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Your organization can help us distribute trees for Earth Day 2024!

5/26/2023

 
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Sign Up
Plant a Tree for TN will take place this April 20, 2024. This is a popular program, and our goal is to distribute 12,000 trees in Tennessee, 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. For businesses this can be a great way to attract new customers on a Saturday morning. Here's a quick overview of the the program:

  • From Feb  - April, 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, such as YOURS, where they will pick their trees April 20 from 9am-12pm.  
  • 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.
  • To thank your for your participation we will give Pick Up Location Leaders 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, here are requirements, please read carefully before you sign up.  
  • 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 Saturday  the event (pickup hours will likely be from 9am-12pm). 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 ahead of time. 

​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 volunteer? Register here.
Sign Up
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at the email below.

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. 

4-22 and 4-29 Tree Pickup Important Info

4/21/2023

 
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I went to pick up my trees and some of my trees are missing.  
If you are missing any trees please fill out this form. 
If there is a way to get your trees to you, we will do our best to find it! We will be in touch with you soon with next steps.     

I missed my pickup. Can I get my trees?  
If you missed your pickup for any reason please fill out this form. If there is a way to get your trees to you, we will do our best to find it!   We will be in touch with you early the week of 4/23 with next steps.  

I picked up my trees and don't know which species is which
The species can be hard to distinguish - that is why it is important to mark them when you pick them up. We have a few pictures posted here along with more information about each species. You may also plant the tree in a pot until it produces leaves, which will help you identify the species before planting it in the ground. 


How do I plant my tree?  
Here is information about the trees and how to plant them. If you did not call 811 to avoid underground utilities, or if you are unsure of where to plant it, you may want to plant your tree in a small pot or container until you are ready to plant. 

I'd like information about Crabapples, Redbuds, Dogwoods, Wild Plum, and/or Deciduous Holly.   

Here is some information about the trees species. You can also do a Google search for specific information. If you are unsure of where to plant your tree, you may want to plant your tree in a small pot or container until you are ready to plant.     

Did you order Redbuds?  
Due to a shortage at the nursery - anyone who ordered 2 or more Redbuds will receive 1 less Redbud than ordered and that 1 tree will be replaced with 1 Crabapple tree (both species are "understory" trees that tolerate shade and do not grow as tall as "overstay" trees).  We apologize for this situation, while this possibility is spelled out in the program guidelines, we know this can be disappointing.    

I'd like to share pictures of my trees   
Please plant your tree and post pictures on social media with #plantatreefortn and please tag Green Interchange. We'd love to see you and your trees!  
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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!      ​

The map below is for those picking up in Nashville at Shelby Park
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Get Trees For Your Yard: Reserve Now Pickup 4/22 in TN

4/1/2023

 
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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! 
Plant a Tree for Georgia
Plant a Tree for Tennessee

Volunteer and Get 10 Free Trees!

3/1/2023

 
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On April 22, 2023, Green Interchange is seeking volunteers to participate in our Plant a Tree Tennessee 2023 event in various locations throughout the state. Come celebrate Earth Day through helping to distribute trees! This is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference in their community.  

Plant a Tree for Tennessee is a one-day volunteer event taking place at 23 locations across Tennessee. Participants will make a donation online and reserve trees to plant in their yard before April 17. Then they will visit one of the 23 locations to pick their trees up on April 22.  This is where you come in….  
 

Sign up to volunteer at one of the various pickup location sites. Volunteers will be needed from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and will help with tasks such as sorting trees, looking up participant information on spreadsheets we provide, directing traffic, keeping trees hydrated during the event, and handing out trees to participants and other simple tasks as needed.     

Volunteers who participate in this event will receive 10 free native seedlings to take home and plant after the event. No prior experience is required to participate in this event – however if you are knowledgeable about trees or tree planting it may help because the Participants who are picking up trees may have questions.  Volunteers need to be 18 and up unless accompanied by an adult, are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as well as to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
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If you are interested in volunteering for this event, you can sign up below. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in your community. 

Click here to Register

How to Plant (and Care) for Your Tree

2/28/2023

 
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Read More

Get Trees For Your Yard: Reserve now, Pickup 4/22

2/1/2023

 
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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 4/22 in Tennessee (or on 4/1 in Georgia) and help us to plant 12,000 trees for Earth Month! 
Plant a Tree for Tennessee
Plant a Tree for Georgia

Two events - join us to plant trees: Jan. 28 in Nashville and Feb.8 in Lebanon

1/11/2023

 
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On January 28 from 9am-1pm volunteers will plant trees at Donelson Christian Academy (DCA) in Nashville to improve our waterways. And on Feb 8 from 12pm-4pm Green Interchange volunteers will plant trees at the intersection of I-840 and Central Pike in Lebanon to improve our roadways.

​Planting trees near roadways and waterways is an important part of our mission and offers important benefits for healthier communities, economies, and quality of life.  Learn more here.   

Click the links below to register for either or both events. Volunteering is always free. If you choose to donate you are supporting important work planting trees across Tennessee. The events will take place rain or shine. Please register in advance so we can send any updates or contact you as needed.  
Register: Nashville Jan 28

​The DCA program in Nashville is made possible by support from: 

Cumberland River Compact | Root Nashville
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Register: Lebanon Feb 8

​The I-840 program in Lebanon is made possible by support from: 
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee | Bridgestone Americas | TN Department of Agriculture Forestry

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Let's Plant More Trees in 2023!

1/2/2023

 
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As the new year begins, we can't help but be thankful for all of YOUR support! You have helped Green Interchange to accomplish much for our economy, communities, and quality of life. Here's how you helped us in 2022:
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  • 2,250 of YOU planted over 10,500 trees in your yards, along roadways, waterways and community parks all across TN.
  • You spent 4,500 hours planting those trees - an in-kind donation of over $125,000. That almost tripled our budget.
  • We received our first permit from TN Department of Transportation to plant a portion of the I-840 and Central Pike Interstate Interchange in Wilson County.
  • And we began work to restore the forest along the last section of a highly impacted urban stream, Garrison Creek in Murfreesboro.

There are many more great things we can accomplish together! Plans for 2023 include:
  • Plant the I-840 and Central Pike interchange.
  • Plant 12,000 trees as part of Plant a Tree for Tennessee. 
  • Finish the Garrison Creek reforestation.  
  • Begin the tree planting along Spring Creek, a tributary to the Cumberland and drinking water for many in our community.

​Thanks for all the ways you have supported this work. You made a difference this year, and your end-of year investment of $50, $100, $250 or more will go a long way to making 2023 a success. Can we count on your support? 
Support Our Work

Garrison Creek Stream Restoration and Tree Planting Event in Murfreesboro,TN

9/28/2022

 
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On October 8, 2022 Green Interchange volunteers planted 50 trees along upper section of Garrison Creek in Murfreesboro - a tributary of Bushman Creek. This work is helping restore the stream and bring improvements for people, land, water, and wildlife.     

Trees help stabilize stream banks and prevent erosion, they help mitigate stormwater damage by helping water infiltrate into the soil, trees shade a stream and keep it cooler which helps fish and aquatic habitat, trees also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, they also absorb nutrients and pollutants to help clean the water.      

The goal is to restore the upper section of this heavily impacted stream by planting along approx. 1,781 feet of the creek bank with about 300 native trees and 1,000 live stakes (willow or other cuttings that will take root). We’ll also maintain about 100 trees in the lower section of Garrison Creek with mulch, pruning, and replacement as needed.  

Work on Garrison Creek was originally started on the lower section of Garrison Creek in 2012: Because of a lack of stream-like characteristics, Garrison Creek was managed as a ditch for years. The stream is listed on TN's polluted streams list (i.e. 303 d list). Partners include  1 Mississippi/The Mississippi River Network, Tennessee Environmental Council,  Water Walkers, McFadden Community Center, Middle Tennessee Electric, Rutherford County and the Murfreesboro Stormwater and Street Departments.

Over the years, the partnership has targeted issues facing the lower section of the creek through: tree plantings, education and outreach, algae pulls, and clean-ups. Garrison Creek is slowly transitioning to a healthy stream with diverse habitat. The videos below show the impressive progress since 2012. You can also see how much fun this work can be. Kids from McFadden Community Center filled out surveys and some of their answers can be found below. 

