“Beyond the Sidewalk” Talks.
On March 22, Jill Jonnes, author of Urban Forestry, and Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix, spoke to a capacity crowd at the Department of Forestry as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book. This session was organized by Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards and supported by our volunteers. Jill Jonnes described high points in the development of greater understanding of the value of trees in urban environments. Florence Williams summarized some of the scientific research on the health benefits of connecting with nature and spending time outdoors.
CATS and APO volunteer at James Monroe’s Highland.
In February and March 2018, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards completed three work days at Highland to remove invasive English ivy from the boxwoods and front entrance, as well as some invasive trees, such as mimosa and ailanthus. On two of the days they were joined by student volunteers from UVA’s Alpha Phi Omega chapter. The CATS and APO volunteers removed several truckloads of ivy and twig debris to help preserve the boxwoods and the beauty of Highland’s grounds. Tree Stewards are conducting quarterly tree identification walks at Highlands. For more information on the walks, see “Take a Class or a Tree Walk” on the CATS website.
