Latest TUFC News

New Program Highlight:
Business Arboretum
In an effort to expand our arboreta program to include more businesses, we have created a new program that is aimed at giving businesses more exposure for their green initiatives while supporting the TUFC efforts statewide.
The Business Arboretum Program requirements, information and application can be found here:
Benefits of becoming a Business Arboretum:
– Newsletter Recognition
– Arboretum Listing on Website for 3 years
– Arboretum Sign
– Program Support for Statewide Effort
– Arboreta Sponsorship Opportunities
Accepting Applications Now
through April 15th for the
2018 Bruce Webster College Scholarship
Click Here for more information
Ivan Racheff House and Gardens Arboretum Recertifies and Levels Up
Ivan Racheff House and Gardens, the State Headquarters and property of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, is surrounded by three acres of gardens in Knoxville, Tennessee. This public space, bequeathed to TFGC in 1970, embodies former owner Mr. Racheff’s dream of harmonizing nature and industry. Standing in contrast to the nearby steel mill, the garden features a looping path with flowering shrubs, perennials, wildflowers, and ferns that invites nature-lovers to share in Mr. Racheff’s vision. A Children’s Garden, a Pink Garden (for breast cancer survivor’s and fighters), and a Water Garden are some of the treasures you will find onsite. The gardens are open to the public February 15 to December 15, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM and for special events. website:
eLearn: Urban Forestry is a state-of-the-art online, distance-learning program geared specifically toward beginning urban foresters and those allied professionals working in and around urban and urbanizing landscapes, including service foresters, natural resource planners, landscape architects, city officials and public works employees.
To receive a certificate of completion and/ or ISA credit for this free course. Click here. Create a login and password on this site and complete all requirements to receive a certificate and ISA credit. Contact hcampbell@sref.info with any questions.
Webinar Portal
Planning and timing are critical for saving your urban ash forest from EAB
If you have any questions about EAB or TN resources, please contact Heather Slayton at heather.slayton@tn.gov
Join the American Grove
Want to Connect with Like Minded People that love Trees?
The American Grove is an online community for sharing experiences and knowledge about trees and the benefits they provide to communities throughout the nation.
See the 2017 Great American Tree Contest Winner :
A TUFC member submitted the Pentz Pecan from Sommerville, TN featured here and on our website
Welcome to the New and Returning
2018 TUFC Board of Directors
PRESIDENT | Andrew Bell |
Sharon Jean-Philippe | Michael Davie |
VICE PRESIDENT | Chase Giebner |
Scott Woods | Neil Letson |
SECRETARY | Josiah Lockard |
Joellen Dimond | Jaime Nunan |
TREASURER | David Vandergriff |
Tom Butler | Bruce Webster |
PAST PRESIDENT | Scott Winningham |
Kathrine Killebrew | De’Etra Young |
ONE-YEAR APPOINTMENTS | |
David Cook | Chaz Griffith |
Vicki Turner | Lydia Wiggins |
TUFC Launches a New Website!
We hope that you love the new look and are able to easily find the resources and pages that you need. If you would like to place an Urban Forestry Related Ad in our newsletter or have information that would be relevant to our members, please contact Jill Smith by email at jillsmith.tufc@gmail.com .
Volunteer Spotlight

Who are you? Joellen Dimond, Horticultural Extension Agent in Tipton County Tennessee. Secretary on the State Board of TUFC and past president of the West TN Chapter.
How long have you served the TUFC? I have been a member of TUFC through work since the organization began.
Why do you serve? I have liked working with trees since my college days in Tree ID class at the University of Illinois. It is a pleasure to educate citizens on trees.
Amazing New Volunteer Log
Log your time so we can win money for TUFC!
Reward Volunteers is a free easy way to record the time you spend volunteering for the TUFC or the West TUFC. When you log time, and elect to share activity via Facebook you become eligible to win prizes like vacations, gift cards, gift baskets, or a cash prize for the TUFC. The more time logged, the more chances to win one of the major prizes awarded each month.
TUFC Friends – This tool is available from our website on our new Connections page. By clicking on the Are you a Volunteer? button, a log in portal will appear. You can create a log in account using your email address or facebook account. You will easily be able to log your hours within seconds. Make sure to log in within 6 days of the volunteered time. Then TUFC will receive monthly reports of everyone’s time!
Tree Climb Sponsor Spotlight
Who are you and what do you offer your clients? My name is Coty Thieme, proud owner of Arbor Barber Tree Specialist. We have been in business since the beginning of 2017. We proudly offer our clients the following: tree preservation, structure pruning, many types of cabling to suit the needs of each situation, lateral pruning for building clearance, tree planting and planning, and hazardous tree removal.
How many years have you sponsored the TUFC Tree Climbing Competition? Arbor Barber Tree Specialist started sponsoring the TUFC in 2017 and plan on being a proud sponsor for several more years to come.
The Professional Amenity Plant Appraisal Handbook
by Marty Shaw, RCA, BCMA
Visit www.proapah.com for more information.
10% of all book sales will benefit TUFC!
Thank you Marty!
Business and Conference Sponsor Spotlight
About Airtech Tools Ground Breaking Tools
Airtech Tools is serving North America as a distributor and manufacture of specialty agricultural equipment. Our mission is simple – to provide the best quality products, fully supported by unparalleled parts and service, in a timely and beneficial manner to you.
We are proud to represent MTM as their sole U.S. distributor. For almost two decades MTM has been the world leader in the development and production of pneumatic digging and speciality equipment. Airtech Tools also designs and builds decompaction/feeding systems around the MTM TTA-WD Power Head. These systems are designed for Landscapers, Golf Courses, arborist, Land Management Companies, or anyone working with soil and roots.
Airtech Tools and MTM equipment has set the highest industry standards. Our reputation for tough, durable equipment is unsurpassed. You can depend on Airtech Tools for your equipment and system needs.
We have supported the TUFC for approximately 6 years.
Contact info: http://www.airtechtools.com, 865-250-4646
Join our Board of Directors
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) is deeply rooted in promoting healthy and sustainable urban and community forests which contribute to clean air and water, economic stability, and beautiful green places in which all Tennesseans and future generations will love, work and play. To continue to promote these efforts the TUFC is accepting board nominations year round. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please let us know. All board members are required to choose a committee to serve on. Committee assignments are detailed below. Self-nominations are welcomed.
2018 TUFC Members
Jan Castillo
Deborah Foehring
Russell Marsh
Judi Shellabarger
Bruce Webster
Yellow Poplar Sponsor – Natural Creations
Matt Dawson
Andrew Bell
John Henderson
Paul Ballenger
Adam Marrale
Nick Wilson
Richard Tucker
”To plant trees is to give body and life to one’s dreams of a better world.”
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