Recent News

CATS volunteers plant a total of 26 trees at Chris Greene Lake!

CATS members gathered at Chris Greene Lake to plant a total of 26 trees around the lake area.  The project was the vision of and organized by Barbara White who obtained funding from the Department of Forestry.

Species included a variety of oaks, Carolina silverbells, black gums, redbuds, tulip trees and bald cypress.  On March 11th fifteen CATS members planted fourteen bare rooted trees and on March 18th thirteen CATS members supported by twenty-five UVA students of the Forestry Club planted twelve containerized trees.  Three or four UVA students were mentored by CATS members who explained the complexities of proper tree planting including; the steps of removing the potting material from the tree roots, correcting circling tree roots, proper siting of the trees in the holes, importance of using a slurry when filling around the roots and then stabilizing the tree in the hole.  The planted trees were mulched and staked to insure that the prevailing winds wouldn’t jeopardize their rooting and were surrounded by a wire cage to protect them from deer and mowers. Saving us some of the work, park personnel augured the holes and provided the water and mulch for the trees. Once the plantings were completed, all enjoyed the provided lunch and took the opportunity to socialize.  On each day, the weather cooperated and although tired at the end of the day, everyone agreed that each day was a complete success.

A well deserved lunch break.

2022 Summary of Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards Events and Activities

Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards are skilled, enthusiastic, and committed group of volunteers who tend to our local parks, public places and low tree canopy neighborhoods. We happily free mature trees from invasive vines, plant trees where their eventual canopy will be enjoyed and prune young trees.

We are thrilled to educate the public about responsible tree care, the value of trees in all environmental settings and personal safety while working outdoors. We enjoy strong and healthy professional relationships with our partner organizations and are committed to doing this work to strengthen green spaces.

View report on CATS 2022 accomplishments  here.

Tree Walk Leader Workshop: For CATS Members Only

Interested in being a Tree Walk Leader, but not sure of the best way to start?   Or maybe you are already a walk leader and would like to brush up on your skills and learn something new.   This workshop is for you! 

Consider joining a group of experienced CATS Tree Walk leaders at Ivy Creek on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.  We’ll be covering the basics for planning, developing and leading tree walks in a relaxed interactive session, with lots of discussion and field activity.

Tree Walks are a crucial part of our mission to educate the public and inspire them to engage with the natural world. Tree Walks are consistently fully booked.  We’d love to offer more walks.  Any CATS member who is at all inclined in this direction is encouraged to attend to learn more.  If you have a fellow member you are close with, consider leading a walk as a team.  You’ll find that the back and forth discussion you naturally have with your friends about trees and the natural world can form the basis for discussion with your participants.

We have a lot of support materials to guide you through the process.  Tree Walk leaders often tell us that this activity – leading a walk – is by far and away the most satisfying part of their stewardship practice, and often surprises with new knowledge.

Register here.  View the full agenda here.  Hope to see you there!