About Us

 

Savannah Tree Foundation protects and grows Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy.

OUR MISSION

OUR BOARD

OUR SPONSORS

What We Do

Tree Planting Programs

We organize and implement tree planting initiatives to increase the urban tree canopy, promote biodiversity, and improve overall environmental health.

Educational Outreach

We engage in educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of trees, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices.

Urban Forest Conservation

We advocate for policies and practices that protect and enhance urban forests by working with local governments, businesses, and communities to develop and implement sustainable land use practices.

Community Engagement

We encourage community involvement in tree-related activities, such as volunteer tree planting events, tree care workshops, and neighborhood beautification projects.

With Your Help, We are Preserving History and Protecting the Future

In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we look back on the many ways Savannah Tree Foundation has protected and grown Chatham County’s urban forest since 1982. This video honors the three trailblazing women who founded the Savannah Tree Foundation, highlights our first advocacy victory and conservation efforts, and looks to our upcoming efforts to grow a greener future.

40 Years of GROWTH

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.

Your Donations Make an Impact

2020

  • Tree Planting Initiatives 35% 35%
  • Community Education 28% 28%
  • Outreach + Events 18% 18%
  • Organization Growth 19% 19%

2021

  • Tree Planting Initiatives 34% 34%
  • Community Education 23% 23%
  • Outreach + Events 23% 23%
  • Organization Growth 20% 20%

2022

  • Tree Planting Initiatives 32% 32%
  • Community Education 25% 25%
  • Outreach + Events 27% 27%
  • Organization Growth 16% 16%

Our Events

Our Staff

ZOE RINKER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KATHRYN ERICKSON

OUTREACH MANAGER

KRISTOPHER JOHNSTON

FIELD MANAGER

KELSEY KIRPICH

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Our Board Members

MATTHEW HALLETT

BOARD PRESIDENT

HALLETT & CO

ELLEN HARRIS

VICE PRESIDENT

ETHOS PRESERVATION

PATTI KING

TREASURER

UNITED COMMUNITY BANK

KAREN KARP

SECRETARY

NONPROFIT CONSULTING

BRANDY ADAMS

GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY

LAURA BALLOCK

KIMLEY-HORN

BENJAMIN BAXTER

SIGNATURE AVIATION

AMY GUTTING

REALTOR

WILLIAM HAWS*

GEORGIA POWER

SHEM KENDRICK*

COASTAL ARBOR CARE

PITCH POWERS

PLATINUM PAVING & CONCRETE

DREW RUTTINGER

GEORGIA-ALABAMA LAND TRUST

JODY TRUMBULL

HARVARD/AMERICORPS

MARJORIE YOUNG

CARRIAGE TRADE PR

PHILLIP ZELLNER*

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, INC.

* indicates Certified Arborist

303 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd
Savannah, GA 31401

PO Box 8880
Savannah, GA 31412

912-233-TREE

info@savannahtree.com

Savannah Tree Foundation protects and grows Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy.

Savannah Tree Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, tax identification number 58-1494721