6/22/2009

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Chattanooga’s own urban forestry project, Take Root, recently won the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in the Agriculture & Forestry category.  This prestigious state-wide award recognizes voluntary actions taken by organizations and individuals to protect and improve Tennessee’s natural environment.  “These award winners truly have taken environmental stewardship to a new and innovative level, setting an example for all Tennesseans,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “I am extremely proud of this year’s diverse group of honorees – including school children, grassroots organizers, public and private universities and industry leaders – demonstrating that each person can make a difference in protecting Tennessee’s natural resources.”

Take Root is a community-driven tree planting project initiated in 2007 by members of Leadership Chattanooga.  Working together with the City’s Urban Forestry Department, the Chattanooga Tree Commission, and several volunteers, Take Root continues to move toward its goal of doubling the tree canopy in downtown Chattanooga.  The benefits of an increased urban forest include cooler summertime temperatures, storm water run-off control, energy savings, improved air quality, increased property values, improved livability in neighborhoods, and carbon sequestration.  Take Root’s objectives also overlap with the City’s Climate Action Plan, with an action item recommendation “to obtain ideal tree canopy cover in Chattanooga”.

Take Root planted 600 trees this past fall and winter with funding from the Benwood Foundation, individual donors, and local business partnerships.  Tree planting will continue next year with new funding from the Lyndhurst Foundation and continued funding from individual donors.  To learn more about Take Root or to donate, visit www.takerootchattanooga.com or call Take Root Coordinator, Preston Roberts at (423) 643-6952.