Georgia Tree Council

Announcement: During our Annual Conference, we will have Nature Yoga for GTC members!

To learn more, register for our Annual Conference November 6-7th at the Jekyll Island Club Resort Members will have the option to attend morning outdoor yoga sessions, weather permitting, with GTC's very own Outreach Coordinator, Mel Sparrow who is RYT 200 certified.

Link to register: https://gatreecouncil.org/what-we-do/programs/

Jekyll Island

Join us on August 6th for our 3rd Quarter Program to learn more from Edward Morrow with his talk, "Living with Trees: Promoting Eco-Literacy and Embracing Atlanta's Urban Forest." Living with Trees (LWT) is a neighborhood, tree walk-and-learn program created by Atlanta nonprofit Eco-Addendum. Master Naturalist Kathryn Kolb and ISA Certified Arborist Edward Morrow partner in providing this engaging programming in neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta. LWT demonstrates how to recognize trees that may be at risk of falling before they create damage--lots of fascinating tree facts--and the surprising character and diversity among the trees right in our backyards. This program, made possible by The Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission, consists of live events and online presentations that help property-owners better understand how to live with trees in their community. Edward is known as "The Tree Doctor," and is an ISA-certified arborist and tree risk educator, as well as an author.

Read more about Edward at his website: https://edwardthearborist.com/
Edward Morrow

Master Naturalist Kathryn Kolb shares over 40 years of field experience in forests and wild lands of the Southeast. Kathryn currently designs and leads educational walks in natural areas in metro Atlanta, Georgia and the Southeast. She takes botanical inventories and designs forest restoration plans for public parks and greenspaces, and designs and leads EcoAddendum’s Stewardship classes and other programs.

Kathryn has contributed to greater Atlanta’s environmental community for over 30 years, and has collaborated on projects with many regional environmental groups including Atlanta’s Tree Conservation Commission, The Wilderness Society, Georgia Forestwatch, Georgia Conservancy, Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy, Brookhaven Tree Conservancy, Georgia Native Plant Society, Botanical Society of Georgia, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, South River Watershed Alliance, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Elachee Nature Center, Dunwoody Nature Center, Blue Heron Nature Center, City of Atlanta Neighborhood Associations, Friends of Parks groups, Park Pride, City of Atlanta, City of Brookhaven, and many other groups throughout the metro Atlanta region.

Kathryn is also known for her distinctive, award-winning work as a fine art photographer of natural forms and landscapes, and her photographs are found in prominent regional collections and public venues throughout the US.

Learn more about EcoAddendum !

City of Marietta, Ga., Government Cobb County Civic Center

Check out our Instagram for details!

Thank you Lauren for participating in our Member Spotlight! Stay tuned to hear more from GTC members throughout the month.

GTC: Tell us why you decided to become a member of GTC?

Lauren: There is a Greek proverb that resonated with me many years ago and it says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” I am a firm believer in leaving things better than I found them and planting trees is one way to do that. I feel a huge level of accountability to be a good steward of the environment that God blessed me with. Plus, I love all things outdoors. I grew up playing in the woods, and this organization connects me to my roots in that respect. When I learned about GTC and their mission, I decided to branch out. I was eager to expand my knowledge and become part of a green legacy that will outlive me.

GTC: What is your favorite tree species native to Georgia?

Lauren: I would say I’m partial to all tree species found on the Ogeechee River. For instance, Salix Nigra – commonly known as the Black Willow tree – thrives in such swampy wetlands. The Black Willow tree is deciduous. The leaves produce a sweet scent that starts in the spring and permeates throughout the summer. It often has multiple chutes for trunks, and the bark carries medicinal properties. The bark is composed of the compound Salicin, which is the natural origin of aspirin. Additionally, this tree is an excellent buffer to ward off erosion on the riverbanks. Quite an impressive resume, if you ask me. But aside from all that, it’s just beautiful to look at.

GTC: Share a tree care tip for anyone who wants to plant & maintain their own tree canopy.

Lauren: A few tips: When planting a tree, you want to plant the top of the root ball flush with the ground. Planting the root too deep can cause death or may stunt the tree’s development. Also, you can over-water a new tree if you have clay soil. Fertilize with 10-10-10 after planting and always do your research on the type of care that is needed in the early growth stages.

Submit your applications by 11:59pm today-July 15th for Georgia ReLeaf funding consideration 🌿

Our committee is excited to review your applications!

