Trees Nashville

First Alice Ann Barge Award
to be presented at Arbor Day

Trees Nashville presents the first annual Alice Ann Barge Award for Urban Forest Excellence March 25 at Nashville’s Arbor Day celebration. See story below.

“Alice Ann Barge has been a tireless advocate for Nashville’s urban forest for decades,” president Chris Armour said. “She sets a lofty standard that every tree lover in Nashville should aim for,” he said.

For many years, Alice Ann taught countless fourth graders the importance of trees at Oak Hill School, discussing the urban forest in science class and helping students label trees on the school grounds.

She’s active in the Horticultural Society of Davidson County and chair of its HANDS program. She worked with Metro Council to create the Metro Tree Board in 1985, becoming one of its first members. She’s the only lifetime member of its successor, the Metro Tree Advisory Committee. And Alice Ann is a founding board member of Nashville Tree Foundation, formed in 1986.

In 2009, she was awarded the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for lifetime achievement.

Metro Nashville

City marks Arbor Day March 25

The Mayor’s Arbor Day proclamation will be presented March 25 at Nashville’s Arbor Day celebration in Centennial Park.

Ceremonies begin at 11 am in the shelter by the Sunken Gardens. Trees will be dedicated in memory of June Armstrong, Councilman Mansfield Douglas, Linda Everett, W. Miles Warfield Sr. and Lt. Glenn Yates and in honor of Nashville Tree Foundation’s Betty Brown and former Mayor Richard Fulton.

Metro Tree Advisory Committee will present the George Cate Jr. Award to Costco West Nashville. Nashville will receive its 15th Tree City USA designation, and NES will be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility, both Arbor Day Foundation awards. Three area students will read their winning Arbor Day essays. A reception follows.

Japan-American Society of Tennessee

Cherry Blossom Festival March 27

The second annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with the first-ever Cherry Blossom Walk March 27 at 9am, followed by a day of Japanese cultural demonstrations, performances, and more from 10am–4pm at Public Square. Entertainment includes drumming group Kaminari Taiko. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

The mission of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Committee is to plant 1,000 cherry trees over 10 years. INFO

Metro Beautification, Tree Advisory

Groups give out 4,000 seedlings

Members of Metro Tree Advisory Committee, Metro Beautification and other volunteers handed out 4,000 overcup and swamp white oak seedlings at the Lawn and Garden Show March 4–7.