Putting Down roots

Trees Atlanta

Atlanta is trees.  They define our city the way Boston is defined by its harbor, Denver by the Rocky Mountains, Pittsburgh by its three rivers, or Seattle by Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. 

The gentle sway of ancient trees reminds us to relax our pace; flying into Hartsfield, a sea of green signals we’re headed toward the comfort of home. 

As metro-Atlanta bloomed in the heart of the new south, trees were gradually displaced by development. City leaders first became alarmed at the loss of trees in the early 1980’s.  They feared not only losing Atlanta’s landscape, but also the unique character that attracts visitors and companies here, and frames a gracious quality in the way we live. 

In 1984, Central Atlanta Progress, the Junior League and the Atlanta Parks Commissioner founded Trees Atlanta to address tree loss and downtown’s lack of green space, and to conserve existing trees. Trees Atlanta has been a prime force for preserving and re-planting Atlanta.

Today, those who are committed to preserving Atlanta’s rich heritage of trees have a historic opportunity to create a first home for Trees Atlanta.

As our city grows in significance on a world stage, Atlanta’s trees are loyal sentries, the natural guard, standing watch over commerce, community and family.  The timing is right for Trees Atlanta to put down roots in a combined office, warehouse and education center  that will tangibly represent the value Atlantans place on our cherished landscape.

seeding a great oak  -  A Trees Atlanta History

Twenty years ago, Trees Atlanta was quietly completing an impressive first year. 

1985-86

owith a staff of one, began organizing volunteers

othrough early support from King & Spalding, the Woodruff Foundation, SunTrust and Georgia Pacific, developed important relationships with the business community

opartnered with the Junior League and received invaluable leadership and volunteer connections

oin cooperation with utility companies, planted and maintained 46 large shade trees and five large tree planters downtown 

orescued seven mature shade trees from a street widening project by moving them to the campus of Agnes Scott College

oobtained donations of trees from the Southeastern Nurseryman’s Association for planting in city parks

ostarted a program to recognize Champion trees

oco-sponsored a seminar for builders and developers about tree preservation on construction sites

That first year of outstanding commitment by staff, Board, the business community and volunteers laid a foundation for what continues to be one of the most universally respected, and highly efficient non-profit organizations in our city. 

Since 1985

oplanted and distributed over 60,000 shade trees,

orecruited over 1,600 volunteers

oeducated an average of 1,000 children and adults annually about the importance of urban trees and how to plant and properly maintain them.

A donor database of over 7,000 and a repeat volunteer database of 1,600 are evidence that this organization, with its compelling mission, has become one of the most widely known and supported non-profits throughout metro-Atlanta.

Mission Statement

Trees Atlanta is dedicated to protecting and improving Atlanta's urban environment by planting and conserving trees, while also serving as an invaluable educational resource for the public.

Saving Trees

Research shows that the loss of Atlanta’s trees is costing metro-Atlanta in water and air quality, and contributing to rising temperatures.  Ten years ago, an American Forests study used Geographic Information System software to analyze data from satellite images, aerial photos and on-the-ground checks.  Since 1972, an estimated 65% of Atlanta’s green canopy has disappeared, replaced by heat-conducting concrete and asphalt. Trees Atlanta works with developers, urban planners, utility companies and communities to preserve metro-Atlanta’s mature trees. For example, when Atlanta won the Olympic bid, Trees Atlanta moved and saved over 230 trees that were slated to be cleared for Centennial Olympic Park.

Why are trees so important?

Trees are natural pollution-control devices.  They absorb carbon dioxide (a byproduct of burning fossil fuels) and return oxygen to the air.  Their leaves, branches and trunks help slow the runoff of storm water and their roots assist in filtering water as it percolates through the soil. 

Shade provided by mature trees reduces temperatures, saving energy and energy costs.

Trees also provide sound buffering, and roosting and breeding places for local and migratory birds.

Studies document a calming effect of trees and parks on the human mind and spirit.  People are more likely to walk on tree-lined streets, which benefits both personal health and the environment.

Put Down Roots

Step into a Trees Atlanta community

neighborwoods

When members of a family or community spend time together outdoors among the trees, they joke and play together, develop trust, engage in healthy exercise, resolve issues before they are problems, and join together on common projects for the greater good.  Trees entice us to join in a walk or ball game, take a garden tour, learn in an outdoor classroom or have friends for dinner on the patio.  We want to come out and be where there are trees, and so trees become the catalyst for community. Trees Atlanta makes it happen.

Continued …