In a divisive age, “trees are the opposite of divisive,” says Joelle Teachey, executive director of TreesUpstate. “It’s something we can all agree on.” The organization is dedicated to planting, promoting, and protecting trees throughout the region. Originally called TreesGreenville, the organization was founded in 2005 when Katie Jones and a group of concerned citizens researched ways to protect trees, following the example of a group called Trees Atlanta.
Teachey joined as executive director in 2007 and oversaw the group’s expansion in 2019, when it became TreesUpstate, now covering Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee, Anderson, and Pickens counties. It’s the only dedicated tree-planting nonprofit in the state, and has expanded its scope to include tree care, maintenance, and removal as well as environmental justice work. “When you plant trees, you are showing that you believe in the future of your community and those around you,” she says. “A great way to leave a legacy is to plant a tree.”
TOWN spoke with Teachey about recent achievements, next steps, and their ever-popular Thanksgiving Day race.
Keeping Greenville Green
Tell us about some of your latest milestones.
We just had a huge one—we’ve planted or given away more than 30,000 trees. We’ve also planted trees at 105 schools and engaged with 11,970 students on how to plant a tree. We’ve worked with more than 10,000 volunteers.
What are some key changes you’ve seen since the organization was founded?
We follow basic ecological principles, so we like planting diversity. What has happened nationally in large cities with a monoculture is that diseases wipe out the canopy and streetscape, which can cost millions of dollars. So we make sure our trees are resilient, including to climate change. We don’t plant dogwoods anymore, because the USDA changed hardiness zones in 2012. Our native red oaks are struggling with the heat. The change has been drastic.
What is environmental justice work, and how is TreesUpstate tackling it?
We really think about tree equity—everybody should have equal access. We’re finding it’s important for us to meet a community need for tree plantings in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. There are a lot of mature trees in mill villages that need pruning or removal. We work to find the community funds and support to help meet the needs of these neighborhoods. We have a new staff member doing community outreach and engagement, and we’re working to increase our tree-care abilities.
Tell us about the TreesUpstate Turkey Day Run, and what are some other ways people can support the organization?
The Turkey Day Run on Thanksgiving Day includes an 8K race and a 5K fun run and walk, starting on East McBee. We’re expecting 5,000 runners and walkers, making it the third-largest race in the state. The race will provide about twenty percent of our revenue this year, so it’s very important to us. We’re also starting our annual campaign, Putting Down Roots, and people can go to our website (treesupstate.org) to make a donation and see our tree planting schedule. We’re always looking for volunteers to come help plant trees.
Run before you feast
Turkey Day Run (8K and 5K) – Nov. 24, 8 a.m., downtown Greenville
Sign up at TurkeyDay8k.com
Made in the shade: Just a few benefits of trees
- Shade, which lowers surface temperature
- Cleaner air
- Reduces stormwater runoff
- Reduced exposure to ultraviolet rays
- Privacy
- Wildlife habitats
- Higher property values
- Reduced energy costs and emissions
- Aesthetic benefits
Photography by Jack Robert Photography.
