Beautification and Environment Commission

Metro Tree Advisory Committee

Metro Tree Advisory Committee logoThe Metro Tree Advisory Committee can help you learn how to choose a tree, plant a tree, care for your trees, trim your trees, and choose a tree professional. Learn more about trees and tree care

Learn How to Plant a Tree - View the Metro Tree Advisory Committee Video.

Ask us a question: send your tree question to the Metro Tree Advisory Committee.

Congratulations to Alice Ann Barge Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Service Award

Alice Ann BargeOn May 14, 2009 Alice Ann Barge was presented with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the Great American Cleanup Spotlight Event held on the Bicentennial Mall in Nashville. Metro Beautification & Environment Commission nominated Ms. Barge for this national honor. Alice Ann is the first recipient of the Volunteer Service Award given by President Obama's administration.

Veronica Frazier, Metro Beautification Executive Director, Alice Ann Barge, and Mayor Karl Dean.

Alice Ann Barge nomination and selection for the Award was based on her many contributions, including:

  • Metro Tree Advisory Committee Member
  • Nashville Tree Foundation Member
  • Promoter and planner of Nashville's Arbor Day Celelberation
  • Long time supporter of Metro Beautification
  • Member of Garden Clubs and Horticulural Societies.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

MTAC endorses purchase of Hill Tract

The Metro Tree Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the Friends of Warner Parks' purchase of the Hill Tract, a 322-acre property that's home to an old-growth forest of trees more than two centuries old.

The endorsement said, “The old-growth forest on the Hill Tract makes it essential that the Warner Parks acquire this property. The acquisition will allow the old-growth portions of the forest to be designated as a state natural area, preserved for generations to come.”

Friends of Warner Parks has raised over $16 million so far to buy the Hill Tract and an adjoining 130 acres, which together comprise the last large tract of undeveloped property adjacent to the Parks. The Hill Tract will be developed if FRIENDS is not successful in raising
$5.35 million more.

For more information, visit Friends of Warner Parks.

Hill TractMTAC members
Chris Armour, Jason Ownbey, and
Dick Page toured the Hill Tract
property, which has trees that are
hundreds of years old

 

About the Metro Tree Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Metro Tree Advisory Committee is to assist in educating the community and agencies of the Metropolitan Government regarding the value of trees and proper techniques for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees. This is done by:

  • providing information and public relations to citizens and groups in the city regarding trees
  • maintaining a recommended and undesirable tree list;
  • gathering information and publishing reports as needed about trees and our natural resources;
  • working with Metro departments and agencies such as the department of Public Works to improve agencies' understanding of trees and tree problems; and
  • meeting regularly with the Metro Urban Forester.

MTAC Makes Tree Proposal

The Metro Tree Advisory Committee has submitted to Mayor Karl Dean a proposal for managing Nashville's urban forest. The report.

Tree City USA logoTree City USA

Nashville is a Tree City USA, meeting these four standards:

  1. a Tree Committee
  2. a tree care ordinance
  3. a community forestry program and a budget of at least $2/capita (Metro Nashville's 2005-06 budget was $3.71 per capita)
  4. an Arbor Day observance

MTAC membersMTAC members Chris Armour, Bruce Webster, Bill Tolbert, Randall Lantz, and Dick Page at the Nashville Tree Foundation's 2009 High Tree Party.

Committee Members

  • Carol Ashworth, Chair
  • Chris Armour, Vice Chair
  • Alice A. Barge
  • Dwight Beard
  • Zack French
  • Dean Glascock
  • Marcus Kerske
  • Heather Langford
  • Lynda Miller
  • Jason Ownbey
  • Richard C. Page
  • Glenn Springer
  • Bill Tolbert
  • Bruce Webster
  • Stephan Kivett, Ex Officio
  • Randall Lantz, Ex Officio
  • George H. Cate, Jr.
  • Shawn Bible