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Image by Tim Mossholder
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Our Mission & Approach

Savannah Tree Foundation protects and grows Chatham County's urban forest through tree planting, community outreach, and advocacy.

Trees are one of Chatham County’s most treasured natural resources. Beyond their beauty and cultural significance, the impacts of trees are far-reaching and compounding, spanning from economic benefits to health improvements to climate change resilience. Trees are woven into almost every aspect of our lives.

 

While it is easy to take our live oaks and magnolias for granted, our trees are facing an increasing number of natural and man-made threats. Sprawling construction, increased severe weather, encroaching salt water levels, and a lack of funding for proper maintenance all contribute to tree loss in our region. If we are to continue enjoying the beauty and benefits of our trees, we must protect the trees we have and plant the trees of tomorrow. Properly cared for, our urban forest will create a safer and healthier community. Our trees will shape our future.

What We Do

Savannah Tree Foundation protects and grows Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy.

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Tree Planting Programs

We organize and implement strategic planting initiatives to expand the urban canopy, promote local biodiversity, and improve the overall environmental health of our growing city.

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Educational Outreach

We lead engaging programs to raise public awareness regarding the vital importance of trees, environmental conservation, and the adoption of sustainable practices for future generations.

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Urban Forest Conservation

We advocate for policies that protect urban forests by partnering with local governments and businesses to develop sustainable land-use practices that ensure long-term ecosystem stability.

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Community Engagement

We foster active involvement through volunteer planting events, hands-on tree care workshops, and neighborhood beautification projects that empower residents to take ownership of their environment.

Our Staff

Jackson Alexander

Executive Director

Jason Baggett

Business Manager

Kathryn Erickson

Senior Program Manager | Certified Arborist

Matt White

Operations Manager

Gwen Osenkowsky

Field Operations Technician

Our Board Members

Carmen Bergman

Dulany Industries, Inc.

Phillip Zellner

Certified Arborist | Environmental Design, Inc.

Grace Grund

Savannah College of Art and Design

Anne Clayton

Clayton Reprographics

Shante Ruffin

Huntermaclean

Shem Kendrick

Certified Arborist | Bartlet Tree Experts

William Haws

Certified Arborist | Georgia Power

Rexford Ofosu

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Laura Ballock

Kimley Horn

Karen Karp

Secretary | Nonprofit Consulting

Patti King

Treasuer | United Community Bank

Ellen Harris

Vice President | Ethos Preservation

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