Are you someone who enjoys working outside, doesn't mind getting dirty, is passionate about native plants, and is a team player? Consider joining our team! We're looking for a seasonal contractor who will lead our fieldwork initiatives, including invasive plant removal and native species installation.​

Green Interchange, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that plants trees and uses natural solutions to improve Tennessee’s air, land, water, and communities. Come be a member of our small but mighty and passionate team. We’re looking for a seasonal field assistant to help with various activities during our planting season, Spring and Fall. This is a great opportunity to learn more about native plants and their proper care and maintenance while expanding the green space in Tennessee. Potential for a full-time role.


Responsibilities

• Transport and install plant material.
• Identification and removal of invasive species.
• Follow written and verbal planting instructions.
• Travel to planting locations in and around Davidson County.
• Collaborate closely with a partner in teams of two, ensuring effective communication and cooperation.
• Coordinate and implement tree planting, native grasses/pollinator initiatives, and waterways restoration projects. Activities require lifting, digging, and other manual labor.
• Provide support including watering and other maintenance projects, marking tree planting/no mow areas, supplies management, site evaluations, and more.

Requirements

• Willing to use your personal vehicle (truck is preferred) for field work. Travel compensation will be provided.
• Interest or experience in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with field work.
• Able to dig holes and lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain). We work rain or shine!
• Willingness to travel to project sites. Limited to Davidson County but may require further travel as needed.
• Flexibility to adapt to a changing schedule and different field sites/conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective communication.
• Basic understanding of GPS and mapping tools for site navigation and plant placement.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow written protocols and verbal instructions.

Position Details

• Seasonal contractor beginning in mid-August to late August 2024.
• All planting tools and planting equipment will be provided by Green Interchange.
• Training on planting methods will be provided in the field.

Compensation

• Hourly rate based on experience
• Transportation reimbursement
• Hours will vary depending on workload, expect an average of 15 hours a week

​If interested, please email us at [email protected]

There is a lot of talk about the Bradford (Calgary) Pears these days and someone asked what all the hoopla is about.  So I decided to try and answer that question, “What is all the hoopla around this tree species about?”
Before I get into the “hoopla” I’d like to provide a bit of background.  Being a tree lover of sorts, I often wondered why we had so many in the first place.  Well, as you might imagine, the government was trying to help! First off, the French priest, Joseph Marie Calgary, sent samples of the Bradford Pear tree from Asia (China and/or Korea) to European botanists. It was then imported to the U.S. by the USDA, in search of disease-resistant fruit trees. The Bradford pear was released to the public around 1963.  It’s a shame we were looking abroad when everything we needed was in our native forests! Other than the fact that I hate these trees, one of the great detractors of Bradford Pears is they overtake native habitats and beat the dickens out of our native forests.  
Bradford pears are invasive and provide minimal value to our communities and environment. They are thorny and as they grow they split and splinter, especially the larger ones. This is because the branches are heavy, but the tree’s thin limbs are unable to support the weight of the branches, especially if there is a snow load or little puff of wind. 
The other reason to eliminate Bradford Pears is they are inhibiting our native forest’s ability to grow on fields and farms.  There’s a two to three-acre plot of ground across from my tree farm in Lebanon/Mount Juliet. Historically, once a landowner stopped bush-hogging the fields, around here it would have regenerated in our native Eastern Red Cedar. The Cedars would have been packed in there, but the stronger trees would have overtaken the weaker trees and the landowner would one day have had a valuable forest.  Today that field is packed full of Bradford Pears, the only value there is for the dozer operator who may be lucky enough to take them down! Let’s take those Bradford Pears down, I’m all for that! 
Once they split, you might as well cut them down. If you do cut one down, you’d better treat the stump, or you could use the hack and squirt method used by foresters to take out trees without cutting them down.  One of our reforestation/restoration projects was overtaken by Bradford Pears! I had estimated around 30% of some areas of the tree canopy were Bradford Pears. Green Interchange hired a contractor and they hacked and squirted the Bradford Pears. It was a beautiful thing! Within weeks we saw the trees begin to die back and now six months later, they’ve been eradicated and the natives we’ve been planting have been released (aka more sunlight, nutrients, and water) with much less competition.  
I like to refer to Bradford Pears as a “noxious tree” because what these trees are doing to our native forests makes me sick!  I hope you help me rid our great state of TN of these trees and plant natives to restore our urban and rural forests.

Learn more about our organization: GreenInterchange.org


About: John McFadden (PhD) is CEO of Green Interchange a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to plant trees and establish and sustain natural systems for healthier communities, economies, and quality of life. He can be reached at [email protected].  


