

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.
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




