Trees Atlanta, Inc.

Keeping Atlanta Green

By Katrina McDowell on Dec 10, 2024 in Giving

Trees hold a transformative power and are part of the solution to climate change. Yardi-supported nonprofit Trees Atlanta provides immense tree benefits, ensuring the greater Atlanta area stays green.

Trees Atlanta Inc. was established in 1984 in Atlanta, GA and works year-round to protect and enhance Atlanta’s metro tree canopy through several programs. These programs, including planting and care, removing invasive species, forest restoration, youth and adult education, and workforce development, are made possible by dedicated community and corporate volunteers. Their contribution of a record 44,000 work hours over the past year proves their commitment and the key to Trees Atlanta’s success. Trees Atlanta pays special attention to areas with below-coverage trees or those that suffer from flooding and poor air quality.

“We hope to engage even more citizens in the care of Atlanta’s urban and suburban forests to ensure the benefits of trees reach as many people as possible. The continued growth of our educational and workforce development programs reflects this commitment,” explained Michael Vinciquerra, business development director for Trees Atlanta. He also emphasized the crucial role of corporate partners in this mission, acknowledging their support and significant impact on Trees Atlanta’s success.

Trees Atlanta plans to plant more than 8,000 trees in the year ahead, which will be a record for them. The new agreement with the City of Atlanta will allow it to expand its efforts in removing invasive plants in city parks, complementing its ongoing restoration work in areas outside the city, funded by private donations and contracts. In early 2025, Trees Atlanta will launch its own tree nursery to help meet the growing demand for native trees, which are increasingly difficult to source.

Additionally, it will accelerate tree planting in downtown Atlanta, an area with the lowest tree cover, requiring significant concrete removal to plant the trees properly. Trees Atlanta also plans to expand its workforce development efforts beyond the Youth Tree Team by partnering with Green Youth Foundation, helping to create new skills and career opportunities for young adults aged 18-24. Funding from Yardi provides Trees Atlanta the flexibility to direct funds to its most significant areas in need, primarily focusing on its forest restoration or Youth Tree Team programs.

“We are incredibly grateful for Yardi’s continued support over the past five years, with four generous contributions made thanks to the nomination by your team members,” said Vinciquerra. He continued, “We’re honored that someone from your team took the time to nominate us, as it’s a reflection that we’re making an impact in their community. Each year, it takes thousands of volunteers and a vast network of financial supporters to help us meet the growing demands of our work. Yardi’s contributions are, without question, part of the solution for Trees Atlanta.”

Youth Tree Team

Ten years ago, Trees Atlanta conducted an internal assessment and benchmarking exercise identifying teenagers as an underrepresented demographic within Trees Atlanta programs. In response, it launched its Youth Tree Team high school summer employment program in 2016, modeled after a successful initiative by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. With initial seed funding from Equifax, Trees Atlanta hired 12 high school students that summer to assist with tree care and participate in professional development activities.

Now, in 2024, the Youth Tree Team had 65 students from 31 high schools, working alongside Trees Atlanta staff and with partner organizations. In addition to tree care, students participate in a summer career fair, field trips, and leadership opportunities while earning at least $11.50 per hour.

“We’re proud to say that several of our program ‘graduates’ have returned to help lead subsequent teams as Trees Atlanta employees, and we recently hired our first Youth Tree Team alum as a full-time employee. The program is making an impact,” expressed Vinciquerra.

Volunteer Opportunities

Trees Atlanta would immensely enjoy having Yardi team members join them for service opportunities. Those interested can join the community volunteers at any existing projects listed on its website at Trees Atlanta Volunteer Calendar. 

Additionally, it offers corporate partners the chance to organize private volunteer events for their employees. These custom events offer a choice of day and time, location and type of project, and can accommodate anywhere from eight to 75 participants (or more). These projects are great engagement and team-building events for corporate teams.

“Yardi is helping to make trees possible in greater Atlanta, even as the population expands and the surrounding area evolves. We’d love to have Yardi’s associates join us to help ensure that the greater Atlanta remains a wonderful place to live,” said Vinciquerra.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.

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