in the game, you've just got to make a few tweaks." 

Here are four of Norman's best tips for first-time growers:

Plant in the Sunniest Spot You've Got

CREDIT: MAGNOLIA NETWORK

If you want to grow veggies, be prepared to commit a "premium part" of your yard to a garden. "Vegetables need at least six to eight hours of direct sun every day," says Norman, who says her clients with unsuccessful gardens often have them planted along a fence or in an area that doesn't get enough light.

Start with Easy-to-Grow Greens

Kale, collards, mustard greens and arugula are all good "beginner plants," she says. Radishes offer instant gratification, sprouting from seed in a couple of days, she adds. "And then, not even a month later, you can pull radishes out of the ground. You just feel really successful."

Pair up 'Companion' Plants

Some plants benefit from growing near each other, Norman explains. Nasturtiums, for example, helps repel certain pests that attack squash. Planting basil near tomatoes has a similar benefit and, Norman says, is believed to make the tomatoes "taste better and grow better."

Invest in Healthy Soil

Don't just grab "the cheapest thing off the shelf," she says. A combo of soil, compost and mulch, which retains water, gives plants the best chance to thrive.

Keep reading here.

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