We're excited about the opportunity to achieve similar results on the UPPER portion of the stream. If you would like to join us at a future tree planting event, please contact us.     

Did you know that water from Garrison Creek flows into the Mississippi River?  Nearly all the streams and rivers in Tennessee ultimately flow into the Mississippi River - it truly connects us. River Citizens are people who want to clean up and protect our country's greatest River and the surrounding watershed. The program is free to join at 1 Mississippi.

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Plant a Tree for TN - April 22, 2023 Pickup Sites

9/1/2022

 
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This page has details for each of our Pickup Site Locations - in alphabetical order by city. All pickup sites are outdoors. All pickup locations will operate on 4/22/23 from 9am -12pm. Please check back, or sign up for updates. 

  
Chattanooga, TN
Firestone Complete Auto Care 
2205 Hamilton Pl, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Clarksville, TN
Firestone Complete Auto Care
2817 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37040
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees.

Cookeville, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
713 S. Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Dickson, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
593 Hwy 46 S, Dickson, TN 37055
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Franklin, TN
Firestone Complete Auto Care
108 Rand Pl, Franklin, TN 37064
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees.

Gatlinburg, TN
ERA In The Smokies
207 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Volunteers from Smoky Mountain Roots will be in the parking lot with your trees.

Gallatin, TN
City of Gallatin Public Works  
641 Long Hollow Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066
Volunteers will have signs up at the address for tree pick up.

Goodlettsville, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
920a Rivergate Pkwy, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Hermitage - If you reserved trees for this location, you will be picking up at Nashville #3 Canvast Supply on Trinity Lane, shown below.   
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Hickson, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1915 Northpoint Blvd, Hixon, TN 37343
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Jackson, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1184 Vann Dr, Jackson, TN 38305
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Johnson City, TN 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1809 N. Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Knoxville, TN #1 - Cedar Bluff Rd. 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
331 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., Knoxville, TN 37923
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Knoxville, TN #2 - Clinton Hwy. 
Firestone Complete Auto Care
5523 Clinton Hwy.,  Knoxville, TN 37912   
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees.

Lebanon, TN 
Don Fox Park 
955 W. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon, TN 37087
Volunteers will be at Pavillion #4 next to the wading pool - splash pad. 

Memphis, TN - Austin Peay Hwy
Firestone Complete Auto Care
4035 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Memphis #2 - If you reserved trees at this location, you will be picking up at the address above on Austin Peay Hwy.   

Mount Juliet - If you reserved trees at this location, you will be picking up at the Lebanon location instead.  

Murfreesboro, TN
Firestone Complete Auto Care 
345 N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 

Nashville, TN #1 Shelby Park
Shelby Park Community Center
401 S 20th St, Nashville, TN 37206
Volunteers from Friends of Shelby Park & Bottoms will be in the parking lot.
NOTE: Due to the St. Jude Marathon/Half Marathon there will be road closures in the early AM. You can find a map here. If you are coming from East Nashville you should be OK. For everyone else, the easiest option would be to take Briley Parkway to Gallatin, and then follow Gallatin south until Greenwood Ave, and then take 14th St to Shelby Ave.     

Nashville, TN #2 - West End Ave
Westminster Presbyterian Church
3900 West End Avenue , Nashville, TN 37205
Volunteers will be in the back parking lot off of N. Wilson Blvd. Or enter from Mayfair Dr. 

Nashville, TN #3 - Trinity Ln 
Canvast Supply 
935 East Trinity Ln. Nashville, TN 37207
Come to the BACK entrance of the building where volunteers will help you.
NOTE: Due to the St. Jude Marathon/Half Marathon there may be road closures the early AM. You can find a map here.  If you are coming from the South/Southwest, you can come in via Briley Parkway.   
   
Smyrna, TN
Firestone Complete Auto Care 
997 Team Blvd, Smyrna, TN 37167 
Volunteers will be in the parking lot with your trees. 
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​Return to the main page here: Plant a Tree for Tennessee  
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Green Interchange 
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Nashville, TN 37228

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(615) 444-3579
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  • About
    • Partners & Sponsors
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • 4/22/23 Plant a Tree for TN
  • Donate
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    • Contact Us
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