About Us
We have a vision for a vibrant urban forest. And we have a plan to grow it.
What is an Urban Forest, You Ask?
An urban forest includes all trees and vegetation in cities and towns, from street trees and parks to schoolyards and private property. Because urban trees often grow in challenging conditions and face development pressures, thoughtful planning, planting, and long-term care are essential to protect the many benefits they provide, including shade, cooling, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat.
Who We Are
Knoxville’s urban forest faces tough conditions: heat, drought, compacted soils, and ongoing development. That’s why we rally residents, businesses, and public partners to plant the right trees in the right places, care for them well, and protect mature canopy.
Join us as we grow a greener city, together.
Our Mission & Mission for the Future
Trees Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and increase the urban tree canopy on the private and public land of Knoxville and Knox County.
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.
Annual Reports
Meet Our Tree Huggers
We’re a small, mighty crew backed by a hands‑on board and hundreds of volunteers. Get to know the people behind the shovels, spreadsheets, and Saturday morning plantings.
Trees Knoxville Staff
Melissa Hinten
Executive Director
Riley Douglas
Community Engagement Manager
Amelia Hollingsworth
Community Forestry Coordinator
Atticus Moore
Community Forestry Assistant
Board of Directors
Jessica Rodocker
Chair | First Neighborhoods Realty
Dale Madden
Past-Chair | President, Earthadelic
Ben Gleneck
Treasurer | Financial Planning & Investment Management, TVAMP
Brian O’Conner
Vice Chair | Jupiter Entertainment
Debbie Sharp
Secretary | Neighborhood Coordinator, City of Knoxville
Tyrone Beach
Board Member | Communications Manager, City of Knoxville
Karin Beuerlein
Board Member | Ciris Content
Grayson Byard
Board Member | KUB
Preston Collins
Board Member | Earthadelic
Cassidy Gupton
Board Member | Carex Design Group
Nancy Howell
Board Member | Retired, University of Tennessee
Dana Loseke
Board Member | Retired
Hank Mary
Board Member | Cultivate Sourcing Group
Alanna McKissack
Board Member | Knox County Government
Elaine Reed
Board Member | Ex-Officio with KUB
Kerstin Sisco
Board Member | Retired, Knox County Schools
Chieff Weaver
Board Member | Goodi Digital
Tom Welborn
Board Member | Co-Founder, Trees Knoxville
Kasey Krouse
Ex-Officio Board Member | Urban Forester, City of Knoxville
Get In Touch
Want to help grow Knoxville’s urban canopy? Complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon!