Founded in 2004, the West TN Chapter promotes TUFC's mission "to inspire and empower people to develop, grow and sustain vibrant, healthy, and productive urban and community. forests."
April 17, 2025 mtg: photo: speaker: Dr. Chunrong Jia, PhD ; PROFESSOR, DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, BIOSTATISTICS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH University of Memphis on TCTAC-REACT 4 grants.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING:
THURSDAY June 19, 2025
1:00 p.m Memphis Botanic Garden
Ashley Kite-Rowland, Urban & Community Forestry Program Coordinator: TN Department of Agriculture will be our speaker
Tree Sanctuaries in Greater Memphis have been established by the Awsumb's, the Bullock's, the Denny's, A. Frogge, S. Hadsky 's Fat Pony Farm, A. Hogue, the Ramsey's, the Richardson's & C. Wilson at Orion Hill
To find out how you can establish a Tree Sanctuary, click https://tufc.com/programs/tree/sanctuary/
WTC-TUFC & TUFC membership dues for 2025:
pay $10.00 to Treasurer Ann Hogue. 2025 dues are paid for 2024 UFA Class Front, " Grow Trees" license plates will be on sale.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT TREES?
November to Early Spring -- summer's heat reduces tree survival rates
Memphis Tree Board - recommended trees for our area:https://memphisparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Memphis-Tree-Board-Tree-Reccomendations.pdf Trees develop strong root systems when planted from November to February. -ISA tree planting link below -under Tree Care for Homeowners.
The next Tree Board meeting is Thursday, May 22, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Historic Cemetery located at the Intersection of Elvis Presley Boulevard and Elliston Road Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Now classified as Endangered -The MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATION HAS DECLINED more than 80% since the 1990's
In 2023, Monarchs had the 2nd sharpest population decline since the 1990's. This data was based on the their Mexican wintering habitat count. (World Wildlife Fund)
WHY The Monarch Decline?
- Increased use of glyphosate herbicides - especially in the Midwest
- In 2023, high temperatures and drought in the monarch's Canadian & U.S. breeding areas reduced the available milkweed.
Overwintering areas appear to be intact: Monarchs from the Eastern US travel up to 3,000 miles to overwinter in the mountain fir forests at Michoacán, Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Large forests dominated by oyamel fir (Abies religiosa) and Montezuma pine (Pinus montezumae) protect Monarchs from chilling night air, wind and rain.
https://xerces.org/monarchs/conservation-efforts
Our 2024- 2025 Chapter T- Shirt Themes. Shirts were designed by L. West.
" LEAVE THE LEAVES as FOOD & SHELTER for BUTTERFLIES, BEETLES, BEES, MOTHS & more.”
Xerces Society
The population of beneficial insects is declining. As Keystone Species of our Food Web, insects pollinate a third of our agricultural plants, feed wildlife, remove waste, & control pests. Many butterfly caterpillars, eggs, & chrysalis overwinter in leaf litter. One example is the the Luna moth which camouflages its chrysalis as a dried leaf. Instead of packaging up insects with leaves to suffocate in plastic bags, create habitat for these wonders of nature, by raking leaves neatly around trees and shrubs. And leaf decay under plants is part of the nutrient cycle: nature’s own fertilizer.
https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/the-insect-effect/
Where have all the Lightening Bugs (southern for fireflies) Gone?
In early summer, fireflies lay their eggs in the earth, in leaf litter and in decaying wood. After two weeks, firefly larva hatches from the eggs. In larval form fireflies feed on “worms, snails, slugs, caterpillars, and small creatures in the soil (free pest control!).” “Habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticides are the main threats to fireflies. Creating a natural habitat for fireflies can support their population growth. Find out why light is a threat & more at: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-06-09-sparks-night-fireflies-and-tips-conserving-them
Give fireflies and Native Insects SOFT LANDINGS
"Soft landings" are diverse native plantings under keystone trees ...that provide critical shelter and habitat for one or more life cycle stages of moths, butterflies, and beneficial insects."
HEATHER HOLM
Heather Holm’s list of SOFT LANDING PLANTS https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/softlandings.html
Tallamy's top 10 tree species to support our ecosystem
1. OAKS
2,. Black Cherry
3. Willows (native)
4. Birch
5, Poplar
6. Crabapple
7. Maple
8. Elm
9. Pine
10. Hickory
Land Development & herbicides reduce biodivesity; create a space in your yard, for native flora and fauna to flourish. Doug Tallamy's website
https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
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Find articles are written by Bella Kirkpatrick, Anna Vo, Linnea West & Bo Kelley
Subscribe to UNDER THE OAKS: Memphis Botanic Garden's Lever 4 arboretum newsletter.
Tree Identification books
more:
Native Trees of the Southeast: An Identification Guide Katherine Kirkman, Claud L. Brown , & Donald Leopold
Can We plant 1.8 million trees in Memphis?
American Forests 2021 Tree Equity Report
See American Foresters 2021 Tree Equity Report https://www.americanforests.org/our-work/urban-forestry/
Recommendations from Dr. Dana Sanders MD (June 2023 Speaker):
- i-Tree Planting - mass planting benefits estimation forecasting (through your web browser)
- i-Tree Species - right tree, right place! (through your web browser)
- i-Tree Trillion Trees - a collective mapping site for MyTree; track your comm
Volunteer Opportunities: Spring 2025
Volunteer Coordinator: Susan McKnight (left photo)- will e-mail you volunteer opportunities -- look for them on the website
Website manager: Jan Castillo
Earn Hours from Tree Education, as well as volunteering for Tree Projects including invasive removal, Arboretums, Tree Education Outreach: the chapter booth or table, teaching youth, or community organizations), attending WTC-TUFC chapter meetings, committees, TUFC Conferences. Check with Claire if you have any questions about hours that count.
---Turn Hours to Claire Barnett: Membership Chair
sent from Claire Barnett
WTC-TUFC Volunteer Opportunities posted 04.29.2025
Saturday, May 3, 9am-3pm. Experience Memphis. Home of Pan Awsumb, Waynoka, Memphis 38111. Volunteers needed for WTC-TUFC information table 2 hr shifts. . More help needed. Contact: Susan McKnight
Saturday, May 18, 9am-3pm. Cooper-Young Garden Walk . Home of Judi Shellabarger,Nelson, Memphis 38104. Steve & Charles have signed up to cover this event. More help needed. Contact: Susan McKnight.
Saturday, May 31, 9am-3pm. Experience Memphis. Home of Mary Leslie Dawson-Ramsey, West Drive, Memphis. Volunteers needed for WTC-TUFC information table 2 hr shifts. Meg has signed up for 11-2. More help needed. Contact: Susan McKnight,
Sunday, June 1, 9am-3pm. Experience Memphis. Home of Susan McKnight, 2082 Courtland Pl, Memphis, 38104. Volunteers needed for WTC-TUFC information table. Contact: Susan McKnight,
Sunday, June 8, VECA Shade Garden, Tutwiler, 11am-5pm. Volunteers needed: contact Connie Shepherd
Check Nonconnah Creek Conservancy for volunteer ops. https://www.nonconnah.org/
Championship Tree Team -- check with Judi. See Tennessee's Championship Tree List https://naturalresources.tennessee.edu/champion-tree/
ISA Tree Care for Homeowners
Tree Planting
Mature Tree Care
Mature Tree Care
Mature Tree Care
Mature Tree Care
Mature Tree Care
Trees and Turf
Mature Tree Care
Trees for a Sustainable Environment
Trees for a Sustainable Environment
Trees for a Sustainable Environment
Why Topping Hurts Trees
ISA Tree Pruning for Utilities
ISA Tree Pruning for Utilities
ISA Tree Pruning for Utilities
Honey Locust's April BLOOMS ATTRACT Hummingbirds
JC
During late Spring to Early Summer, Honey Locust blooms are pollinated by bees & flies. They provide a nectar source for Hummingbirds & bees. The Honey locust is a a larval plant for the Silver-Spotted Skipper butterfly.
For 2025: Honey Locust’s started blooming in early April.
It is not uncommon for hummingbirds to build their nests in the branches of the honey locust.
Native plantings support birds by providing habitat for beneficial insects. Hummers like other birds need protein. -------- “Hummingbirds nectar on blooms, but 80 percent of their diet consists of insects and spiders,” Doug Tallamy "Ruby-throat food includes mosquitoes, spiders, gnats, fruit flies, small bees, larvae, aphid and insect eggs." (extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/w305.pd)
HOST PLANT for: the Silver-spotted Skipper & at least 6 moth species, including the Moon-Lined Moth, Honey Locust Moth, & Bisected Honey Locust Moth
Birds feed on dozens of insect species found in honey locust trees. Birds & small mammals also feed on the seedpods.
HABITAT: -sunny & open areas of upland and bottomland woodlands; along roadsides, fences, and pastures
CULTURE: -Prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade -Adjusts to a variety of soil types
Height : matures to 50-100'
Bark: Light to dark brownish gray flat plates; 8 “ thorns along the trunk
Leaves: - shiny green above, yellow below. 6- 14” long - pinnate: 5-7 pairs of simple leaves or bipinnate: 4-7 pairs of leaves divided into 5-11 simple leaflets -- no terminal leaflets
Seedpods: Mature seedpods are 6-14" long and 1-1½" across at maturity. The smooth dark brown seedpods are often spiral.
LIFESPAN: 100-150 years. Seedpods develop after 10 years.
Read More About Trees
The Nature of Oaks by Doug Tallamy 2021
Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. -David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees
The Social Life of Trees: book
.."Since the turn of the millennium, a remarkable recasting of our attention—away from the gravitas of individual trees and toward the question of what trees do together, as a collective—has been under way. What passes between trees, the nuance of their exchanges, and the seemingly delicate mechanism of their connections—that mystery has inspired a rich new realm of research, and along with it, a subgenre of literature dedicated to spreading a revised conception of the powers and processes that allow arboreal plants to thrive. The title of the German forester Peter Wohlleben’s hugely popular 2015 book, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries From a Secret World "
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/07/social-trees-meg-lowman-suzanne-simard/619015/
FINDING THE MOTHER TREE by Suzanne Simard
“Finding the Mother Tree reminds us that the world is a web of stories, connecting us to one another. [The book] carries the stories of trees, fungi, soil and bears–and of a human being listening in on the conversation. The interplay of personal narrative, scientific insights and the amazing revelations about the life of the forest make a compelling story.”—Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass
Suzanne Simard is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide.
https://mothertreeproject.org/
Some Scientist Question the role of the theory of the " Wood Wide Web"
from Wasteland to Wonder: Easy Ways we Can Help Heal the Earth in the Suburban Landscape Basil Camu
'In all my years of reading environmental literature, I have never encountered writing as compelling and comprehensive, yet clear..."
Doug Tallamy
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Named a Best Essay Collection of the Decade by Literary Hub
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on "a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise" (Elizabeth Gilbert).
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Three books on Planting with Natives recommended by Josiah Lockard, speaker at the April 2023 meeting:
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Claudia West & Thomas Rainer
Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change Larry Weaner & Tom Christopher
Toward an Urban Ecology Kate Orff
Barkskins by Annie Proulx
Barkskins. a 2016 novel by Annie Proulx, tells the story of two immigrants to New France, René Sel and Charles Duquet, and of their descendants. It witnesses the deforestation of the New World, during a 300 year span, from the arrival of Europeans to the contemporary era of climate crisis .
24 Best Books on Nature and Trees
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants video
The Journeys of Trees Zach St. George
A story about people, our forests, and our future. https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324001607
Back Porch Forestry are educational sessions on trees, forests and forest management from Dr. Mercker found here https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC_0Z5Y2l2wfDh-UcOeOVn3g/videos
TUFC's Webinar Series: The most recent ones(2.16.23) are on tree identification. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkeRUoXKHgwt2utYPea6uWH_xuqSIU3yf
West TN: TUFC Chapter Bylaws revised 2018
above photo by L. West ; Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak leaves October 2021
Bylaws of the West Tennessee Chapter,
Tennessee Urban Forestry Council – A Chapter of The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the “West Tennessee Chapter, Tennessee Urban Forestry Council” and shall, within these bylaws,
be referred to as “Chapter.”
ARTICLE II Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter shall be synonymous with the mission of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC): to promote and improve Tennessee’s urban forests by providing leadership and guidance through education, planning and advocacy with a focus on West Tennessee issues.
Specifically, the Chapter will work to coordinate and stimulate programs that will:
1) Promote current, sound urban forestry practices within West Tennessee;
2) Promote public awareness of urban forestry through education, advocacy, and special programs; and
3) Cooperate with allied associations, public agencies, and academia in conducting programs beneficial to urban forestry, the green industry and all related natural resources in West Tennessee, Tennessee and the Mid-South Region.
ARTICLE III Membership, Privileges, Dues and Donations
SECTION 1: Membership
Any person, firm, corporation, association or organization engaged in urban forestry or interested in the welfare and benefits of urban forestry within the State of Tennessee shall be eligible for membership in this chapter, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Chapter Board of Directors.
SECTION 2: Privileges
Each person, firm, corporation, association or organization duly qualified as a member shall be entitled to one vote each.
SECTION 3: Dues
The Chapter Board of Directors shall determine the basis of membership dues. Dues paid to the Chapter are non-refundable and apply only to the current calendar year beginning January 1st. Upon payment of Chapter dues, a member shall have access to all Chapter privileges. Chapter dues do not grant Chapter members access to those privileges provided by the TUFC. To receive these additional privileges an individual or entity must join the TUFC.
SECTION 4: Donations
Donations made to the Chapter will be utilized at the local level. The TUFC will provide Chapters with a list of members with corresponding levels of membership dues. Chapter donation solicitations from TUFC members on the list provided will be conducted in cooperation with the TUFC so as not to conflict with TUFC objectives.
ARTICLE IV Board of Directors
SECTION 1:
The governing body of the Chapter shall be the Board of Directors (Board). The Board shall be composed of 7 elected members all of whom shall be dues paying members of both the TUFC and the Chapter. These dues must be paid by January 15th of the year in which they are elected to serve. The President, Vice-President, and Immediate Past President shall continue as members of the board until the completion of their officer terms and are included in this number.
SECTION 2:
The last chapter meeting of the calendar year shall be considered the annual meeting at which the offices of the Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and
2 at-Large Board Members shall be elected. These 5 plus the new President and Immediate Past President shall make up the new Board of Directors. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the current President at the chapter meeting prior to the annual meeting with one member being named the committee chairman. This committee shall submit its slate of nominations to the membership for vote at the annual meeting. Additional nominations from the floor shall be invited.
SECTION 3:
The term of office of the Board of Directors shall begin on January 1st and shall be for 1 year. Upon completion of their term, each member shall be eligible for re-election to the board except for the Immediate Past President who must sit out a year before again being eligible.
SECTION 4:
In the event a vacancy occurs with a Board member at-Large, it shall be filled by the Board. This replacement Board member shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
SECTION 5:
Board of Directors shall include persons with diverse backgrounds representing government, business, civic, educational and citizen interests who have an interest in urban forestry.
SECTION 6:
The Tennessee State Forester and West Tennessee Urban Forester shall be ex-officio members with full voting privileges.
SECTION 7:
The Board shall act upon all business of the Chapter arising between annual meetings.
SECTION 8:
The Board shall meet at least quarterly and as needed. The President or 3 board members, as needed may call special meetings of the Board. In the case of special meetings, ten calendar days written notice of the time and place shall be given to the Board
SECTION 9:
A majority of the Elected Board Members shall constitute a quorum. Ex-officio members shall not be considered in determining a quorum.
SECTION 10:
Two consecutive non-notified absences by a Board member to the President or Secretary shall constitute a resignation from the Board.
SECTION 11:
The board shall develop an annual budget and submit it to the membership at the designated annual meeting for approval
ARTICLE V Officers
SECTION 1:
The offices of Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected at the annual meeting.
SECTION 2:
The term of office for each Officer shall begin on January 1st and be for one calendar year. The Vice President shall be the President-elect.
SECTION 3:
An Officer vacancy other than the President shall be filled by a vote of the Board of Directors and that Board member voted on by the board shall complete the unexpired term. Should the office of President become vacant, the Vice President shall become the President for the unexpired term and go on to serve his/her term of President as well.
ARTICLE VI President, Vice President and Past President
SECTION 1:
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and of the Board. The President shall appoint the chair of all committees and shall sign all contracts made for and in behalf of the Chapter. Each Chapter President or his/her accredited representative shall represent the Chapter at all meetings of the TUFC Board of Directors.
SECTION 2:
The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President. The Vice President shall assist the President and shall act in his/her place in the event of sickness and inability of the President to perform the duties imposed upon him/her or incident to the Office of President.
SECTION 3:
The immediate Past President shall be a Board member of the Chapter the year following his/her tenure as President. This person shall have full voting rights but will not be eligible for re-election to the board for one year.
(See Article IV, Sect. 3)
ARTICLE VII Secretary/Treasurer
SECTION 1:
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to properly account for all receipts and disbursements, and to make reports to the membership showing the balance on hand and outstanding obligations at designated meetings. The Treasurer shall have charge of and be responsible for the membership records and other books of account. In addition, the Treasurer shall provide financial reports at the Board’s regularly scheduled meetings.
SECTION 2:
The Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Chapter, give notice in writing of all annual and special meetings of the Chapter and its Board, keeping a permanent record of all the business conducted. In addition, he/she shall provide additional copies of all activities including elections, Bylaws and Annual Reports to the Executive Director of the TUFC within one month of completion.
ARTICLE VIII Membership Meetings
SECTION 1:
Chapter membership meetings shall be held at least quarterly with at least 30 days advance notice.
SECTION 2:
Special meetings may be called by action of the Board provided the membership is given at least 10 calendar days written notice.
SECTION 3:
A Chapter quorum is determined as the number of currently paid members attending any membership meeting.
ARTICLE IX Procedure
SECTION 1:
The Chapter shall make and adopt by-laws, rules and regulations for its own guidance as may be expedient insofar as such are consistent with the mission and bylaws of the TUFC. Amendments to these Bylaws may be made by a two-thirds affirmative vote of all the members present at an annual meeting or at any special membership meeting called for that purpose provided that written notice of such meeting shall include a copy of the proposed amendments. The Chapter will inform the TUFC of adopted Bylaw revisions (Ref. Article VII, section I).
SECTION 2:
The fiscal year for the Chapter shall be from January 1 through December 31.
SECTION 3:
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised Shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the chapter may adopt.
ARTICLE X Dues
SECTION 1:
The Chapter shall establish a dues schedule for various levels of membership. This schedule shall be adopted by and may be amended by a majority vote of the board (or membership), upon notification to the general membership, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ARTICLE XI
Committees
SECTION 1:---All committees shall be formed during a Board meeting.
SECTION 2:
The term of the non-standing committees shall expire with the term of the appointing President unless another expiration is provided by an establishing resolution or successful motion.
ARTICLE XII Chapter and State Relationships
SECTION 1: Organization
A local Chapter shall consist of a group of TUFC – West Tennessee Chapter members. No Chapter shall use the name “Tennessee Urban Forestry Council” without the written authorization of the TUFC Board of Directors.
SECTION 2: Financial
In addition to dues, the members of each Chapter may assess themselves for any costs incurred in connection with the activities of the Chapter.
SECTION 3: Bylaws
A Chapter shall make Bylaws for their governance consistent with Mission of the TUFC and shall file their Bylaws with the Executive Director of the TUFC (ref. Article VII, section I).
SECTION 4: Reports
Each Chapter organization shall file copies of an Annual Report with the Executive Director of the TUFC. Each Chapter President or his/her accredited representative shall represent the Chapter at all meetings of the TUFC Board of Directors.
SECTION 5: Grants
Chapter grant requests will be in line with the mission of the TUFC, clearly communicated to both the State and Chapter Boards, and will not conflict with the fundraising efforts for statewide programs supported by the TUFC.
SECTION 6: Media Releases
A Chapter shall have the right to release through its Officers, or a duly authorized spokesperson, expressions of opinion, views, statements, or other public pronouncements on matters of interest to the welfare of its members of the Chapter and the general public. Said public pronouncements shall not contain directly, indirectly, or by implication material at variance with the Constitution, Bylaws, or Policy Statements of the TUFC. Copies of all releases shall be furnished to the TUFC Executive Director at the time they are issued.
SECTION 7: Endorsement
The TUFC does not assume any responsibility for any Chapter unless such action shall have first received the approval of the TUFC Executive Committee.
SECTION 8: Self-funding
The TUFC will not assume any liability for debts incurred by, or for the expenditure of any Chapter. Upon Chapter dissolution, any remaining funds shall revert to the Council.
SECTION 9: Charter
The TUFC Executive Committee shall have the right to rescind the Charter of any Chapter.