Reference:
Calgary Pear, MO Department of Conservation. ​

Each year, through our Plant a Tree Program, we offer a selection of native bare-root native seedling trees for a nominal donation of $1.99. These funds allow us to continue our work, and the price point makes trees accessible to all. We’re excited to announce that the Plant a Tree Program will occur on Saturday, April 20th, 2024. This year, we’re offering the Tennessee state tree, the Tulip Poplar, and the timeless Eastern Redbud. Don’t wait; order your trees. 


Green Interchange is a Nashville-based non-profit organization created by Congressman Mark Green in 2020 with a mission to reforest the Tennessee highway system. According to the Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2022, Tennessee lost 11% of its tree coverage. Natural forestland represented the majority of this loss. Trees play an extremely important role in the natural environment and human lives. Trees absorb rainwater and help prevent flooding; their shade helps lower energy bills by keeping things cool; their photosynthetic process cleans the air, and trees create habitat for Tennessee wildlife. For these reasons, Green Interchange is dedicated to offering native trees to residents who would like more trees in their yards.


We’re grateful for all the support and look forward to sending you home with a native tree to plant!

Click here to order.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS: 
Tennessee Environmental Council, Root Nashville, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Trees Knoxville, AWC Family Foundation, Gallatin Public Works, and the Westminster Presbyterian Church

Green Interchange has been working on the restoration of Garrison Creek located in Murfreesboro, TN. With the help of our partner organizations and volunteers, we're removing invasive species and planting native trees. The trees help stabilize the stream bank and prevent erosion, they help minimize flooding during storms, and provide an environment where wildlife can flourish. 

When complete,  this multi-acre project will include a walking trail and reading nooks the community can come to enjoy nature. 

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS: 
Partners include the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, 1Mississippi / The Mississippi River Network, Tennessee Environmental Council, McFadden Community Center, Middle Tennessee Electric, Rutherford County and the Murfreesboro Stormwater and Street Departments.

• You understand this is a nonprofit volunteer activity intended to improve our environment and you will plant your tree on April 20-23, or a soon as possible after receiving your trees.

• Double-check the spelling of your email address when checking out. We want to make sure you receive your confirmation receipt. If you see a credit card charge but didn't receive a receipt, please check your spam folder. If you do not see a charge on your credit card, your order did not go through and you should try again.

 

• Tree species are subject to availability. In the unlikely event your tree species will not be available, we will offer a similar species, or a full refund if your prefer. We recommend ordering at least two trees. 

 

• You agree to pick up the seedlings on April 20, 2024 between 9am-12pm. If your plans change and you are unavailable, you should arrange for a family member or friend to pick trees up for you. You understand that if you fail to pick trees up during that time, they may be donated to someone else. We may NOT be available by phone or email to help you find this information on the day of pick up, but you can find all of the needed information on this page and in the emails we are sending. You understand that pick-up site leaders are volunteers and are not employees of Green Interchange. 

 

• Please bring your own plastic bag to the pickup location. You may also bring a few paper towels moistened with water to keep roots damp until you are ready to plant. 

 

• You have read instructions on how to plant your tree, you will plant the tree where it is most likely to thrive, and you will avoid planting too close to structures or utility lines. Call your city to find out where underground utility lines are on your property (811 in Nashville).

 

• You understand that if an extraordinary event beyond our control occurs, including but not limited to fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, lightning, explosion, strikes, lockouts, slowdowns, shortage of energy supplies, pandemics, war, riots, and acts of governmental action prohibiting or impeding any party from performing its respective obligations for this event, we will do our best to deliver your trees during the agreed-upon day and time but may need to delay tree delivery. If rescheduling is necessary, we will announce and email an updated date as soon as possible. 

 

• You acknowledge that you have the physical capacity reasonably necessary to engage in this activity you waive all claims that you might have against Green Interchange and its agents, employees, sponsoring organizations, or other volunteers for bodily injuries that you might suffer arising out of your participation.

 

•  You will receive confirmation and reminder emails for this event only. If you subscribe you will continue to receive our emails about other Green Interchange events and activities. 

 

• After planting, please take pictures of your tree and post them on social media with the hashtag #plantatreefortn and tag @greeninterchange. You can also send pictures or feedback to us to let us know how your tree is doing at [email protected]. If you are in Davidson County, please register your qualified tree on the Root Nashville Tree Plotter one year after planting it.  

Contact us with any questions: [email protected]

Green Interchange 501(c)(3) is a non-profit organization that plants trees and uses natural solutions to improve Tennessee’s air, land, water, and communities. 