Registration is open for our Campus Tree Conference Statesboro Campus on September 18th. Check out our event page for more details and a list of guest speakers. We will take a midday break to visit the

Campus Tree Conference is open to anyone and especially beneficial to professionals who work on a campus of any kind!

https://gatreecouncil.org/what-we-do/programs/college-canopy-conference.html

July's is full of good advice 🌲

Check back each month for more tree tips!

Announcing a special event for GTC members 📢

Join us on October 17th in Macon, GA for a tour of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park by several guides followed by a social at Fall Line Brewing Co.

This event is free for anyone with an active membership. If you would like to attend and are not a member, we invite you to sign up for a membership!

Link for registration & schedule of events, including a hotel block at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://gatreecouncil.org/news-events/newsroom.html/article/2024/07/05/members-only-event-tour-of-ocmulgee-mounds-with-social-at-fall-line-brewery-macon

Registration is still open for our 3rd Quarter Program in Marietta on August 6th!

City of Marietta Arborist, Rich Deckman, will present on the streetscape project that was implemented over the last 10 years that has helped transform the historic downtown area of Marietta into an active destination for visitors to the area. He'll discuss how the project was initiated, the phased approach to the implementation, means, methods and experimentation, and the current status of the work.

Join us to learn more and hear from other speakers!

City of Marietta, Ga., Government Cobb County Civic Center

For Members' Month, we will be featuring some of our members!

Michele is the Planning & Zoning Manager for the City of Sandy Springs and has been a member of GTC since 2006. Thank you for your support over the years, Michele!

GTC: Tell us why you decided to become a member of GTC?

Michele: I love forests!

GTC: What is your favorite tree species native to Georgia?

Michele: Sassafras

GTC: Share a positive story/memory about a tree or forested area from your childhood or travels.

Michele: My childhood was characterized by an abundance of fruit trees in the neighborhood and around the islands. I have memories of climbing plum trees and mango trees, and sitting in the trees eating the fruit.

Stay tuned to hear more from our members!

If you plan to use fireworks this 4th of July, please remember to practice fire safety and keep away from trees 🌲 We will return to our offices on Friday July 5th.

Members' month giveaway! ✳️

Do you want to add one of these (or others) to your home or office? Enter our members' giveaway to receive a free print of your choice! In order to qualify, you must 1) like this post, 2) follow GTC, and 3) hold an active membership.

Winner will be selected at random from those who follow the steps above. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook. A list of all available prints will be shared with the winner so they can select their favorite.

About the artist: Barry Nehr (1934-2015) created original paintings of Georgia trees for the GTC Excellence in Urban Forestry awards program for many years. His career included 20 years as an illustrator for the U.S. Forest Service

Winner will be selected on Wednesday July 10th.

July is Members’ Month at Georgia Tree Council! We invite all former, current, and new members to attend upcoming events including our first Members’ Social in Macon on October 17th.

Throughout this month, we will provide perks for current members and spotlights to feature members. Stay tuned for announcements and giveaways!

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your membership goes to support many facets of our organization and we want to show our gratitude to you!

GTC: Tell us the importance of what GTC does and why you became interested in joining the Board.

Sandra: When I started my career in urban forestry over 20 years ago, I quickly discovered what a great resource the Georgia Tree Council is for anyone who works with trees within a community. The workshops and conferences provide updates and education in your field, and you get CEU’s for ISA and other certifications. But most importantly, they provide a unique opportunity to network with many people who share your passion for trees, discuss issues that relate to your job, and learn about experiences from other communities and groups right here in Georgia. When Mary Lynne asked me to join the board, I knew this was an opportunity to give that experience to others who may be just starting out in their careers or looking for a great resource to evolve their existing careers.

GTC: What is your favorite tree species native to Georgia?

Sandra: I have always loved the Live Oaks around coastal Georgia.

GTC: Share a positive memory about a tree or forested area from your childhood or travels.

Sandra: Recently, I was in Germany with my family. While in Munich, we decided to take a guided walking tour to learn more about the city. As we were rounding a corner, the tour guide mentioned that we would soon be approaching an art museum that he would talk about. Then he jokingly added that he didn’t think anyone wanted you to see or find the museum due to all the trees planted in front of the museum. When we got to the museum, I immediately noticed a lovely row of London Plane trees along the front of the museum. The trees were well pruned, and you could tell they were cared for with expertise. The tour guide explained the importance of the art museum before and after WWII. As we began to leave for our next destination, I turned to the tour guide and said that I liked the trees in front of the museum, and I thought they enhanced the view of the museum. He smiled and immediately said “Yes. Trees are important too."

Photo: Northern Catalpa at Luisen Park in Manheim Germany

Thanks Sandra!

Had a great time exhibiting at the Georgia Municipal Association conference! A huge thank you to our Board Member, Maurice Coley, for joining this year. We enjoyed chatting with so many Georgia cities and towns! Thanks to those who participated in our tree activity as well 🌲

To all those interested in applying for Georgia ReLeaf funding visit the link below, deadline is July 15th 2024: https://gatreecouncil.org/what-we-do/georgia-releaf.html

Happy Juneteenth! 🌲

Join us on August 6th in Marietta, GA for our 3rd Quarter Program! One of our guest speakers is Steve Sanchez of HGOR Landscape Architecture and Planning Firm who will be sharing about their efforts to expand native plant selections and how they are being designed into commercial developments. Stay tuned for info on our other guest speakers!

City of Marietta, Ga., Government Cobb County Civic Center

Want to have mature trees like this beaut? Invest in your urban forest and utilize funding resources to help make that happen, like or the

Check out Georgia Forestry Commission (TAG grant)and Georgia Tree Council (Georgia ReLeaf) websites for more info and applications.

Have questions? Check out our virtual information session here: https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/trees-across-georgia-tag-grant-program/

Happy June! In these hot summer months especially but with any newly planted trees, watering is one of the most important things you can do.

Stay tuned each month for another post!

It's time for another ✳️ Meet Meghan Hemingway!

GTC: Tell us the importance of what GTC does and why you became interested in joining the Board.

Meghan: I learned about the GTC through my former colleagues at the City of Atlanta. At the time I had just moved back South from the Pacific Northwest and was looking for other like-minded individuals who shared a passion for trees and were involved with educating the public about urban forestry. I started attending the GTC’s quarterly programs and their annual conference. I learned how impactful this organization was throughout the state and wanted to become more involved. I joined the board in 2023 and now serve as the Secretary.


GTC: What is your favorite tree species native to Georgia?

Meghan: The Shagbark Hickory is probably one of my favorite native trees. The distinct bark that appears to be exfoliating off the tree is very eye-catching.


GTC: Share a tree care tip for anyone who wants to plant & maintain their own tree canopy.

Meghan: Best piece of advice when planting new trees is to remember this simple phrase—plant it high, it won’t die, plant it too low, it won’t grow.

Thanks Meghan!

Do you have questions about Georgia ReLeaf?

The application period is open until July 15th. Visit our website for more information: https://gatreecouncil.org/what-we-do/georgia-releaf.html

We can help answer questions and point you in the right direction for guidance from a tree specialist, Community Forester or Arborist, while you are deciding what best fits your community.

Contact us today!

Our office will be closed Monday May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy weekend! 🦅🇺🇲

Thank you to all who attended our 2nd Quarter Program in Jefferson!

We had great sessions from Seth Hawkins and Mark Wiles from Georgia Forestry Commission and Scott Merkle from University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources followed by a delicious lunch from Thyme to Cater

Thank you to the Main Street Jefferson City of Jefferson Government and Jefferson Tree Council for hosting and participating in this program!

Stay tuned for info on our 3rd Quarter Program in Marietta on August 6th ✳️

One more week!

Registration is still open so grab your seat today and join us at our 2nd Quarter Program in Jefferson, GA. We will have various guest speakers, lunch and CEUs will be provided.

Had a great time exhibiting for the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation conference on Jekyll Island this week! Huge thank you to the KGBF staff for inviting us to participate.

Georgia Forestry Commission

Happy New Year and ! Each month, catch a Tree Maintenance Pledge on our social media. Follow GTC for more helpful community forest resources & programs to ring in the new year.

Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year from the GTC team! Our offices will be closed from December 23-January 1. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year!

We are excited to announce that Melanie Sparrow is Georgia Tree Council's new Outreach Coordinator. Melanie's role is to establish relationships with disadvantaged communities and assist them in receiving the community forestry resources they need such as those provided by Georgia Tree Council and its partners. The goal of the Outreach Coordinator position is to help create thriving urban forests in neighborhoods lacking the resources to establish and sustain healthy tree canopies.

Mel comes to the Georgia Tree Council with 10 years non-profit experience in water quality, local food movements and environmental education. In her spare time, she teaches yoga and spends time with her husband, dog and chickens. Welcome, Mel!

There's still time to support the Georgia Tree Council on this day of giving! Please join us in our mission of sustaining Georgia's green legacy: https://www.gagives.org/organization/Georgia-Tree-Council