Category: Green Team
Huntsville introduces proposal to name arboretum for longtime Landscape Director Joy McKee
January 22, 2026
The City introduced an ordinance to name the new 3-acre Huntsville Arboretum at John Hunt Park the “Joy McKee Arboretum.” Joy McKee retired after 22 years with the City as the Director of Landscape Management, where she led efforts to substantially expand the City’s natural public spaces, tree canopy and nature-based recreation and educational offerings. She also served for 28 years on the board of Operation Green Team and 26 years [more]
Read MoreThe Art of Pruning
December 29, 2025
Pruning is both an art and a science; the art is making clean, confident cuts, and the science is knowing when, where and how to prune so your plants grow stronger, healthier and more beautiful. So, why prune? Proper pruning keeps plants the right size, prevents weak branch structures, increases sunlight and removes dead or diseased wood. If you want to dig deeper, and discover the best times to prune, Alabama [more]
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity leans into community service
December 1, 2025
Green Team is proud to spotlight the work of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., whose commitment to community service and civic pride is the perfect fit for Adopt-a-Spot. Founded on the principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind, the chapter saw Adopt-a-Spot as a natural extension of their mission. “Stewardship of the environment aligns perfectly with our values,” Casmere H. Taylor, chapter [more]
Read MoreDig Into December: What to Plant This Month
November 29, 2025
December is a wonderful time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Adding garden center gift cards or a few special plants to your holiday wish list can help you create living memories that last a lifetime. Here are a few excellent choices to brighten your garden and holiday arrangements: Southern Magnolia – A true Southern classic, this evergreen beauty reaches 60–80 feet tall and is beloved for its glossy leaves and large [more]
Read More‘Tis the season of giving
November 25, 2025
Green Team is inviting everyone to give something simple this holiday season – time. Just one hour spent picking up litter on the street, or in neighborhoods and parks, can make a real difference toward a cleaner, greener community. Team up with a friend, go solo, or organize a quick group clean-up, every bit helps keep Huntsville beautiful. Need supplies? Green Team will provide bags and gloves for neighborhood clean-up efforts. To [more]
Read MoreVolunteers Help Expand Huntsville’s Tree Canopy at Cavalry Hill
November 10, 2025
In a tree-de-force, more than 80 community volunteers gathered at Cavalry Hill Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 8 for Cavalry Hill Tree Planting Day. The planting event celebrated community spirit and environmental stewardship as participants worked together to plant more than 250 trees in just over an hour. District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins, Landscape Management Director Brian Walker and Green Team Manager Niki Sothers rolled up their sleeves planting trees [more]
Read MoreMayor’s Tree Planting Day returns Nov. 1
October 21, 2025
Mayor Tommy Battle and Huntsville’s Green Team will host the Mayor’s Tree Planting Day at Brahan Spring Park on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. The annual planting event brings together community volunteers who want to help grow Huntsville’s tree canopy – one of the City’s most important natural resources. Green Team will prepare hundreds of tree planting sites and provide all the tools and supplies needed. Volunteers may drop [more]
Read MoreGreen Team Volunteer Spotlight: Caring for the planet starts at home
October 20, 2025
For Jenna Rosano and members of Citizens’ Climate Huntsville (CCH), their passion for caring for the planet starts right here at home. While the organization focuses much of its work on environmental policy at the federal level, Jenna said many members wanted a way to make a tangible difference in their own community. Jenna and CCH now maintain Executive Drive and Rick Cooper Memorial Park. Their efforts have drawn support from [more]
Read MoreSavor the Season: A Sustainable Guide to Thanksgiving
October 20, 2025
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal and reflect on what we’re grateful for. But it can also be a season of excess – long car trips, disposable plates and utensils and more food waste than almost any other holiday. This year, consider celebrating in a way that’s both festive and sustainable. With a few mindful choices, you can enjoy your favorite traditions while [more]
Read MoreHow to properly recycle lithium batteries
October 20, 2025
From smartphones and laptops to power tools and even toothbrushes, lithium batteries power many of the items we use every day. While these batteries are a convenience, they also come with risks if they’re mishandled or disposed of incorrectly. Lithium batteries don’t belong in household trash or curbside recycling carts. Throwing them away increases the risk of fires, threatens sanitation workers, and can lead to toxic materials leaching into the environment. Instead, [more]
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