Funding Trees for the Future: These NTCC Donors Share Their Story
As Nashville grows and development accelerates, so does the urgency to protect the tree canopy. For supporters like Tyler Sax and his family, the choice to get involved with Nashville Tree Conservation Corps (NTCC) comes from passion and a commitment to the future they want to build for their children.
Read Tyler’s story below.
What first inspired you to support NTCC?
It takes an afternoon to cut down a mature tree, and decades to grow it back. The equation is very simple: if we want to live in a city with a canopy, we must protect what we already have. NTCC is doing exactly that.
When you think about your gift or involvement, what kind of impact do you hope it creates?
When we think about the environment around us, we think about the future. We’re raising two kids in Nashville, and we want them to have the opportunity to live in a city with a thriving canopy and all of the benefits that brings. We have an opportunity to turn Nashville’s urban canopy into a point of civic pride, and we want to see everyone rally around it.
Are there particular places or experiences that shaped your love of trees or nature?
Tyler grew up in New Orleans, where the live oak tree is an iconic part of the city’s landscape. The live oak is a remarkable species, comfortably living for 200-300 years and playing host to an air plant called Spanish moss, which drapes beautifully from its branches. It was ingrained in him from an early age that trees (who were here long before we were) are equal inhabitants of the city, and in many ways, they make the city what it is.
What makes you feel confident that your contribution is making a real difference?
There are many causes that have good aims, but few that have the talent and drive to take meaningful action. We believe the biggest impact comes from small organizations with a focused mission and just the right people behind it. Everyone we’ve met at NTCC is dedicated, skilled, and very knowledgeable. The future is bright for this organization.
Looking ahead, how would you like to see NTCC grow or involve supporters like you in the future?
Educate us! Even people who are already involved and informed about conservation have much to learn. And that education helps us have the right talking points and priorities when we’re out in our communities engaging with people. I would love to see some of the experts connected to NTCC have a platform to share what they know with us.
Want to Get Involved on Behalf of Nashville’s Trees?
We thank Tyler for sharing his story with the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, and we encourage others to do the same! Preserving, protecting and promoting Nashville’s tree canopy is a long-term commitment, and the window to act is narrowing. Every tree we save and every tree we plant today shapes the health, beauty, and resilience of our city for decades to come. Do you have a story of your favorite tree or what shaped your love for trees? Click here to share it with us.
Become a donor yourself by making a contribution to NTCC, or by donating a tree for us to plant! Sign up to volunteer with us, and browse the selection of hardy trees available through our farm-to-yard tree sale.
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