Statements
Mission
The Nashville Tree Foundation works to preserve and enhance Nashville's urban forests by planting trees in urban areas, identifying the oldest and largest trees in Davidson County, and educating the public about the value of trees.
Background
In 1986, founders of the Nashville Tree Foundation wanted to create an organization to keep enthusiasm for Nashville's trees alive after the highly-successful planting of 1,986 trees across the state for the Homecoming '86 celebration. These founding members - Betty Brown (1939-2011), Eleanor Willis, and Joan Armour - realized there was real value in helping preserve and protect our urban forests. Under the leadership of community volunteer and tree enthusiast, Betty Brown, the foundation gained recognition and support for several activities including the Big Old Tree Contest, arboretum designations, educational programs in schools, and planting projects with partners like MDHA and Metro Nashville. After the devastating tornadoes of 1998, NTF responded to the loss of 20,000 trees during the storms by replanting over 6,700 trees. From that effort, ReLeafing Day was born and is still a major project of the Nashville Tree Foundation today. To mitigate the need for aggressive tree trimming cycles, NTF partners with NES to plant power line-friendly trees that will not require pruning to keep the lines clear. These power line-friendly trees are planted by volunteers on ReLeafing Day in neighborhoods where low tree canopy and need intersect. NTF believes a bio-diverse canopy of shade and power line-friendly trees can be planted and has sought funding to increase the number of shade trees that are planted in neighborhoods. Other key partnerships include Metro Parks, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Metro Public Works Beautification, the Cumberland River Compact, and Hands on Nashville. Most of the trees NTF plants are 1.5' caliper and planted by volunteers who are trained on the proper planting methods. NTF also plants trees for Nashville Arbor Day with the generous help of Metro Parks and plants 'gift trees' in public spaces where the care and maintenance of the trees can be guaranteed. NTF provides free trees at a variety of events, including at our 'Nashville Tree Fest' event (free trees given at area farmers' markets and other community events), at the Cherry Blossom Festival, and at other local events. The future of NTF will be focused on planting, education and advocacy.
Impact
The 2020-21 planting season was Nashville Tree Foundation's busiest since our "ReLeaf Nashville" campaign following the 1998 tornado. We planted 845 trees and gave away over 1600 free trees (through Nashville Tree Fest and other events). The 2020-21 planting efforts were focused in North Nashville (37208 zip code) and in tornado impacted areas. Over 700 volunteers participated in our 2020-21 programs. NTF continues to work with the city to update the tree ordinance. Goals for 2021 include expanding our planting and tree give away programs (increase to 2500 trees), educating Nashvillians about the impact of Emerald Ash Borer, advocating for stronger tree ordinances, educating citizens and students about the value of trees, and increasing the impact of tree canopy and edible food sources for under-served areas of Nashville. For years 2020 - 2023, NTF will be particularly focused on replanted areas impacted by the March 2020 tornado. In spring 2020, NTF announced plans for our Releaf 2020 campaign to raise $1 million to replant 10,000 trees in tornado-impacted neighborhoods. Additionally, the organization will continue to expand its capacity to help reach the Mayor's ambitious tree canopy goals of adding 500,000 trees by the year 2050 (Root Nashville campaign).
Needs
Nashville Tree Foundation seeks matching funds to plant shade and understory trees at Metro Nashville Public Schools and Metro Parks. The goal is to plant 1000 trees for the 2021-2022 planting season. NTF also seeks funding to grow the organization's capacity to provide more impact. Staff and materials are needed to accomplish these targets through planting, community outreach, and education.
CEO Statement
Nashville Tree Foundation is Nashville's oldest non-profit dedicated solely to trees. With the increased threat of tree removal from development, the impending devastation to our ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer (estimated at 8-10% of total tree canopy) and tree loss from frequent storms, it is imperative that Nashville changes the dialog from 'trees being a nice enhancement' to 'trees being a vital natural resource that provides a multitude of environmental, health and societal benefits.' There is much work to do to create a healthy urban forest and to cultivate a community that values trees as a public utility vital to our city's future.
Board Chair Statement
Nashville's trees have never been under greater threat. At the same time, I'm encouraged by the growing number of Nashvillians who care deeply about our urban canopy and who understand the important role trees play in the health of our community. It's critical that Nashville have a strong organization dedicated solely to planting and caring for trees. I'm incredibly excited about the future of the Nashville Tree Foundation and its ability to make a positive impact on our city. We have an exciting new executive director and an ambitious strategic plan to guide us into the future.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Environment - Natural Resources Conservation & Protection |
| Secondary Category: | Environment - Environmental Education |
| Tertiary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - |
Areas Served
NTF serves the entire city of Nashville (Davidson County). We concentrate our tree planting activities in neighborhoods with low tree canopy, low-to-moderate income, and/or impaired stream quality. Free tree giveaways are offered across city/county. In the near term, NTF will be particularly focused on replanting areas impacted by the March 2020 tornado.
| TN - Davidson |
