The City of Knoxville Tree Board will host Dr. Paul Reis, an urban forestry expert from Oregon State University and Insightful Nature LLC, as he presents a new wave of urban forestry research and tree benefits that are reshaping community projects across the country.

The workshop is free to the public and will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Public Works Service Center, 3131 Morris Ave. The presentation will offer insight on the social and economic benefits of urban forests.

Kasey Krouse, Knoxville’s Urban Forester, will provide a brief report on the current state of Knoxville’s urban forest.  

The City’s Tree Board seeks to formulate and improve the master street tree plan for all municipal property in the City of Knoxville. The board also promotes the benefits of trees, offers workshops on best tree practices, advises City Council on desirable legislation concerning the City’s tree program, and organizes annual Arbor Day events.
 
The City Tree Board works with the City Urban Forester, assisting with volunteer tree planting events, among other projects. 
 
“Though we can only physically work on municipally owned property, tree awareness and education with residents is crucial to the health and success of Knoxville’s urban forest,” said Kasey Krouse, Urban Forester for the City of Knoxville. “This workshop with Dr. Reis will be a great chance for people to learn what trees can do for them, and vice versa.”

For more information on the City’s urban forestry efforts, visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/trees.