We are looking for interns for the following opportunities: 

Marketing & Events Management Intern(s)

• Provide leadership for Plant a Tree for Tennessee on April 20, 2024, including all preparations leading up to the event, participation/leadership at the event, and follow up.
• Create and edit content for website, social media, and newsletters.
• Manage ads and engage followers on social media.
• Write and distribute press releases. Update media list.
• Recruit sponsors, supporters & volunteers for other events.

Development & Fundraising Intern(s)

• Research prospective members, sponsors, partners, supporters, and funders/grant opportunities and assist with data entry and marketing/communications outreach.
• Assist in writing and submitting grant applications / Data Entry and Reporting in Donor Perfect System.
• Create and implement fundraising campaigns.
• Support fundraising campaigns for initiatives including Garrison Creek, the Plant a Tree Programs, and others.

​Environmental Field Intern(s)

• Coordinate and implement tree planting and native grasses/pollinator initiatives and waterways restoration projects. Activities require lifting, digging, and other hard labor.
• Provide support including watering and other maintenance projects, marking tree planting/no mow areas, supplies management, site evaluations, and more.
• Assist with event planning and participating in other related events.
• Participate in monthly river restoration projects in Murfreesboro and Spring
  Hill.
• Assist with TN Tree project: Planting trees, tree giveaway, and tree
  maintenance events and projects.

Policy Intern(s)

• Help with planning 2024 Conservation Education and Recycle Day on the Hill.
• Research and reporting on key topics as they may come up at the Legislature.
• Attend Thursday evening (5:30 pm) TN Conservation Voters’ Bill Review and report (January – May).
• Assist with Communications concerning Agenda, Legislative Priorities

For all internships, work will primarily be done remotely, under supervision of Green Interchange management for 4-10 hours per week.  Field and Event work may be done on-site, most likely in Middle TN. 

​Internships are unpaid, but may be applied to work/study programs for credit, and may be tailored to meet your school/career objectives. Work related expenses will be reimbursed. Reliable internet connection, computer, and cell phone required. To apply send resume & cover letter to [email protected] with "Intern application" in subject line. 

Our Plant a Tree program will take place in Tennessee on April 20, 2024. Our goal is to distribute 20,000 trees, so participants can plant the trees in their yard and improve our environment and communities.

This is a great community service project opportunity for churches, scout troops, and other organizations, and individuals. For businesses this can be a great way to attract new customers on a Saturday morning. There are two ways to participate as a volunteer.

​1. Pickup Location Leaders: Your organization or business can be a Pickup Location Leader and Host a pickup site either at your location, or a nearby park or public space you have reserved.  

2. Volunteers: You or your group may volunteer to help at a Firestone Complete Auto Care location near you. We will be publishing a list of sites soon.      

NOTE: IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL LOOKING FOR TREES TO PLANT IN YOUR YARD, WE WILL BE SENDING INFORMATION ABOUT ORDERING TREES SOON - PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL LIST HERE TO GET UPDATES. 

Here's a quick overview of the the program:  

• From Feb - April (TN), participants will sign up on our website to receive one or more trees when they make a donation. These Tree Planting participants choose a location where they will pick their trees from 9am-12pm on  April 20 in TN.  
• For Pickup Location Leaders who are hosting a pickup site: We work with partners like you who are willing to receive and distribute trees to the Tree Planting participants. You will not collect any money. You'll need to be available to receive the trees one or two days before the event. On event day, you'll get the right trees to the right Tree Planting participants using a list we provide.
• For Individual or Groups Volunteering at Firestone Complete Auto Care sites, you will help their busy staff get the right tree species to Tree Planting participants.   
• To thank your for your participation we will give you or your organization free trees!
• This recap features some of our past Pick Up Location Leaders for Plant a Tree for Tennessee.     

​If you or your organization is willing to be a Pick Up Location Leader and host a pickup site, following are the requirements, please read carefully before you sign up. If you are volunteering at a Firestone Complete Auto Care location, these are NOT requirements, but you are welcome to help with some of these responsibilities. Your only requirement is to show up on the day of the event.  We may also offer training sessions specifically for Pick Up Location Leaders and for Volunteers who plan to work at Firestone Complete Auto Care locations.  
     

