We have a vision for a vibrant urban forest.

And we have a plan to grow it.

Who We Are

Trees Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing the reach and health of the urban forest in Knoxville and Knox County through tree planting, tree preservation, education, and invasive species removal. We choose trees thoughtfully to maximize beauty, function, longevity, and ecosystem health.

What We’re About

The urban forest we want to create is accessible to all and planted with the entire community in mind. We want to engage as many Knoxvillians as possible in creating shade, cooling neighborhoods, and making the city more beautiful. 

Where We’re Headed

Our comprehensive Urban Forest Master Plan outlines our strategy for the future of Knoxville’s tree canopy—with support from the City of Knoxville, the State of Tennessee, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, and the Knoxville Utilities Board.

What’s an urban forest, you ask?

You can probably guess that all the trees in an urban area make up what we call the “urban forest.” But what’s unique about urban forests is that the trees typically grow in very challenging conditions that can include compacted soil, pollution, heat, and drought. And development often threatens existing mature trees that provide critical services such as shade, cooling, stormwater management, and habitat for wildlife. That’s why a comprehensive strategy for choosing, planting, maintaining, and protecting trees in urban areas is so important.

Meet Our Tree Huggers

  • Melissa Hinten, Executive Director

    TREES KNOXVILLE STAFF

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    Sophie Carter, Program Manager

    TREES KNOXVILLE STAFF

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    Dale Madden, Chair

    PRESIDENT, EARTHADELIC

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    Kerstin Sisco, Vice Chair

    RETIRED, KNOX COUNTY SCHOOLS

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    Jessica Rodocker, Secretary

    FIRST NEIGHBORHOODS REALTY

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    Mark Stanfill, Treasurer

    TENNESSEE STATE PARKS

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    Fred Anderson, Board Member

    RETIRED

  • Karin Beuerlein, Board Member

    CIRIS CONTENT

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    Preston Collins, Board Member

    EARTHADELIC

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    Thomas Geissberger, Board Member

    IJAMS NATURE CENTER

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    Nancy Howell, Board Member

    RETIRED, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

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    Brendan Keegan, Board Member

    KNOXVILLE UTILITIES BOARD

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    Kasey Krouse, Ex Officio Board Member

    URBAN FORESTER, CITY OF KNOXVILLE

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    Alanna McKissack, Board Member

    KNOX COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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    Chieff Weaver, Board Member

    STEP DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

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    Tom Welborn, Ex Officio Board Member

    CO-FOUNDER, TREES KNOXVILLE