• You'll help promote the event in your local community in advance. Examples: distributing and posting flyers, sharing the event on social media, contacting local news media. (Green Interchange will be helping by providing flyers and press releases you can customize, sending press releases, and running ads on social media.)
• You may need to be available a few days before the event to receive a delivery of trees. You may receive as many as 600 bare root tree seedlings. They will come in bags and do not take much space - if storage is a concern let us know.     
• You’ll store the trees in a cool, dry, shaded location until the event. This could be a garage, out-building or other appropriate location not subject to extreme heat and you may need to add water to the bags when you receive them.
• Your pick-up location must be located outdoors in a public area such as an office, retail building, park office, church, community center or other easy-to-find central locations where participants can easily find their trees and everyone feels safe.
• Be set up and ready to distribute seedlings by 8:30am or 30 minutes in advance. We recommend having one leader and at least 2 assistants.
• Each year a few people miss the pickup window due to scheduling changes, family emergencies, and human error. If you are willing to help us connect trees to people after the event, it is appreciated - but not required.
• If an extraordinary event beyond our control occurs, including but not limited to fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, lightning, explosion, strikes, lockouts, slowdowns, shortage of energy supplies, pandemics, war, riots, and acts of governmental action prohibiting or impeding any party from performing its respective obligations for this event, we will do our best to deliver your trees during the agreed-upon day and time but may need to delay tree delivery.  In the unlikely event that we need to change the date, we will announce it as soon as possible. 

​Supplies needed day of event:

• Downloadable signs will be emailed to you prior to the event. You will need to print them and hang the signs in a visible area to help participants find you.
• Print out distribution list (provided by us). You will distribute seedlings according to the list provided. We will provide you with the Tree Planting participant's name, email, phone number, and trees ordered.
• You are welcome to set up a tent with tables and chairs but that is not needed. This event will take place rain or shine. In the unanticipated event of extreme weather the event may be postponed until the following week.
• OPTIONAL: Some Pickup Sites stage their trees by putting the roots in a 5-gallon pail of water. Others "pre-pack" the trees immediately before pickup with a moist paper towel covering the tree roots. Participants will be asked to bring their own bags, but you might want to have extras on hand.  

Ready to sign up? Register here.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at the email below.

If you are a Pickup Location leader hosting a pickup site, you will be required to provide all information related to your pick-up location. The name, contact information and location you provide will be published to the public on our website along with the pickup date and time.

We hope you will join us for this historic effort as we reforest Tennessee and improve the environment one native tree at a time. ​This work also supports our work planting trees near Roadways, Waterways and in other public and private spaces. 

DAY OF EVENT INFO: 
What if the weather is bad?  
This event will happen rain or shine. Only if there is extreme weather such as torrential rain, severe lightening/thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc, will we consider rescheduling and will try to reach out to you via email.  

Where is my pickup location?   
The pickup location for Murfreesboro on 4/29 is the Kroger on Lascassas. We will be in the parking lot from 11am-1pm. Click here to find the exact pickup location addresses for 4/22. There have been a few location changes as follows: If you reserved trees for pickup in Hermitage you will  be picking up in Nashville at Canvast Supply on Trinity Lane. If your pickup location was Mount Juliet you will now be picking up in Lebanon at Don Fox Park, and if your pickup location was Memphis on Madison Ave. your pickup location is now the Firestone on Austin Peay Hwy in Memphis. We apologize for any inconvenience. ALSO if you are picking up at Shelby Park in Nashville please note there is a Marathon and there may be some road closures. See map map below for the best route if you are not coming from East Nashville.            

What if I can't pickup on Saturday 4/22 or 4/29 ?  
Please ask someone to pick up your trees on your behalf if you can't make it. This is a one-day event run by volunteers. We do not have a physical location or another way to get trees to you. If you don't pick them up on April 23, you may not get your trees. Scroll down for more information on what to do if you miss your pickup.    

What if my trees aren't at the site?    
Make sure you go to the right pickup location.Pickup sites are run by volunteers so please contact us if there are any issues. 

Bring your own bag to keep tree roots moist until planted!
Pickup sites will NOT have bags for your trees. Bring one plastic bag to cover the roots for each different species you ordered. The plastic bags used at a grocery store checkout or in the produce section are the perfect size. You can fit roots for up to 10 trees in one plastic bag. If you do not go straight home after pickup - bring some paper towels or newspaper, moisten with water, and cover the roots before putting in the bag. If the roots dry out, the trees will not survive. Please mark each bag with the species name so you can tell them apart when you go to plant them!      ​

Get trees to plant in your yard. Planting trees is one of the most important things you can do to make a difference for our air, land, water, and communities. Learn how you can reserve trees for pickup on 4/2 in Georgia (or on 4/22 in Tennessee) and help us to plant 12,000 trees for Earth Month!